Chesapeake Research Consortium

06/15/2026

06/04/2026

The tenth biennial Chesapeake Community Research Symposium has come to a close, and we’ll let the numbers speak for themselves!

Gathering over 300 managers, scientists, and stakeholders to explore this year’s theme – Chesapeake Bay Research and Restoration: Next Generation Tools for a Dynamic Future – has generated thought-provoking discussions and sparked new collaborations. Cheers to another successful, impactful conference! 🎉

06/03/2026

The Chesapeake Community Research Symposium featured an impressive 167 session presentations across 17 diverse topics.

The breadth of research on display this year reflects the scale of challenges we have ahead, but Chesapeake Bay scientists, managers, and stakeholders are ready to meet those challenges with new tools, innovative approaches, and cross-sector collaborations.

Explore the sessions topics and presentation abstracts on the Symposium website: https://loom.ly/tzNtQ_I

06/02/2026

Nothing like a lively poster session to end the day!

We closed out the second day of the Chesapeake Community Research Symposium with 39 poster presentations. Thanks to our presenters and engaged attendees!

06/02/2026

We’re back for the second day of the Chesapeake Community Research Symposium, beginning with two thought-provoking panel discussions!

First, we heard from an array of scientists using artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) in different domains, discussing how to leverage these tools to better understand the Chesapeake Bay system. The panelists emphasized the unique capabilities of AI/ML models, as well as the importance of incorporating them into traditional models to strengthen management and research practices.

The second panel explored perspectives on the 2023 Comprehensive Evaluation of System Response (CESR) report and its recommendations for Chesapeake Bay restoration strategy. The panelists discussed the implications of CESR's recommendation to include shallow water as a target for water quality restoration in addition to the deeper areas of the Bay.

Thank you for a successful start to our second day at the CCRS!

06/02/2026

We are happy to announce the recipient of the 2026 Sellner Chesapeake Guardian Award, Dr. Jeremy Testa!

Dr. Testa is a marine ecologist studying the basic ecological dynamics of coastal systems at the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science Chesapeake Biological Laboratory.

He is a prolific scholar, a trusted collaborator, a gifted mentor, and a recognized leader with approximately 120 peer-reviewed journal articles and book chapters plus numerous technical reports that have influenced the science and management communities for the Chesapeake Bay and beyond.

Congratulations, and thank you for your dedication to applied problem-solving, collaboration, and uplifting the next generation of Bay leaders!

06/01/2026

We kicked off the tenth biennial Chesapeake Community Research Symposium this morning with three engaging and diverse plenary presentations.

The Symposium theme centers on ‘Next Generation Tools for a Dynamic Future,’ so our first speaker Dr. Lauren Bridges, Assistant Professor of Media Studies at the University of Virginia, dove into the complex environmental consequences of Artificial Intelligence (AI).

Secretary Josh Kurtz, Maryland Department of Natural Resources, discussed the past, present, and future of the Chesapeake Bay Watershed Agreement. His future-focused outlook emphasized the importance of measurable, adaptive, and time-bound goals for water quality AND living resources.

Brandon Jones, President of the American Geophysical Union (AGU), shared a framework for how different generations engage with scientific information and how scientists can leverage a multi-generational strategy to build trust and communicate their science.

Thank you to our speakers and attendees for an incredible start to the Symposium!

04/22/2026

🎉We are thrilled to announce that CRC has been awarded a $10,000 grant from the Community Foundation of Anne Arundel County in support of the inaugural cohort of the Chesapeake Bay Internship Program (CBIP)! 🎉

CBIP is a cross-organizational internship program that brings together undergraduate students from across our partner NGOs into a unified cohort — cultivating the next generation of environmental leaders for the Chesapeake Bay restoration community. Read about the program: http://bit.ly/48j50sF

This award, funded through the Environment Anne Arundel Fund, is one of 12 grants awarded to local nonprofits this cycle. We are deeply honored by this recognition and support. Read the full announcement: https://bit.ly/41L7GM3

None of this would be possible without our incredible partner organizations: Chesapeake Bay Foundation, Choose Clean Water Coalition, Arundel Rivers Federation, Underwood & Associates, Jug Bay Wetlands Sanctuary, and Maryland Association for Environmental and Outdoor Education.

Here's to a meaningful summer ahead! 🌊