Applications are open for the 2027 Chesapeake Gateways Grants supporting enhanced outdoor recreation and heritage tourism in the Chesapeake Bay watershed. The application period runs from Aug. 27 through Nov. 4, 2026. Visit the National Park Service Chesapeake Gateways website to learn more about the grants and how to apply.
The National Park Service has awarded $1.2 million in grants supporting 14 community-driven projects that highlight the natural, cultural, recreational, and historical significance of the Chesapeake region. The grants empower a mix of diverse partners, from local Tribes to local nonprofit organizations, to tell untold stories, promote community resilience, and enhance public access to the outdoors across this treasured landscape.
The National Park Service (NPS) awarded $2,367,633.17 in Chesapeake Gateways Grants through the NPS Chesapeake Gateways Office in September to fund 22 projects. Governmental and non-governmental organizations spearhead the projects funded by Chesapeake Gateways grants to bring out familiar, untold, under-appreciated, or yet to be uncovered narratives and to promote resilient communities & landscapes through tourism, sustainability, conservation & local economies throughout the Chesapeake Bay watershed. These awards are made possible through annual appropriations from Congress.
NPS Chesapeake is pleased to announce new capacity to support and serve partners in the Chesapeake Bay watershed. Two new members of the NPS Chesapeake leadership team have joined the office based in Annapolis, Maryland, bringing a wealth of experience: Ian Austin, Director of Administration and Eddie Gonzalez, Director of Partnerships and Grants. Three additional NPS employees have joined NPS Chesapeake office to lead key projects: Brent Everitt, Communications and Visitor Experience Specialist; Aurelia Gracia, Outdoor Recreation Planner; and Cherri Espersen, Partnerships Coordinator.
A new National Park Service (NPS) report shows that 6,675,119 visitors to national parks in Maryland spent $246.6 million in the state in 2021. That spending resulted in 2,940 jobs and had a cumulative benefit to the state economy of $344.3 million.
A new National Park Service (NPS) report shows that 2,187,125 visitors to national parks in West Virginia spent $108.9 million in the state in 2021. That spending resulted in 1,447 jobs and had a cumulative benefit to the state economy of $131 million.
National Park Service (NPS) Northeast Regional Director Gay Vietzke has named Wendy O’Sullivan as the superintendent of the Chesapeake Bay Office, headquartered in Annapolis, Maryland.
The National Park Service and the Maryland Geocaching Society announce a six-week collaboration designed to introduce geocaching participants to national parks and public lands in Maryland.
The National Park Service and the Maryland Geocaching Society announce a six-week collaboration designed to introduce geocaching participants to national parks and public lands in Maryland.
National Park Service Chesapeake Bay youth program used an Active Trails grant from the National Park Foundation for enhancements to a sensory-rich trail experience for people with special needs.
National Park Service Chesapeake Bay received an Active Trails grant from the National Park Foundation. The funds were used to help build a sensory-rich trail experience for all people at Maryland's Patapsco Valley State Park.
The National Park Service, Chesapeake Bay Office is accepting project proposals from Chesapeake Bay Gateways and Trail partners for financial assistance awards. Public water access site development projects that advance the development of designated Gateways water trails, the Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail, and/or the Star-Spangled Banner National Historic Trail are the funding priority for fiscal year 2014.
The NPS Chesapeake Bay Office and partner Chesapeake Conservancy hosted over fifty representatives from federal, state, local agencies and national and regional conservation groups recently at the National Conservation Training Center in Shepherdstown, WV.
The National Park Service Chesapeake Bay Office announces the appointment of 23 members to the Star-Spangled Banner National Historic Trail Advisory Council.Members of the Council, appointed by U.S. Secretary of the Interior Sally Jewell, will consult with the Secretary and the National Park Service on matters related to the trail, including trail development, public access, recreation opportunities, and educational programs along the trail route.
The National Park Service Chesapeake Bay Office announced the appointment of 26 members to the Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail Advisory Council. Members of the Council, appointed by U.S. Secretary of the Interior Sally Jewell, will consult with the Secretary and the National Park Service on matters related to trail management, public access, recreation opportunities, and natural and cultural resource conservation along the trail route.
On Friday, June 21, 2013, nearly 300 people gathered to celebrate the protection of Werowocomoco, the principal residence of the secular and spiritual Indian leader Powhatan when Jamestown was settled in 1607.
The book In Full Glory Reflected: Discovering the War of 1812 in the Chesapeake was recognized yesterday with an award by the Maryland Historical Trust. The book serves as the history and travel guide to the Star-Spangled Banner National Historic Trail.
NPS and the Chesapeake Conservancy released a report summarizing the 2-day Large Landscape Conservation Workshop attended by 56 Chesapeake region conservation practitioners in August, 2012.
The NPS Chesapeake Bay Office invested $1.36M with 21 partners for 24 projects in youth engagement, education, public access, and trail development on the Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail and the Star-Spangled Banner National Historic Trail.
On July 30, 2012, the National Park Service officially launched the Star-Spangled Banner National Historic Trail in a ceremony recognizing the hard work of partners from all nine regions of the trail.
Four historic connecting components to the Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail were designated by DOI Secretary Salazar. Trail partners gathered at Sandy Point State Park in Maryland for the signing ceremony.