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The Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay’s 21st Annual Chesapeake Watershed Forum, which will be held at the National Conservation Training Center in Shepherdstown, WV, is a watershed-wide event reaching over 400 restoration and protection practitioners to inspire and empower local action towards clean water. We share successful tools and techniques, offer lessons and learnings from on-the-ground work, build capacities of local organizations, foster partnerships, educate on new initiatives and emerging practices, network with others, and celebrate our successes. We look forward to seeing you in November!
As we enter a new era for the Chesapeake, the focus has shifted from what we must do to how we will get it done. The 2026 Chesapeake Watershed Forum theme centers on the tangible: the tools, techniques, and collaborative models where research meets results.
This year, we invite technical and topical experts across disciplines to share their research or hard-earned knowledge with the Forum community. Every session is designed to apply practical solutions to ongoing challenges—whether through deepening scientific understanding, mastering a new restoration methodology, or scaling a real-world solution. By bridging the gap between innovative research and on-the-ground action, we are building the foundation for watershed success. Join us to find the practical building blocks for people and the planet.
For 2026, we are implementing a registration lottery to manage the high demand for participation in the Chesapeake Watershed Forum and improve accessibility for all interested parties. A registration lottery allocates limited attendee spots using a random, computer-generated selection process. Unless exempt, all general attendees must submit a lottery application for a chance to attend the Forum. Please note that submitting a lottery application does not guarantee registration. Those not selected in the initial draw may be placed on a waitlist. Read more.
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Limited scholarships will be available to offset registration fees for the Chesapeake Watershed Forum.
Scholarship Information
Drawing in over 400 professionals, a Forum sponsorship places your brand or organization front and center as an action-oriented advocate for clean water and resilient lands in the Chesapeake Bay watershed. Your sponsorship directly supports the convening of this important watershed-wide event.
Sponsorship Information
The request for proposals for sessions for the 2026 Chesapeake Watershed Forum is now closed. We will announce our selections starting late July.
click here for guidelines
We are currently planning the 2026 Forum. Below are dates to be aware of. We will be continuously updating as we move closer to the Forum.
Contact Jenny McGarvey to find out more about the Chesapeake Watershed Forum.
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