1<!DOCTYPE html> 2<html lang="en-US" class="no-js fontawesome-i2svg-pending"> 3<head> 4 <meta charset="UTF-8"> 5 <meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1"> 6 7 <title>The Watershed</title> 8 9
9<script type="module"> 10 document.documentElement.classList.remove('no-js'); 11 document.documentElement.classList.add('js'); 12 </script>
12 13
13<script type="text/javascript"> 14 window.csrfTokenName = "CRAFT_CSRF_TOKEN"; 15 window.csrfTokenValue = "XvNE_KwOjy15Vap1sbMBQ0uLcuXbom9K92hltWsmGaq2Ee06r9zh1DqgErDVZ8hLD2LvGuvVYxwIzSa0jNYEAbwmFtsRTC36gHOnVpyti5Y\u003D"; 16 </script>
16 17 18
18<script>document.write('<style>[x-cloak] { display: none !important; }</style>');</script>
18 19 <link rel="icon" href="/favicon.ico"><!-- 32x32 --> 20 <link rel="icon" href="/assets/images/favicon.svg" type="image/svg+xml"> 21 <link rel="apple-touch-icon" href="/assets/images/apple-touch-icon.png"><!-- 180x180 --> 22 <link rel="manifest" href="/site.webmanifest"> 23 <meta name="theme-color" content="#2f7dbc"> 24 25 <!-- Third Party (Analytics, fonts, etc) --> 26 <link rel="stylesheet" href="https://use.typekit.net/gbb0ama.css" /> 27
27<script src="https://kit.fontawesome.com/75d863b280.js" crossorigin="anonymous"></script>
27 28 <link href="https://customer.cludo.com/css/overlay/cludo-search-default.min.css" type="text/css" rel="stylesheet"> 29 <!-- Global site tag (gtag.js) - Google Analytics -->
vendor: 68 bytes, lines 29-30
29 30 <script async src="https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtag/js?id=
30UA-27838582-1
vendor: 16 bytes, lines 30-31
30"></script> 31
31<script> 32
vendor: 146 bytes, lines 32-36
32window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || []; 33 function gtag(){dataLayer.push(arguments);} 34 gtag('js', new Date()); 35 36 gtag('config', '
36UA-27838582-1
vendor: 8 bytes, lines 36-37
36'); 37
37</script>
37 38 39 <meta name="description" property="og:description" content="The Chesapeake Bay watershed spans more than 64,000 square miles and includes hundreds of thousands of creeks, streams and rivers."> 40 <meta property="og:title" content="The Watershed"> 41 <meta property="og:image" content="https://www.chesapeakebay.net/files/images/_670xAUTO_crop_center-center_none/Susquehanna-River-20210613.jpg"> 42 <meta property="og:image:alt" content=""> 43 <meta property="og:url" content="https://www.chesapeakebay.net/discover/watershed"> 44 <meta property="og:site_name" content="Chesapeake Bay Program"> 45 <meta property="og:edit_date" content="August 13, 2025"> 46 <meta name="twitter:title" content="The Watershed"> 47 <meta name="twitter:description" content="The Chesapeake Bay watershed spans more than 64,000 square miles and includes hundreds of thousands of creeks, streams and rivers."> 48 <meta name="twitter:image" content="https://www.chesapeakebay.net/files/images/_670xAUTO_crop_center-center_none/Susquehanna-River-20210613.jpg"> 49 <meta name="twitter:image:alt" content=""> 50 <meta name="twitter:site" content="@chesbayprogram"> 51 <meta name="twitter:card" content="summary"> 52 <meta name="cludo:published" content="2021-08-06T14:59:01-04:00"> 53 <meta name="cludo:last_modified" content="2025-08-13T10:16:38-04:00"> 54 <meta name="cludo:image" content="https://www.chesapeakebay.net/files/images/_670xAUTO_crop_center-center_none/Susquehanna-River-20210613.jpg"> 55 <meta name="cludo:image:alt" content=""> 56 <link rel="canonical" href="https://www.chesapeakebay.net/discover/watershed" /> 57<link href="/assets/dev/print.NiLwIeu8.css?v=1789069870" rel="stylesheet" media="print"> 58<link href="https://www.chesapeakebay.net/cpresources/60eb7dea/site.BflPuiOZ.css?v=1789069932" rel="stylesheet"> 59<link href="/assets/dev/watershed.kE7Ejg6J.css?v=1789069870" rel="stylesheet"> 60<link href="/assets/dev/Tabs.nW32sD2H.css?v=1789069870" rel="stylesheet"> 61<style depends='["modules\\assets\\ModuleAsset"]'>.mediaObject{flex-wrap:wrap;align-items:flex-start;gap:1em;display:flex}.mediaObject--vertical{--mediaObjectImgMaxWidth:100%;flex-flow:column}.mediaObject--vertical .mediaObject__img{width:100%}.mediaObject__img{max-width:var(--mediaObjectImgMaxWidth,325px);min-width:var(--mediaObjectImgMinWidth,230px);flex:1;order:-1;width:25%;height:auto}.mediaObject__body{flex:50%}.mediaObject__header{flex-direction:column;display:flex}.mediaObject__postDate{order:-1;margin:0}.mediaObject__title{font-size:var(--step-3);font-weight:var(--bold-weight);margin-block:0;line-height:1.2;display:block}.mediaObject__link{--color:var(--blue);--hoverColor:var(--blue--dark);background-image:none;text-decoration:underline;text-decoration-thickness:3px}.mediaObject__link:hover,.mediaObject__link:focus{--color:var(--hoverColor)}.mediaObject__header+p,.mediaObject__excerpt{margin-block:.5em}.mediaObject--selectableContent .mediaObject__postDate,.mediaObject--selectableContent .mediaObject__header~p,.mediaObject--selectableContent .mediaObject__excerpt{position:relative}.mediaObject__pseudoLink{color:var(--color,var(--blue));cursor:pointer;font-weight:var(--bold-weight);--color:var(--blue);text-underline-offset:.22em;text-decoration-skip:none;background-image:none;text-decoration:underline;text-decoration-thickness:.15em;transition:color .2s ease-out;display:inline-block}.mediaObject__pseudoLink:hover,.mediaObject__pseudoLink:focus{--color:var(--hoverColor,var(--blue--dark));--color:var(--blue--dark)}.mediaObject--cta{position:relative}.mediaObject--cta .mediaObject__link{transition:color .2s ease-out}.mediaObject--cta .mediaObject__link:after{content:"";position:absolute;inset:0}.mediaObject--cta .mediaObject__pseudoLink{transition:color .2s ease-out}.mediaObject--cta:hover:not(:has(:is(.mediaObject__postDate,.mediaObject__header~p,.mediaObject__excerpt):hover)) .mediaObject__link,.mediaObject--cta:focus:not(:has(:is(.mediaObject__postDate,.mediaObject__header~p,.mediaObject__excerpt):hover)) .mediaObject__link,.mediaObject--cta:hover:not(:has(:is(.mediaObject__postDate,.mediaObject__header~p,.mediaObject__excerpt):hover)) .mediaObject__pseudoLink,.mediaObject--cta:focus:not(:has(:is(.mediaObject__postDate,.mediaObject__header~p,.mediaObject__excerpt):hover)) .mediaObject__pseudoLink{--color:var(--hoverColor)}.calloutNews{border-top:1px var(--neutral--dark)solid;border-bottom:1px var(--neutral--dark)solid;padding:1em var(--gutterX);gap:.7em var(--gutterX);clear:both;align-items:center}.calloutNews p:last-of-type{margin-block-end:0}.calloutNews__body{flex:63%}.calloutNews__title{font-size:var(--step-1)}.calloutNews__img{--mediaObjectImgMaxWidth:150px;--mediaObjectImgMinWidth:150px} 62/*# sourceMappingURL=callout-news.css.map */ 63</style> 64<style depends='["modules\\assets\\ModuleAsset"]'>.mediaObject{flex-wrap:wrap;align-items:flex-start;gap:1em;display:flex}
64.mediaObject--vertical{--mediaObjectImgMaxWidth:100%;flex-flow:column}.mediaObject--vertical .mediaObject__img{width:100%}.mediaObject__img{max-width:var(--mediaObjectImgMaxWidth,325px);min-width:var(--mediaObjectImgMinWidth,230px);flex:1;order:-1;width:25%;height:auto}.mediaObject__body{flex:50%}.mediaObject__header{flex-direction:column;display:flex}.mediaObject__postDate{order:-1;margin:0}.mediaObject__title{font-size:var(--step-3);font-weight:var(--bold-weight);margin-block:0;line-height:1.2;display:block}.mediaObject__link{--color:var(--blue);--hoverColor:var(--blue--dark);background-image:none;text-decoration:underline;text-decoration-thickness:3px}.mediaObject__link:hover,.mediaObject__link:focus{--color:var(--hoverColor)}.mediaObject__header+p,.mediaObject__excerpt{margin-block:.5em}.mediaObject--selectableContent .mediaObject__postDate,.mediaObject--selectableContent .mediaObject__header~p,.mediaObject--selectableContent .mediaObject__excerpt{position:relative}.mediaObject__pseudoLink{color:var(--color,var(--blue));cursor:pointer;font-weight:var(--bold-weight);--color:var(--blue);text-underline-offset:.22em;text-decoration-skip:none;background-image:none;text-decoration:underline;text-decoration-thickness:.15em;transition:color .2s ease-out;display:inline-block}.mediaObject__pseudoLink:hover,.mediaObject__pseudoLink:focus{--color:var(--hoverColor,var(--blue--dark));--color:var(--blue--dark)}.mediaObject--cta{position:relative}.mediaObject--cta .mediaObject__link{transition:color .2s ease-out}.mediaObject--cta .mediaObject__link:after{content:"";position:absolute;inset:0}.mediaObject--cta .mediaObject__pseudoLink{transition:color .2s ease-out}.mediaObject--cta:hover:not(:has(:is(.mediaObject__postDate,.mediaObject__header~p,.mediaObject__excerpt):hover)) .mediaObject__link,.mediaObject--cta:focus:not(:has(:is(.mediaObject__postDate,.mediaObject__header~p,.mediaObject__excerpt):hover)) .mediaObject__link,.mediaObject--cta:hover:not(:has(:is(.mediaObject__postDate,.mediaObject__header~p,.mediaObject__excerpt):hover)) .mediaObject__pseudoLink,.mediaObject--cta:focus:not(:has(:is(.mediaObject__postDate,.mediaObject__header~p,.mediaObject__excerpt):hover)) .mediaObject__pseudoLink{--color:var(--hoverColor)} 65/*# sourceMappingURL=media-object.css.map */ 66</style></head> 67<body class="ltr"> 68 <div class="siteContainer"> 69 <header class="siteHeader" id="js-siteHeader" style="--z:100"> 70 <a href="#main" class="skipToContent button button--primary">Skip to content</a> 71 <div class="siteHeader__container" 72 x-data="{showSearch: false, navToggle: false}" 73 x-init="$watch('navToggle', value => {if(value) showSearch = false})" 74 > 75 <a href="https://www.chesapeakebay.net/" class="siteHeader__brand"> 76 <img src="https://www.chesapeakebay.net/assets/images/cbp-logo--horizontal-dark-text.svg" alt="Chesapeake Bay Program logo, Science. Restoration. Partnership" width="325" height="60" /> 77 </a> 78 <label for="navToggler" class="u-srOnly siteHeader__navControl">Expand navigation menu.</label> 79 <input class="siteHeader__navToggler siteHeader__navControl" 80 type="checkbox" 81 name="navToggler" 82 id="navToggler" 83 x-model="navToggle" 84 aria-controls="js-mainNav"> 85 <div class="siteHeader__navToggle hamburger siteHeader__navControl"><span class="hamburger__line hamburger__line--1"></span><span class="hamburger__line hamburger__line--2"></span><span class="hamburger__line hamburger__line--3"></span></div> 86 <nav aria-label="Main navigation" id="js-mainNav" class="siteHeader__nav mainNav"> 87 <ul class="mainNav__items"> 88 <li class="mainNav__item" 89 x-data="mainNavItem" 90 x-on:keydown.escape.prevent.stop="close($refs.button)" 91 x-on:focusin.window="! $refs.panel.contains($event.target) && close()" 92 x-id="['dropdown-button']"> 93 <button 94 class="mainNav__btn" 95 :class="open && 'mainNav__btn--open'" 96 type="button" 97 x-ref="button" 98 x-on:click="toggle()" 99 :aria-expanded="open" 100 :aria-controls="$id('dropdown-button')" 101 > 102 Discover the Chesapeake<span class="appendedIcon">‍<i class="fa-solid fa-angle-down fa-fw mainNav__btnToggleIcon"></i></span> 103 </button> 104 105 <div 106 x-ref="panel" 107 x-show="open" 108 x-cloak 109 x-collapse 110 x-on:click.outside="close($refs.button)" 111 :id="$id('dropdown-button')" 112 class="mainNav__panel 113 navPanel 114 " 115 > 116 <ul class="navPanel__uncatLinks uncatLinks "> 117 <li class="uncatLinks__item"> 118 <a href="https://www.chesapeakebay.net/discover/watershed" class="uncatLinks__link">The Watershed</a> 119 </li> 120 <li class="uncatLinks__item"> 121 <a href="https://www.chesapeakebay.net/discover/field-guide" class="uncatLinks__link">
121Field Guide</a> 122 </li> 123 <li class="uncatLinks__item"> 124 <a href="https://www.chesapeakebay.net/discover/bay-facts" class="uncatLinks__link">Bay Facts</a> 125 </li> 126 <li class="uncatLinks__item"> 127 <a href="https://www.chesapeakebay.net/discover/bay-101-videos" class="uncatLinks__link">Bay 101 Videos</a> 128 </li> 129 <li class="uncatLinks__item"> 130 <a href="https://www.chesapeakebay.net/discover/faq" class="uncatLinks__link">FAQ</a> 131 </li> 132 <li class="uncatLinks__item"> 133 <a href="https://www.chesapeakebay.net/discover/glossary" class="uncatLinks__link">Glossary</a> 134 </li> 135 </ul> 136 <div class="navPanel__catLinksContainer"> 137 <div class="navPanel__catLinks catLinks"> 138 <h2 class="catLinks__heading">Ecosystem</h2> 139 <ul class="catLinks__items "> 140 <li class="catLinks__item"> 141 <a href="https://www.chesapeakebay.net/discover/ecosystem/chemical-makeup" class="catLinks__link">Chemical Makeup</a> 142 </li> 143 <li class="catLinks__item"> 144 <a href="https://www.chesapeakebay.net/discover/ecosystem/dissolved-oxygen" class="catLinks__link">Dissolved Oxygen</a> 145 </li> 146 <li class="catLinks__item"> 147 <a href="https://www.chesapeakebay.net/discover/ecosystem/food-web" class="catLinks__link">Food Web</a> 148 </li> 149 <li class="catLinks__item"> 150 <a href="https://www.chesapeakebay.net/discover/ecosystem/physical-characteristics" class="catLinks__link">Physical Characteristics</a> 151 </li> 152 <li class="catLinks__item"> 153 <a href="https://www.chesapeakebay.net/discover/ecosystem/the-estuary" class="catLinks__link">Estuaries</a> 154 </li> 155 <li class="catLinks__item"> 156 <a href="https://www.chesapeakebay.net/discover/ecosystem/water-clarity" class="catLinks__link">Water Clarity</a> 157 </li> 158 </ul> 159 </div> 160 </div> </div> </li> 161 <li class="mainNav__item" 162 x-data="mainNavItem" 163 x-on:keydown.escape.prevent.stop="close($refs.button)" 164 x-on:focusin.window="! $refs.panel.contains($event.target) && close()" 165 x-id="['dropdown-button']"> 166 <button 167 class="mainNav__btn" 168 :class="open && 'mainNav__btn--open'" 169 type="button" 170 x-ref="button" 171 x-on:click="toggle()" 172 :aria-expanded="open" 173 :aria-controls="$id('dropdown-button')" 174 > 175 Learn the Issues<span class="appendedIcon">‍<i class="fa-solid fa-angle-down fa-fw mainNav__btnToggleIcon"></i></span> 176 </button> 177 178 <div 179 x-ref="panel" 180 x-show="open" 181 x-cloak 182 x-collapse 183 x-on:click.outside="close($refs.button)" 184 :id="$id('dropdown-button')" 185 class="mainNav__panel 186 navPanel 187 " 188 > 189 <ul class="navPanel__uncatLinks uncatLinks "> 190 <li class="uncatLinks__item"> 191 <a href="https://www.chesapeakebay.net/issues" class="uncatLinks__link">All Issues</a> 192 </li> 193 </ul> 194 <div class="navPanel__catLinksContainer"> 195 <div class="navPanel__catLinks catLinks"> 196 <h2 class="catLinks__heading">Threats to the Bay</h2> 197 <ul class="catLinks__items catLinks__items--multiCol"> 198 <li class="catLinks__item"> 199 <a href="https://www.chesapeakebay.net/issues/threats-to-the-bay/agricultural-runoff" class="catLinks__link">Agricultural Runoff</a> 200 </li> 201 <li class="catLinks__item"> 202 <a href="https://www.chesapeakebay.net/issues/threats-to-the-bay/air-pollution" class="catLinks__link">Air Pollution</a> 203 </li> 204 <li class="catLinks__item"> 205 <a href="https://www.chesapeakebay.net/issues/threats-to-the-bay/chemical-contaminants" class="catLinks__link">Chemical Contaminants</a> 206 </li> 207 <li class="catLinks__item"> 208 <a href="https://www.chesapeakebay.net/issues/threats-to-the-bay/climate-change" class="catLinks__link">Climate Change</a> 209 </li> 210 <li class="catLinks__item"> 211 <a href="https://www.chesapeakebay.net/issues/threats-to-the-bay/conowingo-dam" class="catLinks__link">Conowingo Dam</a> 212 </li> 213 <li class="catLinks__item"> 214 <a href="https://www.chesapeakebay.net/issues/threats-to-the-bay/invasive-species" class="catLinks__link">Invasive Species</a> 215 </li> 216 <li class="catLinks__item"> 217 <a href="https://www.chesapeakebay.net/issues/threats-to-the-bay/nutrient-runoff" class="catLinks__link">Nutrient Runoff</a> 218 </li> 219 <li class="catLinks__item"> 220 <a href="https://www.chesapeakebay.net/issues/threats-to-the-bay/population-growth-development" class="catLinks__link">Population Growth</a> 221 </li> 222 <li class="catLinks__item"> 223 <a href="https://www.chesapeakebay.net/issues/threats-to-the-bay/sediment-runoff" class="catLinks__link">Sediment Runoff</a> 224 </li> 225 <li class="catLinks__item"> 226 <a href="https://www.chesapeakebay.net/issues/threats-to-the-bay/stormwater-runoff" class="catLinks__link">Stormwater Runoff</a> 227 </li> 228 <li class="catLinks__item"> 229 <a href="https://www.chesapeakebay.net/issues/threats-to-the-bay/wastewater" class="catLinks__link">Wastewater</a> 230 </li> 231 </ul> 232 </div> 233 <div class="navPanel__catLinks catLinks"> 234 <h2 class="catLinks__heading">What's at Risk?</h2> 235 <ul class="catLinks__items catLinks__items--multiCol"> 236 <li class="catLinks__item"> 237 <a href="https://www.chesapeakebay.net/issues/whats-at-risk/blue-crabs" class="catLinks__link">Blue Crabs</a> 238 </li> 239 <li class="catLinks__item"> 240 <a href="https://www.chesapeakebay.net/issues/whats-at-risk/forest-health" class="catLinks__link">Forest Health</a> 241 </li> 242 <li class="catLinks__item"> 243 <a href="https://www.chesapeakebay.net/issues/whats-at-risk/groundwater" class="catLinks__link">
243Groundwater</a> 244 </li> 245 <li class="catLinks__item"> 246 <a href="https://www.chesapeakebay.net/issues/whats-at-risk/oysters" class="catLinks__link">Oysters</a> 247 </li> 248 <li class="catLinks__item"> 249 <a href="https://www.chesapeakebay.net/issues/whats-at-risk/rivers-and-streams" class="catLinks__link">Rivers and Streams</a> 250 </li> 251 <li class="catLinks__item"> 252 <a href="https://www.chesapeakebay.net/issues/whats-at-risk/stream-buffers" class="catLinks__link">Stream Buffers</a> 253 </li> 254 <li class="catLinks__item"> 255 <a href="https://www.chesapeakebay.net/issues/whats-at-risk/underwater-grasses" class="catLinks__link">Underwater Grasses</a> 256 </li> 257 <li class="catLinks__item"> 258 <a href="https://www.chesapeakebay.net/issues/whats-at-risk/wetlands" class="catLinks__link">Wetlands</a> 259 </li> 260 </ul> 261 </div> 262 </div> </div> </li> 263 <li class="mainNav__item" 264 x-data="mainNavItem" 265 x-on:keydown.escape.prevent.stop="close($refs.button)" 266 x-on:focusin.window="! $refs.panel.contains($event.target) && close()" 267 x-id="['dropdown-button']"> 268 <button 269 class="mainNav__btn" 270 :class="open && 'mainNav__btn--open'" 271 type="button" 272 x-ref="button" 273 x-on:click="toggle()" 274 :aria-expanded="open" 275 :aria-controls="$id('dropdown-button')" 276 > 277 Take Action<span class="appendedIcon">‍<i class="fa-solid fa-angle-down fa-fw mainNav__btnToggleIcon"></i></span> 278 </button> 279 280 <div 281 x-ref="panel" 282 x-show="open" 283 x-cloak 284 x-collapse 285 x-on:click.outside="close($refs.button)" 286 :id="$id('dropdown-button')" 287 class="mainNav__panel 288 navPanel 289 mainNav__panel--onlyUncatLinks " 290 > 291 <ul class="navPanel__uncatLinks uncatLinks "> 292 <li class="uncatLinks__item"> 293 <a href="https://www.chesapeakebay.net/action/protect-the-bay" class="uncatLinks__link">Help Protect the Bay</a> 294 </li> 295 <li class="uncatLinks__item"> 296 <a href="https://www.chesapeakebay.net/action/join" class="uncatLinks__link">Find a Bay Organization</a> 297 </li> 298 <li class="uncatLinks__item"> 299 <a href="https://www.chesapeakebay.net/action/chesapeake-bay-awareness-week" class="uncatLinks__link">Celebrate Chesapeake Bay Awareness Week</a> 300 </li> 301 </ul> 302 </div> </li> 303 <li class="mainNav__item" 304 x-data="mainNavItem" 305 x-on:keydown.escape.prevent.stop="close($refs.button)" 306 x-on:focusin.window="! $refs.panel.contains($event.target) && close()" 307 x-id="['dropdown-button']"> 308 <button 309 class="mainNav__btn" 310 :class="open && 'mainNav__btn--open'" 311 type="button" 312 x-ref="button" 313 x-on:click="toggle()" 314 :aria-expanded="open" 315 :aria-controls="$id('dropdown-button')" 316 > 317 In the News<span class="appendedIcon">‍<i class="fa-solid fa-angle-down fa-fw mainNav__btnToggleIcon"></i></span> 318 </button> 319 320 <div 321 x-ref="panel" 322 x-show="open" 323 x-cloak 324 x-collapse 325 x-on:click.outside="close($refs.button)" 326 :id="$id('dropdown-button')" 327 class="mainNav__panel 328 navPanel 329 " 330 > 331 <ul class="navPanel__uncatLinks uncatLinks "> 332 <li class="uncatLinks__item"> 333 <a href="https://www.chesapeakebay.net/news/presscenter" class="uncatLinks__link">Press Center</a> 334 </li> 335 <li class="uncatLinks__item"> 336 <a href="https://www.chesapeakebay.net/news/blog" class="uncatLinks__link">Recent Stories</a> 337 </li> 338 <li class="uncatLinks__item"> 339 <a href="https://www.chesapeakebay.net/news/videos" class="uncatLinks__link">Videos</a> 340 </li> 341 </ul> 342 <div class="navPanel__catLinksContainer"> 343 <div class="navPanel__catLinks catLinks"> 344 <h2 class="catLinks__heading">Browse Our Stories</h2> 345 <ul class="catLinks__items "> 346 <li class="catLinks__item"> 347 <a href="https://www.chesapeakebay.net/news/blog/category/c
347hesapeake-stewardship" class="catLinks__link">Chesapeake Stewardship</a> 348 </li> 349 <li class="catLinks__item"> 350 <a href="https://www.chesapeakebay.net/news/blog/category/partnership-news" class="catLinks__link">Partnership News</a> 351 </li> 352 <li class="catLinks__item"> 353 <a href="https://www.chesapeakebay.net/news/blog/category/restoration-spotlight" class="catLinks__link">Restoration Spotlight</a> 354 </li> 355 <li class="catLinks__item"> 356 <a href="https://www.chesapeakebay.net/news/blog/category/travel-recreation-and-culture" class="catLinks__link">Travel, Recreation and Culture</a> 357 </li> 358 <li class="catLinks__item"> 359 <a href="https://www.chesapeakebay.net/news/blog/category/watershed-science" class="catLinks__link">Watershed Science</a> 360 </li> 361 <li class="catLinks__item"> 362 <a href="https://www.chesapeakebay.net/news/blog/category/wildlife" class="catLinks__link">Wildlife</a> 363 </li> 364 </ul> 365 </div> 366 </div> </div> </li> 367 <li class="mainNav__item" 368 x-data="mainNavItem" 369 x-on:keydown.escape.prevent.stop="close($refs.button)" 370 x-on:focusin.window="! $refs.panel.contains($event.target) && close()" 371 x-id="['dropdown-button']"> 372 <button 373 class="mainNav__btn" 374 :class="open && 'mainNav__btn--open'" 375 type="button" 376 x-ref="button" 377 x-on:click="toggle()" 378 :aria-expanded="open" 379 :aria-controls="$id('dropdown-button')" 380 > 381 Who We Are<span class="appendedIcon">‍<i class="fa-solid fa-angle-down fa-fw mainNav__btnToggleIcon"></i></span> 382 </button> 383 384 <div 385 x-ref="panel" 386 x-show="open" 387 x-cloak 388 x-collapse 389 x-on:click.outside="close($refs.button)" 390 :id="$id('dropdown-button')" 391 class="mainNav__panel 392 navPanel 393 " 394 > 395 <ul class="navPanel__uncatLinks uncatLinks "> 396 <li class="uncatLinks__item"> 397 <a href="https://www.chesapeakebay.net/who/staff" class="uncatLinks__link">Office Staff</a> 398 </li> 399 <li class="uncatLinks__item"> 400 <a href="https://www.chesapeakebay.net/who/partners" class="uncatLinks__link">Our Partners</a> 401 </li> 402 <li class="uncatLinks__item"> 403 <a href="https://www.chesapeakebay.net/who/people" class="uncatLinks__link">Partnership Directory</a> 404 </li> 405 <li class="uncatLinks__item"> 406 <a href="https://www.chesapeakebay.net/who/how-we-are-organized" class="uncatLinks__link">How Weâre Organized</a> 407 </li> 408 <li class="uncatLinks__item"> 409 <a href="https://www.chesapeakebay.net/who/organizational-chart" class="uncatLinks__link">Organizational Chart</a> 410 </li> 411 <li class="uncatLinks__item"> 412 <a href="https://www.chesapeakebay.net/who/bay-program-history" class="uncatLinks__link">Our History</a> 413 </li> 414 <li class="uncatLinks__item"> 415 <a href="https://www.chesapeakebay.net/who/funding-and-financing" class="uncatLinks__link">Our Funding</a> 416 </li> 417 <li class="uncatLinks__item"> 418 <a href="https://www.chesapeakebay.net/who/contact" class="uncatLinks__link">Contact Us</a> 419 </li> 420 </ul> 421 <div class="navPanel__catLinksContainer"> 422 <div class="navPanel__catLinks catLinks"> 423 <h2 class="catLinks__heading">Work With Us</h2> 424 <ul class="catLinks__items "> 425 <li class="catLinks__item"> 426 <a href="https://www.chesapeakebay.net/who/work-with-us/internships" class="catLinks__link">Internships</a> 427 </li> 428 <li class="catLinks__item"> 429 <a href="https://www.chesapeakebay.net/who/work-with-us/career-development" class="catLinks__link">Career Development</a> 430 </li> 431 <li class="catLinks__item"> 432 <a href="https://www.chesapeakebay.net/who/work-with-us/career-opportunities" class="catLinks__link">Career Opportunities</a> 433 </li> 434 </ul> 435 </div> 436 </div> </div> </li> 437 <li class="mainNav__item" 438 x-data="mainNavItem" 439 x-on:keydown.escape.prevent.stop="close($refs.button)" 440 x-on:focusin.window="! $refs.panel.contains($event.target) && close()" 441 x-id="['dropdown-button']"> 442 <button 443 class="mainNav__btn" 444 :class="open && 'mainNav__btn--open'" 445 type="button" 446 x-ref="button" 447 x-on:click="toggle()" 448 :aria-expanded="open" 449 :aria-controls="$id('dropdown-button')" 450 > 451 What We Do<span class="appendedIcon">‍<i class="fa-solid fa-angle-down fa-fw mainNav__btnToggleIcon"></i></span> 452 </button> 453 454 <div 455 x-ref="panel" 456 x-show="open" 457 x-cloak 458 x-collapse 459 x-on:click.outside="close($refs.button)" 460 :id="$id('dropdown-button')" 461 class="mainNav__panel 462 navPanel 463 " 464 > 465 <ul class="navPanel__uncatLinks uncatLinks "> 466 <li class="uncatLinks__item"> 467 <a href="https://www.chesapeakebay.net/what/calendar" class="uncatLinks__link">Meetings Calendar</a> 468 </li> 469 <li class="uncatLinks__item"> 470 <a href="https://www.chesapeakebay.net/what/accompl
470ishments" class="uncatLinks__link">Our Accomplishments</a> 471 </li> 472 <li class="uncatLinks__item"> 473 <a href="https://www.chesapeakebay.net/what/grants" class="uncatLinks__link">Grants & RFPs</a> 474 </li> 475 <li class="uncatLinks__item"> 476 <a href="https://www.chesapeakebay.net/what/publications" class="uncatLinks__link">Publications</a> 477 </li> 478 <li class="uncatLinks__item"> 479 <a href="https://www.chesapeakebay.net/what/data" class="uncatLinks__link">Monitoring and Modeling Data</a> 480 </li> 481 </ul> 482 <div class="navPanel__catLinksContainer"> 483 <div class="navPanel__catLinks catLinks"> 484 <h2 class="catLinks__heading">What Guides Us</h2> 485 <ul class="catLinks__items "> 486 <li class="catLinks__item"> 487 <a href="https://www.chesapeakebay.net/what/what-guides-us/watershed-agreement" class="catLinks__link">Chesapeake Bay Watershed Agreement</a> 488 </li> 489 </ul> 490 </div> 491 <div class="navPanel__catLinks catLinks"> 492 <h2 class="catLinks__heading">Programs & Projects</h2> 493 <ul class="catLinks__items "> 494 <li class="catLinks__item"> 495 <a href="https://www.chesapeakebay.net/what/programs/total-maximum-daily-load" class="catLinks__link">Bay TMDL</a> 496 </li> 497 <li class="catLinks__item"> 498 <a href="https://www.chesapeakebay.net/what/programs/monitoring" class="catLinks__link">Monitoring</a> 499 </li> 500 <li class="catLinks__item"> 501 <a href="https://www.chesapeakebay.net/what/programs/modeling" class="catLinks__link">Modeling</a> 502 </li> 503 <li class="catLinks__item"> 504 <a href="https://www.chesapeakebay.net/what/programs/bmp-verification" class="catLinks__link">BMP Verification</a> 505 </li> 506 <li class="catLinks__item"> 507 <a href="https://www.chesapeakebay.net/what/programs/quality-assurance" class="catLinks__link">Quality Assurance</a> 508 </li> 509 <li class="catLinks__item"> 510 <a href="https://www.chesapeakebay.net/what/programs/data-governance" class="catLinks__link">Data Governance</a> 511 </li> 512 </ul> 513 </div> 514 </div> </div> </li> 515 </ul> 516 </nav> 517 <button class="button button--primary siteHeader__searchToggle" x-on:click="showSearch = !showSearch; if(showSearch) navToggle = false"><span class="fas fa-search fa-lg" :title="showSearch ? 'Hide search form' : 'Show search form'"></span></button> 518 <form 519 action="/search/results" 520 method="get" 521 name="search" 522 class="siteHeader__searchForm searchForm adjInputButton" 523 x-show="showSearch" 524 > 525 <div class="js-observe siteHeader__searchInput searchForm__input adjInputButton__input" data-observed-app="SearchForm" data-observed-app-path="search" data-context="{"siteKey":"NjA4Ojg3MjE6U2VhcmNoS2V5","cludoCustomerId":608,"cludoEngineId":8721}"> 526 <label for="headerSearchQuery" class="u-srOnly">Search term</label> 527 <input type="search" 528 id="headerSearchQuery" 529 class="siteHeader__searchInput searchForm__input adjInputButton__input input input--text" 530 style="width: 100%; height: 100%" 531 name="query" 532 size="10" 533 required /> 534 </div> 535 <button 536 type="submit" 537 class="button button--primary searchForm__submit adjInputButton__button" 538 > 539 <i class="prependedIcon fas fa-search fa-fw"></i>Search 540 </button> 541 </form> 542 </div> 543 </header> 544 545 <main id="main" class="l-master prose"> 546 <article> 547 <header class="l-master__header pageHeader"> 548 <div class="contentContainer"> 549 550 <h1 class="pageHeader__title">The Watershed</h1> <div class="blurb pageHeader__blurb"><p>The Chesapeake Bay watershed spans more than 64,000 square miles and includes hundreds of thousands of creeks, streams and rivers.</p></div> </div> 551 </header> 552 <section class="l-master__main " 553 id="" 554 555 > 556 <div class="section section--map" id="" style="--maxWidth:1240px;"> 557 <figure> 558 <div id="map" class="noReset"></div>
559 <figcaption class="figure__caption"> 560 This interactive map displays the boundary of the Chesapeake Bay watershed and the flow of the regionâs largest rivers into the Bay. These tributaries include the Choptank, Nanticoke, James, Patapsco, Patuxent, Potomac, Rappahannock, Susquehanna and York rivers. 561 </figcaption> 562 </figure> 563 564 </div> 565 566 <div class="section section--body" id="" style="--maxWidth:944px; padding-block-start: 0"> 567 <h2 id="what-is-the-chesapeake-bay-watershed">What is the Chesapeake Bay watershed?</h2> 568 <p>The Chesapeake Bay watershed is a large area of land that drains into the Chesapeake Bay. It spans more than 64,000 square miles and is home to more than 18 and a half million people. It provides habitat to more than 3,600 species of plants and animals, and includes forests, farms, and rivers and streams, as well as small towns, expanding suburbs and large urban centers.</p> 569 <aside class="mediaObject calloutNews" style="--my:6"> 570 <div class="mediaObject__body"> 571 <header class="mediaObject__header"> 572 <h2 class="calloutNews__title"> 573 Which states are in the Chesapeake Bay watershed? </h2> 574 </header> 575 <p>The Chesapeake Bay watershed includes parts of six statesâDelaware, Maryland, New York, Pennsylvania, Virginia and West Virginiaâand the entire District of Columbia.</p> 576 </div> 577 <img src="https://www.chesapeakebay.net/files/images/_65xAUTO_crop_center-center_none/question-icon-callout.svg" 578 class="mediaObject__img calloutNews__img" 579 width="65" 580 height="66" 581 alt="" 582 style="--mediaObjectImgMaxWidth:65px;--mediaObjectImgMinWidth:65px;" 583 > 584 </aside> 585 586 587 <p>The Chesapeake Bay watershed has the largest land-to-water ratio of any coastal watershed in the world, in large part because the Bay itself is surprisingly shallow. This means that what we do on the land has a big impact on the Bay, and managing the health of the watershed as a whole is critical to maintaining the health of the Bay and the people that depend on it.</p> 588 <h2 id="what-rivers-flow-through-the-chesapeake-bay-watershed">What rivers flow through the Chesapeake Bay watershed?</h2> 589 <p>Hundreds of thousands of <a href="https://www.chesapeakebay.net/issues/whats-at-risk/rivers-and-streams">creeks, streams and rivers</a> flow through the Chesapeake Bay watershed. These tributaries send fresh water into the Bay, provide food, water and shelter to wildlife and offer people places to fish, boat and swim. Virtually every resident of the Chesapeake Bay watershed lives within a half-mile of at least one tributary that eventually drains into the Bay. The regionâs largest rivers, in order of size, are the Susquehanna, Potomac, James, Rappahannock, York, Patuxent, Choptank, Nanticoke and Patapsco.</p> 590 <section> 591 592 <h3 id="tab-group-384278" class="u-srOnly"> Major rivers in the Chesapeake Bay watershed. 593 </h3> 594 595 596 597 598 599 600 601 602 603 604 605 606 607 608 609 610 611 612 <div class="js-tabs js-observe" data-observed-app="Tabs" data-observed-app-path="tabs" data-design-system="true" data-context="{"headingId":"tab-group-384278","tabs":[{"label":"Susquehanna","content":" <header>\n <h4 class=\"h3\">Susquehanna River<\/h4>\n <h5 class=\"h5\">New York, Pennsylvania &amp; Maryland<\/h5> <\/header>\n <p>The Susquehanna River begins in Cooperstown, New York, and flows over 440 miles before reaching the Chesapeake Bay at\u00a0Havre de Grace, Maryland. The longest river on the East Coast, it supplies about half of the freshwater that flows into the Bay. While it is challenged by agricultural runoff, efforts to plant streamside trees and install on-farm conservation practices are helping reduce pollution.<\/p>\n ","image":{"src":"https:\/\/www.chesapeakebay.net\/files\/images\/_652x434_crop_center-center_none\/Susquehanna-River-20210613.jpg","width":652,"height":434,"srcset":"https:\/\/www.chesapeakebay.net\/files\/images\/_1304x868_crop_center-center_none\/Susquehanna-River-20210613.jpg 2x","altText":"Viewed from a scenic overlook, the rural meeting place of the North and West branches of the Susquehanna River features multiple road and rail bridges."}},{"label":"Potomac","content":" <header>\n <h4 class=\"h3\">Potomac River<\/h4>\n <h5 class=\"h5\">West Virginia, Maryland, Virginia &amp; Washington, D.C.<\/h5> <\/header>\n <p>The Potomac River flows about 405 miles from its source in West Virginia until it enters the Chesapeake Bay at Point Lookout, Maryland. Its unique features include Great Falls\u2014a series of waterfalls and rapids that marks the transition from the Piedmont to the Coastal Plain\u2014and double water gaps\u2014where the river cuts through two different ridges of the Blue Ridge Mountains. While the river faces challenges from industrial pollution, wastewater overflows and urban stormwater,\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/potomacreportcard.org\/\">its health is improving<\/a>.<\/p>\n ","image":{"src":"https:\/\/www.chesapeakebay.net\/files\/images\/_652x434_crop_center-center_none\/Potomac-River-2018-07-13.jpg","width":652,"height":434,"srcset":"https:\/\/www.chesapeakebay.net\/files\/images\/_1304x868_crop_center-center_none\/Potomac-River-2018-07-13.jpg 2x","altText":"Viewed from a scenic overlook, a kayaker paddles on the Potomac River in Great Falls Park, where the tributary\u2019s banks are rocky and steep."}},{"label":"James","content":" <header>\n <h4 class=\"h3\">James River<\/h4>\n <h5 class=\"h5\">Virginia<\/h5> <\/header>\n <p>The James River flows about 348 miles from the Appalachian Mountains to its confluence with the Chesapeake Bay in Hampton Roads, Virginia. A series of iconic
612waterfalls run through the commonwealth\u2019s capital, creating the only place in the United States where extensive whitewater runs through a major urban center. While Virginia\u2019s largest river faces challenges from agricultural runoff, wastewater overflows and urban stormwater,\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/thejamesriver.org\/about-the-james-river\/state-of-the-james\/\">its health is improving<\/a>.<\/p>\n ","image":{"src":"https:\/\/www.chesapeakebay.net\/files\/images\/_652x434_crop_center-center_none\/James-River-2019-08-13.jpg","width":652,"height":434,"srcset":"https:\/\/www.chesapeakebay.net\/files\/images\/_1304x868_crop_center-center_none\/James-River-2019-08-13.jpg 2x","altText":"Paddlers in a whitewater raft navigate rapids on the James River in downtown Richmond, Virginia."}},{"label":"Rappahannock","content":" <header>\n <h4 class=\"h3\">Rappahannock River<\/h4>\n <h5 class=\"h5\">Virginia<\/h5> <\/header>\n <p>The Rappahannock River flows about 195 miles across Northern Virginia. Near Fredericksburg, it transitions from a shallow and rocky stream to a deep, slow-moving river. While its watershed is primarily rural and forested, population growth and rapid development are increasing pollution and placing stress on water supplies. It has been named one of\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.americanrivers.org\/media-item\/american-rivers-announces-rappahannock-river-as-one-of-americas-most-endangered-rivers\/\">America\u2019s Most Endangered Rivers<\/a>.<\/p>\n ","image":{"src":"https:\/\/www.chesapeakebay.net\/files\/images\/_652x434_crop_center-center_none\/Rappahannock-River-2017-07-21.jpg","width":652,"height":434,"srcset":"https:\/\/www.chesapeakebay.net\/files\/images\/_1304x868_crop_center-center_none\/Rappahannock-River-2017-07-21.jpg 2x","altText":"An aerial view of the shallow and rocky Rappahannock River flowing through forested land."}},{"label":"York","content":" <header>\n <h4 class=\"h3\">York River<\/h4>\n <h5 class=\"h5\">Virginia<\/h5> <\/header>\n <p>The York River begins where the Mattaponi and Pamunkey rivers converge and flows about 34 miles before reaching the Chesapeake Bay near Yorktown. While its watershed is dominated by forests, farms and wetlands, population growth and rapid development are paving green space and compounding widespread shoreline erosion. Efforts to install living shorelines and restore oyster reefs are helping protect the river.<\/p>\n ","image":{"src":"https:\/\/www.chesapeakebay.net\/files\/images\/_652x434_crop_center-center_none\/York-River-2023-06-15.jpg","width":652,"height":434,"srcset":"https:\/\/www.chesapeakebay.net\/files\/images\/_1304x868_crop_center-center_none\/York-River-2023-06-15.jpg 2x","altText":"An aerial view of the Catlett Islands and Machicomoco State Park in the York River in Gloucester County, Virginia."}},{"label":"Patuxent","content":" <header>\n <h4 class=\"h3\">Patuxent River<\/h4>\n <h5 class=\"h5\">Maryland<\/h5> <\/header>\n <p>The Patuxent River flows about 115 miles from the hills of the Maryland Piedmont to Drum Point. It is the deepest tributary in the Chesapeake Bay watershed and the largest river entirely within Maryland. While it faces challenges from agricultural pollution and development, its lower estuary is home to the Jug Bay Wetlands Sanctuary, which protects over 1,700 acres of tidal wetlands to support research, education and recreation.<\/p>\n ","image":{"src":"https:\/\/www.chesapeakebay.net\/files\/images\/_652x434_crop_center-center_none\/Patuxent-River-2018-06-05.jpg","width":652,"height":434,"srcset":"https:\/\/www.chesapeakebay.net\/files\/images\/_1304x868_crop_center-center_none\/Patuxent-River-2018-06-05.jpg 2x","altText":"An aerial view of the Patuxent River flowing past farms, forests and wetlands."}},{"label":"Choptank","content":" <header>\n <h4 class=\"h3\">Choptank River<\/h4>\n <h5 class=\"h5\">Delaware &amp; Maryland<\/h5> <\/header>\n <p>The Choptank River flows about 65 miles from Choptank Mills, Delaware, until it empties into the Chesapeake Bay between Blackwalnut and Cook points. It is the longest river on the Delmarva Peninsula, and one of the most productive blue crab nurseries in the Chesapeake Bay. While it is challenged by agricultural pollution and a decline in underwater grasses, efforts to restore oyster reefs, wetlands and water quality are helping protect the river.<\/p>\n ","image":{"src":"https:\/\/www.chesapeakebay.net\/files\/images\/_652x434_crop_center-center_none\/Choptank-River-2013-01-29.jpg","width":652,"height":434,"srcset":"https:\/\/www.chesapeakebay.net\/files\/images\/_1304x868_crop_center-center_none\/Choptank-River-2013-01-29.jpg 2x","altText":"Watermen on four workboats hand tong for oysters on a calm Choptank River."}},{"label":"Nanticoke","content":" <header>\n <h4 class=\"h3\">Nanticoke River<\/h4>\n <h5 class=\"h5\">Delaware &amp; Maryland<\/h5> <\/header>\n <p>The Nanticoke River flows about 64 miles from its headwaters in Kent County, Delaware, until it empties into Tangier Sound. It is the largest Chesapeake Bay tributary on Maryland\u2019s Eastern Shore and the most pristine river in the watershed. While it faces threats from development, habitat loss and sea level rise, local partners have\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/archive.chesapeakeconservancy.org\/middle-chesapeake-sentinel-landscape-nanticoke-river\/\">protected over 3,400 acres of land<\/a> in its watershed, and it continues to support rare, threatened and endangered species.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n ","image":{"src":"https:\/\/www.chesapeakebay.net\/files\/images\/_652x434_crop_center-center_none\/Nanticoke-River-2010-06-17.jpg","width":652,"height":434,"srcset":"https:\/\/www.chesapeakebay.net\/files\/images\/_1304x868_crop_center-center_none\/Nanticoke-River-2010-06-17.jpg 2x","altText":"An aerial view of bright green wetlands on the shore of the Nanticoke River"}},{"label":"Patapsco","content":" <header>\n <h4 class=\"h3\">Patapsco River<\/h4>\n <h5 class=\"h5\">Maryland<\/h5> <\/header>\n <p>The Patapsco River flows about 39 miles from Marriottsville, Maryland, to Baltimore\u2019s Inner Harbor. The 2018\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.chesapeakebay.net\/news\/blog\/with-fewer-dams-a-river-near-baltimore-flows-more-freely\">removal of Bloede Dam<\/a> in Patapsco Valley State Park opened 65 miles of the river to the movement of migratory fish and created a rocky rapid for kayakers. The river is challenged by nutrient and sediment pollution, fecal
612coliform bacteria and toxic contaminants.<\/p>\n ","image":{"src":"https:\/\/www.chesapeakebay.net\/files\/images\/_652x434_crop_center-center_none\/Patapsco-River-2021-07-05.jpg","width":652,"height":434,"srcset":"https:\/\/www.chesapeakebay.net\/files\/images\/_1304x868_crop_center-center_none\/Patapsco-River-2021-07-05.jpg 2x","altText":"People gather for a late afternoon swim on the rocky bank of a shallow stretch of the Patapsco River"}}],"theme":"buttons"}" style="--tabPanelFigureFlex:45%"> 613 <div class="loboOwl"> 614 <article class="mediaObject"> 615 <div class="mediaObject__body"> 616 <header> 617 <h4 class="h3">Susquehanna River</h4> 618 <h5 class="h5">New York, Pennsylvania & Maryland</h5> </header> 619 <p>The Susquehanna River begins in Cooperstown, New York, and flows over 440 miles before reaching the Chesapeake Bay at Havre de Grace, Maryland. The longest river on the East Coast, it supplies about half of the freshwater that flows into the Bay. While it is challenged by agricultural runoff, efforts to plant streamside trees and install on-farm conservation practices are helping reduce pollution.</p> 620 621 </div> 622 <img class="mediaObject__img" 623 src="https://www.chesapeakebay.net/files/images/_652x434_crop_center-center_none/Susquehanna-River-20210613.jpg" 624 width="652" 625 height="434" 626 srcset="https://www.chesapeakebay.net/files/images/_1304x868_crop_center-center_none/Susquehanna-River-20210613.jpg 2x" 627 alt="tab.image.altText" /> 628 </article> 629 <article class="mediaObject"> 630 <div class="mediaObject__body"> 631 <header> 632 <h4 class="h3">Potomac River</h4> 633 <h5 class="h5">West Virginia, Maryland, Virginia & Washington, D.C.</h5> </header> 634 <p>The Potomac River flows about 405 miles from its source in West Virginia until it enters the Chesapeake Bay at Point Lookout, Maryland. Its unique features include Great Fallsâa series of waterfalls and rapids that marks the transition from the Piedmont to the Coastal Plainâand double water gapsâwhere the river cuts through two different ridges of the Blue Ridge Mountains. While the river faces challenges from industrial pollution, wastewater overflows and urban stormwater, <a href="https://potomacreportcard.org/">its health is improving</a>.</p> 635 636 </div> 637 <img class="mediaObject__img" 638 src="https://www.chesapeakebay.net/files/images/_652x434_crop_center-center_none/Potomac-River-2018-07-13.jpg" 639 width="652" 640 height="434" 641 srcset="https://www.chesapeakebay.net/files/images/_1304x868_crop_center-center_none/Potomac-River-2018-07-13.jpg 2x" 642 alt="tab.image.altText" /> 643 </article> 644 <article class="mediaObject"> 645 <div class="mediaObject__body"> 646 <header> 647 <h4 class="h3">James River</h4> 648 <h5 class="h5">Virginia</h5> </header> 649 <p>The James River flows about 348 miles from the Appalachian Mountains to its confluence with the Chesapeake Bay in Hampton Roads, Virginia. A series of iconic waterfalls run through the commonwealthâs capital, creating the only place in the United States where extensive whitewater runs through a major urban center. While Virginiaâs largest river faces challenges from agricultural runoff, wastewater overflows and urban stormwater, <a href="https://thejamesriver.org/about-the-james-river/state-of-the-james/">its health is improving</a>.</p> 650 651 </div> 652 <img class="mediaObject__img" 653 src="https://www.chesapeakebay.net/files/images/_652x434_crop_center-center_none/James-River-2019-08-13.jpg" 654 width="652" 655 height="434" 656 srcset="https://www.chesapeakebay.net/files/images/_1304x868_crop_center-center_none/James-River-2019-08-13.jpg 2x" 657 alt="tab.image.altText" /> 658 </article> 659 <article class="mediaObject"> 660 <div class="mediaObject__body"> 661 <header> 662 <h4 class="h3">Rappahannock River</h4> 663 <h5 class="h5">Virginia</h5> </header> 664 <p>The Rappahannock River flows about 195 miles across Northern Virginia. Near Fredericksburg, it transitions from a shallow and rocky stream to a deep, slow-moving river. While its watershed is primarily rural and forested, population growth and rapid development are increasing pollution and placing stress on water supplies. It has been named one of <a href="https://www.americanrivers.org/media-item/american-rivers-announces-rappahannock-river-as-one-of-americas-most-endangered-rivers/">Americaâs Most Endangered Rivers</a>.</p> 665 666 </div> 667 <img class="mediaObject__img" 668 src="https://www.chesapeakebay.net/files/images/_652x434_crop_center-center_none/Rappahannock-River-2017-07-21.jpg" 669 width="652" 670 height="434" 671 srcset="https://www.chesapeakebay.net/files/images/_1304x868_crop_center-center_none/Rappahannock-River-2017-07-21.jpg 2x" 672 alt="tab.image.altText" /> 673 </article> 674 <article class="mediaObject"> 675 <div class="mediaObject__body"> 676 <header> 677 <h4 class="h3">York River</h4> 678 <h5 class="h5">Virginia</h5> </header> 679 <p>The York River begins where the Mattaponi and Pamunkey rivers converge and flows about 34 miles before reaching the Chesapeake Bay near Yorktown. While its watershed is dominated by forests, farms and wetlands, population growth and rapid development are paving green space and compounding widespread shoreline erosion. Efforts to install living shorelines and restore oyster reefs are helping protect the river.</p> 680 681 </div> 682 <img class="mediaObject__img" 683 src="https://www.chesapeakebay.net/files/images/_652x434_crop_center-center_none/York-River-2023-06-15.jpg" 684 width="652" 685 height="434" 686 srcset="https://www.chesapeakebay.net/files/images/_1304x868_crop_center-center_none/York-River-2023-06-15.jpg 2x" 687 alt="tab.image.altText" /> 688 </article> 689 <article class="mediaObject"> 690 <div class="mediaObject__body"> 691 <header> 692 <h4 class="h3">Patuxent River</h4> 693 <h5 class="h5">Maryland</h5> </header> 694 <p>The Patuxent River flows about 115 miles from the hills of the Maryland Piedmont to Drum Point. It is the deepest tributary in the Chesapeake Bay watershed and the largest river entirely within Maryland. While it faces challenges from agricultural pollution and development, its lower estuary is home to the Jug Bay Wetlands Sanctuary, which protects over 1,700 acres of tidal wetlands to support research, education and recreation.</p> 695 696 </div> 697 <img class="mediaObject__img" 698 src="https://www.chesapeakebay.net/files/images/_652x434_crop_center-center_none/Patuxent-River-2018-06-05.jpg" 699 width="652" 700 height="434" 701 srcset="https://www.chesapeakebay.net/files/images/_1304x868_crop_center-center_none/Patuxent-River-2018-06-05.jpg 2x" 702 alt="tab.image.altText" /> 703 </article> 704 <article class="mediaObject"> 705 <div class="mediaObject__body"> 706 <header> 707 <h4 class="h3">Choptank River</h4> 708 <h5 class="h5">Delaware & Maryland</h5> </header> 709 <p>The Choptank River flows about 65 miles from Choptank Mills, Delaware, until it empties into the Chesapeake Bay between Blackwalnut and Cook points. It is the longest river on the Delmarva Peninsula, and one of the most productive blue crab nurseries in the Chesapeake Bay. While it is challenged by agricultural pollution and a decline in underwater grasses, efforts to restore oyster reefs, wetlands and water quality are helping protect the river.</p> 710 711 </div> 712 <img class="mediaObject__img" 713 src="https://www.chesapeakebay.net/files/images/_652x434_crop_center-center_none/Choptank-River-2013-01-29.jpg" 714 width="652" 715 height="434" 716 srcset="https://www.chesapeakebay.net/files/images/_1304x868_crop_center-center_none/Choptank-River-2013-01-29.jpg 2x" 717 alt="tab.image.altText" /> 718 </article> 719 <article class="mediaObject"> 720 <div class="mediaObject__body"> 721 <header> 722 <h4 class="h3">Nanticoke River</h4> 723 <h5 class="h5">Delaware & Maryland</h5> </header> 724 <p>The Nanticoke River flows about 64 miles from its headwaters in Kent County, Delaware, until it empties into Tangier Sound. It is the largest Chesapeake Bay tributary on Marylandâs Eastern Shore and the most pristine river in the watershed. While it faces threats from development, habitat loss and sea level rise, local partners have <a href="https://archive.chesapeakeconservancy.org/middle-chesapeake-sentinel-landscape-nanticoke-river/">protected over 3,400 acres of land</a> in its watershed, and it continues to support rare, threatened and endangered species.  </p> 725 726 </div> 727 <img class="mediaObject__img" 728 src="https://www.chesapeakebay.net/files/images/_652x434_crop_center-center_none/Nanticoke-River-2010-06-17.jpg" 729 width="652" 730 height="434" 731 srcset="https://www.chesapeakebay.net/files/images/_1304x868_crop_center-center_none/Nanticoke-River-2010-06-17.jpg 2x" 732 alt="tab.image.altText" /> 733 </article> 734 <article class="mediaObject"> 735 <div class="mediaObject__body"> 736 <header> 737 <h4 class="h3">Patapsco River</h4> 738 <h5 class="h5">Maryland</h5> </header> 739 <p>The Patapsco River flows about 39 miles from Marriottsville, Maryland, to Baltimoreâs Inner Harbor. The 2018 <a href="https://www.chesapeakebay.net/news/blog/with-fewer-dams-a-river-near-baltimore-flows-more-freely">removal of Bloede Dam</a> in Patapsco Valley State Park opened 65 miles of the river to the movement of migratory fish and created a rocky rapid for kayakers. The river is challenged by nutrient and sediment pollution, fecal
739coliform bacteria and toxic contaminants.</p> 740 741 </div> 742 <img class="mediaObject__img" 743 src="https://www.chesapeakebay.net/files/images/_652x434_crop_center-center_none/Patapsco-River-2021-07-05.jpg" 744 width="652" 745 height="434" 746 srcset="https://www.chesapeakebay.net/files/images/_1304x868_crop_center-center_none/Patapsco-River-2021-07-05.jpg 2x" 747 alt="tab.image.altText" /> 748 </article> 749 </div> 750 </div> 751</section> 752 753 754 <h2 id="how-does-geology-shape-the-chesapeake-bay-watershed">How does geology shape the Chesapeake Bay watershed?</h2> 755 <p>During the last Ice Age, mile-thick glaciers stretched as far south as Pennsylvania, and the Atlantic coastline was about 180 miles farther east than it is today. Approximately 18,000 years ago, these glaciers began to melt, carving streams and rivers that flowed toward the coast. Rising seas eventually submerged the area that is now known as the Susquehanna River Valley, and this drowned river valley became the Chesapeake Bay.</p><p>The Chesapeake Bay assumed its present shape about 3,000 years ago. While the Bay itself lies within a <a href="https://www.nps.gov/subjects/geology/physiographic-provinces.htm">physiographic province</a> known as the Coastal Plain, its watershed includes parts of the Piedmont, Blue Ridge, Valley and Ridge, and Appalachian Plateau. The waters that flow into the Bay have different chemical identities depending on the geology of the place they originate.</p> 756 <article class="mediaObject " style="--mt: 8"> 757 <div class="mediaObject__body"> 758 <header class="mediaObject__header"> 759 <h3 class="mediaObject__title"> Coastal Plain 760 </h3> </header> 761 <p>The Coastal Plain is a flat, lowland area with a maximum elevation of about 300 feet. It extends westward from the continental shelf to a fall line that ranges from 15 to 90 miles west of the Bay. Waterfalls and rapids clearly mark this line, which is close to Interstate 95. Cities like Baltimore, Maryland, Washington, D.C., and Richmond, Virginia, were built along the fall line to take advantage of the potential water power generated by the falls.</p> 762 </div> 763 764 <img class="mediaObject__img" 765 src="https://www.chesapeakebay.net/files/images/_492x328_crop_center-center_none/Coastal-Plain.jpg" 766 width="492" 767 height="328" 768 srcset="https://www.chesapeakebay.net/files/images/_984x656_crop_center-center_none/Coastal-Plain.jpg 2x" 769 alt="Cordgrass, black needlerush and tall pines grow in low, flat marshland." 770 style="--mediaObjectImgMaxWidth: 567px; width: 20%; flex: auto;" 771 /> 772 </article> 773 774 <article class="mediaObject " style="--mt: 8"> 775 <div class="mediaObject__body"> 776 <header class="mediaObject__header"> 777 <h3 class="mediaObject__title"> Piedmont 778 </h3> </header> 779 <p>The Piedmont ranges from the fall line westward to the easternmost ridge of the Appalachian Mountains. Over time, weathering and erosion have smoothed the province into gentle, rolling hills. The Piedmont contains important natural resources, such as granite, marble and coal. The nationâs first commercial coal mine was opened in 1701 near Richmond, Virginia.</p> 780 </div> 781 782 <img class="mediaObject__img" 783 src="https://www.chesapeakebay.net/files/images/_492x328_crop_center-center_none/Piedmont-2017-07-21.jpg" 784 width="492" 785 height="328" 786 srcset="https://www.chesapeakebay.net/files/images/_984x656_crop_center-center_none/Piedmont-2017-07-21.jpg 2x" 787 alt="An aerial view of a thin river winding through a green forest in rural Virginia." 788 style="--mediaObjectImgMaxWidth: 567px; width: 20%; flex: auto;" 789 /> 790 </article> 791 792 <article class="mediaObject " style="--mt: 8"> 793 <div class="mediaObject__body"> 794 <header class="mediaObject__header"> 795 <h3 class="mediaObject__title"> Blue Ridge, Valley and Ridge, and Appalachian Plateau 796 </h3> </header> 797 <p>The Blue Ridge, Valley and Ridge, and Appalachian Plateau are characterized by mountains and valleys, and are rich in coal and natural gas. They are also known for their scenic beauty, from the sweeping views along the crest of the Blue Ridge Mountains to the narrow water gaps in the Lebanon (Pennsylvania), Shenandoah (Virginia) and Hagerstown (Maryland) valleys.</p> 798 </div> 799 800 <img class="mediaObject__img" 801 src="https://www.chesapeakebay.net/files/images/_492x328_crop_center-center_none/Appalachian-Plateau-2019-09-25.jpg" 802 width="492" 803 height="328" 804 srcset="https://www.chesapeakebay.net/files/images/_984x656_crop_center-center_none/Appalachian-Plateau-2019-09-25.jpg 2x" 805 alt="The Allegheny Mountains are seen from a rocky, forested overlook." 806 style="--mediaObjectImgMaxWidth: 567px; width: 20%; flex: auto;" 807 /> 808 </article> 809 810 <h2 id="how-are-we-protecting-the-chesapeake-bay-watershed">How are we protecting the Chesapeake Bay watershed?</h2> 811 <p>
811In a watershed, pollution that occurs upstream finds its way downstream. This means that to protect the Chesapeake Bay, we need to protect clean water and valuable landscapes across the entire watershed. The Chesapeake Bay Program is a watershed-wide partnership that brings together federal, state and local leaders, academic institutions and community groups to accelerate progress toward science, restoration and conservation, and to preserve the Bayâs ecological, cultural, economic, historic and recreational value for the people who live, work and play in the region.</p> 812 813 814 815 816 817 818<figure class="figure"> 819 <h3 class="h3">Watch: Bay 101: Watershed Connections</h3> 820 <div class="videoWrapper"> 821 <iframe src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/864979883?app_id=122963" width="1920" height="1080" frameborder="0" allow="autoplay; fullscreen; picture-in-picture" title="Bay 101: Watershed Connections"></iframe> 822 </div> 823 <figcaption class="figure__caption">Learn about the interconnected nature of the Chesapeake Bay watershed and the approach the Chesapeake Bay Program takes to protect and restore the nationâs largest estuary. (Produced by Will Parson/Chesapeake Bay Program)</figcaption> 824 </figure> 825 826 </div> 827 </section> 828 </article> 829 </main> 830 831 <footer class="footer" style="--z:100"> 832 <div class="footer__callout"> 833 <div class="contentContainer"> 834 <h2 class="footer__calloutHeader">Connect with us. Stay informed on our work.</h2> 835 <div class="footer__calloutContent"> 836 <div class="icon__rowContainer"> 837 <p class="icon__rowText">Follow us on these social networks.</p> 838 <ul class="icon__row"> 839 <li><a class="icon__link" href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Chesapeake-Bay-Program/127123273990214" target="_blank"><i class="icon__icon fa-brands fa-3x fa-square-facebook" title="Visit us on Facebook"></i></a></li> 840 <li><a class="icon__link" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29388462@N06/sets/" target="_blank"><i class="icon__icon fa-brands fa-3x fa-flickr" title="View our photos on Flickr"></i></a></li> 841 <li><a class="icon__link" href="https://instagram.com/chesbayprogram/" target="_blank"><i class="icon__icon fa-brands fa-3x fa-square-instagram" title="Follow us on Instagram"></i></a></li> 842 <li><a class="icon__link" href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/chesapeake-bay-program1/" target="_blank"><i class="icon__icon fa-brands fa-3x fa-linkedin" title="Follow us on LinkedIn"></i></a></li> 843 <li><a class="icon__link" href="https://www.youtube.com/user/chesbayprogram" target="_blank"><i class="icon__icon fa-brands fa-3x fa-square-youtube" title="Visit us on YouTube"></i></a></li> 844 </ul> 845 </div> 846 <div class="newsletter__container"> 847 <p class="newsletterText">Sign up for one of our newsletters.</p> 848 <div class="u-blockCenter"> 849 <a href="https://chesapeakebay.us6.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=f8c6c5815e1e73e0561b6f0f6&id=9cd16fbd01" target="_blank" class="button button--primary"> 850 <i class="prependedIcon fas fa-pencil fa-fw"></i>Subscribe 851 </a> 852 </div> 853 </div> 854 </div> 855 </div> 856 </div> 857 <div class="contentContainer"> 858 <div class="footer__bottom"> 859 <img class="footer__image" width="200" height="182" alt="Chesapeake Bay Program logo, Science. Restoration. Partnership" src="https://www.chesapeakebay.net/assets/images/cbp-logo--vertical-dark-text.svg"> 860 <div class="footer__bottom__textContainer"> 861 <p>The Chesapeake Bay Program is a unique regional partnership that has led and directed the restoration of the Chesapeake Bay since 1983. The content on this website does not necessarily reflect the views or positions of the federal government.<br />Â </p><p>Tel: <a href="tel:18009687229">(800) YOUR-BAY (968-7229)</a><br />Fax: (410) 267-5777</p> 862 </div> 863 <iframe title="Google map showing the Chesapeake Bay Program office located at 1750 Forest Drive, Annapolis, MD, 21032" class="footer__map responsiveMedia__image" src="//www.google.com/maps/embed/v1/place?q=1750%20Forest%20Drive%2C%20Annapolis%2C%20MD%2C%20United%20States&key=AIzaSyB6gTdG-pNqEYGcQK9wEF_xkKIA53nxWU0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe> 864 </div> 865 </div>
866 <div class="footer__copyrightContainer"> 867 <div class="footer__bottom__copyright"> 868 <p>© 2026 Chesapeake Bay Program All Rights Reserved</p> 869 </div> 870 <div class="footer__nav footerNav"> 871 <ul class="inlineList inlineList--wrap inlineList--pipe footerNav__items"> 872 <li class="inlineList__item footerNav__item"> 873 <a href="https://www.chesapeakebay.net/who/contact" class="footerNav__link">Contact Us</a> 874 </li> 875 <li class="inlineList__item footerNav__item"> 876 <a href="https://www.chesapeakebay.net/site/terms-of-use" class="footerNav__link">Terms of Use</a> 877 </li> 878 <li class="inlineList__item footerNav__item"> 879 <a href="https://www.chesapeakebay.net/site/privacy-policy" class="footerNav__link">Privacy Policy</a> 880 </li> 881 </ul> 882 </div> 883 </div> 884 </footer> 885 </div> 886
886<script type="module" src="/assets/dev/watershed.y5pqF6Dc.js?v=1789069870"></script>
vendor: 1 bytes, line 886
886
887<script type="module" src="https://www.chesapeakebay.net/cpresources/60eb7dea/site.DSUs3iwN.js?v=1789069932" async="true"></script>
887 888 </body> 889</html>
Line numbers count LF bytes from the start of the resource, as the search results do. Vendor segments are library code the classifier recognised; they are stored but not indexed. Bytes are shown as Latin1 characters, one per byte.