Your membership helps make possible the environmental education and recreation CBEC provides to thousands of students, adults and families each year. It also helps to restore and manage our 510-acre peninsula on the Chesapeake Bay.

Annual membership provides benefits including:

  • Unlimited exploration of the center’s property
  • Free use of outdoor equipment like seining nets, binoculars, field guides and GPS units
  • Free use of kayaks, life jackets and paddles
  • Discounts on programs and at the gift shop
  • Subscription to the CBEC e-newsletter
  • Option to rent the Arts & Education Building or Pavilion for events, weddings, parties
  • Option to purchase a “Dog Membership” to bring your furry friend to CBEC on weekends

Join us and begin your CBEC adventure now!

Individual Membership

Individual members get all the benefits listed above, including rental of up to 2 vessels (singles/tandems/paddleboards) at no charge. If you require more, the fee is $10/vessel.

$35 per year

Family Membership

Family members get all the benefits listed above, including rental of up to 3 vessels (singles/tandems/paddleboards) at no charge. If you require more, the fee is $10/vessel.

$55 per year

Military Family Membership

Military Family members get all the benefits listed above, including rental of up to 3 vessels (singles/tandems/paddleboards) at no charge. If you require more, the fee is $10/vessel.

$35 per year

Adopt-a-Raptor Membership

Help defray the costs of providing daily feeding and medical treatment to these beautiful birds, along with repairs to their housing and the extensive training given to their handlers.

$100 per year

Contributor Membership

Get all the benefits listed above, plus Pick Your Own Benefit ($50 off any one rental or event) during your membership year.

$150 per year

Nonprofit/NGO Membership

Bring groups to CBEC and receive discounts on kayak/paddleboard rentals and facility rentals.

$250 per year

Small Business Membership

Small Business Membership, Businesses with 10 or fewer employees, bring groups to CBEC and receive discounts on kayak/paddleboard rentals and facility rentals.

$500 per year

Underwater Grass Steward Membership

Help lead the CBEC community working to preserve the environment and inspire stewardship, get all the benefits listed above and receive complimentary one-day usage of the new Lake Pavilion (upon completion), for any event excluding weddings.

$500 per year

Dog Membership

Bring your furry friend with you to enjoy CBEC. Read more about dog membership.

$20 in addition to CBEC membership

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is CBEC?

The Chesapeake Bay Environmental Center is a nonprofit 510-acre 501(c)3 nature center. We are deeply committed to environmental sustainability through providing people with authentic outdoor recreational and educational experiences that contribute to the health of the Chesapeake Bay.

What is CBEC Not?

CBEC is not part of any other Chesapeake Bay organization. It is a unique entity incorporated as Wildfowl Trust of North America Inc., EIN 52-1188939. CBEC is not an advocacy or lobbying group; it is apolitical.

Where is CBEC Located?

600 Discovery Lane, Grasonville, Maryland, just off US 301/US 50.

CBEC is open from 9 am to 5 pm daily except some holidays. The Visitor Center is open mid-April through mid-November, but the property is open year-round.

What is the best time of year to visit CBEC?

  • There is abundant wildlife year-round at CBEC. Birding is excellent throughout the year, from spring migrants to waterfowl on our lakes, ponds and bay waters. Winter migrants start appearing in November and head north in late February-March.

What can I do at CBEC?

  • Hike and walk 6 miles of walking trails; bring a picnic and enjoy our small beach; visit our captive birds of prey; photograph birds, wildlife and native plants and trees; kayak and paddle board in Marshy Creek and the Chesapeake Bay; and participate in education programs for preschoolers, school-age children and adults.

What is not permitted in CBEC?

  • No disturbance of animal or plant life. Molesting, injuring, disturbing or destroying any animal or plant is prohibited. Do not disturb artifacts and historic items. Do not take any bones, plants, rocks or other objects from the property. No fishing in CBEC’s ponds and lakes. No alcohol or drugs are permitted.

Can I bring my dogs to CBEC?

  • Visitors are permitted to bring their dogs on leash. We ask that you purchase a Dog Membership, providing information about your dog’s immunizations, etc.

What animals and flora are at CBEC?

  • CBEC is a birding hotspot.  Eagles, ospreys, owls, herons, egrets, swans and ducks are abundant at varying times of the year. You may spot foxes, racoons, groundhogs, deer, otter and muskrats. Turtles and terrapins can be found along our waters and shorelines. CBEC’s property contains forests, meadows and marshlands, populated with species native to the Eastern Shore.

Is fishing permitted?

  • Fishing is not allowed in any of CBEC’s ponds or lakes, but it is permitted in Chesapeake Bay waters with proper licenses.

Is hunting permitted?

  • Hunting by the public on CBEC property is not allowed. The deer population is actively managed by CBEC and its agents.

Can I have my wedding, baby shower, birthday party or other event at CBEC? 

  • Yes, CBEC rents its facilities to CBEC members.  For more information, visit the Facility Rental page.