Welcome to the Chesapeake Bay Environmental Center

The Chesapeake Bay Environmental Center (CBEC) is a 510-acre nonprofit nature preserve near Grasonville, Maryland. CBEC is located on Maryland’s Eastern Shore on the Chesapeake Bay, approximately 45 minutes from Washington, D.C. and Baltimore, Maryland. At CBEC, visitors can experience the wonders of nature through education programs, individual visits and recreational opportunities.

Featuring six miles of walking trails through tidal marshes, meadows and forests, CBEC also offers kayak rentals, platforms for viewing more than 200 species of birds, picnic tables, an education building, outdoor pavilions and a Visitor Center with a gift shop. With over 45 years of impact, CBEC combines a vigorous environmental education program, innovative restoration projects and community engagement to preserve this vital resource for generations to come.

Our Mission

The mission of CBEC is to connect people to nature through adventure-based learning that contributes to the conservation of the Chesapeake Bay. Our vision is to transform outdoor enthusiasts into active stewards of the Chesapeake Bay and beyond.

Our Values

CBEC is deeply committed to environmental sustainability by providing opportunities to all people desiring authentic outdoor recreational and educational experiences that contribute to the health of the Bay. Together we:

  • Provide equitable access to nature.
  • Produce ecologically literate citizens through “hands-on, feet-wet” educational experiences.
  • Inspire a love for nature and a sense of stewardship through volunteer opportunities.
  • Encourage exploration of the natural world through recreational activities that enhance the quality of life.

My students, colleagues, and I love CBEC’s exceptional educational experience, which brings us back year after year. It is a highlight of my AP Environmental Science course, providing an unparalleled hands-on window into the Bay’s ecological riches and environmental challenges. The expert CBEC staff and dedicated volunteers bring learning to life. We treasure our experience with CBEC, like the Bay itself!

Nathan Price, Georgetown Visitation Preparatory School

All of us had a wonderful time kayaking on the Bay, seining in the salt marsh and along the shore, and learning about raptors that have been rescued. Of course the visit by your friendly snake was quite exciting and will never be forgotten–the kids loved it!!! The kids have reflected on the experience of spending a day at CBEC and have shared that they never thought of ever kayaking before as an outdoor activity they’d like to do. Now, several have asked when can they return because they had so much fun and enjoyed learning in nature. Outdoor education in nature is perfect for being mindful and learning. Students who often have difficulty staying on task or in location, were  engaged, behaviorally appropriate, and worked cooperatively through several of the activities you had planned–the day was EXCELLENT!!!

Donna Wasserbach, RICA Baltimore

I was fortunate enough to serve as a chaperone on my daughter’s 2nd grade field trip from Centreville Elementary to CBEC on Tuesday of this week. What a great time.  Every kid thoroughly enjoyed themselves and they were all able to ‘get dirty’.  The weather certainly helped out, as it was beautiful that day.

We got to dig for bugs in the rotten logs, search for critters in the oyster bags, and watch the owls show off. Your staff and volunteers are true professionals and their commitment to the environment shows in their presentation. I feel that the kids learned a lot, and even better, they were having fun while they were learning. Again, thanks for doing a great job at CBEC

Tim McCluskey, Council Vice President

Our History

1979

The Wildfowl Trust of North America Inc. was founded in 1979 with the intent to protect wetlands for waterfowl while maintaining captive waterfowl collections for educational purposes.

1981

In 1981, the Trust purchased a 315-acre farm tract in Grasonville, Maryland, on which it initially established Horsehead Wetlands Center and opened to the public in 1985.

1998

In 1998, the Trust purchased an additional 195 acres and placed the now 510-acre preserve under conservation easement.

2002

In 2002, the property’s name was changed to the Chesapeake Bay Environmental Center, with a renewed mission to focus on habitat restoration and education.

2004

Since 2004, CBEC has been recognized by the State of Maryland as a site to explore effective and efficient restoration methods. Through partnerships with private businesses, universities and state and federal governmental agencies, CBEC is a site where restoration techniques are developed and tested, with Bay-wide implications.

Today

Concurrently, CBEC has developed extensive education programs for preschoolers, elementary and high school students and adults. Summer camps offer children the opportunity to engage with nature and develop an appreciation for our unique Chesapeake Bay ecosystem.