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37 38 39 <meta name="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:type" content="article" /> 41 <meta property="og:title" content="The Watershed"> 42 <meta 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."> 43 <meta property="og:image" content="https://www.chesapeakebay.net/files/images/_670xAUTO_crop_center-center_none/Susquehanna-River-20210613.jpg"> 44 <meta property="og:image:alt" content=""> 45 <meta property="og:url" content="https://www.chesapeakebay.net/discover/watershed"> 46 <meta property="og:site_name" content="Chesapeake Bay Program"> 47 <meta property="og:edit_date" content="August 13, 2025"> 48 <meta name="twitter:title" content="The Watershed"> 49 <meta name="twitter:description" content="The Chesapeake Bay watershed spans 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123Field Guide</a> 124 </li> 125 <li class="uncatLinks__item"> 126 <a href="https://www.chesapeakebay.net/discover/bay-facts" class="uncatLinks__link">Bay Facts</a> 127 </li> 128 <li class="uncatLinks__item"> 129 <a href="https://www.chesapeakebay.net/discover/bay-101-videos" class="uncatLinks__link">Bay 101 Videos</a> 130 </li> 131 <li class="uncatLinks__item"> 132 <a href="https://www.chesapeakebay.net/discover/faq" class="uncatLinks__link">FAQ</a> 133 </li> 134 <li class="uncatLinks__item"> 135 <a href="https://www.chesapeakebay.net/discover/glossary" class="uncatLinks__link">Glossary</a> 136 </li> 137 </ul> 138 <div class="navPanel__catLinksContainer"> 139 <div class="navPanel__catLinks catLinks"> 140 <h2 class="catLinks__heading">Ecosystem</h2> 141 <ul class="catLinks__items "> 142 <li class="catLinks__item"> 143 <a href="https://www.chesapeakebay.net/discover/ecosystem/chemical-makeup" class="catLinks__link">Chemical Makeup</a> 144 </li> 145 <li class="catLinks__item"> 146 <a href="https://www.chesapeakebay.net/discover/ecosystem/dissolved-oxygen" class="catLinks__link">Dissolved Oxygen</a> 147 </li> 148 <li class="catLinks__item"> 149 <a href="https://www.chesapeakebay.net/discover/ecosystem/food-web" class="catLinks__link">Food Web</a> 150 </li> 151 <li class="catLinks__item"> 152 <a href="https://www.chesapeakebay.net/discover/ecosystem/physical-characteristics" class="catLinks__link">Physical Characteristics</a> 153 </li> 154 <li class="catLinks__item"> 155 <a href="https://www.chesapeakebay.net/discover/ecosystem/the-estuary" class="catLinks__link">Estuaries</a> 156 </li> 157 <li class="catLinks__item"> 158 <a href="https://www.chesapeakebay.net/discover/ecosystem/water-clarity" class="catLinks__link">Water Clarity</a> 159 </li> 160 </ul> 161 </div> 162 </div> </div> </li> 163 <li class="mainNav__item" 164 x-data="mainNavItem" 165 x-on:keydown.escape.prevent.stop="close($refs.button)" 166 x-on:focusin.window="! 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245Groundwater</a> 246 </li> 247 <li class="catLinks__item"> 248 <a href="https://www.chesapeakebay.net/issues/whats-at-risk/oysters" class="catLinks__link">Oysters</a> 249 </li> 250 <li class="catLinks__item"> 251 <a href="https://www.chesapeakebay.net/issues/whats-at-risk/rivers-and-streams" class="catLinks__link">Rivers and Streams</a> 252 </li> 253 <li class="catLinks__item"> 254 <a href="https://www.chesapeakebay.net/issues/whats-at-risk/stream-buffers" class="catLinks__link">Stream Buffers</a> 255 </li> 256 <li class="catLinks__item"> 257 <a href="https://www.chesapeakebay.net/issues/whats-at-risk/underwater-grasses" class="catLinks__link">Underwater Grasses</a> 258 </li> 259 <li class="catLinks__item"> 260 <a href="https://www.chesapeakebay.net/issues/whats-at-risk/wetlands" class="catLinks__link">Wetlands</a> 261 </li> 262 </ul> 263 </div> 264 </div> </div> </li> 265 <li class="mainNav__item" 266 x-data="mainNavItem" 267 x-on:keydown.escape.prevent.stop="close($refs.button)" 268 x-on:focusin.window="! $refs.panel.contains($event.target) && close()" 269 x-id="['dropdown-button']"> 270 <button 271 class="mainNav__btn" 272 :class="open && 'mainNav__btn--open'" 273 type="button" 274 x-ref="button" 275 x-on:click="toggle()" 276 :aria-expanded="open" 277 :aria-controls="$id('dropdown-button')" 278 > 279 Take Action<span class="appendedIcon">‍<i class="fa-solid fa-angle-down fa-fw mainNav__btnToggleIcon"></i></span> 280 </button> 281 282 <div 283 x-ref="panel" 284 x-show="open" 285 x-cloak 286 x-collapse 287 x-on:click.outside="close($refs.button)" 288 :id="$id('dropdown-button')" 289 class="mainNav__panel 290 navPanel 291 mainNav__panel--onlyUncatLinks " 292 > 293 <ul class="navPanel__uncatLinks uncatLinks "> 294 <li class="uncatLinks__item"> 295 <a href="https://www.chesapeakebay.net/action/protect-the-bay" class="uncatLinks__link">Help Protect the Bay</a> 296 </li> 297 <li class="uncatLinks__item"> 298 <a href="https://www.chesapeakebay.net/action/join" class="uncatLinks__link">Find a Bay Organization</a> 299 </li> 300 <li class="uncatLinks__item"> 301 <a href="https://www.chesapeakebay.net/action/chesapeake-bay-awareness-week" class="uncatLinks__link">Celebrate Chesapeake Bay Awareness Week</a> 302 </li> 303 </ul> 304 </div> </li> 305 <li class="mainNav__item" 306 x-data="mainNavItem" 307 x-on:keydown.escape.prevent.stop="close($refs.button)" 308 x-on:focusin.window="! $refs.panel.contains($event.target) && close()" 309 x-id="['dropdown-button']"> 310 <button 311 class="mainNav__btn" 312 :class="open && 'mainNav__btn--open'" 313 type="button" 314 x-ref="button" 315 x-on:click="toggle()" 316 :aria-expanded="open" 317 :aria-controls="$id('dropdown-button')" 318 > 319 In the News<span class="appendedIcon">‍<i class="fa-solid fa-angle-down fa-fw mainNav__btnToggleIcon"></i></span> 320 </button> 321 322 <div 323 x-ref="panel" 324 x-show="open" 325 x-cloak 326 x-collapse 327 x-on:click.outside="close($refs.button)" 328 :id="$id('dropdown-button')" 329 class="mainNav__panel 330 navPanel 331 " 332 > 333 <ul class="navPanel__uncatLinks uncatLinks "> 334 <li class="uncatLinks__item"> 335 <a href="https://www.chesapeakebay.net/news/presscenter" class="uncatLinks__link">Press Center</a> 336 </li> 337 <li class="uncatLinks__item"> 338 <a href="https://www.chesapeakebay.net/news/blog" class="uncatLinks__link">Recent Stories</a> 339 </li> 340 <li class="uncatLinks__item"> 341 <a href="https://www.chesapeakebay.net/news/videos" class="uncatLinks__link">Videos</a> 342 </li> 343 </ul> 344 <div class="navPanel__catLinksContainer"> 345 <div class="navPanel__catLinks catLinks"> 346 <h2 class="catLinks__heading">Browse Our Stories</h2> 347 <ul class="catLinks__items "> 348 <li class="catLinks__item"> 349 <a href="https://www.chesapeakebay.net/news/blog/category/c
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561 <figcaption class="figure__caption"> 562 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. 563 </figcaption> 564 </figure> 565 566 </div> 567 568 <div class="section section--body" id="" style="--maxWidth:944px; padding-block-start: 0"> 569 <h2 id="what-is-the-chesapeake-bay-watershed">What is the Chesapeake Bay watershed?</h2> 570 <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> 571 <aside class="mediaObject calloutNews" style="--my:6"> 572 <div class="mediaObject__body"> 573 <header class="mediaObject__header"> 574 <h2 class="calloutNews__title"> 575 Which states are in the Chesapeake Bay watershed? </h2> 576 </header> 577 <p>The Chesapeake Bay watershed includes parts of six statesâDelaware, Maryland, New York, Pennsylvania, Virginia and West Virginiaâand the entire District of Columbia.</p> 578 </div> 579 <img src="https://www.chesapeakebay.net/files/images/_65xAUTO_crop_center-center_none/question-icon-callout.svg" 580 class="mediaObject__img calloutNews__img" 581 width="65" 582 height="66" 583 alt="" 584 style="--mediaObjectImgMaxWidth:65px;--mediaObjectImgMinWidth:65px;" 585 > 586 </aside> 587 588 589 <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> 590 <h2 id="what-rivers-flow-through-the-chesapeake-bay-watershed">What rivers flow through the Chesapeake Bay watershed?</h2> 591 <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> 592 <section> 593 594 <h3 id="tab-group-384278" class="u-srOnly"> Major rivers in the Chesapeake Bay watershed. 595 </h3> 596 597 598 599 600 601 602 603 604 605 606 607 608 609 610 611 612 613 614 <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
614waterfalls 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
614coliform 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%"> 615 <div class="loboOwl"> 616 <article class="mediaObject"> 617 <div class="mediaObject__body"> 618 <header> 619 <h4 class="h3">Susquehanna River</h4> 620 <h5 class="h5">New York, Pennsylvania & Maryland</h5> </header> 621 <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> 622 623 </div> 624 <img class="mediaObject__img" 625 src="https://www.chesapeakebay.net/files/images/_652x434_crop_center-center_none/Susquehanna-River-20210613.jpg" 626 width="652" 627 height="434" 628 srcset="https://www.chesapeakebay.net/files/images/_1304x868_crop_center-center_none/Susquehanna-River-20210613.jpg 2x" 629 alt="tab.image.altText" /> 630 </article> 631 <article class="mediaObject"> 632 <div class="mediaObject__body"> 633 <header> 634 <h4 class="h3">Potomac River</h4> 635 <h5 class="h5">West Virginia, Maryland, Virginia & Washington, D.C.</h5> </header> 636 <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> 637 638 </div> 639 <img class="mediaObject__img" 640 src="https://www.chesapeakebay.net/files/images/_652x434_crop_center-center_none/Potomac-River-2018-07-13.jpg" 641 width="652" 642 height="434" 643 srcset="https://www.chesapeakebay.net/files/images/_1304x868_crop_center-center_none/Potomac-River-2018-07-13.jpg 2x" 644 alt="tab.image.altText" /> 645 </article> 646 <article class="mediaObject"> 647 <div class="mediaObject__body"> 648 <header> 649 <h4 class="h3">James River</h4> 650 <h5 class="h5">Virginia</h5> </header> 651 <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> 652 653 </div> 654 <img class="mediaObject__img" 655 src="https://www.chesapeakebay.net/files/images/_652x434_crop_center-center_none/James-River-2019-08-13.jpg" 656 width="652" 657 height="434" 658 srcset="https://www.chesapeakebay.net/files/images/_1304x868_crop_center-center_none/James-River-2019-08-13.jpg 2x" 659 alt="tab.image.altText" /> 660 </article> 661 <article class="mediaObject"> 662 <div class="mediaObject__body"> 663 <header> 664 <h4 class="h3">Rappahannock River</h4> 665 <h5 class="h5">Virginia</h5> </header> 666 <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> 667 668 </div> 669 <img class="mediaObject__img" 670 src="https://www.chesapeakebay.net/files/images/_652x434_crop_center-center_none/Rappahannock-River-2017-07-21.jpg" 671 width="652" 672 height="434" 673 srcset="https://www.chesapeakebay.net/files/images/_1304x868_crop_center-center_none/Rappahannock-River-2017-07-21.jpg 2x" 674 alt="tab.image.altText" /> 675 </article> 676 <article class="mediaObject"> 677 <div class="mediaObject__body"> 678 <header> 679 <h4 class="h3">York River</h4> 680 <h5 class="h5">Virginia</h5> </header> 681 <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> 682 683 </div> 684 <img class="mediaObject__img" 685 src="https://www.chesapeakebay.net/files/images/_652x434_crop_center-center_none/York-River-2023-06-15.jpg" 686 width="652" 687 height="434" 688 srcset="https://www.chesapeakebay.net/files/images/_1304x868_crop_center-center_none/York-River-2023-06-15.jpg 2x" 689 alt="tab.image.altText" /> 690 </article> 691 <article class="mediaObject"> 692 <div class="mediaObject__body"> 693 <header> 694 <h4 class="h3">Patuxent River</h4> 695 <h5 class="h5">Maryland</h5> </header> 696 <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> 697 698 </div> 699 <img class="mediaObject__img" 700 src="https://www.chesapeakebay.net/files/images/_652x434_crop_center-center_none/Patuxent-River-2018-06-05.jpg" 701 width="652" 702 height="434" 703 srcset="https://www.chesapeakebay.net/files/images/_1304x868_crop_center-center_none/Patuxent-River-2018-06-05.jpg 2x" 704 alt="tab.image.altText" /> 705 </article> 706 <article class="mediaObject"> 707 <div class="mediaObject__body"> 708 <header> 709 <h4 class="h3">Choptank River</h4> 710 <h5 class="h5">Delaware & Maryland</h5> </header> 711 <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> 712 713 </div> 714 <img class="mediaObject__img" 715 src="https://www.chesapeakebay.net/files/images/_652x434_crop_center-center_none/Choptank-River-2013-01-29.jpg" 716 width="652" 717 height="434" 718 srcset="https://www.chesapeakebay.net/files/images/_1304x868_crop_center-center_none/Choptank-River-2013-01-29.jpg 2x" 719 alt="tab.image.altText" /> 720 </article> 721 <article class="mediaObject"> 722 <div class="mediaObject__body"> 723 <header> 724 <h4 class="h3">Nanticoke River</h4> 725 <h5 class="h5">Delaware & Maryland</h5> </header> 726 <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> 727 728 </div> 729 <img class="mediaObject__img" 730 src="https://www.chesapeakebay.net/files/images/_652x434_crop_center-center_none/Nanticoke-River-2010-06-17.jpg" 731 width="652" 732 height="434" 733 srcset="https://www.chesapeakebay.net/files/images/_1304x868_crop_center-center_none/Nanticoke-River-2010-06-17.jpg 2x" 734 alt="tab.image.altText" /> 735 </article> 736 <article class="mediaObject"> 737 <div class="mediaObject__body"> 738 <header> 739 <h4 class="h3">Patapsco River</h4> 740 <h5 class="h5">Maryland</h5> </header> 741 <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
741coliform bacteria and toxic contaminants.</p> 742 743 </div> 744 <img class="mediaObject__img" 745 src="https://www.chesapeakebay.net/files/images/_652x434_crop_center-center_none/Patapsco-River-2021-07-05.jpg" 746 width="652" 747 height="434" 748 srcset="https://www.chesapeakebay.net/files/images/_1304x868_crop_center-center_none/Patapsco-River-2021-07-05.jpg 2x" 749 alt="tab.image.altText" /> 750 </article> 751 </div> 752 </div> 753</section> 754 755 756 <h2 id="how-does-geology-shape-the-chesapeake-bay-watershed">How does geology shape the Chesapeake Bay watershed?</h2> 757 <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> 758 <article class="mediaObject " style="--mt: 8"> 759 <div class="mediaObject__body"> 760 <header class="mediaObject__header"> 761 <h3 class="mediaObject__title"> Coastal Plain 762 </h3> </header> 763 <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> 764 </div> 765 766 <img class="mediaObject__img" 767 src="https://www.chesapeakebay.net/files/images/_492x328_crop_center-center_none/Coastal-Plain.jpg" 768 width="492" 769 height="328" 770 srcset="https://www.chesapeakebay.net/files/images/_984x656_crop_center-center_none/Coastal-Plain.jpg 2x" 771 alt="Cordgrass, black needlerush and tall pines grow in low, flat marshland." 772 style="--mediaObjectImgMaxWidth: 567px; width: 20%; flex: auto;" 773 /> 774 </article> 775 776 <article class="mediaObject " style="--mt: 8"> 777 <div class="mediaObject__body"> 778 <header class="mediaObject__header"> 779 <h3 class="mediaObject__title"> Piedmont 780 </h3> </header> 781 <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> 782 </div> 783 784 <img class="mediaObject__img" 785 src="https://www.chesapeakebay.net/files/images/_492x328_crop_center-center_none/Piedmont-2017-07-21.jpg" 786 width="492" 787 height="328" 788 srcset="https://www.chesapeakebay.net/files/images/_984x656_crop_center-center_none/Piedmont-2017-07-21.jpg 2x" 789 alt="An aerial view of a thin river winding through a green forest in rural Virginia." 790 style="--mediaObjectImgMaxWidth: 567px; width: 20%; flex: auto;" 791 /> 792 </article> 793 794 <article class="mediaObject " style="--mt: 8"> 795 <div class="mediaObject__body"> 796 <header class="mediaObject__header"> 797 <h3 class="mediaObject__title"> Blue Ridge, Valley and Ridge, and Appalachian Plateau 798 </h3> </header> 799 <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> 800 </div> 801 802 <img class="mediaObject__img" 803 src="https://www.chesapeakebay.net/files/images/_492x328_crop_center-center_none/Appalachian-Plateau-2019-09-25.jpg" 804 width="492" 805 height="328" 806 srcset="https://www.chesapeakebay.net/files/images/_984x656_crop_center-center_none/Appalachian-Plateau-2019-09-25.jpg 2x" 807 alt="The Allegheny Mountains are seen from a rocky, forested overlook." 808 style="--mediaObjectImgMaxWidth: 567px; width: 20%; flex: auto;" 809 /> 810 </article> 811 812 <h2 id="how-are-we-protecting-the-chesapeake-bay-watershed">How are we protecting the Chesapeake Bay watershed?</h2> 813 <p>
813In 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> 814 815 816 817 818 819 820<figure class="figure"> 821 <h3 class="h3">Watch: Bay 101: Watershed Connections</h3> 822 <div class="videoWrapper"> 823 <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> 824 </div> 825 <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> 826 </figure> 827 828 </div> 829 </section> 830 </article> 831 </main> 832 833 <footer class="footer" style="--z:100"> 834 <div class="footer__callout"> 835 <div class="contentContainer"> 836 <h2 class="footer__calloutHeader">Connect with us. Stay informed on our work.</h2> 837 <div class="footer__calloutContent"> 838 <div class="icon__rowContainer"> 839 <p class="icon__rowText">Follow us on these social networks.</p> 840 <ul class="icon__row"> 841 <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> 842 <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> 843 <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> 844 <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> 845 <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> 846 </ul> 847 </div> 848 <div class="newsletter__container"> 849 <p class="newsletterText">Sign up for one of our newsletters.</p> 850 <div class="u-blockCenter"> 851 <a href="https://chesapeakebay.us6.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=f8c6c5815e1e73e0561b6f0f6&id=9cd16fbd01" target="_blank" class="button button--primary"> 852 <i class="prependedIcon fas fa-pencil fa-fw"></i>Subscribe 853 </a> 854 </div> 855 </div> 856 </div> 857 </div> 858 </div> 859 <div class="contentContainer"> 860 <div class="footer__bottom"> 861 <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"> 862 <div class="footer__bottom__textContainer"> 863 <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> 864 </div> 865 <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> 866 </div> 867 </div>
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