Friends of the John Smith Chesapeake Trail

Mission and Vision

The Friends of the John Smith Chesapeake Trail envision a Chesapeake Bay watershed teeming with fish and wildlife; with healthy waters and abundant forests, wetlands, shorelines and open spaces; a place of natural wonders and discovery, rich in cultural traditions; and managed sustainably for the benefit of future generations. While history and growth have altered the watershed, we strive for the "goodly bay" Captain John Smith observed and the Native Americans enjoyed before Europeans arrived.

The mission of the Friends is to:

Facilitate the implementation of the Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail, promote its use, and advocate on its behalf, in partnership with the National Park Service.
Promote appreciation, cooperative conservation and citizen stewardship of the Trail and of the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries.
Help educate the public about John Smith's momentous journeys, American Indian cultures in the Chesapeake watershed, and the changes that have occurred in the watershed over the past 400 years.
Promote sustainable tourism and recreation, conservation of significant landscapes, and improved public access associated with the Trail.
Partner with local, state, and federal agencies, businesses and other organizations to develop and maintain the trail and to further enhance public access, educational and conservation activities in the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries.
Raise revenue and promote the contribution of resources to help implement the John Smith Trail.

The Friends' role is not to duplicate the National Park Service's responsibilities, but rather to support and collaborate with the National Park Service and other governmental and non-governmental organizations throughout the watershed to complement and support their efforts and enhance implementation of the Trail.