Our mission is to celebrate the unique history and environment of the Chesapeake.


--Gilbert Grosvenor
Chariman, National Geographic Society

What We Do

The Friends of the John Smith Chesapeake Trail strive for a "goodly bay," one rich with life and sustained by a healthy natural system of marshes, woods, and fields; one where people thrive and where they enjoy the bay's natural wonders through the Capt. John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail; one that reminds us of the "goodly bay" that so awed Capt. John Smith, the explorer.

To reach this end, we carry out programs in conservation, creating public access, stewardship in support of the trail, and education.

Our role is to support and collaborate with the National Park Service and other governmental and non-governmental organizations throughout the watershed to enhance our collective efforts to fully implement the Trail. 

You can learn more about our programs on the following pages, and about our mission in About the Friends.