However, the activities of CBF are not limited to the State of the Bay, it also plays a major role in educating children in an outdoor education programs that involve bringing the next generation of Virginians to many idyllic locations along the Bay’s shores such as Fox Island, Smith Island, Bishop's Head. CBF is always trying to teach children the fragile nature of the Bay’s ecosystem and its vast watershed, which probably includes your home and university! CBF is also a major force in Litigating for the Bay’s protection, most recently its involvement in and support of the Total Maximum Daily Load court decision which was spearheaded by the EPA and limited excess nitrogen, phosphorous, and sediment pollution for the entire Chesapeake Bay watershed. The TMDL was upheld in a Pennsylvania Court despite major pressures from agricultural interests from across the country. You can find more information about their litigation efforts on their website at http://www.cbf.org/. 

Of course, CBF uses much of its resources in efforts to make the Bay a cleaner place for all its inhabitants. CBF works with farmers to implement pollution-reducing conservation practices. And these kinds of activities are paying off with improvements in the Bay’s health since 2012. Furthermore, CBF has installed ~20,000 feet of fencing in the Shenandoah Valley to keep livestock away from streams, Planted more than 756 acres of forested buffers along streams and creeks in Pennsylvania and Maryland, which help absorb pollution and filter water flowing into waterways, as well as planting 29 million juvenile oysters throughout the Bay ecosystem. These Oysters help filter pollution from the water and provide livable habitats for other bay creatures.

At VACURH 2015, we hope to set an example to others that we not only care about the leaders of tomorrow, but the environment of tomorrow, too. So join us and please spread the word about the good work being done at the Chesapeake Bay Foundation. Throughout the conference we would like to encourage you to go the the CBF website and sign some of their petitions to earn extra spirit points for your school as well as support the Bay.