Join the Chesapeake Gateways Network

The Chesapeake Gateways Network is a system of places and experiences providing opportunities to enjoy, learn about and help conserve the Chesapeake Bay and its watershed. Included in the Network are diverse natural, cultural, historical, and recreational sites, trails, museums, parks, refuges, interpretive and orientation facilities, and associated programs. These places and experiences, and Chesapeake Gateways as a whole, serve as entry points and the key guide for experiencing the Chesapeake Bay watershed.

Joining the Network

Whether joining as a place or experience, organizations and programs must meet the defining characteristics as outlined in the Chesapeake Gateways Framework. Available designations include Network Community, Network Site, Network Trail, Network Watertrail, Network Heritage Area, Network Byway, and Network Experience. Each designation requires a self-nomination be submitted through the online forms linked below.

Becoming a Chesapeake Gateways Community

Chesapeake Gateways Communities are where a combination of geography, location, transportation systems, economic uses, and services that welcome people within the watershed. They provide a host of opportunities for people to experience multi-faceted Chesapeake resources and stories, and they encourage further exploration. Authorized organizations may nominate their community using the link below. (Coming September 2025)

Becoming a Chesapeake Gateways Place

Any organization may nominate their place (site, trail, water trail, byway, and heritage area) to be considered for inclusion in the Chesapeake Gateways Network. However, the organization submitting the questionnaire must be the managing organization for the place. One questionnaire should be completed for each place proposed to join the Chesapeake Gateways Network. Use the link below for detailed instructions on how to self-nominate your place.

Becoming a Chesapeake Gateways Experience

These opportunities provide access for people to have authentic experiences no matter their location in the watershed. Examples of eligible experiences include Chesapeake Gateways Storytellers, sailing excursions, water- or land-based tours, historic walking tours, and recreational paddling equipment rental opportunities. Experiences should be nominated by the operating organization and one questionnaire should be completed for each unique experience. Use the link below for detailed instructions on how to self-nominate your experience. (Coming September 2025)

Benefits

• Eligibility for Chesapeake Gateways Grants & financial assistance
• Eligibility for Chesapeake Gateways Technical Assistance
• Orientation and training opportunities for partner staff
• Regular Network updates with resources and benefits
• Inclusion on www.NPS.gov/Chesapeake and the National Park Service Mobile Application
• Inclusion and access to NPS App Experiences and thematic trip ideas
• Use of the Chesapeake Gateways Branding Identity within agreement guidelines
• Inclusion in Chesapeake Gateways brand materials

The Review Process

NPS Chesapeake Gateways reviews self-nominations for inclusion in the Network based upon the defining characteristics listed in the Chesapeake Gateways Framework and evaluation criteria listed on instructions pages linked below. Receipt of your nomination will be acknowledged within [10] days of submittal; and NPS staff will follow up with next steps.

General Agreements

These agreements, formerly known as memorandums of understanding or agreement (MOU / MOA), provide organizations with guidance on how to utilize the benefits of their specific designation. The agreements also document the information provided by the nominating organization. Agreements do not oblige the signatory to do anything beyond what they’re already doing. No funding is associated with these agreements.

More Information

For additional information or clarification, please reach out to the Communications and Visitor Experience Branch of NPS Chesapeake Gateways by email. Thank you for your interest in and partnership with the Chesapeake Gateways Network.