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Caring for Our Watersheds is the Chesapeake Bay's longest-running environmental action challenge.

It’s an unparalleled opportunity for students to develop STEM knowledge, environmental and climate literacy, and civic action skills as they create solution-oriented projects to improve their watershed.

Groups of middle and high school students investigate environmental problems in their community and develop civic solutions answering the question, “What can we do to improve our watershed?”. Participation, implementation, and prize money available!

Earth Force and Nutrien provide funding that supports putting their ideas into action.

How does it work?

“What can you do to improve your watershed?”

Classrooms are asked to design and submit action project proposals that answer the question: “What can you do to improve your watershed?”

Open to Middle & High School classrooms in the Chesapeake Bay Watershed

Educators are eligible to receive professional development and support from Earth Force and its partners.

Win Money to Create Change

Classrooms compete for $6,000. Participating schools and clubs are eligible for $10,000. Implementation funding is available for $10,000.

Get Started

“I have received consistent and positive support in implementing this program that allows our students to solve real world problems in their community. The dedication of this nonprofit has led to an improved community and an engaged youth that understand how to make positive change.”
Mary Breslin
George Washington Middle School

Meet your Earth Force Coach!

Sarah Jennings coordinates the Caring for Our Watersheds Chesapeake Bay challenge. She was a K-12 public school teacher for a decade and has a MA in curriculum and instruction. She is a certified trainer of Environmental Action Civics and NAAEE's K-12 Environmental Education Guidelines for Excellence. She will support you in anchoring CFW to your curriculum via co-planning.

Important Dates

Oct. 16, 2024

Attend an info session with your students on Opening Day to learn more about this opportunity and ask questions. Attending an info session is mandatory to kick off the competition for your students and will be offered at multiple times throughout the day. Sign up for one of the times with your students. 8:30 AM, 10:30 AM, 12:30 PM, and 2:30 PM. Miss opening day? Email us to get the recording and set up a 1:1 meeting.

Feb. 28, 2025

Deadlines to submit an action plan and get feedback. Submit early to get feedback! High School and Middle School (5th grade can be considered) of groups of 10 or more will submit the goal and strategies for an innovative, realistic solution to how students want to improve their watershed. 10 finalists are selected by community experts. All proposals can apply for implementation funding after the announcement, with priority of funding for finalists. (Teachers: when logging in, apply for the "classroom" Chesapeake Bay Watershed contest.)

May 1, 2025

VIRTUAL FINALS CEREMONY AND ACTION SHOWCASE

The top 10 Environmental Civic Action Stories are announced for the final competition for prize money ranging from $300 to $1,000. Student groups take part in a reflection panel. All non-finalist action stories are showcased and voted on for a People's Choice Award for $200 prize money. 

Click Here for Submission Instructions

Watch Caring for Our Watersheds Students Reflect on Their Experiences

Click here to view students' action stories!

Interested in Volunteering?

Volunteers can work directly with students and educators as a classroom presenter, mentor, or a project judge!

Volunteers will:

  • Build youth-adult partnerships with the next generation of changemakers
  • Learn about students’ innovative project ideas and provide input to strengthen their ask for a change
  • Receive swag or a gift card for participation
Email for Info!

The program is a project of Nutrien in partnership with nonprofit organizations around the world. Earth Force is proud to be the host of the Chesapeake Bay Watershed Caring for Our Watersheds.

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