Mission : Through a partnership system of parks, refuges, museums, historic sites and water trails spanning the watershed, the Chesapeake Bay Gateways Network helps the American public access, enjoy, understand and appreciate the natural, cultural, historic and recreational resources and values of the Chesapeake and its rivers and engage in their stewardship.

Vision: Imagine a network of linked natural, cultural, historical and recreational sites throughout the Chesapeake Bay region. Think of visiting these places to learn about the Bay's diverse stories, experience its history and enjoy its natural beauty. You might travel from one site to another paddling a water trail, riding on a ferry or driving a scenic tour route. Perhaps you would volunteer some time helping restore a wetland or an historic site. You would easily find information about Bay-related sites, stories, and adventures through a series of Bay Gateways. In effect, this network would become your guide and your entry point to experiencing and learning about the Chesapeake Bay.

This is the vision of the Chesapeake Bay Gateways Network. The partnership network of sites is evolving over time, adding sites, information and new routes to explore the Bay region.

Helping people understand and appreciate the Chesapeake Bay through this network of special places is more than just tourism. Every person who lives, works or visits the region affects the Bay. Linking the places people value to an understanding of the Bay as a system is an integral part of the effort to conserve and restore the Bay's natural environment. Changing how people perceive the Bay by interpreting its resources is a meaningful step toward creating a broader commitment to Bay restoration and conservation. This is a fundamental aspect of the Gateways Network vision.