ELN Chesapeake Bay Expedition
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Would traveling over 100 miles by kayak, bike, and foot from DC to the Chesapeake Bay help raise awareness about one of our nation’s environmental treasures? We thought so!
That’s why members of the EPA Emerging Leaders Network (ELN) headed out to explore the Chesapeake Bay Watershed and held listening sessions with the public along the way.
On August 26, 2010, the ELN Expedition Team made its way across this natural resource to generate conversation about the environmental issues facing the 64,000-square-mile watershed and proposed restoration efforts. The team of 18 athletes was supported by a crew of ELN volunteers and staff from Georgetown University Outdoor Education as they traversed the watershed over the course of four days.
Bay experts and citizens met with the Team along the way to discuss issues surrounding the Chesapeake and their ideas for how to protect this vital resource. En route, the Team described their trek and what they’ve learned from the listening sessions through blog posts, Facebook entries, photo galleries, and Twitter.
How to Get Involved
Pre-Expedition Prep
Clean-up Events
Expedition Listening Sessions
About the Emerging Leaders Network
How to Get Involved
The ELN Expedition Team raised awareness to protect the Bay as part of the EPA Administrator's call to expand the conversation on environmentalism. Interested in learning more about the Expedition and ways to contribute to the conversation? You can get involved in several ways:
- Attend a clean-up event prior to the Expedition
- Join the Team in a listening session along the journey
- Read and comment on the Team’s posts featured on EPA’s blog “Greenversations” during the Expedition
- Follow the Expedition on Facebook “ELN Chesapeake Bay Expedition”
- Follow the Expedition on Twitter “ELNBayXpedition and EPALive
- See "ELNBayExpedition" photos on Flickr
ELNBayXpedition Twitter feed 
Pre-Expedition Prep
You don't just venture out to kayak 8 miles, bike 80 miles, and run a half marathon in the August heat without proper training. For several months leading up to the Expedition, ELN athletes worked together to meet rigorous training goals. Georgetown University Outdoor Education staff helped plan the 100+ mile route, provided the necessary gear, and hosted multi-sport training to ensure a safe expedition.
Clean-up Events
The Expedition Team wasn't afraid to get their hands dirty to help clean up the Chesapeake Bay Watershed ELN planned two community-service events before the Expedition. The first, hosted by the National Park Service, took place at Roaches Run Waterfowl Sanctuary (VA) on July 31. The second was hosted by the Earth Conservation Corps at the Anacostia River (DC) on August 25, from 9am to 12pm.
For more information on ELN's clean-up events, visit us on Facebook and Twitter. Can't make the event on August 25? Host one in your own community! To find out about other Bay events already scheduled in your area, visit: www.chesapeakebay.net or www.cbf.org.
Expedition Listening Sessions
During the Expedition, the ELN Team hosted a number of public engagement events with students, community groups, and individuals whose livelihood depends on the Chesapeake Bay in an effort to learn about how they are impacted by the environmental health of the watershed.
To find out how to attend our listening sessions, visit us on Facebook "ELN Chesapeake Bay Expedition", or on Twitter “ELNBayXpedition or EPALive.”
About the Emerging Leaders Network
ELN is an employee organization with the mission to provide networking and professional development opportunities for the next generation of EPA leadership.
ELN members do not represent the Agency and will not comment on policy or regulatory actions. The listening sessions during the Expedition are designed for just that - a chance to hear from citizens who are passionate about the Bay and their ideas to help protect this invaluable resource.