Why 12 Rivers
Twelve major rivers. One Chesapeake Bay.
The Chesapeake Bay is fed by a vast network of rivers, streams, and creeks stretching across the watershed. At the heart of that network are 12 major rivers that flow into the Bay—the inspiration behind our name.
Each begins somewhere different. Each passes through different communities, landscapes, and habitats. But eventually, their waters come together.
12 Rivers represents that connection—and the shared responsibility we all have to protect the waters, lands, and wildlife that ultimately connect to the Bay.
You Choose Your Imapct
Protecting the Chesapeake Bay takes more than protecting the water alone. Healthy lands, clean water, and thriving wildlife are all connected. That's why 12 Rivers supports conservation across the entire watershed—and gives you a voice in where your purchase makes an impact.
Choose the cause that matters most to you: Land. Water. Wildlife.
Land Conservation
Protecting forests, wetlands, shorelines, and open spaces helps preserve the natural habitats that sustain the Chesapeake watershed. Your choice supports organizations working to conserve and restore the lands that keep the Bay healthy.
Water Conservation
Clean water begins far beyond the shores of the Bay. Your choice supports organizations working to improve water quality, restore streams and wetlands, reduce pollution, and protect the rivers and waterways that connect our watershed.
Wildlife Conservation
From fish and waterfowl to native wildlife throughout the watershed, healthy populations depend on healthy habitat. Your choice supports organizations working to conserve, restore, and protect the wildlife that makes the Chesapeake region unique.
Conservation You Can See
We believe conservation support should be transparent. Funds designated for Land, Water, and Wildlife Conservation will be directed to nonprofit organizations doing meaningful work throughout the Chesapeake Bay watershed.
As 12 Rivers grows, we'll share the organizations we support, the projects your purchases help fund, and the impact we're able to make together.