REGISTRATION REQUIRED
Registration Deadline: September 14, 2026

This registration is for the full six-week course for Virginia residents. Classes take place each Tuesday, 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m., from September 15 to October 20.

Join us for CBF's Volunteers as Chesapeake Stewards (VoiCeS) program, a multi-week adult education course designed to deepen your understanding of the Chesapeake Bay and how you can make a difference in its restoration. Held over six consecutive Tuesday evenings, this interactive course features expert speakers covering a wide range of environmental topics relevant to Virginia with a focus on water equity and water justice.

Note: VoiCeS classes are tailored to their host location. Because legislative and advocacy strategies are different for each state, you will benefit the most from registering for the course in your state or district.

Location Information
Please note that the program location will change during the session:

• Weeks 1–3 (Sept. 15, 22, 29): New Bethel Baptist Church
  4212 Greenwood Drive, Portsmouth, VA 23701
• Weeks 4–6 (Oct. 6, 13, 20): First Baptist Church
  1025 Elm Avenue, Portsmouth, VA 23704

What to Expect

• Expert-Led Sessions: Each week, specialists in their fields will discuss key issues affecting Virginia's waterways and the Chesapeake Bay followed by an interactive Q&A session.
• Participation: Those who attend at least five sessions will earn the Chesapeake Steward designation.
• Community Engagement: Participants are encouraged to complete 20 hours of service on a Bay-related project of their choosing.
• Optional Field Trips: There will be additional opportunities shared for experiences outside of the classroom.

Topics Covered

• Understanding your watershed
• The role of trees in Bay health
• Oysters and their ecological impact
• Stormwater and wastewater treatment
• Environmental justice
• Ecosystem benefits and nature-based solutions
• Rainwater harvesting
• Sea level rise and local resilience
• How to be an effective advocate
• and more!

How to Participate

• Sessions will be held in-person.
• Supplementary readings and videos will be shared with all registered participants prior to each class to share additional information on topics covered in class.
• The course agenda will be shared once finalized.

We're excited to bring together a community of passionate individuals eager to learn and take action for the Bay. If you have any questions, please contact Lisa Renee, Hampton Roads Outreach & Advocacy Manager, at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

This class is in partnership with the Center for Sustainable Communities.

We’re committed to making our events accessible to everyone. If you need any accommodations to participate, please reach out to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . We will do our best to meet your needs.

Your registration includes periodic email updates from CBF. You may unsubscribe at any time by clicking "Unsubscribe" at the bottom of any email you receive from us.