Chesapeake Conservation and Climate Corps
All-Hands on Deck Contest
The All-Hands on Deck Project Day contest is an opportunity for Corps Members to coordinate and host the cohort for a full-day service project and group activity in the final months of the program. Other Corps Members, who did not submit a proposal, will provide input in the project selection process. Corps Members, with the Host Organization mentors, should consider what they’d like to propose and are more than welcome to discuss project day ideas with Trust staff.
12-Month Corps Program Contest
For the 2026 All-Hands on Deck project day contest, the Chesapeake Conservation and Climate Corps will be selecting four project ideas to be coordinated, hosted, and attended by Corps Members in the final months of the program. Each Corps Member will be required to attend three or more.
What does this contest fund? This program funds one-day project ideas that can be accomplished on at least one of four dates which all Corps Members will be required to participate in. The major goals of the project should be: 1) to accomplish on-the-ground restoration, education, energy conservation, agricultural practices, forestry practices, and/or infrastructure work, 2) to educate your fellow Corps Members on the practices/issues you are addressing, and to engage the entire class of Corps Members in meaningful service.
Who can apply? Current 12-month Corps Members may apply to the program on behalf of their Host Organization. Corps Members may partner with other Corps Members to submit a joint project proposal. Note: If Corps Members do submit a joint proposal, they will need to submit using the information for the Host Organization that will receive the funding if selected.
This year we have a special opportunity for 12-month Corps Members placed with Host Organizations that also have a 9.5-month Corps Member! More information coming soon!
How much can be awarded? Requests up to $2,000.
Process and Timeline: Chesapeake Bay Trust applications are all submitted through our online system linked to the right. You will be required to submit the online application form, narrative form, and Financial Management Spreadsheet. Proposals will be reviewed by a combination of Trust staff and objective Corps community members. Decisions will be released by March 14, 2025.
2025-2026 All-Hands Event Dates: 2026 – April 24th, May 15th*, July 10th, and July 31st
9.5-Month Corps Program Contest
For the 2026 All-Hands on Deck project day contest, the 9.5-month Chesapeake Conservation and Climate Corps will be selecting two project ideas to be coordinated, hosted, and attended by Corps Members in the final months of the program.
What does this contest fund? This program funds one-day project ideas that can be accomplished on at least one of two dates which all Corps Members will be required to participate in. The major goals of the project should be: 1) to accomplish on-the-ground restoration, education, energy conservation, agricultural practices, forestry practices, and/or infrastructure work, 2) to educate your fellow Corps Members on the practices/issues you are addressing, and to engage the entire class of Corps Members in meaningful service.
Who can apply? Current 9.5-month Corps Members may apply to the program on behalf of their Host Organization. Corps Members may partner with other Corps Members to submit a joint project proposal. Note: If Corps Members do submit a joint proposal, they will need to submit using the information for the Host Organization that will receive the funding if selected.
This year we have a special opportunity for 9.5-month Corps Members placed with Host Organizations that also have a 12-month Corps Member! More information coming soon!
How much can be awarded? Requests up to $2,000.
Process and Timeline: Chesapeake Bay Trust applications are all submitted through our online system linked to the right. You will be required to submit the online application form, narrative form, and Financial Management Spreadsheet. Proposals will be reviewed by a combination of Trust staff and objective Corps community members. Decisions will be released by March 14, 2025.
2025-2026 All-Hands Event Dates: 2026 – May 15th* and May 29th
Contest Status: OPEN
Proposal Deadline is Friday, February 13th, 2026 at 4:00 PM EST
Start a New Application
Manage an Existing Proposal or Award
Questions & Technical Support
Sydney Tolliver
Outreach and Education
Program Coordinator
stolliver@cbtrust.org
410-974-2941 x 137
In partnership with the Maryland Department of Service and Civic Innovation
Contest Status: OPEN
Proposal Deadline is Friday, February 13th, 2026, at 4:00 PM EST
Start a New Application
Manage an Existing Proposal or Award
Have Questions? Check out the Frequently Asked Questions for the 2026 contest below – an updated version will be added when the contest is opened!
Final Reporting: The final report must be submitted prior to the completion of service. Check out the final report for the 2026 program below – an updated version will be added when the contest is opened!
Example All-Hands on Deck Events
- Outdoor Classroom Restoration Project Day
- Pollinator Garden Project Day
- Trail Maintenance and Agriculture Project Day
- Invasive Removal Project Day
Friends of Jug Bay – Nature Discovery Area Renovation at Jug Bay
The Nature Discovery Area at the Jug Bay Wetlands Sanctuary Proper (JBWS) was constructed during a previous Corps All-Hands on Deck event. This natural space is used weekly by many families and their kids when they visit JBWS, however, due to the natural elements and wear and tear over time many elements have deteriorated and need to be fixed or replaced.
Corps Members spent the morning removing invasive species, restoring discovery area signs, and installing new elements like a seesaw and tic tac toe table. In the afternoon the Corps Members went on a hike to the Patuxent River Pier where they went on a Pontoon Boat Ride down the river.
Annapolis Maritime Museum & Park – Bee Present Pollinator Garden
The Bee Present Pollinator Garden project, at Annapolis Maritime Museum park campus, focused on creating habitat for local and migratory pollinators. The successfully implemented garden will be used to educate students on the importance of pollinators with lessons about bees, butterflies, birds, and other insects and encourage visitors and community members to slow down to admire and interact with their surroundings.
Corps Members spent the morning removing over 2000 sq. ft. of invasive species and planted native perennials that comprise the pollinator garden and took a group hike in the afternoon at the AMM Park Campus.
American Chestnut Land Trust – Land Stewardship at ACLT
The All-Hands project day included efforts to support ACLT’s mission to produce and donate organic produce from their 1-acre farm, sustain a healthy ecosystem by removing invasive plant species, and maintain public access to protected lands without
causing harm to the watershed.
Corps Members spent the morning performing maintenance on Double Oak Farm, removing patches of invasive wavyleaf basketgrass from ACLT’s conserved land, and participating in sustainable trail building. In the afternoon Corps Members went on a group hike to nearby Parkers Creek.
ShoreRivers – Class on the Fras
Removing invasive water chestnut plant from the Sassafras River is essential for the health of the river’s ecosystems and water quality. If not properly pulled, the aquatic species has the ability to quickly cover regions of the river and outcompete native SAV plants for sunlight and other properties.
Corps Members spent the day removing invasive Eurasian water chestnut in Turner’s Creek on the Sassafras River, learning about the history and ecology of the Sassafras River and watershed from the Sassafras Riverkeeper Zack Kelleher, and directly experiencing the Sassafras River ecology and Eastern Shore environment through an afternoon of kayaking, canoeing, swimming, and hiking.
