Collaboration and partnership is at the core of the Choose Clean Water Coalition. And while a great deal is accomplished through emails, Zoom calls, and Google docs, there's tremendous value in gathering in-person. Organic ideas are formed, relationships strengthen, and expertise is shared.

As the next phase of the Bay restoration effort is debated, the Coalition is constantly beating the drum to center the impacts on people and communities in future goals and outcomes. Our in-person gatherings remind us that not only do we need to center people, but it's people who will ultimately decide whether we backtrack or move forward for clean water.

With that in mind, the Coalition hosted more in-person gatherings than ever in 2024. The highlight of our convenings was our annual Choose Clean Water Conference. And our 2024 conference was one to remember, setting multiple new high-water marks including our highest attendance ever, most scholarships awarded, and greatest diversity amongst our attendees by multiple measures.

As we explored the theme "A New Era for Clean Water," we also had the opportunity to celebrate past clean water champions through the creation of our new Clean Water Legacy Award, named in honor of the late Dr. Beth McGee and Ridge Hall. Awarded for the first time to Lisa Alexander, retiring Executive Director of Coalition member Nature Forward, the award is a fitting tribute to Beth and Ridge and the legacy they left.

Other notable gatherings included our first field trip for our Young Professionals of Color Mentorship Program, which brought together more than 20 mentors and mentees from this signature Coalition program to experience the Baltimore Harbor and learn about its challenges and opportunities for restoration. The Coalition also held state in-person meetings for our members in Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, and Delaware and our Agriculture and Communications Workgroups toured Chesapeake Bay Foundation's Clagett Farm in Upper Marlboro, MD.

These events, and many others, are integral to achieving our clean water goals. We can't wait to hit the road again in 2025—we hope our paths cross soon!

Header photo: Choose Clean Water Conference attendees gathered for a group photo at the conference’s evening reception.