A Message from the President

In 1995, Restore America’s Estuaries was formed out of the desire to bring together voices from all coastal regions together as one – to share in successes and solve challenges. Over the last 30 years, RAE has evolved both in membership and mission but never lost sight of the goal that brought everyone together – to protect and preserve our bays and estuaries as essential resources for our nation.

As we look back on 2025, we are proud to celebrate the tremendous progress of our efforts to protect our coasts including our first round of funding for our Great Lakes Community Restoration Grant program, a renewed partnership with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to continue the work of the Long Island Sound Community Impact Fund, and the largest ever gathering of living shorelines professionals at this year’s Living Shoreline Tech Transfer Workshop.

These accomplishments represent far more than dollars distributed or workshops held. They reflect thousands of people working in concert – our network of members, nonprofit partners, funders, students, tribal and community leaders, agencies, advocates, and residents – advancing coastal resilience in real and measurable ways.

I want to extend a special thank you to RAE’s incredible staff for their unwavering commitment to improving estuaries for all. Across the country, our team consistently goes above and beyond – not only because they believe in our mission, but because many of them live in the very watersheds they are working to restore. They are deeply connected to the bays, sounds, and estuaries they call home, and their passion and expertise are at the heart of RAE’s success.

However, this year was not without its challenges. From uncertain federal funding to devastating natural disasters, our natural resources were under greater threat this year than ever before. Yet every time uncertainty or threats arose, our community responded with collaboration, creativity, and resolve. We were reminded that when we come together, we not only endure, we thrive.

As we celebrate 30 years of impact, we also look forward with optimism and ambition. The United States will mark the America 250 celebration in 2026, offering a moment to reflect on our maritime and coastal history and envision a sustainable coastal future. And next September, we will welcome the nation to our 2026 Coastal & Estuarine Summit – taking place September 22 – 25 in San Francisco – a gathering we expect to be our most forward-looking yet. We will focus on the tools, technologies, financing strategies, and community leadership that will define the next generation of restoration.

Thirty years ago, RAE began with an ambitious mission: restore and protect America’s estuaries. Today, we stand on a foundation built by countless hands, shared knowledge, and unwavering belief in what is possible. The next 30 years will demand innovation, investment, and courage – but if we continue to work together, we will also deliver healthier estuaries, stronger coastal economies, and more resilient communities.

Thank you to our Board, member organizations, partners, funders, members, volunteers, and staff. Your commitment inspires our work every day.

Together, we look to the future – and to the next 30 years of coastal innovation.

Sincerely,

Daniel Hayden
President & CEO
Restore America’s Estuaries