Meet Jared Synnestvedt; our youngest 
Protector of the Potomac. Jared raised support for the Potomac River this summer by selling water and gatorade to bicyclists, joggers and walkers along the Mount Vernon trail in Virginia. One of Jared's patrons happened to be Representative Jim Moran of Northern Virginia; one of the Conservancy's main proponents for protecting the water quality and natural environment of the Potomac River region. Many thanks to Jared for his hard work this summer! Click here to see more photos of Jared in action.

Aveda Institute students and staff gathered with Potomac Conservancy yesterday at the Aveda Institute DC to celebrate months of hard work on behalf of clean water. As part of Aveda Earth Month 2010, students and staff at the Institute organized a series of fundraising events such as cut-a-thons, a walk for water, and  a fashion show to raise over 10k for Potomac Conservancy––a 2010 Aveda Earth Month partner.

Potomac Conservancy thanks the students, instructors, and staff at Aveda Institute DC for months of hard work!

The Conservancy is hiring for two positions: Development Associate/Office Coordinator and Development Intern. Click here for full positions descriptions and application instructions.  

The River Center at Lockhouse 8 is open on weekends from 10 am - 2 pm, with tours, nature walks and more. Our summer schedule is online. 

Next at the River Center:

Exciting News: We've surpassed our 5,000 petition signature goal!

Potomac Conservancy's Fish Mystery campaign calls for government funding for more research into why more 80% of male bass in the Potomac River are now exhibiting female traits, such as eggs.

We are underataking actions that will help solve the mystery of intersex fish. Foremost is the need to know whether a “toxic stew” of emerging pollutants known as endocrine disrupting compound is the culprit.

By signing our Fish Mystery petition, you will add your voice to those calling out for more stringent testing  and oversight of potentially dangerous chemicals that are entering our waterways. The petition will request that Congress fund more research into effects of these chemicals on aquatic and human health.

RESOURCES:      Fish Mystery Web Page     Fish Mystery Brochure    Video    PowerPoint 

See our Virginia Policy Director, Pat Felling's letter to the Northern Virginia Daily Newspaper, co-signed by Friends of the North Fork of the Shenandoah River, urging builders and developers to incorporate low-impact development practices as standard operating procedures in areas such as Frederick and Shenandoah County, Virginia. Low impact development technologies mimic natural natural landscapes, and can help absorb runoff and filter pollutants. For questions about the presence of low impact development in your community, contact Patrick Felling at felling@potomac.org.

The State of the Nation's River report provides an overview and assessment of the condition of the nation's river and offers solutions on how to meet the needs of our populace while maintaining vigorous and healthy lands and waters.

• State of the Nation's River 2009: Emerging Contaminants -  Web Page

• 2009 report (pdf ) This report will raise awareness of the presence of endocrine disrupting compounds and spur action to remove them from our water supply before they have a negative impact on present and future generations.
• State of the Nation's River 2008: Stormwater - Web Page 
• 2008  report (pdf) 
• State of the Nation's River 2007 - Web Page
• 2007 Report (pdf)

Other Releases: 

• 2008 Annual Report
• The Valley and The Creek, The Timeless Connection between Fort Valley, Virginia, and Passage Creek is now available. Click here to download the pdf (3.32 MB).

Passage Creek Aquatic Community Assessment: The Conservancy, and researchers from Virginia Tech's Department of Fisheries and Wildlife launched a comprehensive study of this North Fork Shendanoah River tributary in 2007. Our report is available here.