2015 Readers' Choice

/

The year's most popular river news stories as picked by you, our readers

The results are in! We've analyzed the traffic and double checked our math (we're river warriors, not mathematicians, after all) and here you have it. The most popular stories from the River News blog as chosen by you, our readers! 

Scroll through and get a blast from the past. If you're new, check out important river stories you missed this year.

   
 

Photo Essay: A Walk in the Winter Woods

Explore the winter forest! Take a walk in the winter woods with Tracy, our Land Protection Director, and learn about the season's unique and changing landscapes, animal behavior patterns, and plant life.

READ MORE >

 

Potomac Shad Population Surpasses Restoration Goals

There's nothing fishy about this news. It's looking good for shad in the Potomac! The Chesapeake Bay Program reports shad populations in the Potomac River exceed target restoration goals.

READ MORE >

 

Federal Court Upholds Chesapeake Bay Restoration Plan

Ridge Hall with the Chesapeake Legal Alliance tells us what what we need to know about this summer's historic court case. Find out what the ruling means for the Potomac and our local streams that feed the Bay. 

READ MORE >

 

Potomac Conservancy Saves White Horse Mountain

Thanks to the support of The Conservation Fund and the generosity of more than 250 individuals and organizations, this 1,700-acre forest will be protected forever and opened to the public soon. Learn why saving White Horse is a huge win for clean water.

READ MORE >

 

Exploring Our Sacred Ground

Beth Norcross from the Center for Spirituality in Nature explores our sacred ground and delivers an important message about our shared identity as Potomac Riverans.

READ MORE >

 

Why Donald Trump’s View on Trees Is Wrong

While leaders and businesses in the Washington, DC, metro area are embracing river friendly growth, Donald Trump unnecessarily destroyed one and a half miles of trees along the Potomac River. Here's why it matters.

READ MORE >

 

Invasive Snakeheads Found Above Great Falls

A Maryland Department of Natural Resources and U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service survey confirms the non-native snakehead species has spread into the C&O Canal and the Upper Potomac River.

READ MORE >

 

Latex Chemical Spill on the Potomac's North Branch

When a 10,000-gallon chemical spill polluted the Potomac, several municipalities opted to rely on emergency drinking water supplies. See a timeline of the spill and get the latest news.

READ MORE >

   

You May Also Like

Featured
Five spots you *otter* try otter-spotting in the Potomac River region
Five spots you *otter* try otter-spotting in the Potomac River region

Spotting an otter along the Potomac River is an exciting challenge. Local nature lovers and otter experts generously offer some tips to nudge us in the right direction, sharing intel on where river otters are seen around the Potomac River Region.

Otter activity is an indicator of clean water (our passion) – join us in celebrating their presence and charm!

Tree Planting Project in Shepherdstown, WV takes root thanks to key partners coming together
Tree Planting Project in Shepherdstown, WV takes root thanks to key partners coming together

Good news: the Potomac River region’s tree population just got bigger! We’re tree-ting our river with this major sapling planting in the headwaters. Not only will these trees provide shade when they grow tall, they will also help clean our water!

We’re banding together to take bold action for the Chesapeake Bay Region
We’re banding together to take bold action for the Chesapeake Bay Region

We appreciate the work of the Beyond 2025 Steering Committee but feel the recommendations do not go far and move quickly enough. The following letter offer alternative recommendations for the Chesapeake Executive Council to consider adopting at their annual meeting in December:

Swimming isn't the only way to beat the heat: 6 ways to get your feet wet
Swimming isn't the only way to beat the heat: 6 ways to get your feet wet

The summer is heating up, and we have insider tips on how to beat the heat.

Even though swimming in DC is illegal, there are other ways to enjoy the water around the Potomac River region this season!

Water is life. Discover how we're restoring the Potomac River for clean water and thriving communities
Water is life. Discover how we're restoring the Potomac River for clean water and thriving communities

One of Potomac Conservancy’s Maryland Climate Corps members took her passion for a healthy Potomac River and transformed it into a video detailing the importance of clean water.

Are you ready to be inspired?

Your voice matters: 4 new policy wins thanks to community support, Potomac Conservancy leadership 
Your voice matters: 4 new policy wins thanks to community support, Potomac Conservancy leadership 

The 2024 legislative session is over, and thanks to you, we saw some great Potomac River successes! Dive in to see which bills passed and which made monumental progress.

This conservation easement is protecting land, cleaning water, and helping these 4 plants thrive
This conservation easement is protecting land, cleaning water, and helping these 4 plants thrive

Our Potomac River region is home for many plants that serve a dual purpose! They aren’t just pretty to look at, they have other important benefits, too!

The key is, we need to protect the land and water they rely on. Without a healthy environment, these plants can’t thrive!

Newborn dolphins are expected in the Potomac River any day now – Here's what we're learning about them
Newborn dolphins are expected in the Potomac River any day now – Here's what we're learning about them

Baby dolphin season is almost here! We’ve talked with dolphin experts, so you know how to help the dolphins and their babies this summer.

It’s critical we continue to protect these amazing creatures that we share the Potomac River with!

A Maryland data center project has violated environmental protections
A Maryland data center project has violated environmental protections

We partnered with local organizations to share our concerns about environmental damage caused by the Quantum Loophole data centers project in Fredrick County, Maryland.

Read on to see what are our main concerns and recommendations to remedy any environmental harm.

To protect clean water, we need to talk about the Potomac’s English ivy problem
To protect clean water, we need to talk about the Potomac’s English ivy problem

Beloved ornamental or tree killer? English ivy has blanketed our region, harming trees and reducing biodiversity wherever it grows. We talked with Jon Nowick of Tree Friends United about how to get invasive vines under control.