Katie Blackman
Director of Community Conservation

Since my days growing up across the street from Glen Echo Park, the Potomac River has always been a part of me. And I mean that quite literally as the Potomac has provided me with drinking water for my entire life!

Spending time along the river—either hiking along the Billy Goat Trail, biking beside the C&O Canal, or looking for critters in the many streams and creeks that feed the mighty Potomac—gave me an appreciation of the natural world.

“No matter how enormous the challenge, by joining our neighbors and rolling up our sleeves, we never have to feel helpless or small, and we can make a difference.”

— Katie Blackman

But I did not initially set out to serve nature.

After graduating college with a degree in history and elementary education, I taught middle school in the District of Columbia. During a research project about local endangered species, my students kept asking what they could do to help these disappearing animals. They felt helpless and small in the face of such an enormous challenge.

At the time, I was volunteering with the National Zoo’s Behavior Watch Program, collecting data for the zoo’s team of world-class researchers working to protect endangered animals.

I came to the realization that I wasn’t powerless. I could help.

I realized there is no tool more powerful to the conservation of the natural world than the voice of its neighbors and that I could dedicate my life to helping neighbors find their voice through action.

Since then, I have worked to provide communities with the tools, knowledge, and opportunities to protect animals and nature by volunteering. I have learned that no matter how enormous the challenge, by joining our neighbors and rolling up our sleeves, we never have to feel helpless or small, and we can make a difference.

I am grateful for the opportunity to join Potomac Conservancy and help communities protect the river to which I owe so much.

Now, I’m going down the river. I hope to see you there!
Katie Blackman

Joining our team in April 2015 as our Director of Community Conservation, Katie leads Potomac Conservancy’s public engagement and hands-on restoration efforts, spearheading grassroots outreach activities.

Learn more about Katie's background in outreach and conservation, and meet your Clean Water Team by visiting Your Advocates >