We’re charging ahead in the fight for clean water. Here’s how you can join us from home.

Image courtesy of the Chesapeake Bay Program

The unpredictable, up-and-down nature of spring —alternating between warm, clear blue skies and ominous storm clouds — reflects how our team’s been feeling in recent weeks: Uncertain of what’s to come, but also hopeful and determined we’ll get through this together.

It’s been comforting to see folks turn to the very streams, forests, and riverside trails our clean water movement has helped to protect for fresh air, quiet space, and much needed respite.

And just as we turn to nature, we can turn to each other to navigate these uncharted waters.

Here's how our team at Potomac Conservancy is adjusting and carrying out our mission for clean water this spring:

Collaborating with local environmental groups: We’ve been in regular communication with the Choose Clean Water Coalition and fellow executives at partner organizations. We’re helping each other weather this storm by sharing information and coordinating our conservation strategies. I’m so proud of how our clean water community has come together to ensure we all get through this and continue our good work.

Carrying on the fight for clean water: We’re continuing our behind-the-scenes work to permanently protect an additional 1,400 acres of vulnerable upstream forests in the Shenandoah Valley and South Branch region. While we’re holding off on field work, we’re diving into all of the other steps of the conservation easement process – like mapping, identifying wildlife and river protection needs, finalizing legal paperwork, and conferring with landowners and partners. Want to help? Make a $35 donation today to support our land protection program!

Driving collective impact: While our team of 10 is adjusting to working at home and continuing progress in every way we can, we’re finding new and innovative ways to push forward. One way we’re doing this is by replacing our planned Earth Month cleanups with an initiative that empowers volunteers across the region to collect litter in their neighborhoods. We’ll clean up the outdoors together, but apart! Learn how you can join our litter crew by signing up for our special Earth Month emails.

Planting the seeds for change: Our efforts to advocate for strong water protection laws at the local and state level are limited right now as state legislative sessions have closed early, county scheduling is in flux, and public hearings are off-limits. Instead, we’re looking ahead and identifying ways we can prepare now for the big fights to come – including hosting online grassroots advocacy trainings. Stay tuned!

Keeping you updated on the places you love: We're providing you with more updates on our progress, clean water news, and ways to get involved - even virtually. Call it a needed distraction or just time for self-care, we’ll keep you posted on all things Potomac. Sign up for our River Update email and keep tabs on the Potomac!

Charging Ahead

While you take care of yourself and loved ones, help us continue the good work to take care of our local streams, forests, and drinking water sources.

Please consider supporting our local clean water programs with a $7 monthly charitable gift. Donate today!

Donate

Thank you for being an important part of our local movement for clean water. Please stay safe and healthy in the coming days and weeks.

—Team Potomac