This slow and steady critter stole our hearts! Meet your 2026 Potomac Critter of the Year

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This slow and steady critter stole our hearts! Meet your 2026 Potomac Critter of the Year

The Eastern box turtle may not move fast, but it has a lasting impact. Found across the eastern United States, including our neck of the woods, this small, land-dwelling turtle supports healthy forests through its feeding habits and movement across the region. Your Potomac River 2026 Critter of the Year is a reminder that even the smallest critters in our ecosystems have a major role in its health! 

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Get to know the fascinating dawn and dusk dwellers that thrive in the Potomac’s “twilight zone”

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Get to know the fascinating dawn and dusk dwellers that thrive in the Potomac’s “twilight zone”

Curious to know why some animals prefer living in the liminal spaces of the day, and which critters to keep an eye out for on your next dawn stroll or twilight hike? Let’s illuminate this fascinating – and, if you ask us, underappreciated – side of wildlife behavior!

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Our new Potomac River Critter of the Year  is an elusive, pint-sized predator with a love of local woodlands!

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Our new Potomac River Critter of the Year  is an elusive, pint-sized predator with a love of local woodlands!

What’s a cousin of our river otters, has a tail over half as long as its body, and strikes fear in the hearts of porcupines? Read on to find out! 

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5 birdsongs to keep an ear out for on your next spring hike in the Potomac region

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5 birdsongs to keep an ear out for on your next spring hike in the Potomac region

With its abundance of forested land and fresh water, the Potomac River region is home to over 120 bird species. Learn how to use sound and sight to identify some species you might see in your backyard or local park.

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Local naturalist and author shares 5 reasons why the Potomac Gorge is a must for nature lovers

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Local naturalist and author shares 5 reasons why the Potomac Gorge is a must for nature lovers

Always searching for new nature adventures close to home? Look no further!

Local naturalist, author, and forest-bathing guide Melanie Choukas-Bradley shares her tips for exploring the wild and beautiful Potomac Gorge that boasts incredible geology, biodiversity, and recreation options right in our backyards.

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