When “extreme” becomes the new normal: How flood and drought cycles are changing the Potomac River region
/From too much to not enough, the Potomac’s ‘Goldilocks problem’ is keeping our communities high and dry or underwater.
Read MoreFrom too much to not enough, the Potomac’s ‘Goldilocks problem’ is keeping our communities high and dry or underwater.
Read MoreStreams might seem small, but they have a big impact on water quality, wildlife, and the health of the Potomac River. Changes in flow can concentrate pollutants, erode streambanks, and stress aquatic life. The climate crisis, causing shifts in rainfall and evaporation, makes these challenges even greater. Potomac Conservancy protects streams by conserving land, organizing local cleanups, and advocating for river-friendly policies, ensuring healthy streams today and a resilient Potomac watershed for the future.
Read MoreSnow’s certainly not been a stanger this winter! Using salt can keep our roads safe, but it has dangerous consequences for the Potomac River.
Learn about the threat of rising salt levels in the Potomac and its tributaries, and alternatives to traditional salt to keep both our roads and freshwater safe.
Read MoreFor Stephanie Flack and her family, the Potomac River has been a central part of their lives for decades. Its shores have been their gathering place to enjoy holidays, spend weekends, share laughs, and explore. Learn how she’s planning to give back.
Read MoreThe District’s green spaces offer a haven for wildlife and humans alike, but the climate crisis makes these urban ecosystems increasingly vulnerable.
Learn what we can do to protect them!
Read MoreWhy do the Tidal Basin seawalls need an upgrade, and how long will it take? The passage of time and the growing intensity of the climate crisis mean the Tidal Basin needs better flood protection – much better.
Read on to learn about this costly infrastructure project and the power of harnessing nature-based solutions to adapt to climate change.
Read MoreWinter is here, but that doesn’t mean you can let your guard down when it comes to ticks!
Read on to learn about how the climate crisis is leading to rising populations of ticks—and steps we can take to keep the pests out of our backyards.
Read MoreForced to contend with increasingly frequent droughts, wildfires, and severe storms, forests are profoundly affected by the warming planet. But, they are also one of the best ways to help combat the effects of a changing climate.
Learn just how critical trees are for our region’s climate resilience and how you can help protect them!
Read MoreOur 2023 Potomac Report Card is here! Does the Potomac River get a passing grade…?
Find out the latest health assessment and learn what it’s going to take to restore swimmable and fishable waters to our community.
Read MoreWe all need to take action against the climate crisis to protect our futures.
Use these 7 tricks to be an impactful communicator when talking about the changing climate with your friends, colleagues, and community.
Read MoreForest protections are critical in the fight for a clean Potomac River. We are proud to support Montgomery County’s recent passing of an updated Forest Conservation Law. This will not only benefit our drinking water, but also our community’s health, and local ecosystem.
Read MoreThe District’s green spaces offer a haven for wildlife and humans alike, but the climate crisis makes these urban ecosystems increasingly vulnerable.
Learn what we can do to protect them!
Read MoreHealthy old-growth forests are crucial for clean water—but they can also help tackle the climate crisis. How can we help protect them?
Read MoreRestoring the Potomac River to full health is a community-wide effort that requires many strategies to return clean, safe waters to local streams. We combine the power of local land conservation with clean water advocacy work. Read on to learn more about the bills we supported during this year’s legislative sessions on a county-, state-, and federal level, why exactly they matter, and what we are working on next.
Read MoreCheck out the unique ecosystems that are the Potomac’s tidal forests—and learn about the top climate threats facing them.
Read MoreLearn what an earlier blooming season means for our increasingly vulnerable urban ecosystems.
Read MoreCan you make a difference for our climate if you’re not an energy policy wonk or oceanographer? Yes, in fact, it’s better that you’re not an expert.
Find out why, six other tips for talking about climate action, and how to get involved today in our local movement on climate.
Read MoreEarth Day and Arbor Day are just around the corner! Let’s take the time to learn about the vulnerable upland forests in the Potomac region, and why protecting these lands is important for clean water.
Read MoreYou probably have heard about Treasure Island, but how about Treasure Wetlands?
Learn about the climate threats that the Potomac’s tidal marshes face and how we can protect these priceless lands.
Read MoreThe climate crisis is here. And so is the final chapter of Rising to the Challenge, the region’s first comprehensive climate report.
Our report and six-part series have revealed the unique ways in which our streams, wildlife, and communities are impacted by a warming climate and extreme weather.
Dive into Part Six to uncover 7 key climate findings that impact the Potomac River — and the nature-based solutions we must support to overcome the crisis of our lifetime!
Read MoreThe region’s leading clean water advocate, fighting to ensure the Potomac River boasts clean drinking water, healthy lands, and connected communities.
Potomac Conservancy
4500 East-West Highway, Suite 150
Bethesda, MD 20814
Call: (301) 608-1188
EIN: 52-1842501
Potomac Conservancy is a nationally accredited land trust and clean water leader in the Potomac River region. We’re committed to restoring the Potomac to full health for the five million people who rely on the river for drinking water and outdoor enjoyment. We improve local water quality through land conservation initiatives that effectively stop pollution from entering our streams and tributaries. Our impassioned base of 42,000 supporters empowers us to protect and expand streamside forests, pass water protection laws, and restore local shorelines.