History we should know: How the Potomac shaped our community

History we should know: How the Potomac shaped our community

The Potomac River has been shaping its physical surroundings for over 3 million years when it was first formed—and for thousands of years, it has played a critical role in the lives of the communities that settled along its banks. Inevitably, humans shaped the river back. Where does that leave us now?

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History we should know: How the Potomac shaped our community

History we should know: How the Potomac shaped our community

The Potomac River has been shaping its physical surroundings for over 3 million years when it was first formed—and for thousands of years, it has played a critical role in the lives of the communities that settled along its banks. Inevitably, humans shaped the river back. Where does that leave us now?

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Rising salt levels in the Potomac River threaten wildlife, drinking water.

Rising salt levels in the Potomac River threaten wildlife, drinking water.

Snow’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.

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5 *completely legal* ways to pollute the Potomac

5 *completely legal* ways to pollute the Potomac

With all the progress made since the Clean Water Act was passed in 1972, it may still surprise you to learn there are plenty of ways you can still legally pollute the Potomac River.

Learn how our community allows pollution into our Nation's River – the drinking water source for you and nearly 6 million people – and what you can do about it.

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6 local wetlands to quench your wanderlust

6 local wetlands to quench your wanderlust

Don’t drain the swamp, play in it!

For most of this country's history, wetlands were seen as an impediment to development. But now we understand how paving over wetlands means destroying incalculable ecological services - and some of the Potomac River region’s most magical travel destinations.

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What's plaguing the Potomac River? It could be your lawn.

What's plaguing the Potomac River? It could be your lawn.

Want to have a yard that works for clean water not against it?

Having a healthy lawn fit for summer picnics and protecting clean water aren't mutually exclusive. Hear from a lawn care professional on how to harness nature’s power and take steps to ensure your lawn, big or small, is river friendly!

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5 *completely legal* ways to pollute the Potomac

5 *completely legal* ways to pollute the Potomac

With all the progress made since the Clean Water Act was passed in 1972, it may still surprise you to learn there are plenty of ways you can still legally pollute the Potomac River.

Learn how our community allows pollution into our Nation's River – the drinking water source for you and nearly 6 million people – and what you can do about it.

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Study finds the Potomac is getting saltier, threatening drinking water and wildlife

Study finds the Potomac is getting saltier, threatening drinking water and wildlife

Ever wonder where all that salt on the roads goes? 

Unfortunately, much of it is making its way into our rivers, causing serious threats to wildlife and public health, a new study found.

But there's one part of the country that's bucking the trend. Find out how. 

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Eels are nearly extinct in the Potomac River. Here’s why we want to bring them back.

Eels are nearly extinct in the Potomac River. Here’s why we want to bring them back.

Eels: a slimy, snake-like fish most of us would rather not think about.

But, as it turns out, eels are an unlikely weapon in the fight against pollution, and scientists are working to return them to a stretch of river they’ve been blocked from for a century.

Learn more about the unappreciated eel and what’s being done to restore them to the Potomac.

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New Potomac Report Card downgrades Potomac River’s health - see the new grade

New Potomac Report Card downgrades Potomac River’s health - see the new grade

For the first time in a decade, the Potomac River’s health grade has declined – slipping from a B in Potomac Conservancy’s 2020 Potomac River Report Card. It’s a far cry from when the Conservancy graded the river an abysmal D just ten years ago, but stalled progress could signal a dangerous reversal in course for the river’s health if bold measures are not taken to address threats. Discover the new grade today…

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What's plaguing the Potomac River? It could be your lawn.

What's plaguing the Potomac River? It could be your lawn.

You might not realize it, but your lawn could be polluting the Potomac and harming local wildlife. Having a healthy lawn fit for summer picnics and protecting clean water aren't mutually exclusive. Hear from a lawn care professional on how to take steps to ensure your lawn, big or small, is river friendly!

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