With help from local communities, bald eagles are soaring across the Potomac region again

With help from local communities, bald eagles are soaring across the Potomac region again

The decline of America’s bald eagles—and their community-powered rebound—was one of the defining moments for the nation’s environmental movement, especially in the Potomac River region. Their road to recovery highlights the importance of preserving ecological balance.

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What do we know about baby dolphins living in the Potomac River?

What do we know about baby dolphins living in the Potomac River?

Understanding how many bottlenose dolphins in the Potomac-Chesapeake area are reproductive females, the number of calves they’re having, and how many of those calves survive reveals much about the current state of the population and its trajectory.

Discover what the Potomac-Chesapeake Dolphin Project (PCDP) is learning about baby dolphins in the Potomac River and how this research is unlocking key information about the health of the mid-Atlantic dolphin populations.

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How to become a birder: learn from expert Tykee James

How to become a birder: learn from expert Tykee James

So you've probably heard that birding is a great hobby—it keeps you in touch with nature, it's inexpensive, and you can do it through a window or in a quiet wood. But how do you go from fledgling to eagle-eyed?

We talked to Tykee James, a local expert from the Audubon Society, about easy ways to start birding (and make friends doing it!) and what makes being a Potomac region bird-nerd so special.

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Why do dolphins use the Potomac River?

Why do dolphins use the Potomac River?

Understanding how many bottlenose dolphins in the Potomac-Chesapeake area are reproductive females, the number of calves they’re having, and how many of those calves survive reveals much about the current state of the population and its trajectory.

Discover what the Potomac-Chesapeake Dolphin Project (PCDP) is learning about baby dolphins in the Potomac River and how this research is unlocking key information about the health of the mid-Atlantic dolphin populations.

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Potomac River dolphins also suffer from viral outbreaks - Here’s how to help

Potomac River dolphins also suffer from viral outbreaks - Here’s how to help

Just like people, dolphins are susceptible to disease outbreaks. That’s why the Potomac-Chesapeake Dolphin Project is studying an airborne viral outbreak that caused a mass mortality event among Potomac River dolphins.

So what have they discovered about how and why disease spreads amongst our local dolphin population?And how can we keep them healthy and prevent more outbreaks?

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Quiz: The bats in your backyard!

Quiz: The bats in your backyard!

Did you know that there are dozens of bat species that call the Potomac River region home…and that many of them are under threat or endangered? Luckily, the work we do to conserve our local lands and waters can also help protect these vulnerable creatures. Take this quiz to get to know some of the bats hanging around in our backyards!

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Ask An Expert: How to become a birder

Ask An Expert: How to become a birder

So you've probably heard that birding is a great hobby - it keeps you in touch with nature, it's inexpensive, and you can do it through a window or in a quiet wood. But how do you go from fledgling to eagle-eyed?

We talked to a local expert from the Audubon Society about easy ways to start birding (and make friends doing it!) and what makes being a Potomac region bird-nerd so special.

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Quiz: The bats in your backyard!

Quiz: The bats in your backyard!

Did you know that there are dozens of bat species that call the Potomac River region home…and that many of them are under threat or endangered? Luckily, the work we do to conserve our local lands and waters can also help protect these vulnerable creatures. Take this quiz to get to know some of the bats hanging around in our backyards!

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What to do when you encounter local animals (and their babies!)

What to do when you encounter local animals (and their babies!)

Spring means animal babies! And as we spend more time outside, it also means more interactions between humans and local wildlife.

Do you know what to do if you come across a fox, snake, or baby bird? We asked the experts from Second Chance Wildlife Center for the answers to some common animal interaction questions.

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Ask An Expert: How to become a birder

Ask An Expert: How to become a birder

So you've probably heard that birding is a great hobby - it keeps you in touch with nature, it's inexpensive, and you can do it through a window or in a quiet wood. But how do you go from fledgling to eagle-eyed?

We talked to a local expert from the Audubon Society about easy ways to start birding (and make friends doing it!) and what makes being a Potomac region bird-nerd so special.

Read More

Research Update: Dolphins give birth in Potomac River and other discoveries

Research Update: Dolphins give birth in Potomac River and other discoveries

Our partners at the Potomac-Chesapeake Dolphin Project have been out surveying the bottlenose dolphin population in the lower Potomac River all summer.

We joined them recently to hear what about they’ve learned this research season, sightings of newly named Mac and Chessie, and one very adorable discovery…

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Ask An Expert: What to do when you encounter wildlife

Ask An Expert: What to do when you encounter wildlife

The leaves are changing, the air is cooler, you’re taking a crisp autumn stroll by the river…and you come across a fawn all by itself. Does it need your help?

What if you come across a large buck, opossum, fledgling bird, or potentially venomous snake? Any of these interactions are possible in the fall and, while thrilling, could be dangerous for yourself or the animal. But don’t fear! We asked the experts from Second Chance Wildlife Center how to deal with many common local species.

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