Solar panels vs. trees: A real debate or a false dichotomy?

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Solar panels vs. trees: A real debate or a false dichotomy?

The Potomac River - and the five million people who depend on it for drinking water - rely on healthy forests to protect streams from polluted runoff and erosion. That’s why we must defend and conserve our forests from irresponsible development.

Read our statement opposing Georgetown University’s Solar Project, a “green” plan that would needlessly destroy the largest surviving forest along the Potomac River in Southern Maryland.

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

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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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Our favorite local date spots for the outdoor romantic

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Our favorite local date spots for the outdoor romantic

Skip Netflix binge-watching, take a hard pass on a crowded restaurant, and get outside to make some memories with your special someone.

Whether you already have plans or still need to make some for the big day, we’ve got you covered with a list of the best outdoor dates on and around the Potomac. 

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Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. cared about the environment - and 3 other surprising facts about the renowned civil rights leader

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Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. cared about the environment - and 3 other surprising facts about the renowned civil rights leader

While Dr. King is best known for his role in monumental movements like the Montgomery Bus Boycott, and his “I Have a Dream” speech during the March on Washington, there are more surprising details about his life that you may not know - including his views on the environment.

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Potomac Conservancy protects 270-acre upstream forest

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Potomac Conservancy protects 270-acre upstream forest

Nestled on the outskirts of Cross Junction, Virginia, Bear Garden's 270-acres of streams, open spaces, and sprawling forests have been home to Carl Hovermale’s family for over one hundred years. And with Potomac Conservancy's help, this treasured land is now protected forever.

Explore Bear Garden and discover 3 reasons why protecting it is good news for clean water.

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Host a river-friendly holiday party with these 12 easy tips

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Host a river-friendly holiday party with these 12 easy tips

Ah, the holidays. It’s one of our favorite times of year. But it can also be — dare we say it — a wasteful time of year.

Let’s make this holiday season a tad greener this year. Check out 12 simple tips and tricks from our staff and host a memorable, river-friendly holiday party!

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Extreme stream makeover: 3 local creeks are transformed

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Extreme stream makeover: 3 local creeks are transformed

3 stream makeovers that make us wish every tributary in our region was given special treatment.

Thankfully, more makeovers are on the way as local counties are investing in stream restoration to combat polluted runoff, the top threat to clean water in our region. Learn what one local county is doing to help their streams and earn some serious bragging rights. #BestStreamInTown

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An increase in bald eagles signals the Potomac’s health is improving, but animal biodiversity is slower to rebuild

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An increase in bald eagles signals the Potomac’s health is improving, but animal biodiversity is slower to rebuild

Few things are more patriotic than a soaring bald eagle. And now you don’t have to go far to spot one, as George Mason University instructor Christina Tyler Wenks reports. Improving water quality is bringing the national bird back to the capital region. But what about other wildlife?

Find out where you can catch a glimpse of a bald eagle and learn how you can do your part to help local wildlife.

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

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Eels are nearly extinct in the Potomac. 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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Potomac Conservancy Turns 25!

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Potomac Conservancy Turns 25!

We’re celebrating 25 years of protecting the Potomac River and the lands, streams, and communities we treasure.

Potomac Conservancy’s President, Hedrick Belin, reflects on the organization’s history, the progress we’ve made to clean up the Potomac River, and what it will take to restore our hometown river to full health.

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Swimming called off for 2018 Nation's Escape Triathlon - Here's why

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Swimming called off for 2018 Nation's Escape Triathlon - Here's why

Due to pollution concerns in the Potomac River, race organizers and District leaders were forced to cancel the swim portion of the 2018 Nation’s Escape Triathlon.

We've put together this FAQ to provide helpful insights into the conditions that led to the cancellation of the swim race. And, we offer ways you can help in the fight for clean water!

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Report gives the Anacostia River its first ever passing grade

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Report gives the Anacostia River its first ever passing grade

Earlier this year, our State of the Nation’s River report gave the Potomac its highest ever grade. The Potomac’s remarkable recovery is something to celebrate. But it begs the question, how about DC’s other river, the Anacostia?

Find out what grade the Anacostia earned this year and what project is reducing pollution in the river by the billions.

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