It's late summer. And it's hot.
The good news is there are plenty of spots where you can jump in, cool off, and enjoy the Potomac River and local streams — no pool pass required.
Read MoreThe Potomac River is home to one of the most adorable aquatic animals- the river otter. Otters around the world have faced centuries of decline due to hunting, trapping, and habitat loss. But our local species is on the rebound.
Do you know how else river otters differ from their sea otter cousins? Discover their quirks, unique habits, and when and where you might be able to spot one in the wild! (Also, cute photos, of course).
Read MoreWe’re only six months into 2019 and the Potomac Conservancy has already had four major victories for clean water! With the help of our advocates, we’re protecting land, forests, and vital streams on the federal, state, and local levels.
There are several more battles for the River to be won, though, so brush up on the issues in our Legislative Recap so you’re prepared to vote in the next election!
Read MoreEvery piece of land has a story to tell. This one just happens to have stories about the Civil War!
Learn more about this unique property’s rich history and ecology, and what tool the Potomac Conservancy is using to keep it permanently protected for clean water.
Read MoreThe newly re-designed District Wharf in Washington, DC isn’t just a playground for river lovers, it’s a model of pollution-preventing, river-friendly development. Discover how hidden elements in the neighborhood’s sidewalks, pavement, and roofs are keeping many Olympic swimming pools of contaminants out of the Potomac every year.
Read MoreYou 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!
Read MoreThere are literally hundreds of national, state, and local parks in the Potomac region. Choosing where to go can be overwhelming.
To help you take advantage of the great outdoors this summer, we’ve done the hard work for you. Pack your reusable water bottle and lace up your boots. Here are 7 spots off the beaten path to explore this summer.
Read MoreOn a 90+ degree day, the Potomac’s cool waters look awfully tempting for a swim. But is it safe? Is it legal?
Hear from the Team Potomac experts and get the answers to some of our most frequently asked questions about swimming in our hometown river.
Read MoreThe votes are in and we have two fin-tastic names for our wild Potomac River bottlenose dolphins (formerly known as D1 and D2)!
Check out their new names and how you can help support research and conservation efforts to keep their home pollution-free.
Read MoreIt’s time to flip out! You can name two dolphins in the Potomac River!
Potomac Conservancy and the Potomac-Chesapeake Dolphin Project invite the public, for the first time, to name two wild bottlenose dolphins in the Potomac River.
Check out the top 10 names and VOTE for your favorite picks by June 14th!
Read MoreThe Potomac River is our backyard, drinking fountain, and playground. But did you know it is also the summer home and breeding ground for some Atlantic bottlenose dolphins?
As dolphins are currently returning to our waters, learn from expert Ann-Marie Jacoby of the Potomac-Chesapeake Dolphin Project about the history, lives, and behaviors of dolphins in the area.
Read MoreThough the fight against river pollution is gaining momentum, action still needs to be taken against some of the lesser known contaminants plaguing the Potomac. These pesky pestilences may sound unfamiliar, but they can have catastrophic effects on wildlife and public health.
Find out what these pollutants are, how they get into the water, and what can be done to get them out!
Read MoreHelp out the Potomac River by reducing your use of plastics!
Check out how these simple alternatives will protect our rivers and even save you money in the long run.
Read MoreThe Potomac River is home to dozens of species of fish — from largemouth bass to migratory shad. Fish can be thought of as "indicator species" for the overall health of the river because they are impacted by a host of environmental factors.
Though several of the Potomac's fish populations are making a comeback, they aren't in the clear yet. Find out what's harming our local fisheries and how you can help.
Read MoreHiking, cycling, or kayaking along the Potomac is always a blast, but exercising our mind is also important. This Earth Month, try a new way to connect with nature: reading.
Start out with these four book recommendations that offer unique perspectives on the environment.
Read MoreChange up your exercise routine with plogging, a new fitness trend us river lovers can’t get enough of.
Learn how you can become a “plogger” and how you can be part of the solution to plastic pollution.
Read MoreWhile plastic pollution falls in Washington, DC and Maryland, Virginia is seeing an increase in plastic litter found in its parks and local waterways.
Learn what’s behind this troubling trend and what Virginia can do to curb its pollution problem.
Read MoreWe can easily take for granted the plants in our own backyard. In addition to keeping our rivers clean and healthy, native plants had many medicinal uses in the past.
Learn which local plants Native Americans used to treat illnesses, and see if you can find any of them growing near you throughout the year.
Read MoreThe Potomac Gorge is home to over 1,000 species of animals, making it one of the most ecologically diverse regions in the country. Unfortunately, litter is a significant threat to the local critters that call the Potomac River home.
Discover the most commons types of plastic litter that are harming local critters and find out how you can help.
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.
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.
