Meet the businesses making a big investment in clean water

Meet the businesses making a big investment in clean water

As a nonprofit organization, Potomac Conservancy depends on the generosity of our members and local businesses to support our mission to make the Potomac a healthy, thriving river.

Check out these 7 businesses that are showing their Potomac Pride by supporting over 1,500 volunteers and paddlers to remove over 10-tons of trash, plant native trees, and collect native seeds for future plantings!

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A Year of Progress for the Potomac River

A Year of Progress for the Potomac River

Announcing our 2018 - 2019 Annual Report! Celebrate a year of progress for the Potomac.

50 years ago, the Potomac River was declared “a national disgrace” by President Lyndon Johnson. Since then, the river has made a dramatic comeback - thanks to the work of Potomac Conservancy, our partners, and our community of 31,000 supporters. Now that the Potomac home to rebounding populations of fish, eagles, beavers, and dolphins, we don’t want to lose momentum.

Discover the strides we’ve made for the health of our water and how you can help fight the threats it still faces.

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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: Should you leave your leaves?

Ask An Expert: Should you leave your leaves?

Every autumn, gardeners and landowners ask the same question…what should I do with the fallen leaves in my yard or garden? You may know that leaf litter is actually really important for soil health - but that doesn’t mean you have to leave your leaves.

Hear from the experts from Backyard Bounty about how to make the switch from gas-powered leaf blower to a method that benefits your plants, your soil, and clean water.

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Staff Picks: 6 Books to Read by the River

Staff Picks: 6 Books to Read by the River

At Potomac Conservancy, we think the river is the best classroom or teacher anyone could ask for this back-to-school season. But while you’re enjoying a fall breeze by the water, why not read a book that strengthens your connection with it?

For those of us that love to learn, here are six of our favorite non-fiction works that celebrate the wildlife, waters, and wonders of the Potomac Watershed and beyond.

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Virginia needs YOU - to vote!

Virginia needs YOU - to vote!

Every vote counts in every election - especially this one.

Voter turnouts for odd year elections are usually low, but that doesn’t make the upcoming election in Virginia (on November 5th!) any less important. Find out why your voice is vital for clean water and take our pledge to vote today!

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6 types of trash that harm local animals (and what you can do to help)

6 types of trash that harm local animals (and what you can do to help)

We’re fortunate to live in one of the most ecologically diverse regions in the country! The Potomac River is home to over 1,000 species of animals, but litter is threatening the critters that share our local lands and waters.

Discover 6 types of trash that pose the biggest risk to local wildlife — and what you can do to help!

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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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A Weekend on White Horse Mountain

A Weekend on White Horse Mountain

Five years ago, we purchased White Horse Mountain in West Virginia to protect it from development. Last year, the state of West Virginia officially opened it as a public recreation area.

Now you, along with the abundant wildlife that calls the mountain home, can enjoy its vast acres of uninterrupted forest, unimpeded river views, clear streams, and rare wildflowers. Find out how in our visitor’s guide, including 6 adventure activities.

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4 Reasons to Paddle with Potomac Conservancy

4 Reasons to Paddle with Potomac Conservancy

Ever wonder what it’s like to paddle with Potomac Conservancy?

We aim to make our Alternative Happy Hour Paddles inclusive, diverse, and fun events for all - but don’t take it from us! Follow along with the Instagram story of one of our favorite paddlers and learn 4 reasons why you’ll want to join us on the water.

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Your backyard can help clean the Potomac—here's how

Your backyard can help clean the Potomac—here's how

Just one inch of rain generates 2,000 gallons of runoff from a typical suburban home. Multiple that by the number of homes in our area and you can see why polluted runoff is the fastest growing source of pollution to the Potomac.

Hear from the experts at Backyard Bounty on how to transform your yard into a river friendly garden that fights pollution and naturally absorbs runoff.

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4 Facts You *OTTER* Know About Otters

4 Facts You *OTTER* Know About Otters

The 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).

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Legislative Round-Up: 7 Clean Water Advocacy Updates from 2019

Legislative Round-Up: 7 Clean Water Advocacy Updates from 2019

We’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!

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