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. 

Read More

7 brilliant ways to relax, destress, and help the Potomac River (at the same time!)

7 brilliant ways to relax, destress, and help the Potomac River (at the same time!)

In this incredibly stressful year, it’s important to indulge in nature’s restorative powers and take time to unwind. Some of the best relaxation activities can also help our local environment…if you do them right. We’ve got lots of suggestions for self-care methods for nature lovers, and tips and resources for how to do them in a river-friendly way.

Read More

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.

Read More

Indigenous Voices: Discover the beauty of Nanjemoy Creek

Indigenous Voices: Discover the beauty of Nanjemoy Creek

Nanjemoy Creek is known as the “green thumb” of the Potomac River, as it remains so well-forested and pristine. This is in large part thanks to the efforts of the Piscataway people and their efforts to protect their ancestral home.

Hear from Piscataway nation member and Indigenous scholar Gabby Tayac about the connection her people have to Nanjemoy, their history along side it, and how its beauty still inspires her today.

Read More

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…

Read More

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!

Read More

Ask the Expert: How does your grocery list impact the Potomac River?

Ask the Expert: How does your grocery list impact the Potomac River?

Our friends from Mom’s Organic Market tell you how to write a shopping list that really makes a difference for our local environment and the climate. Check out these 5 quick tips to level up your river-friendly grocery game and find out the #1 action you can take for clean water…

Read More

3 essential books by Indigenous authors for environmental activists

3 essential books by Indigenous authors for environmental activists

All lands in the United States are the ancestral lands of Indigenous peoples. If we want to build an equitable and sustainable movement to protect the Potomac River, our local lands, and the climate, we must learn from Indigenous people and their legacy of environmental activism.

Read More

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!

Read More

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!

Read More

4 Facts You *OTTER* Know About Potomac River Otters

4 Facts You *OTTER* Know About Potomac River 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).

Read More