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 in 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.
Read MoreOur river’s banks, meadows, and woodlands are about to explode with color thanks to hundreds of local wildflower species, so get prepared for the most vibrant time of year with our handy guide to when and where to spot the most beautiful blooms of the Potomac!
Do you know a snowdrop from a spatterdock??
Read MoreWhy is protecting land vital to protecting the Potomac? And how can we make sure it is protected forever?
Find out with our new interactive story map…and explore the lands themselves.
Read MoreWhere does all the trash in the Potomac River come from? Are litterers as careless as we think? And how can we help?
The story is complicated - so let’s break it down and take action!
Read MoreCan you make a difference for our climate if you’re not an energy policy wonk or oceanographer? Yes, in fact, it’s better that you’re not an expert.
Find out why, six other tips for talking about climate action, and how to get involved today in our local movement on climate.
Read MoreNow more than ever, we all need the mental and physical health benefits of getting outside. But how can you take advantage of the winter outdoors without it feeling like a chore?
Check out this list of how to prepare for cold weather, new activities to try, wildlife you can only spot in the winter, and even how to stay in touch with the natural world when you’re determined to stay indoors.
Read MorePotomac Conservancy has served the DC, DC Metro, and greater Potomac River region for over 25 years and we take threats to our community seriously. The recent sickening act of sedition by President Trump and his enablers, and attempted coup by domestic terrorists must be forcefully and unequivocally rejected.
Read Potomac Conservancy President Hedrick Belin’s full statement in defense of free and fair elections.
Read MoreCliff Canyon, a beautifully rugged 755 acres in Pendleton County, WV is now permanently protected from development by a conservation easement. Learn why three non-profit organizations formed a partnership to fight for this special parcel of land.
Read MoreWhile Dr. King is best known for his role in civil rights actions like the Montgomery Bus Boycott, and his “I Have a Dream” speech during the March on Washington, he also cared deeply about the environment and left his mark on the conservation movement.
Find out why clean water matters to civil rights advocates and how you can help uphold Dr. King’s legacy through action.
Read MoreHave you ever wondered how our local critters get through the winter?
Whether it’s packing on the pounds, getting out of Dodge, or cozying up with some friends, Mother Nature has quite an amazing response to the cold. Find out how five common critters spend the winter.
Read MoreEver 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 MoreAh, 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 10 simple tips and tricks from our staff for memorable, river-friendly holiday season.
Read MorePotomac Conservancy President Hedrick Belin reflects on the presidential election, what nature can teach us during periods of transition, and what needs to be done for clean water as we look to the future.
Read MoreIn 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 MoreEels: 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 MoreIt’s time to start planning your winter garden.
Here are 6 ways you can care for a beautiful winter garden that will keep our our rivers clean and our birds and bees happy.
Read MoreNanjemoy 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 MoreIn a year if unexpected challenges, Potomac Conservancy has united with our community to achieve many successes for clean water. Find out how we’re making an impact in our 2019 - 2020 Annual Report.
Read MoreFor 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 MoreDid 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 MoreThe region’s leading clean water advocate, fighting to ensure the Potomac River boasts clean drinking water, healthy lands, and connected communities.
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 30,000 supporters empowers us to protect and expand streamside forests, pass water protection laws, and restore local shorelines.
Potomac Conservancy
962 Wayne Ave, Suite 540
Silver Spring, MD 20910
EIN: 52-1842501
(301) 608-1188
