Rising to the Challenge: A New Climate Reality for the Potomac River Region

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Rising to the Challenge: A New Climate Reality for the Potomac River Region

The climate crisis is here. And by here, we mean the Potomac River Region. Luckily, so is our first-of-its-kind local Climate Report. Our six-part series released throughout the summer will investigate:

  • How is our region uniquely experiencing a warming climate?

  • How is the climate crisis affecting the Potomac River and its people, lands, and wildlife?

  • What actions must be taken to lower greenhouse gas emissions and prepare communities for the future?

  • What can we do to be a part of the solution in our communities?

Dive into Part One to learn how the changing climate is uniquely impacting the Potomac River region (and how to take action right now!)

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7 hidden gems and little known parks to explore this summer

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7 hidden gems and little known parks to explore this summer

There 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.

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What's plaguing the Potomac River? It could be your lawn.

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What's plaguing the Potomac River? It could be your lawn.

Want to have a yard that works for clean water not against it?

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 harness nature’s power and take steps to ensure your lawn, big or small, is river friendly!

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Why Washington is hotter than Winchester - how to deal with summer in the city

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Why Washington is hotter than Winchester - how to deal with summer in the city

Will summers in our cities simply be too hot to handle in the future?? Not if we can help it…

In the Potomac River region, summer doesn't always receive a warm welcome.

What should be a celebratory season is even worse for urban and suburban dwellers, and worse still for those marginalized communities. We'll explore future of local heating further in our upcoming Climate Report,
but for now let's talk about some solutions to the Urban Heat Island effect.

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Video: How to be a Potomac River Paddling Pro→

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Video: How to be a Potomac River Paddling Pro

Start your Olympic training today!!

Ever wonder what it takes to level up your kayak capability? Or what it's like to be a world-class woman in watersports? We asked U.S. Olympian Ashley Nee and paddling advocate Risa Shimoda how their sports are becoming more inclusive and why everyone should pick up a paddle.

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5 local plants you'd never guess are invasive (and what you can replace them with)

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5 local plants you'd never guess are invasive (and what you can replace them with)

Say it ain't so! That flower you love might actually be harming the environment and endangering local wildlife. And you might not even realize it.

Become an expert at spotting and stopping invasive plants in your backyard - and learn what you can plant instead.

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Update: Maryland to plant 5 million trees in 10 years

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Update: Maryland to plant 5 million trees in 10 years

The climate crisis is a major threat to life in Maryland, but despite vigorous efforts by Potomac Conservancy and grassroots organizers, the vital Climate Solutions Now bill failed to pass through the Maryland legislature this year.

Find out what climate-related solutions were passed in Maryland this year and how we can continue the local fight for climate solutions and the Potomac River.

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Ask An Expert: How to become a birder

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Ask An Expert: How to become a birder

So you've probably heard that birding is a great hobby - it keeps you in touch with nature, it's inexpensive, and you can do it through a window or in a quiet wood. But how do you go from fledgling to eagle-eyed?

We talked to a local expert from the Audubon Society about easy ways to start birding (and make friends doing it!) and what makes being a Potomac region bird-nerd so special.

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It's dolphin season! Here's what we know (so far) about the Potomac River population

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It's dolphin season! Here's what we know (so far) about the Potomac River population

Did you know the Potomac River is the summer home and breeding ground for thousands of 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.

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What do your neighbors think about the climate crisis? Our top 4 climate survey takeaways

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What do your neighbors think about the climate crisis? Our top 4 climate survey takeaways

Earlier this year, we asked you what worries you about our local environment, the Potomac River, and the climate crisis. Here are your answers! Read on to get a better idea of what Potomac River locals think about the climate crisis’ effect on our region and how we can address your most pressing concerns.

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5 *completely legal* ways to pollute the Potomac

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5 *completely legal* ways to pollute the Potomac

With all the progress made since the Clean Water Act was passed in 1972, it may still surprise you to learn there are plenty of ways you can still legally pollute the Potomac River.

Learn how our community allows pollution into our Nation's River – the drinking water source for you and nearly 6 million people – and what you can do about it.

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Potomac Conservancy statement of solidarity with Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders

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Potomac Conservancy statement of solidarity with Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders

Potomac Conservancy condemns the surge in hate crimes against Asian American and Pacific Islanders. Hatred, racism, and violence wound the community which we aim to protect and foster and have no place in an effective and just environmental movement.

Read our full statement about the actions are taking to take to work against injustices in our community and to support AAPI.

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A Feminist Climate Action Reading List...for everyone

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A Feminist Climate Action Reading List...for everyone

As if we were going to solve the climate crisis without the feminist perspective! With less than 10 years to prevent the most serious effects of climate change, it’s time we start listening to voices that have been historically excluded.

Here are some of our favorite books, podcasts, articles, newsletters, and more by women who are showing how to talk about climate change in a fun and engaging way.

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

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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 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.

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