People, Health, and Justice: How climate change is impacting our local communities

People, Health, and Justice: How climate change is impacting our local communities

How is the climate crisis affecting the health of residents of the Potomac River region? How can public health officials address these threats? How are these climate burdens unjustly and inequitably impacting communities of color and low-wealth? How can we empower frontline communities for Climate justice solutions?

Find out in Part 3 of Rising to the Challenge, Potomac Conservancy’s climate report series.

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7 tricks for talking about the climate crisis...so that people will listen

7 tricks for talking about the climate crisis...so that people will listen

Can 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.

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Ask An Expert: 7 simple tips for photographing the Potomac River

Ask An Expert: 7 simple tips for photographing the Potomac River

Are you a river lover anxious to capture the wealth of flora and fauna you see? Are you a photographer longing for a new adventure? Well, you’re in luck!

Your hometown river, the Potomac, is home to world-class photography subjects - no plane travel required. Use these simple tips from an expert in photographing the wonders of the Potomac River region…then show us your photos!

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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 time, 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.

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The climate crisis is threatening local bass fishing - here's how to help

The climate crisis is threatening local bass fishing - here's how to help

Smallmouth bass are a $23 million a year industry on the Potomac River, but their populations have been dwindling and disappearing for years. What’s the mysterious cause?

A new study explains the link between our local climate crisis and the health of these legendary fish. It’s time to get to know the scrappy smallmouths, what’s threatening them, and how we can help them flourish in our local waters.

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This DC neighborhood is perfect for paddling… and it’s rich with black history

This DC neighborhood is perfect for paddling… and it’s rich with black history

We like to celebrate and visit Georgetown - an iconic and historic neighborhood in Washington DC - for its gorgeous waterfront and boathouses offering access to the river.

But how much of its beauty and legacy does it owe to black residents, who have mostly been driven out of the neighborhood? Here are 3 surprising ways black history and Georgetown history are woven together…

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This secretive creature is staging a comeback, but it depends on clean water…

This secretive creature is staging a comeback, but it depends on clean water…

This little known Maryland critter is endangered, spends most of its time underground, and needs your help! It's survival is at a tipping point -- 

You may not have heard of the tiger salamander, either because it’s endangered or because it spends most of its life underground. But it’s survival is at a tipping point - here’s how you can can help protect the unique habitat it needs to stage a comeback.

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A River Rising: Flooding and Sea Level Rise in the Potomac River Region

A River Rising: Flooding and Sea Level Rise in the Potomac River Region

Why are waters in the Potomac River region rising much faster than waters in the rest of the world? What are the three types of flooding for which we need to prepare? What are the best solutions to mitigate local flood and storm surge damage? Find out in Part Two of our Rising to the Challenge Climate Report, out now!

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6 local wetlands to quench your wanderlust

6 local wetlands to quench your wanderlust

Don’t drain the swamp, play in it!

For most of this country's history, wetlands were seen as an impediment to development. But now we understand how paving over wetlands means destroying incalculable ecological services - and some of the Potomac River region’s most magical travel destinations.

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Got climate grief? Head to the river

Got climate grief? Head to the river

Science says that getting on or near water can ease the collective stress we’re all feeling due to the climate crisis and COVID-19. That’s why protecting our natural resources is more important now than ever.

Here’s how you can help keep our local waterways clean and publicly accessible during a time of crisis.

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

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

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.

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

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

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)

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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