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.

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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…

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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.

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Potomac River dolphins also suffer from viral outbreaks - Here’s how to help

Potomac River dolphins also suffer from viral outbreaks - Here’s how to help

Just like people, dolphins are susceptible to disease outbreaks. That’s why the Potomac-Chesapeake Dolphin Project is studying an airborne viral outbreak that caused a mass mortality event among Potomac River dolphins.

So what have they discovered about how and why disease spreads amongst our local dolphin population?And how can we keep them healthy and prevent more outbreaks?

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5 *completely legal* ways to pollute the Potomac

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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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!

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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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