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

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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

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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

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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!)

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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

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

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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

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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

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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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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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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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