5 large birds you can spot along the Potomac River

5 large birds you can spot along the Potomac River

The Potomac River region boasts around 120 bird species thanks to plentiful food and habitat options.

Check out these five large birds you can easily spot on a thirty-minute walk along the river—and read on for inspiration on what smaller species to look out for next!

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What’s up(stream) with our conservation work? Discover where our “local” clean water strategy leads Potomac Conservancy

What’s up(stream) with our conservation work? Discover where our “local” clean water strategy leads Potomac Conservancy

Protecting streamside forests and lands is a critical component of protecting the quality of the water we drink. As a nationally accredited land trust, Potomac Conservancy holds close to 80 conservation easements in the Potomac River headwaters region in Virginia and West Virginia.

Our Stewardship Manager Jeff Feaga spills the beans on what it takes to manage all of these easements, how they benefit communities all along the river, and how he first fell in love with protecting clean water.

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Local naturalist and author shares 5 reasons why the Potomac Gorge is a must for nature lovers

Local naturalist and author shares 5 reasons why the Potomac Gorge is a must for nature lovers

Always searching for new nature adventures close to home? Look no further!

Local naturalist, author, and forest-bathing guide Melanie Choukas-Bradley shares her tips for exploring the wild and beautiful Potomac Gorge that boasts incredible geology, biodiversity, and recreation options right in our backyards.

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From sapling to adulting, follow the journey of tomorrow’s trees

From sapling to adulting, follow the journey of tomorrow’s trees

We all know that water is a vital source of life that trees need to grow and thrive. But did you know that water needs trees too?

Learn how critical trees are for a healthy Potomac River and how our Tomorrow’s Trees initiative helps put trees in the ground with the help of our local community.

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A popular Potomac River island received some much-needed TLC on MLK Day weekend

A popular Potomac River island received some much-needed TLC on MLK Day weekend

Despite chilling temps, our 2023 Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service cleanups in DC, Maryland, and Virginia saw amazing turnout!

Our fantastic volunteers were joined by Dr. Kandis Boyd, Director of US EPA Chesapeake Bay Program. Read about her experience, the day’s results (including some very strange finds!), and how our community carries on Dr. King’s legacy.

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A Day in the Life: Anna Mudd, our Senior Director of Policy

A Day in the Life: Anna Mudd, our Senior Director of Policy

Ever wonder what a job in clean water advocacy looks like?

Our Senior Director of Advocacy Anna Mudd—whose love for nature and politics led her to pursue a career in this field—shares more about how her job changes with the legislative calendar, what keeps her going, and how building relationships is crucial for achieving success.

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A Day in the Life: Weyessa McAlister, our Director of Community Conservation

A Day in the Life: Weyessa McAlister, our Director of Community Conservation

Team Potomac is small but mighty! Meet Weyessa, our Director of Community Conservation: DC Metro, whose passion for clean water led him to co-found a nonprofit that builds wells in his native Ethiopia and mobilize our local communities to protect the Potomac River. Learn more about what drives Weyessa and what his job looks like here at the Conservancy!

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Land protection in the Shenandoah Valley is getting a $4.5M boost

Land protection in the Shenandoah Valley is getting a $4.5M boost

The Shenandoah Valley is home to the pristine headwaters of the Potomac River. But for its tight-knit communities, poorly planned encroaching development is an increasing worry to both the region’s ecological health and its long tradition of agricultural and forest economy.

Learn more about the importance of conserving land in the Shenandoah Valley and how Potomac Conservancy and local partners work to protect the Potomac’s upstream lands forever.

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Up Top Acres’ farms are firmly planted on DC roofs

Up Top Acres’ farms are firmly planted on DC roofs

Rooftop farms provide many amazing benefits to their urban communities—and DC is not an exception! They improve air quality, reduce the urban heat island effect, insulate buildings, and provide amenities to the city’s residents. What’s more, rooftop farms serve as rainwater buffers, reducing pollution from stormwater runoff and making waves for clean water in our city!

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Thank you for helping sustain the river that sustains us all

Thank you for helping sustain the river that sustains us all

Clean water starts with every single one of us, and our collective actions are making a difference. Read our President’s letter about how Potomac Conservancy’s forest protection, clean water advocacy, and community cleanup programs have been critical to reducing pollution and returning clean, safe waters to area streams—and how people like you are making all of this possible.

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Montgomery County is making strides to protect its forests by introducing Bill 25-22

Montgomery County is making strides to protect its forests by introducing Bill 25-22

In mid-September, the Montgomery County Council has introduced Bill 25-22 to significantly strengthen the county’s Forest Conservation Law, which hasn’t been updated in thirty years. On October 4, our president Hedrick Belin proudly represented our local movement for clean water at a public hearing, speaking in support of the bill and to make it even stronger.

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Montgomery County’s forests need our protection right now—so this teen took action

Montgomery County’s forests need our protection right now—so this teen took action

Forests are essential for filtering air and water pollution, combating the climate crisis, and nurturing our well-being. Read the story of an empowered community member who decided to fight for trees, clean water, and the future of her generation!

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