How to become a birder: learn from expert Tykee James

How to become a birder: learn from expert Tykee James

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 Tykee James, 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.

Read More

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.

Read More

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.

Read More

Ask An Expert: How to become a birder

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.

Read More

A Feminist Climate Action Reading List...for everyone

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.

Read More

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.

Read More

Potomac Conservancy statement of solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement

Potomac Conservancy statement of solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement

Read Potomac Conservancy President Hedrick Belin’s full statement on the killing of George Floyd and other unarmed African Americans, the intersection between our work and the Black Lives Matter movement, and our plan to incorporate anti-racism work into our mission.

Read More

Ask An Expert: How to become a birder

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.

Read More

Ask An Expert: How to recycle like a pro (and why it matters)

Ask An Expert: How to recycle like a pro (and why it matters)

As much as we try to cleanup the Potomac River, the trash just keeps coming. So how do we stop it in its tracks and keep it from entering the river in the first place?

Well, the old adage “reduce, reuse, recycle” still holds up - but it doesn’t feel that simple. Luckily, recycling expert Beth Porter of Green America is here to demystify recycling and close the loop on litter.

Read More

Streets all over the DMV are turning green. Why?

Streets all over the DMV are turning green. Why?

Have you noticed? Green streets are sprouting up in neighborhoods across the DMV.

From rain gardens to permeable pavement to roadside trees, “green streets” are doing more than boosting curb appeal. Learn more about this new landscaping trend and how it just might save the Potomac.

Read More

Young people are leading a movement for clean water - here’s why

Young people are leading a movement for clean water - here’s why

You may have seen students marching for climate action, but did you know they’re also leading the movement for clean water?

Learn about what these environmentally-conscious college students are doing to protect the Potomac and why they think it’s so vital.

Read More

Meet the businesses making a big investment in clean water

Meet the businesses making a big investment in clean water

As a nonprofit organization, Potomac Conservancy depends on the generosity of our members and local businesses to support our mission to make the Potomac a healthy, thriving river.

Check out these 7 businesses that are showing their Potomac Pride by supporting over 1,500 volunteers and paddlers to remove over 10-tons of trash, plant native trees, and collect native seeds for future plantings!

Read More

A Year of Progress for the Potomac River

A Year of Progress for the Potomac River

Announcing our 2018 - 2019 Annual Report! Celebrate a year of progress for the Potomac.

50 years ago, the Potomac River was declared “a national disgrace” by President Lyndon Johnson. Since then, the river has made a dramatic comeback - thanks to the work of Potomac Conservancy, our partners, and our community of 31,000 supporters. Now that the Potomac home to rebounding populations of fish, eagles, beavers, and dolphins, we don’t want to lose momentum.

Discover the strides we’ve made for the health of our water and how you can help fight the threats it still faces.

Read More

Legislative Round-Up: 7 Clean Water Advocacy Updates from 2019

Legislative Round-Up: 7 Clean Water Advocacy Updates from 2019

We’re only six months into 2019 and the Potomac Conservancy has already had four major victories for clean water! With the help of our advocates, we’re protecting land, forests, and vital streams on the federal, state, and local levels.

There are several more battles for the River to be won, though, so brush up on the issues in our Legislative Recap so you’re prepared to vote in the next election!

Read More

Extreme stream makeover: 3 local creeks are transformed

Extreme stream makeover: 3 local creeks are transformed

3 stream makeovers that make us wish every tributary in our region was given special treatment.

Thankfully, more makeovers are on the way as local counties are investing in stream restoration to combat polluted runoff, the top threat to clean water in our region. Learn what one local county is doing to help their streams and earn some serious bragging rights. #BestStreamInTown

Read More

Take Action: Save Montgomery County’s clean water funding

Take Action: Save Montgomery County’s clean water funding

In a rare move, Montgomery County Council Executive Ike Leggett just vetoed $50M that was committed to  local clean water programs. It’s time to Get Vocal to defend clean water in Montgomery County!

Submit your comment today and tell your local leaders to quit playing politics with our water.

Read More