What do we know about baby dolphins living in the Potomac River?

What do we know about baby dolphins living in the Potomac River?

Understanding how many bottlenose dolphins in the Potomac-Chesapeake area are reproductive females, the number of calves they’re having, and how many of those calves survive reveals much about the current state of the population and its trajectory.

Discover what the Potomac-Chesapeake Dolphin Project (PCDP) is learning about baby dolphins in the Potomac River and how this research is unlocking key information about the health of the mid-Atlantic dolphin populations.

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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.

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Surprising ways 5 local critters survive the cold

Surprising ways 5 local critters survive the cold

Have you ever wondered how our local critters get through the winter?

Whether it’s packing on the pounds, getting out of Dodge, or cozying up with some friends, Mother Nature has quite an amazing response to the cold. Find out how five common critters spend the winter.

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Why do dolphins use the Potomac River?

Why do dolphins use the Potomac River?

Understanding how many bottlenose dolphins in the Potomac-Chesapeake area are reproductive females, the number of calves they’re having, and how many of those calves survive reveals much about the current state of the population and its trajectory.

Discover what the Potomac-Chesapeake Dolphin Project (PCDP) is learning about baby dolphins in the Potomac River and how this research is unlocking key information about the health of the mid-Atlantic dolphin populations.

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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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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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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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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.

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It's dolphin season! Here's what we know (so far) about the Potomac River population

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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Surprising ways 5 local critters survive the cold

Surprising ways 5 local critters survive the cold

Have you ever wondered how our local critters get through the winter?

Whether it’s packing on the pounds, getting out of Dodge, or cozying up with some friends, Mother Nature has quite an amazing response to the cold. Find out how five common critters spend the winter.

Read More

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 year, 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.

Read More

Eels are nearly extinct in the Potomac River. Here’s why we want to bring them back.

Eels are nearly extinct in the Potomac River. Here’s why we want to bring them back.

Eels: a slimy, snake-like fish most of us would rather not think about.

But, as it turns out, eels are an unlikely weapon in the fight against pollution, and scientists are working to return them to a stretch of river they’ve been blocked from for a century.

Learn more about the unappreciated eel and what’s being done to restore them to the Potomac.

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6 types of trash that harm local animals (and what you can do to help)

6 types of trash that harm local animals (and what you can do to help)

We’re fortunate to live in one of the most ecologically diverse regions in the country! The Potomac River is home to over 1,000 species of animals, but litter is threatening the critters that share our local lands and waters.

Discover 6 types of trash that pose the biggest risk to local wildlife — and what you can do to help!

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4 Facts You *OTTER* Know About Potomac River Otters

4 Facts You *OTTER* Know About Potomac River Otters

The Potomac River is home to one of the most adorable aquatic animals- the river otter. Otters around the world have faced centuries of decline due to hunting, trapping, and habitat loss. But our local species is on the rebound.

Do you know how else river otters differ from their sea otter cousins? Discover their quirks, unique habits, and when and where you might be able to spot one in the wild! (Also, cute photos, of course).

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