History we should know: How the Potomac shaped our community

History we should know: How the Potomac shaped our community

The Potomac River has been shaping its physical surroundings for over 3 million years when it was first formed—and for thousands of years, it has played a critical role in the lives of the communities that settled along its banks. Inevitably, humans shaped the river back. Where does that leave us now?

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“People” are a measure of water quality. Here’s why.

“People” are a measure of water quality. Here’s why.

The health of the Potomac River is multifaceted, which is why we looked at several key indicators in the 2023 Potomac River Report Card.

Find out how the nation’s river scored in the “People” category, and why looking at recreational trends is insightful for the overall health of the Potomac.

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5 less obvious benefits of land conservation

5 less obvious benefits of land conservation

From boosting public health to protecting local wildlife to bolstering city infrastructure, land conservation positively impacts our community in more ways than we may think.

Read about some of the less obvious ways protecting the Potomac River’s lands supports our local ecosystems and communities!

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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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5 ways trees are affected by the climate crisis – and how they help combat it

5 ways trees are affected by the climate crisis – and how they help combat it

Forced to contend with increasingly frequent droughts, wildfires, and severe storms, forests are profoundly affected by the warming planet. But, they are also one of the best ways to help combat the effects of a changing climate.

Learn just how critical trees are for our region’s climate resilience and how you can help protect them!

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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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Maryland passes historic forest protection legislation

Maryland passes historic forest protection legislation

This new law is a tree-mendous success that will raise forest protection standards statewide and ensure we will experience a net gain of trees in the coming years and decades!

Read on to see what benefits the new legislation will have for the Potomac River, local wildlife, and our communities.

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A Day in the Life: Alexis Dickerson, our Sr. Director of Community Conservation

A Day in the Life: Alexis Dickerson, our Sr. Director of Community Conservation

Want to know why a community working together is critical for meeting our region’s clean water needs? Curious to learn how local residents are realizing their vision for a healthy Potomac River and how you can become a part of the solution?

Alexis shares that and much more.

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The Montgomery County Council unanimously passed an updated Forest Conservation Law

The Montgomery County Council unanimously passed an updated Forest Conservation Law

Forest protections are critical in the fight for a clean Potomac River. We are proud to support Montgomery County’s recent passing of an updated Forest Conservation Law. This will not only benefit our drinking water, but also our community’s health, and local ecosystem.

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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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