Potomac Conservancy protects the health, beauty, and enjoyment of the Potomac River and its tributaries. The Conservancy's primary focus is protection of water quality through land protection and sound land use practices. Because clean water alone is not enough, the Conservancy also works to preserve and restore the Potomac's scenic landscapes, and to enhance river-based recreational opportunities. Click here for more about the history of the Conservancy.

Potomac Conservancy's programs are built around its strategic priorities of protecting the water quality, scenic landscapes, and recreational opportunities along the Potomac River and its tributaries. Our tools include public policy and land protection and restoration focused in areas that have the greatest impact on the river, primarily, river- and streamside areas and lands in the headwaters region, which is the river's source.
    •    The Conservancy works with landowners and local governments to protect and restore streamside areas through a combination of better stewardship, regulation, and outright purchase. In urban and suburban locations, we advocate the adoption and enforcement of sound land use policies and practices.
    •    The Conservancy works to ensure long-term funding for water quality improvements, including land conservation.
    •    The Conservancy works to expand and improve the infrastructure necessary for better river access: boat ramps and access points; hiking, biking, and equestrian trails; and primitive campsites.
    •    The Conservancy serves as a clearinghouse to inform people about opportunities for high-quality outings and low-impact practices, particularly through its recently renovated River Center at Lockhouse 8 in the C&O Canal National Historical Park.
    •    The Conservancy offers countless ways for people to build deeper and longer-lasting relationships with the river through projects that actively involve individuals of all ages in its work, including the nationally acclaimed Growing Native seed collection.