Nature walks, music, and history are all part of the activities planned for the upcoming season at River Center at Lockhouse 8, which is opens weekends through October 26, 10 am - 2 pm. This weekend, meet with four-legged and two-legged friends for a walk along the C&O Canal, from 10-11 am on Saturday. We look forward to offering many interesting events throughout the summer and fall. Click here for the May and June schedule.

Volunteer! Docents are an important part of the River Center experience, answering visitor questions about the lockhouse, Potomac Conservancy, and the C&O Canal. They lead tours and talk about historical and cultural significance of the C&O Canal and the Potomac River to the regional economy and the local quality of life.

For more information about River Center events or to volunteer, contact Bridget Chapin, River Center Coordinator, at chapin@potomac.org or 301.608.1188, x213.

On May 15, the U.S. Senate passed the Farm Bill by a veto-proof 85-15 margin. The Chesapeake Bay restoration will receive $438 million. This marks the first time that Farm Bill has guaranteed funding for environmental programs that protect the Bay. Click here for the Baltimore Sun’s coverage.

Frederick County’s Board of Education unanimously voted to support a goal to increase the tree canopy for all Board of Education of Frederick County properties to 20 percent over the next 30 years. Frederick County Public Schools (FCPS), which currently has 12 percent tree cover, is the first school district in the Chesapeake Bay watershed to adopt a tree canopy goal.

Potomac Conservancy, with support from the US Forest Service, Chesapeake Bay Trust, Home Depot Foundation and local partners, worked closely with Frederick County’s Board of Education and FCPS Facilities Services Division and Schoolyard Habitat Program to establish the 20 percent system-wide tree canopy goal for the school district. Click here for the press release.

Watershed Stressed from Poor Land Use, Rates a D+

The landscapes and waters of the Potomac watershed are the foundation of much of the region’s beauty and quality of life. This new report provides an overview and assessment of the condition of the nation’s river and offers solutions on how to meet the needs of our populace while maintaining vigorous and healthy lands and waters.

• State of the Nation’s River web page
• PDF of Report

January 2, 2008 - A Washington Post Editorial
Dirty Water: Trouble on the way to a clean Chesapeake Bay and Patuxent and Potomac Rivers: THE METROPOLITAN area’s waterways are losing the fight against pollution. After years of improvement, the Potomac Conservancy slapped its namesake river with a D-plus grade… More here.

The Conservancy has also released its Potomac Agenda, which urges decision makers and elected officials to take immediate action to protect the Potomac River, which also affects the health of the Chesapeake Bay.

For more information, contact Anne Sundermann, Director of Communications, at sundermann@potomac.org.

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Spring 2008 Question:
What Maryland town suffered a catastrophic flood on St. Patty’s Day, 1936?

CLICK HERE FOR ANSWER

Answer: Cumberland, MD. The March 17 flood caused more than $3 million damage. The city instituted flood controls after the floodwaters receeded.