Potomac River

The Potomac River is one of the defining features of the mid-Atlantic, carving its way through mountains, forests, and cities before joining the Chesapeake Bay. Stretching over 400 miles, it sustains an incredible range of ecosystems, from freshwater wetlands to tidal estuaries, providing critical habitats for countless species, including bald eagles, ospreys, and migratory fish.

As a vital water source for millions of people, the Potomac’s health directly impacts the region’s communities, ensuring clean drinking water and outdoor spaces for recreation. Whether it’s kayaking through its serene stretches or exploring the wildlife along its banks, the Potomac brings people closer to nature, fostering a sense of connection and stewardship.

Trust for Public Land has worked for years protecting land along the lower Potomac, working with landowners and communities to conserve their rural heritage of working farms and forests and historic sites, while protecting this vital waterway. But the Potomac is more than just a natural resource—it’s a river steeped in history. Its shores have witnessed centuries of Indigenous life, colonial development, and the founding of the nation, and are home to historic sites such as George Washington’s Birthplace, a landscape TPL helped expand.

By protecting the Potomac, we’re not only safeguarding a vital ecological artery but preserving a landscape that carries deep cultural and historical significance. Our efforts to conserve this river ensure that it will continue to inspire, nourish, and connect people for generations to come.