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The Nature Conservancy. Protecting nature. Preserving life.™
We're working with you to make a positive impact around the world in more than 35 countries, all 50 United States and your backyard. Support our work
Passport to Nature
Outdoors in DC, Maryland & Virginia
Let's Go!
You’re invited to travel along as we explore our region’s top nature and conservation stories. Throughout the year, our team of intrepid correspondents will visit Conservancy projects and partners, seek out natural events, and report back from the great outdoors.
From the Blue Ridge to the Chesapeake Bay, we’ll bring to life our region’s special places and natural heritage and introduce you to the people who are protecting and restoring nature. We’ll also bring you information on opportunities to do your own exploration.
Bookmark this page for regular reports, and keep track of our latest adventures — even have your say about where we go next — by joining us on Facebook. Now grab your Passport to Nature and let’s go!
What's New
Voorhees Preserve Reopens
Newly reopened trails reward you with Rappahannock River views and bald eagle sightings. Explore
Escape to Warm Springs
Visit Warm Springs for outdoor adventures and an inspiring conservation story. Explore
A Future for Oysters
Planning for large-scale oyster restoration on the Nanticoke River in Maryland. Explore
Restoration in Action
In the heart of Charlottesville, 19,000 new native trees and shrubs reshape Meadow Creek. Explore
More Features
In Search of Forest Giants
Travel with us as we go in search of ancient forest giants in a primeval Virginia swamp. Explore
Kayaking Nanjemoy Creek
Take a virtual kayak trip down this scenic and ecologically diverse Potomac tributary. Explore
The Best Reality Show
A trip to Virginia's Piney Grove Preserve proves that nature will always be the best reality show. Tune in
Following LEAF
Travel along as our 2012 LEAF interns learn about rivers, mountains and themselves. Explore
Farm Bill in Action
Visit an Eastern Shore Farm that stands to feed cleaner water to the Chesapeake Bay. Explore
Finzel Swamp Keeps Its Cool
A new partnership with Frostburg State University may yield keys to rare habitat’s resilience. Explore
Meadow Creek
Can a severely degraded city stream along Charlottesville's Rivanna Trail be saved? View slideshow
Restoration Forestry
A third-generation logging family is helping bring back healthy forests to Nassawango Creek Preserve. Explore now
Big Wilson Burn
Our fire team burns more than 1,000 acres on Warm Springs Mountain — and they're just getting warmed up! Explore
A Crowded Ocean
Tom McCann goes whale watching with the Virginia Aquarium and finds much to celebrate along with some serious challenges. Come aboard
Healthy You, Healthy Planet
Kate Hougen advances her personal goals and the Conservancy’s mission through running, and so can you. Explore now
Hiking the Billy Goat Trail
Take a virtual hike with us along a rugged and beautiful trail on Bear Island in the Potomac Gorge. Let's go
Celebrating Restoration on the James River
Go behind the scenes at the VCU Rice Center as Conservancy staff, partners and distinguished guests celebrate a restoration milestone. Explore now
Inspiring the Next Generation of Conservationists
Follow our LEAF interns from the Potomac Gorge to Warm Springs Mountain as they gain inspiration and experience from our lands and waters. Go now
Barging into the Bay — with Oysters
See how recycled oyster shells play a crucial part in bringing back oyster populations in the Chesapeake Bay. See the slideshow
The Wetsuit Diaries [Video]
10 collection days. 467 hours. 90 volunteers. See why Nature Conservancy volunteers were willing to squeeze into wetsuits all in the name of seagrass. View
About the Authors
Daniel White is a Conservancy senior writer with a growing collection of indie music, dogs and kayaks.
Madeline Breen is a writer and editor for nature.org and spends her free time hiking and mastering the art of weekend travel.
Tom McCann, associate director, has an inappropriate love of seafood, especially oysters, and bike riding.
Kathryn E. Arion, community engagement specialist, has New Hampshire granite in her blood and a love of nature in her heart.
Read More
Whether scary or exciting, nature has a way of sneaking up on you. See stories
Hear some of nature's success stories and see how nature matters to us all. Watch videos
Donate to The Nature Conservancy
When you donate today, you’ll help The Nature Conservancy protect the most vital habitats on Earth.
