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The Nature Conservancy in Maryland/District of Columbia Maryland/DC Home Places We Protect News Room Ways of Giving Volunteer Events Contact |
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Protecting Americas's Wildest Urban River
A New Exhibit at the United States Botanic Garden
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The Potomac Gorge draws more than two million
visitors every year. © Alan Eckert Photography
Protecting Americas's Wildest Urban River
From Floods to Flowers in the Potomac Gorge
This new exhibit at the United States Botanic Garden focuses on the natural beauty of the Potomac Gorge and what is being done to save it, and its vital resources, for future generations. The exhibit is on display from July 22 to November 19, 2006.
Conservancy Lecture Series
The United States Botanic Garden is hosting several lectures about the Potomac Gorge and the Conservancy's work. Space is limited and registration is required. Please call (202) 225-1116 or click a link below:
Friday, September 22, 12:00 to 1:00 p.m.
Our Backyard Wonder: Rare Plant Communities of the Potomac River Gorge
Thursday, October 12, 6:30 to 8:00 p.m.
Plant Conservation: In the Region and Around the World
Thursday, October 19, 6:30 to 8:00 p.m.
Our Potomac: From Great Falls through Washington, DC (Photographic journey)
A Natural Monument Among National Monuments
From serving as an inland transportation artery to supplying drinking water, a seaport, and a fishery, the Potomac River has influenced the course of local, regional and national history. At Washington, the river flows through a dramatic landscape known as the Potomac Gorge, a wild place of geological beauty, biodiversity, and inspiration.
Now the Potomac Gorge is at risk due pressures from surrounding development, invasive plants, insensitive recreational use, deer consumption of native vegetation, and increasing demand for water. The Nature Conservancy and the National Park Service have joined forces to protect this national treasure.
The Nature Conservancy's Global Mission
The Nature Conservancy's mission is to preserve the plants, animals and natural communities that represent the diversity of life on Earth by protecting the lands and waters they need to survive. Building on the origins of its conservation work in New York’s Mianus River Gorge, The Nature Conservancy forges partnerships to protect great rivers and great river gorges across the nation and around the world:
Shangri-La Gorge, China
The Shangri-La Gorge features 11,000-foot cliffs rising from the Gangqu River in southwest China’s Hengduan Mountains. The area harbors more than 30 endangered species, including the red panda and snow leopard. At least 2,000 plant species thrive in Shangri-La, from some of Yunnan Province’s best remaining oak forests to many herbs used in traditional Tibetan medicine. Shangri-La Gorge is one of five conservation areas comprising The Nature Conservancy’s Yunnan Great Rivers Project. The Conservancy is working with Chinese government partners to establish and manage priority conservation areas in Shangri-La Gorge.
The Great Rivers Partnership
Learn more about this ambitious effort to guide protection of the world's imperiled freshwater systems and transform the way large working river systems are preserved and protected.
The Potomac Gorge
Only a short distance from the White House, the Potomac Gorge is a natural and national treasure.
Visit the preserve home page and see why you should make a trip.
Download a brochure to learn more about the gorge and our partnership with the National Park Service.
front, pdf, 4.4 MB
back, pdf, 3.3 MB
