Some of the nation’s most complex conservation challenges are found in the forests of the Blue Ridge Mountains, the grounds of Civil War Battlefields, and the lands of a New Jersey Skyland estate. Through its tailored approach—from aquaculture technology in West Virginia to land preservation in Maryland, from land-use planning in New Jersey to conservation easements throughout the region—The Conservation Fund’s work in the Mid-Atlantic is comprehensive in both vision and scope.

Sea Level, Climate Change and the Chesapeake Bay

The effects of sea level rise and periodic storm surge on the Chesapeake Bay region include shoreline erosion, coastal flooding, salt water intrusion of freshwater resources, and inundation of some coastal areas. The watershed has 11,684 miles of coastline along the main Bay and tidal tributaries, with many historic and natural areas at risk of permanent or periodic inundation from sea level rise and storm surge.

The Conservation Fund and its partners recently produced a map and website on this topic. Learn more about the map and the effects of climate change in the Chesapeake Bay area.

Embark on a voyage through time with the new Anacostia River Water Trail Guide

Flowing through the heart of the nation’s capital, the Anacostia River is a historic gem waiting to be rediscovered. Since the summer of 1608 when English explorer Captain John Smith became its first European visitor and met Native Americans on its shores, the Anacostia River has been an important part of the American story.

The new Anacostia River Water Trail Guide gives history buffs, nature-lovers and modern-day explorers a chance to paddle, hike, bike or drive down the Anacostia and experience the natural landscape that captivated John Smith. Complete with maps and trails, the guide highlights historical, cultural, natural and recreational points of interest on or adjacent to the river, such as the Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail, the National Arboretum, an osprey nesting platform and Bladensburg Waterfront Park.

The Anacostia River Water Trail Guide is available for download here, or by calling or visiting the Anacostia Watershed Society.

The guide was produced by the Anacostia Watershed Society, The Conservation Fund and Friends of the John Smith Chesapeake Trail with financial support from the Morris and Gwendolyn Cafritz Foundation.

States: