Staycation

This Earth Day and National Park Week, let’s shine some light on 10 organizations that are making a difference in the DMV/Chesapeake Bay Area as well as the eastern panhandle of West Virginia. (Some of these may branch into other surrounding states).

1. Izaak Walton League of America: a nonprofit conservation organization. This league, formed in 1922 by hunters and anglers dedicated to protecting and taking action to combat water pollution and wildlife threats, publishes Outdoor America magazine 4 times a year and has a national headquarters located in Gathersburg MD. With over 200 chapters in the U.S. and many ongoing projects, such as Save Our Streams, IWLA is doing their part to collect real data and spread the word of outdoor protection and recreation. Join today! -> https://www.iwla.org/

2. Friends of the Cacapon River: founded over 40 years ago as the only organization to work solely on upkeep of the Cacapon River in West Virginia. This group boasts “Preserve, Protect, Promote” and does just that. They are committed to sharing stories of the creatures that inhabit the river and promoting safe and clean outdoor recreation. You can become a “friend” of the river today! -> https://cacaponriver.org/

3. Potomac Valley Audubon Society: formed in 1982 as a local chapter of the National Audubon Society, this organization maintains several nature preserves and hosts a Master Naturalist program each year. This program instills the knowledge of nature into students in hopes of spreading that knowledge to the rest of the world. They heavily promote volunteer action in the community and involvement in learning opportunities. Become a member and apply for classes today! -> https://www.potomacaudubon.org/

4. The Nature Conservancy in WV: a local group formed in 1963 from the national organization founded in 1954. Headquarters for the national organization are in Arlington VA, while WV’s chapter works out of Elkins. A quote from their website states that “TNC works with governments, corporations, Indigenous Peoples and thousands of partners around the world to protect, restore and sustainably manage forests” and that the organization is “committed to protecting 30% of land and water by 2030”.

5. Choose Clean Water Coalition: collectively works with over 300 organizations to promote and protect the waterways of the Chesapeake Bay region since 2009. Join forces today! -> https://www.choosecleanwater.org/join-us

6. West Virginia Rivers Coalition: located in Charleston WV. Provides up-to-date info on safe water news and practices in the state. Formed in 1975 and continues to advocate for legislature to keep WV waterways clean and safe. Get informed today! ->https://wvrivers.org/about/about-us/

7. Potomac Conservancy: focused on clean water for fishing and swimming in the Potomac River region. Promotes action and provides many opportunities to fight legislature and volunteer for cleanups. Take action today! ->https://potomac.org/take-action

8. West Virginia DNR: emphasis on exploring public lands, and safely hunting, fishing, and recreating in WV’s beautiful landscape. Follow along and stay up-to-date! ->https://wvdnr.gov/

9. Virginia DWR: provides an extensive volunteer program and promotes outdoor recreation and wildlife preservation. Volunteer today! -> https://dwr.virginia.gov/

10. Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy: works with several nature preserves to keep Loudoun County VA beautiful and flourishing. Volunteer today! -> https://loudounwildlife.org/

Follow along on my social media to see other environmental organizations promoted in the area! @dancinggibby on Instagram/Tik-Tok.