Environmental Report, June 2025

The state of our streams in the DMV (DC, MD, and VA)

The small streams in our area are under constant threat of degradation due to urbanization. Small streams are harmed by over paving of surfaces, invasive species, decreasing tree canopy, and over development. The organization Natureforward (formerly Audubon Nature Center) in Chevy Chase, MD recently released their 2024 State of the Streams Report. These five streams were studied:

• Accotink Creek, VA

• Rock Creek, DC

• Little Falls Branch, MD

• Seneca Creek, MD

• Sligo Creek, MD

All five streams were rated FAIR. Could be worse but not good enough for the fishing we so enjoy. There are many actions we can take to slow the degradation and even restore the health and sustainability of our streams. Please take some time to read the full report at natureforward.org/SOS2024 The report does a thorough analysis of each stream by examining biodiversity, habitat, fish passage, macroinvertebrate presence, invasive plants and tree canopy.

We all can do our part by staying informed, volunteering to monitor a stream, or donating to this effort to protect our local waterways. Check out the Natureforward webpage Natureforward.org for extensive environmental information and the many ways we can take action.