Anacostia Watershed Society

From their website: “The Anacostia Watershed Society (AWS) is a non-profit environmental organization dedicated to restoring and protecting the Anacostia River - designated as one of the nation’s most polluted - for the health and enjoyment of everyone in its watershed, while in the process, bringing people from all walks of life together to achieve this mission. Incorporated in 1989, AWS was founded with a vision of this “forgotten river” attaining the status of swimmable and fishable.

Through volunteer restoration activities, residents of the Anacostia watershed have been provided with an opportunity to get involved; they have invested their time in a cause, actively working for a positive change. AWS also provides advocacy and coalition building skills to emerging as well as established grass roots organizations within the Anacostia River communities. By assisting local groups, partnerships are formed and efforts to protect the local environment as well as focus decision makers are strengthened.

Since its inception in 1989, AWS has mobilized over 30,000 volunteers who have planted over 11,300 trees and stenciled 1,008 storm-drains within the watershed as well as removed 458 tons of debris and over 7,500 tires from the watershed. Furthermore, AWS has educated 14,535 people with its slide presentation which explains the river’s history and the current threats it faces, as well as the different lifestyle choices and changes citizens can undertake to improve the condition of the watershed. In addition to these education and restoration events, AWS has introduced 8,200 people, of which 4,500 were children, to the river through paddling clinics, canoe adventures and pontoon boat tours along the “Kingfisher Canoe Trail,” a scenic five-mile stretch of the Anacostia River. All AWS programs teach citizens that they are integral participants in the restoration and preservation of this urban river.”

How do we get involved?

“The Anacostia Watershed Society can provide you or your group with a variety of education and restoration programs & events including: in-class instruction, tree & wetland plantings, river cleanups, storm drain stenciling, river tours, and a host of other programs.”

You may schedule an event with your group or join events already scheduled. Visit our online calendar for information about currently scheduled programs.  To contact AWS for scheduling, call 301.699.6204, or email us.