NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS
Anacostia Watershed Society Celebrates 25 Years Join the Earth Day Cleanup on April 5 by Charnice A. Milton
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ith a motto that promises to “clean the water, recover the shores, honor the heritage,” the Anacostia Watershed Society (AWS) stands as one of the first organizations created to protect and restore the Anacostia River. This year, AWS celebrates its 25th anniversary, starting with its annual Earth Day Cleanup on April 5. The organization prides itself on its history of advocacy, educational outreach, and restoration, and has exciting plans to increase its efforts in communities east of the River.
History
In 1989 environmentalist Robert Boone founded AWS to bring more awareness to the problems plaguing the Anacostia River; he would serve as president until 2009. At the time, the Anacostia was considered one of the most polluted rivers in the country. Since more attention seemed to be directed to the city’s other river, the Potomac, Boone called the Anacostia “the Forgotten River.” AWS’s advocacy for the river ranges from tree-planting and clean-ups to campaigns against potentially damaging developments. For instance, during the 1990s, AWS joined lawsuits to prevent chemical dumping from the Navy Yard (which resulted in a massive clean-up) and prevent construction on the proposed Barney Circle Freeway, arguing that the project would bring more air, noise, water pollution to the area. When Boone stepped down from the presidency, James Foster succeed32 H EASTOFTHERIVERDCNEWS.COM
ed him. “We haven’t changed much since then,” Foster said. “We’re still implementing the same work we’ve been doing for years.” But there are some new initiatives. The Environmental Education Program teaches children and adults living east of the river about environmental issues. AWS encourages people to see the Anacostia as a place for recreation. During the summer, AWS hosts “free paddle nights” on Thursday nights, allowing firsttime and experienced paddlers to use the organization’s canoe Two volunteers at the Anacostia Watershed Society’s Earth Day Cleanup in 2013. Photo: Anacostia Watershed Society fleet. “The issues have changed,” said Foster. “Back then, we were more worried about dumping. Now, the problem is more personal, so it should be easier to solve.”
Volunteer on Earth Day!
One Resident’s Story
One person who is helping solve the problem is Congress Heights resident Vaughn Perry. In what he called his “previous life,” Perry worked in IT management, but wanted to do something more to help his community. Attending a conference on clean water initiatives, he found he was the only attendee of color. “I was thinking, ‘I’m
Join the Anacostia Watershed and 2000 volunteers for the annual Earth Day Cleanup. It will take place at 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at 20 sites along the Anacostia Watershed in DC and Montgomery and Prince George’s counties in Maryland. A celebratory gathering follows at RFK Stadium, parking lot #7 from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. with free food and drink prepared by Seafarers Yacht Club, our long-time Earth Day partner. There will also be live music, local exhibitors, and notable speakers. All volunteers are welcome! Registration is not required for the celebration. To register for the Clean Up and for more information, visit anacostiaws.org/earthday2014.