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Causes: Economic Development, Environment, Environmental Beautification, Environmental Education, Urban & Community Economic Development, Water, Water Resources, Wetlands Conservation & Management
Mission: The mission of the Anacostia Watershed Society is to restore and protect the Anacostia River and its watershed communities. Our ultimate vision is to restore the Anacostia to a fishable and swimmable river for the health and enjoyment of all community members.
Results: To date, AWS has engaged more than 100,000 adults and youth in our programs. With volunteers, we have planted more than 44,000 native trees, shrubs, and plants; eradicated 58 acres of invasive plant cover; removed 1,233 tons of trash and debris from the river (and 11,266 tires); created more than 2.5 million square feet of green roofs and bioretention area to annually treat millions of gallons of stormwater runoff each year. AWS has educated and engaged more than 33,500 watershed students and trained 970 teachers from Maryland and DC to present our watershed curriculum to their students. With our partners, we have helped win lawsuits that have resulted in a significant decrease in sewage, stormwater, and trash in the Anacostia River.
Target demographics: the Anacostia River and its watershed communities
Direct beneficiaries per year: more than 2,000 students, 150 teachers, and 5,000 volunteers.
Geographic areas served: Washington, DC metropolitan region
Programs: hands-on environmental education, community-based restoration, advocacy, and recreation.