AWS Programs

EDUCATION PROGRAMS

Watershed Explorers (WE)

In 2001 AWS joined forces with the Wilderness Society to create a comprehensive program that utilizes both indoor and outdoor classrooms.  The program has three major components, each connecting the students to the river in a unique way; class-based activities, a restoration event, & a river tour.

AWS Teacher Source Educator resources for Watershed Explorers and River Habitat Programs.

River
HabitaT (RH)

Like the WE Program, the River Habitat Program seeks to connect students to the river in a personal manner. Designed to support and enhance elementary science curriculum standards (grades 3-5), the focus of this program is on animal adaptations and their habitat needs.

AWS Teacher Source Educator resources for Watershed Explorers and River Habitat Programs

Shad/Herring Awareness
& Restoration Effort (SHARE)

This AWS program allows students from Maryland and the District of Columbia to actively participate in raising American Shad and/or Herring fry in the classroom. Once the fry have grown, students have the opportunity to release them into the Anacostia River.

Teacher
Training

AWS's teacher training institute gives participants the chance to conduct in-class demonstrations and experiments from both the Watershed Explorers and the River Habitat program. Through the institute, teachers learn how to effectively enhance their classroom science curricula and provide students with a meaningful experience of the Anacostia and Chesapeake Bay Watersheds. (Maryland and D.C. governments mandate the teaching of a science curricula focused on natural mechanisms related to the Chesapeake Bay Watershed.)

Paddling
Clinics

Come to Bladensburg to learn to paddle a canoe or a kayak.  AWS provides free Instruction and provides all the necessary equipment. Clinic programs are open to people of all ages and abilities.

Slide Presentation

Explore the Anacostia River's history and learn about the environmental threats it faces today. Find out how lifestyle choices impact the health of the watershed and what ordinary citizens like you can do to improve conditions on the river.

RESTORATION PROGRAMS

In the fall of 2004, AWS established a program to take action against non-native (also known as invasive) plant species. Invasive plants pose a quiet but constant threat to the health of the watershed by changing groundwater chemistry and out-competing native species for nourishment and space. Currently, AWS is seeking to remove Japanese Stiltgrass, Mile-a-Minute Weed, Asiatic Bittersweet, and other invasive plants from parks throughout the watershed.

AWS offers opportunitities for people of all ages and abilities to help clean the Anacostia River, it tributaries, and bordering communities. By removing trash and other debris, AWS clean-up crews help imporve river's overall usability and visual appeal.

AWS operated a storm drain stenciling program as one of its public outreach programs designed to raise awareness about connections between local roadways and the health of the Anacostia River. These programs emphasize teamwork and help to promote public awareness of river restoration efforts.

The Stream Corridor Assessment (SCA) survey protocol was developed by Maryland DNR's Watershed Restoration Division as a tool to help environmental managers identify environmental problems and prioritize restoration opportunities on a watershed basis. The survey reveals problems in/along streams such as erosion, exposed sewer pipes, fish barriers, etc. These findings have been used for advocacy not only by AWS but by other organizations.

This project uses innovative and inexpensive bio-engineering techniques to rebuild sections of streambank throughout the Anancostia watershd using discarded Christmas trees and other recycled materials. The combination of erosion and improperly maintained sewer lines often spells danger for the Anacostia and its tributaries.

Tree plantings are essential for protecting the river. Forested stream banks shade tributaries and cool river water during the heat of summer. Ensure a shady future for the Anacostia's shoreline. Volunteer to plant or water a tree today.

AWS is sampling local waters in the Anacostia and Potomac rivers for potentially-harmful bacteria. Sampling takes place at a number of locations throughout the watershed. Water quality flags are raised at each stations in order to indicate whether or not the water meets safe boating standards.

Currently Inactive

The Wetland Nursery Project involves school children in raising native wetland plants from seed. As the the plants grow, students learn more about wetland cultivation practices and ultimately transplant their seedlings into the Anacostia River mudflats.

Our headquarters is located in the historic 18th century George Washington House in Bladensburg, MD and allows us to provide effective community outreach to watershed residents. We are currently working on a campaign to renovate this historic residence which will allow us to perform our watershed restoration duties more efficiently as well as provide our guests and community members, including local students, with the ability to witness sustainable design first hand.

RECREATION PROGRAMS

River
Tours

The Anacostia Watershed Society offers guided tours of the Anacostia River. Trips via canoe, pontoon boat, or kayak depart from Bladensburg Waterfront Park and other locations. People of all ages and abilities are welcome to participate.

Paddle to
the Bay

Each year, the Anacostia Watershed Society sponsors a 120-mile paddling & camping expedition along the length of the Anacostia River, down the Potomac and to the Cheseapeake Bay. The expedition is designed to highlight the connection between the urban Anacostia River and the impact that its polluted condition has upon the Chesapeake Bay.  Natural beauty and breathtaking vistas await the paddlers around each curve and bend in the river.

You can support the restoration of Anacostia paddling waters and the exciting revitalization of the waterfront area by participating in AWS's annual regatta. This exciting urban paddlesport event brings together rowers, canoeists, and kayakers from around the region to race in support the restoration of the Anacostia and celebrate the continuing appeal of recreational watersports.

All race fees go toward the river revitalization work carried out by the Anacostia Watershed Society.