Pollution Reduction

Trash Traps

Innovative Solutions to Clean Downstream

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image shows trash floating in the river

Content Category: Our Work

A major problem, as in many waterways in urban areas, is trash. The Restoration team is responsible for the innovative trash trap installed at Nash Run. This is one way the AWS Restoration team is actively cleaning the river.  Most notably, we sort and measure the trash collected in order to plan for advocacy goals. The data collected at AWS trash traps has helped pass the bag fee law in DC and Montgomery County, MD (and measured its efficacy), the plastic straw bans in DC, Montgomery and Prince George’s counties, and the Styrofoam bans in DC, Montgomery, Prince George’s counties and the State of Maryland. 

The Nash Run Trash Trap project was started as a response to this problem with the support and funding of the District Department of the Environment. The goal is to capture trash before it enters the main tidal Anacostia. The trash trap was installed around the mouth of Nash Run, which is the entrance to Kenilworth Marsh. Via this marsh, the water and trash flow into the tidal Anacostia, making it a good location to proactively catch the trash.

In February 2009, our first trash trap was installed. Although extremely effective, there was clogging in the trap and some trash still got through the barrier. Our observation and experience of the trap over the next two years gave us the knowledge to improve the effectiveness of the design. The new trap is gently angled at 5 degrees to the ground. The stream force is used to push up trash, leaves, and branches on the screen to suppress the clogging. This allows stream water to flow through the trap as smoothly as possible. The modified and improved design was installed in June 2011. Since then, we have added one more trash trap at River Terrace, south of Nash Run.

Results

The first design captured approximately 3,300 lbs of “pure trash,” meaning bottles and cans are emptied and organic matter such as leaves was removed, between February 2009 through June 2011. Trash was sorted into 47 categories for the first 2 years and the data on weight, number of pieces were collected.  Then, the sorted trash was bagged into three major categories to allow AWS staff to study the trash characteristics by volume. Findings during the first 2 year study showed about 45% of trash was bottles and cans and 22% of trash was styrofoam. The detailed report is availabe online (https://doee.dc.gov/publication/demonstration-trash-reduction-technologies).  

AWS has been persistently and patiently continuing to collect the data.  The most recent volume analysis shows that only 1% is Styrofoam thanks to the Styrofoam bans in DC, Prince George’s Montgomery Counties and Maryland.  About 42% of trash remains bottles and cans.

The experience of managing 2 types of trash trap brought us great insight.  Nash Run Trash Trap is a screen type trap that captures both floatable and non-floatable trash.  River Terrace Trash Trap is a boom type trash trap that collects basically ONLY floatable trash.  It is obvious that the boom type trap does not capture non-floatable trash pieces.  Thus, AWS used Nash Run Trash Trap data to figure out how much non-floatable trash is escaping from the boom type trap.  AWS found that approximately 70% pieces of trash are not floatable.  This means that while the boom type trap, River Terrace Trash Trap, is very important to beautify the Anacostia River, approximately 70% pieces of non-floatable trash just flow through underneath the trap.

We also found that the maintenance of the screen type trap, Nash Run Trash Trap, is laborious and it is not practical to install screen type traps across the watershed.  Therefore, AWS uses the data from the traps to advocate for a better future: No one discards trash in our watershed and the environment.

Get Involved

It takes the support of many volunteers to help AWS maintain the trash trap. Look at our calendar of events to see when the next clean up of the Nash Run Trash Trap is for an opportunity to help clean the river alongside our AWS staff!

What are vernal pools?

Vernal pools are a unique type of wetland. Though often small and seasonal, they play a vital role in the ecosystem. These temporary wetlands typically form in late winter through early spring from snowmelt and rain, and usually dry up by mid to late summer. They provide essential breeding habitats for a variety of creatures that cannot reproduce in other areas.

Why are vernal pools important?

These pools are where wood frogs, spring peepers, spotted salamanders and other amphibians come to breed. Vernal pools are fish-free, so amphibian eggs and insect larvae are safe from these predators. Some species, like fairy shrimp or marbled salamanders, are found only in vernal pools. Vernal pools also help ecosystems and communities stay resilient by filtering water and absorbing floods.

What are threats to vernal pools?

Threats to vernal pools include:

  • Climate change
  • Trash, stormwater runoff, dumping, and other pollution
  • Development, road salting, and other forms of habitat destruction

Vernal pools are declining rapidly because they do not meet current Maryland Department of the Environment wetland requirements or qualify for federal protections under the Clean Water Act as currently interpreted. This allows businesses to build on these wetlands without making up for the damage.

What does AWS do?

AWS has taken species inventories and mapped more than 40 pools since 2010. At eight of them we found species that depend on these pools to breed, including marbled salamanders and wood frogs.

We work with trained citizen scientists and master naturalists to monitor specific vernal pools and gather data to identify conservation and restoration needs.

AWS regularly advocates for protection of these rare ecosystems, testifying in the House of Delegates, signing petitions and informing the public of their importance.

What can you do?

Maintain natural vegetation and avoid applying pesticides, herbicides, or fertilizers near pools.
Participate in local vernal pool monitoring, restoration projects or citizen science efforts.
Stay on marked trails, respect vernal pool habitats, and educate others about their importance.
Educate yourself!

The Mussel Power program is a comprehensive three-part program that engages elementary and high school students throughout the watershed in freshwater mussel restoration.

The Power of Mussels

During the course of the program, students investigate the lifecycle of freshwater mussels, learn about the benefits that freshwater mussels provide, and explore the unique role of mussels in the Anacostia River ecosystem.

Through this program, students are actively engaged in the restoration of 1 of the 8 native species of freshwater mussel in the Anacostia River.  Students care for juvenile mussels in their classrooms using mussels, tanks, and other materials provided by the Anacostia Watershed Society. 

A class visit led by our trained environmental educators teaches students about the value of freshwater mussels and prepares students for upcoming field trips. Field trips include a guided boat tour of the Anacostia River; a “mussel release” during which students bring their juvenile mussels to the Anacostia River, and other fun, mussel-related activities! 

Mussel Power is embedded into the PGCPS Biogeochemical Systems class. High school students participate in real world, hands-on data collection and analysis. Students help care, measure mussel growth, and collect water quality data throughout the program. 

Over 1500 mussels are raised and released back into the river through this program annually.

Program at a Glance:

  • Engages elementary and high school students from Maryland and Washington, D.C. in freshwater mussel restoration 
  • DC Elementary program is offered in the fall
  • PGCPS High School Program Mussel Power Program is offered September-May
  • Includes a class visit from AWS staff, a boat tour of the Anacostia River, and a “mussel release” at Anacostia Park, Bladensburg Waterfront Park, or Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens

For more information about this program, please contact our Director of Education and Outreach, Kendra Bierman at [email protected].

Learn more about our mussel restoration work :

The following programs are event series and outreach programs that AWS has both run in the past and/or has aspirations to pursue in the future. If you would like to collaborate with us on any of the following programs, please reach out to Lindsay Allen, Community Outreach Manager, at [email protected]. 

  • Meditative Boat Cruises – These boat cruises are meditative and reflective, allowing participants to connect with nature and themselves through guided activities and quiet moments. Forest Bathing, originally a Japanese concept, is immersing oneself in a natural setting in order to experience its healing benefits. These cruises are for the general public as well as private groups.
  • Film Screenings – Screenings of short films related to local, national, and international environmental topics and issues. Some films we have screened in the past are The Frog Ark and Upstream, Downriver.
  • Community Conversations – Facilitated conversations where community members, experts, and other interested individuals can gather and share knowledge. Some community conversation topics we have covered in the past are local environmental justice, environment and black legacies of the region, and walkable communities.
  • Workshops – Workshops facilitated by community members on various topics related to environmental stewardship. Some workshops we have had in the past are seed fundamentals and urban food foraging.
  • Youth Board – Engaging with youth and their ideas, visions, and desires in relation to environmental issues in the form of a Youth Board, which meets regularly.
  • Book Club – Reading books on environmental justice, eco-fiction, nature writing, and more.
  • D.C. ANC Outreach – Engaging D.C.’s ANC’s to collaborate with and listen to their needs and concerns related to local watershed issues.
  • Swimming Program – A free program that teaches both children and adults based in Wards 7 and 8 of D.C. how to swim in an effort to encourage engagement with the Anacostia River.
  • Tabling – Bringing an educational and informational table to local events in order to share details on AWS’ work.

To see if any events in the above categories are scheduled, you can view our events calendar here.

At AWS, our community outreach strategy is centered on the following tenets, adapted from our strategic plan: 

  • Honor and celebrate the indigenous Anacostan people in our education and outreach programs, and engage their descendants in our conservation and restoration programs. 
  • Ally with African American, Latino, and Asian communities in the watershed, learning their needs and aspirations, and seeking their guidance and experience as we plan and implement conservation activities and develop programs for the Anacostia Watershed Center. 
  • Ensure that our climate resilience efforts meet the needs of historically underserved neighborhoods in DC Wards 7 and 8 and Maryland suburbs southeast of the city, working with them to mitigate flood, water quality, and other risks posed by climate change. 
  • Make certain that everyone has equitable access to increased resources and amenities, such as fishing and swimming, that will become available as the river recovers. 
  • Ensure that local communities, particularly those that have been historically marginalized, are not inordinately subjected to pollution, habitat loss, flooding, etc. due to government and private sector decision-making. 

Related Content

Nature Near Schools, an environmental literacy program for 4th graders in Title I DC Public and Public Charter Schools funded by the DC Department of Energy & Environment. In addition to AWS, program partners UAS, Casey Trees, Living Classrooms Foundation, and Nature Forward are all delivering this Meaningful Watershed Educational Experience (MWEE) to over 1,200 students at 28 schools across DC!

Through this program students build connections to nature found right outside their school walls and learn how to be stewards of the watershed they call home. 

AWS educators meet with participating students 5 times over the course of the year exploring topics such as “What is a Watershed”, “Pollution Solutions”, and “Habitat and Human Impact”. These sessions occur in the school yard and local green spaces. Educators also work with participating classes to select, plan, and implement an action project at their school inspired by experiences in the program.

Water quality monitoring helps us better understand and document the general water quality conditions of the Anacostia River.

What is Snapshot Monitoring?

Snapshot monitoring captures data at a single point in time. For our purposes, it entails collecting a grab sample (such as dipping a sampling bottle or submerging a probe) from the river for analysis.

The grab sample tells us exactly what was in the water at the exact moment it was collected. The reality is that snapshot monitoring doesn’t tell us what the water was like two hours before the sample collection or what it will be like tomorrow. It is a single “frame” in the life of the river.

What gets measured?

AWS monitors the tidal Anacostia River from the Bladensburg Road Bridge to the mouth of the Anacostia River from June through October.  There are 9 monitoring stations one mile apart.  The parameters monitored are listed below:

  • pH
  • Water temperature
  • Dissolved Oxygen
  • Conductivity
  • Secchi Disk Depth (Water Clarity)
  • E. coli

Snapshot Monitoring Station Map

Select a marker to view current water quality data

Since 2020, E. coli is monitored only at Bladensburg, Route 50, Benning, and 11th Street sites

View Raw Data Page

Welcome to the Master Naturalist Program!

The 2026-2027 Master Naturalist Application Period is Now Open!

Apply To Become a Maryland Master Naturalist

The Maryland Master Naturalist Program is a state-wide program sponsored by University of Maryland Extension (UME). The program educates residents about the natural history of the state and provides structured training on a diverse assortment of natural history topics.  Additionally, the program empowers residents to share and care for natural places in their communities. 

Read our blog post, “Inside the Minds of Master Naturalists”, to learn more about the program from a few participants.

Program Specifics

The program held at the Anacostia Watershed Society focuses specifically on the plants and animals of the Anacostia River Watershed and how human activity has impacted the Anacostia River over time.  

Session topics include an introduction to Maryland’s natural history, how people have impacted the Anacostia River, the “science of science”, birds, mammals, reptiles, amphibians, fish, insects, plants, geology and the art of teaching others about the natural environment!

Participants will take part in field trips (walks and boat tours) to local areas throughout the watershed and will engage in hands-on work that supports a clean, healthy Anacostia River.

The program consists of 60 hours of training, followed by 40 hours of volunteer service to become officially certified.  The program cost is $250, due upon acceptance to the program.

The Master Naturalist program at AWS will be held on 2nd Saturdays from September through August of each year.

Do you have questions about the program? Email Jamie Craven, Environmental Educator, at [email protected].

Welcome to Watershed Stewards Academy!

The Watershed Stewards Academy (WSA) is a program based in the state of Maryland that equips community leaders with the resources, tools, and knowledge to serve as a point person in their community on watershed issues and solutions. Several counties host the program, and the National Capital Region of the program is run by Anacostia Watershed Society. Students participate in a 11-session course with both virtual and in-person sessions over a period of 3 months. This sets them up to complete a capstone project with community members and the resources that the program provides. Upon course and capstone project completion, they become certified Master Watershed Stewards. 

By participating in this Watershed Stewards Academy, you will:

  • Understand Anacostia watershed history, ecology and restoration.
  • Understand the importance of environmental justice in restoring the Anacostia watershed.
  • Understand the different actors and their involvement in restoring the Anacostia Watershed.
  • Build a community around local environmental issues. 
  • Through the resources of the Academy, complete a capstone project as an individual/small group around a local environmental issue.

If you have any questions related to the program, please reach out to Lindsay Allen, Community Outreach Manager and WSA program coordinator at [email protected].

Check out this YouTube video of a former Watershed Steward sharing their experience!

Connect with the rest of Maryland’s WSA program on Facebook here!

Free Environmental Education for Middle Schoolers

Introduction to the Saturday Environmental Academy

The Anacostia Watershed Society’s Saturday Environmental Academy (SEA) is a free environmental education program for 6th, 7th, and 8th grade students that is held on Saturdays. SEA is unique in its program depth, focus, and duration for the underserved middle school audience. We stimulate interest in and provide a fundamental education about the environment, specifically that of the Anacostia River Watershed, in a developmentally appropriate, meaningful way. 

SEA offers two multi-week programs each year, one in the fall and one in the spring. Sessions are held on Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. at outdoor sites throughout the area. Students learn about the Anacostia River and local environment while developing skills in team building, critical thinking, and scientific investigation. Students may participate in one or all six semesters of their time in middle school. SEA also runs a Student Leader program which allows former SEA middle school participants to apply for one of these leadership positions. The SEA teaching team supports Student Leaders in strengthening presentation, communication, leadership, organization, and other skills. This program is run in conjunction with our normally held program and provides Student Leaders with the opportunity to obtain service hours or stipends.

SEA involves students in a wide variety of outdoor learning opportunities, such as riverside cleanups, boat trips, tree plantings, invasive species removal, and urban/community garden activities. These and other activities provide youth with a deeper understanding of the Anacostia River, the watershed community, and the impact that people have on the natural world.

The multi-week format is designed to build on students’ experiences from week-to-week, strengthening their grasp of the material and reinforcing the connections between sessions. SEA maintains a 5:1 student/teacher ratio, which allows for consistent, individual attention and building meaningful mentoring relationships. Additionally, because the students come from a range of schools, the program fosters relationships that cross neighborhood boundaries, strengthening the students’ appreciation for their wider community.

What Parents/Guardians say about SEA

“This was probably the best program our child participated in.”
“SEA is such a great opportunity for kids. Thank you for providing them a safe space to learn and grow.”
“This is a wonderful program. There is very little available to Middle School kids – most programs are for wee ones. Thanks for running this.”
“This program is well run and organized. I could tell my son felt nurtured and empowered, and I expect he’s going to want to come back!”
“We appreciated the level of communication and Facebook photos. Thank you!”
“He loved it!”
“This was great, they can’t wait for the fall session!”
“This program has been a part of my daughter’s life for the last three years and it has helped her grow. We are very grateful to the SEA team for their stewardship.”

Benefits to students participating in SEA

  • Visit cool environmental spots around DC & MD (parks, gardens, wetlands, etc.).
  • Participate in hands-on activities and learn how you can make a difference for our environment!
  • Earn service hours for sessions that are service-oriented (e.g., tree planting).
  • Make new friends outside of your school!
  • Build your portfolio for high school and college.
  • Work with dedicated, fun SEA Teacher/Mentors in a small student to teacher ratio.

Guidelines for participation

  • The Academy is free to all 6th, 7th, & 8th grade students. Students in the Anacostia Watershed (DC wards 5, 6, 7, & 8 and some areas of MD) are strongly encouraged to apply.
  • Accepted students are expected to attend EVERY Saturday session in a multi-week semester program. Limited exceptions are made, e.g., for illness, travel, and testing. When possible, the SEA Program Director must be notified in advance of an absence and reason. 
  • Students should arrive at our meeting location in front of Chisholm Elementary School at 1001 G Street, SE, DC every Saturday promptly at 9:00 a.m. They should be promptly picked up at 1:00 p.m. if not given permission to take public transportation or walk.
  • Students learn best by doing, so they will be participating in activities that are outside most of the time. Students should wear clothes that can get dirty.
  • Closed-toe shoes and long pants are a requirement.

To apply for your 6th, 7th, or 8th grade child to participate, please complete and return the Saturday Environmental Academy general application (or semester specific application, highlighted at the top of this webpage at certain times of the year). Contact Catherine Estes, SEA Program Director, at [email protected] if you have any questions.

See updates and photos of the Saturday Environmental Academy in action on Facebook.

Related Content

Healthy Watershed, Healthy You! – Part II

This academic year, SEA is exploring connections between environmental and human health. The two are undeniably intertwined. Humans have a direct impact on the health of the environment and the health of the environment directly affects human health. This year, we will head outside to various sites in the Anacostia watershed to investigate topics and issues that affect the health of our watershed and us as humans. We will also dive deeper into nature-based, recreational activities that focus on supporting positive human health. Get ready to tour DC Water’s headquarters and pumping station, paddle on the Anacostia River in Dragon Boats, bike in Anacostia Park, learn about and care for AWS’ mussels (superheroes for cleaning the Anacostia!), and more!

Spring 2026 Semester Schedule

March 18, 2026

Get to know the other SEA students and staff, help form SEA expectations, and learn about our theme at this spring kick-off session! Explore connections to our theme as we tour DC Water’ historic pumping station that was constructed from 1904-1907 and is still in service today (registered as a National Historic Site in 2012). It handles 400 million gallons of wastewater a day, sending it down the system to the Blue Plains Treatment Plant, the largest wastewater treatment plant in the world. Students will also visit DC Water Headquarters (HQO), which is built on top of the O Street Pumping Station. Our LEED platinum building has several sustainability features on display, a green roof, rain water collection tank, and a wastewater energy system used for heating and cooling the building.

April 4, 2026

NO SESSION – Spring Break

April 11, 2026

Get your body moving on dragon and outrigger boats on the Anacostia River! The National Capital Area Women’s Paddling Association will lead us in this fun, engaging activity that demonstrates the interdependence of human and river health. This, and other enjoyable recreational activities for humans, can only be fully enjoyed if the river and all of the plant and animal species living and growing here are healthy too! 

April 18, 2026

Get your body moving, take II— this time in Anacostia Park with the Washington Area Bicyclists Association (WABA). We will learn about this special place in our watershed, along the Anacostia River, and get the opportunity to bike in it! We will do a helmet fit, safety training, games, and rides. The rides will be leveled/grouped according to experience. Brand new riders will be okay!

April 25, 2026

Increase your health and that of the Anacostia watershed and river by helping with the Anacostia Watershed Society’s (AWS) Earth Day Cleanup. This event is the largest AWS volunteer event of the year. Exciting that SEA students are a part of it! We’ll focus on cleanup efforts at one of many participating sites in the Anacostia watershed.

May 2, 2026

Let’s go FISHING! Several returning students asked for a fishing session so we’re doing it! We will head to a spot along the Anacostia River to meet with a local Anacostia River and fishing guru. We’ll learn a bit about the history of the river, role fishing has played in the local community, health of the fish, etc. No fishing experience? No worries. You will learn the basics. We may not catch anything, but if we do it will be strictly catch and release.

May 9, 2026

Help with AWS’ mussel program at one of our aquaculture sites in the watershed. We will get an up-close, hands-on look at these filter-feeding superheroes for the Anacostia River. Some activities will include mussel basket maintenance work, separating sand from mussels, cleaning the baskets, counting the mussels, tagging baskets, etc. Depending on timing, we may do some hiking and exploring other species present at this location using dipnets and AWS’ very own natural resources gurus, Jorge B. Montero and Jennie Hudson. Super fun way to finish up our academic year theme of “Healthy Watershed, Healthy You”!

Learn More

Saturday Environmental Academy

The Saturday Environmental Academy (SEA) is a free environmental education program for 6th, 7th, and 8th grade students that is held on Saturdays. SEA is unique in its program depth, focus, and duration for the underserved middle school audience.

Learn More

Healthy Watershed, Healthy You! – Part 1

This academic year, SEA will explore connections between environmental and human health. The two are undeniably intertwined. Humans have a direct impact on the health of the environment and the health of the environment directly affects human health. This year, we will head outside to various sites in the Anacostia watershed to investigate topics and issues that affect the health of our watershed and us as humans. We will also dive deeper into nature-based, recreational activities that focus on supporting positive human health. Get ready to meditate on the Anacostia River by boat, do art therapy at Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens, plant native trees in the watershed, and more!

Fall 2025 Semester Schedule

October 4, 2025

Get to know the other SEA students and staff, help form SEA expectations, and learn about our theme at this fall kick-off session! Explore connections to our theme as we visit a special spot in the watershed to join naturalists and Certified Forest Therapy Guides, Ana Ka’ahanui from Capital Nature and Sage Raindancer from Raindancer Healing Arts, for an introduction to forest bathing. “Shinrin-yoku,” or taking in the forest atmosphere with all of your senses, is a way to slow down, unwind, connect to the natural world, and experience nature’s healing benefits. Through a series of simple sensory exercises, we will be experiencing the wonders of nature with this relaxing mindfulness practice. Get to know the other SEA students and staff, help form SEA expectations, and learn about our theme at this spring kick-off session! We will join City Blossoms, a longtime partner of SEA, for a community garden workday. These events help protect and create greenspace in our watershe – an essential component for a healthy watershed and river.

October 11, 2025

Dig into our theme and environmental + human health connections at an urban farm! We’ll tour this unique schoolyard-based site in our watershed; do multiple hands-on activities in the gardens like weeding, planting, mulching, watering, and painting; and maybe even get to taste some of the fresh, healthy goodies that grow there.Meet AWS staff on our Restoration team to help with a long-time and successful restoration program– planting native wild rice. We will head to a special spot in the Anacostia watershed, along the river, to plant native wild rice via “mud balls” to continue these efforts!

October 18, 2025

Take a meditative and reflective boat ride down the Anacostia River. The goal is to connect with nature and ourselves, and learn more about the health of the Anacostia River. This activity is a part of the Anacostia Watershed Society’s (AWS) pilot Forest Bathing Program. Our facilitator has been training as a forest bathing guide through the Shinrin-Yoku Association. Come as you are, with an open mind, ready to experience the river and the healing aspects of nature.

October 25, 2025

Meet staff from AWS’s partner, Casey Trees, which works to protect and restore the tree canopy in DC. Their mission and work has a direct impact on the health of our watershed and community. We will travel to a local park to meet Casey Trees, discuss the forest patch in the park with Park Tree Stewards, practice tree identification along the eastern hillside, and remove invasive species to help protect the native trees. The primary invasive species that we will be removing is kudzu, but we will likely encounter bush honeysuckle, porcelain berry, and ivy as well.

November 1, 2025

Join other staff from AWS for a native tree planting in a local park in the Anacostia Watershed. We will focus on clearing invasive species and then planting native trees in the forested area damaged by the invasive emerald ash borer beetle. Planting these trees is important because they will help to increase biodiversity in the tree canopy, slow and filter stormwater runoff before it goes into the Anacostia River, help prevent erosion of the riverbank, and create habitat for wildlife. Some of the species we will plant could include black willows, swamp white oaks, swamp chestnut oaks, sycamores, bald cypresses, black gums, pin oaks, and river birches.

November 8, 2025

Participate in a special WELLderness session at a beautiful wetland/park in our Anacostia watershed. We will learn about the value of this unique area in helping to improve the health of the Anacostia River and watershed and community members. We will also engage in wellness activities like art therapy and wetland exploration. It will be a wonderful way to culminate our fall program!

Learn More

Saturday Environmental Academy

The Saturday Environmental Academy (SEA) is a free environmental education program for 6th, 7th, and 8th grade students that is held on Saturdays. SEA is unique in its program depth, focus, and duration for the underserved middle school audience.

Learn More

FREE for 6th, 7th, and 8th graders living in the Anacostia Watershed in DC, Prince George’s County, and Montgomery County

Apply For The 2026 Summer River Explorers Program

The Summer River Explorers Program is a free program for 6th, 7th, and 8th graders who live in the Anacostia River Watershed in DC, Prince George’s County, or Montgomery County. Through this explorative, outdoor recreational and educational experience, students learn about their river and local environment, while developing skills in team building, critical thinking, and scientific investigation.

The Summer River Explorers Program is held the last week of June. 2026 Program dates coming soon.

On these days we will meet from 9:30am to 3:30pm. The program meets at various public parks along the Anacostia River such as Bladensburg Waterfront Park, Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens, and Anacostia Park. From our meeting location, we will venture out together for various recreational and educational activities along the Anacostia River. Activities increase environmental awareness and give students the opportunity to take positive action to help improve their environment, as well as increase outdoor engagement. Activities may include boat tours, trash cleanups, wetland plantings, visits to community parks, mussel restoration, fishing, canoeing, etc.

Program Themes Include:

  • Exploring the Anacostia Watershed
    • This day is focused on exploring the components of a watershed and how the surrounding watershed impacts the Anacostia river. Students will be introduced to the Anacostia river through hands-on experiences such as canoeing and motorized boating on the river focused on watershed history and human impacts! 
  • Becoming an Anacostia River Scientist
    • This day is focused on environmental science and Anacostia River restoration. At Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens, part of the National Park Service, students will actively investigate the health of the Anacostia River by conducting water quality tests and searching for animals in the watershed.
  • Diving into the Anacostia River Community
    • This day is focused on connecting the students with the Anacostia community by exploring different community-centered activities such as fishing and participating in environmental activities with groups such as the Friends of Anacostia Park and the Aquatic Resources Education Center.

Additional Information:

We ask that families only apply if they feel they can make a commitment to the program, barring unforeseen circumstances. Some exceptions to missing a session may be granted (e.g., school testing, sickness, COVID-19, etc.). If interested in applying for the 2026 summer program, please complete the application and submit per the instructions at the end of the application. If you have any questions, please contact Kendra Bierman, Director of Education and Outreach.

Wondering if you live in the Anacostia River Watershed?

Take a look at this map. If you live within the pink boundary, you’re eligible to apply!

Bad Weather Plan

AWS educators monitor the weather and have an action plan ready. Participants will be notified via email and a phone call if a program day is cancelled due to inclement weather. If that does happen we will aim to reschedule for that week’s rain date.

Our Watershed Explorers Experiences are single day sessions which engage students in a variety of watershed restoration and health themes. These single day student experiences are built to provide hands-on lessons for students to form a deeper connection to the Anacostia Watershed.

For school visit sessions AWS educators will visit your school to work with your students. We can visit more than one class period and spend up to one full day at your school

Field experiences will take place at one of our programming locations-Bladensburg Waterfront Park, Anacostia park, or Kingman/Heritage Islands; with most trips occurring at Bladensburg Waterfront Park. These programs are free of charge with donations accepted. 

 Educators can choose from our menu of school based classes or field sessions. *Recommended levels can be modified for other ages/class levels.

Watershed Explorers- School Visits

PROGRAM: Watershed Stewards Class Visit

  • Watershed Demonstration
  • School yard trash clean up and evaluation

Students gain an understanding of what a watershed is and pollution impacts within the Anacostia Watershed. Students participate in hands-on activities to protect their watershed and the Anacostia River.  

  • Recommended Level: 1st-12th
  • Time of Year: Sept-June

National Standards Alignment Examples:

  • 3-LS4-4: Make a claim about the merit of a solution to a problem caused when the environment changes and the types of plants and animals that live there may change
  • 4-ESS3-2: Generate and compare multiple solutions to reduce the impacts of natural Earth processes on humans
  • 5-ESS3-1: Obtain and combine information about ways individual communities use science ideas to protect the Earth’s resources and environment.
  • MS-LS2-4: Construct an argument supported by empirical evidence that changes to physical or biological components of an ecosystem affect populations.

PROGRAM: Solutions to Pollution

  • Build a trash trap model

Students learn about pollution issues in the Anacostia Watershed and local solutions to those issues. Students explore how community action, plants, education, and engineered solutions are helping the Anacostia River

  • Recommended Level: 6th-12th
  • Time of Year: Sept-June

National Standards Alignment Examples:

  • MS-LS2-4: Construct an argument supported by empirical evidence that changes to physical or biological components of an ecosystem affect populations. 
  • HS-LS2-2: Use mathematical representations to support and revise explanations based on evidence about factors affecting biodiversity and populations in ecosystems of different scales.

PROGRAM: River Scientists Class Visit

  • Anacostia River water quality testing
  • Create a river report card

Students learn about what makes a river healthy and participate in hands-on water quality testing in the classroom. Students will measure: temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen, nitrates, phosphates, and turbidity

  • Recommended Level: 4th-12th
  • Time of Year: Sept-June

National Standards Alignment Examples:

  • 5-ESS3-1: Obtain and combine information about ways individual communities use science ideas to protect the Earth’s resources and environment.
  • MS-LS2-4: Construct an argument supported by empirical evidence that changes to physical or biological components of an ecosystem affect populations. 
  • HS-LS2-2: Use mathematical representations to support and revise explanations based on evidence about factors affecting biodiversity and populations in ecosystems of different scales.

PROGRAM: Wildlife of the Watershed Class Visit

(3 hours, with half an hour to eat your packed lunch)

  • Wildlife food web activity
  • Wildlife pelts, skulls, and tracks exploration
  • School yard animal signs scavenger hunt

Students will study specimens such as animal furs, replica skulls, and tracks of local wildlife. Students explore how we can use signs of animals to know what lives nearby. The group will also explore how these animals interact with a food web activity.

  • Recommended Level: 1st-5th
  • Time of Year: Sept-June

National Standards Alignment Examples:

  • 1-LS1-1: Use materials to design a solution to a human problem by mimicking how plants and/or animals use their external parts to help them survive, grow, and meet their needs.
  • 3-LS4-4: Make a claim about the merit of a solution to a problem caused when the environment changes and the types of plants and animals that live there may change..
  • 5-ESS3-1: Obtain and combine information about ways individual communities use science ideas to protect the Earth’s resources and environment.

PROGRAM: Mussel Power Class Visit

  • Hands-on mussel measuring activity
  • Mussel data collection

Students learn about how freshwater mussels are helping to clean the river! Students hold and measure live freshwater mussels.

  • Recommended Level: 1st-12th
  • Time of Year: Sept-June

National Standards Alignment Examples:

  • 1-LS1-1: Use materials to design a solution to a human problem by mimicking how plants and/or animals use their external parts to help them survive, grow, and meet their needs.
  • 3-LS4-3 Biological Evolution: Unity and Diversity
  • Construct an argument with evidence that in a particular habitat some organisms can survive well, some survive less well, and some cannot survive at all.
  • MS-LS2-4: Construct an argument supported by empirical evidence that changes to physical or biological components of an ecosystem affect populations. 
  • HS-LS2-2: Use mathematical representations to support and revise explanations based on evidence about factors affecting biodiversity and populations in ecosystems of different scales.

Watershed Explorers- Field Trips

PROGRAM: Watershed Stewards Field Trip

(3 hours, with half an hour to eat your packed lunch)

  • Boat tour of the Anacostia River
  • Community trash clean up 

Students gain an understanding of what a watershed is and the histories and impacts in their Anacostia Watershed. Students participate in hands-on activities to protect their watershed and the Anacostia River. 

  • Recommended Level: 1st-12th
  • Time of Year: Sept-Nov and April-June

National Standards Alignment Examples:

  • 3-LS4-4: Make a claim about the merit of a solution to a problem caused when the environment changes and the types of plants and animals that live there may change
  • 4-ESS3-2: Generate and compare multiple solutions to reduce the impacts of natural Earth processes on humans
  • 5-ESS3-1: Obtain and combine information about ways individual communities use science ideas to protect the Earth’s resources and environment.
  • MS-LS2-4: Construct an argument supported by empirical evidence that changes to physical or biological components of an ecosystem affect populations.

PROGRAM: Wetland Wonders Field Trip

(3 hours, with half an hour to eat your packed lunch)

  • Boat tour of the Anacostia River
  • Wild Rice seed planting/mud balling

Students learn what makes wetlands an important part of our watershed, what plants and animals live in wetlands and explore wetlands found along the river. Students participate in a hands-on wetland restoration activity. 

  • Recommended Level: 1st-12th
  • Time of Year: Sept-Nov and April-June

National Standards Alignment Examples:

  • 1-LS1-1: Use materials to design a solution to a human problem by mimicking how plants and/or animals use their external parts to help them survive, grow, and meet their needs.
  • 2-ESS2-1: Compare multiple solutions designed to slow or prevent wind or water from changing the shape of the land.
  • MS-LS2-4: Construct an argument supported by empirical evidence that changes to physical or biological components of an ecosystem affect populations. 
  • HS-LS2-2: Use mathematical representations to support and revise explanations based on evidence about factors affecting biodiversity and populations in ecosystems of different scales.

PROGRAM: River Explorers Canoe Trip

(3 hours, with half an hour to eat your packed lunch)

  • Canoe Tour on the Anacostia River

This immersive experience allows students to explore the Anacostia River on a two hour canoe tour. Students will paddle down the main step of the river and enter wetlands along the river.

*Max group size 15 people including adults

  • Recommended Level: 6th-12th
  • Time of Year: Sept-Nov and April-June

National Standards Alignment Examples:

  • MS-LS2-4: Construct an argument supported by empirical evidence that changes to physical or biological components of an ecosystem affect populations. 
  • HS-LS2-2: Use mathematical representations to support and revise explanations based on evidence about factors affecting biodiversity and populations in ecosystems of different scales.

PROGRAM: River Scientists Field Trip

(3 hours, with half an hour to eat your packed lunch)

  • Boat tour on the Anacostia River
  • Anacostia River water quality testing

Students learn about what makes a river healthy and participate in hands-on water quality testing as well as a boat tour along the river.

  • Recommended Level: 6th-12th
  • Time of Year: Sept-Nov and April-June

National Standards Alignment Examples:

  • MS-LS2-4: Construct an argument supported by empirical evidence that changes to physical or biological components of an ecosystem affect populations. 
  • HS-LS2-2: Use mathematical representations to support and revise explanations based on evidence about factors affecting biodiversity and populations in ecosystems of different scales.

PROGRAM: Wildlife of the Watershed Field Tripld Trip

(3 hours, with half an hour to eat your packed lunch)

  • Wildlife focused boat tour on the Anacostia River
  • Wildlife pelts, skulls, and tracks exploration

Students explore the river by boat and learn about all the animals they see along the river. Students will also study specimens such as animal furs, replica skulls, and tracks.

  • Recommended Level: 1st-5th
  • Time of Year: Sept-Nov and April-June

National Standards Alignment Examples:

  • 1-LS1-1: Use materials to design a solution to a human problem by mimicking how plants and/or animals use their external parts to help them survive, grow, and meet their needs.
  • 3-LS4-4: Make a claim about the merit of a solution to a problem caused when the environment changes and the types of plants and animals that live there may change.
  • 5-ESS3-1: Obtain and combine information about ways individual communities use science ideas to protect the Earth’s resources and environment.

PROGRAM: Mussel Power Field Trip

(3 hours, with half an hour to eat your packed lunch)

  • Boat tour on the Anacostia River
  • Hands-on mussel measuring activity

Students explore the Anacostia River on a boat tour and learn about how freshwater mussels are helping to clean the river! Students hold and measure live freshwater mussels.

  • Recommended Level: 1st-12th
  • Time of Year: Sept-Nov and April-June

National Standards Alignment Examples:

  • 1-LS1-1: Use materials to design a solution to a human problem by mimicking how plants and/or animals use their external parts to help them survive, grow, and meet their needs.
  • 3-LS4-3 Biological Evolution: Unity and Diversity
  • Construct an argument with evidence that in a particular habitat some organisms can survive well, some survive less well, and some cannot survive at all.
  • MS-LS2-4: Construct an argument supported by empirical evidence that changes to physical or biological components of an ecosystem affect populations. 
  • HS-LS2-2: Use mathematical representations to support and revise explanations based on evidence about factors affecting biodiversity and populations in ecosystems of different scales.

Get Involved

If you are interested in engaging in any of the our school-based  programs please fill out our program interest form.

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The ‘American Shad – Schools in Schools’ program is a three-part educational experience that connects students with hands-on restoration work which engages them in local conservation efforts. Students will not only be supporting the restoration of American shad, a native fish, but will also be able to better understand their role in protecting our native ecosystems. Like all of AWS’ environmental education programs, it provides students with the opportunity to be involved in positive solutions to local issues.

American shad is an anadromous species, which means the fish migrate from the sea to freshwater streams and rivers to spawn. The fish fell victim to the neglect and mistreatment of the Anacostia River, and the numbers of this fish dwindled. Subsequently, our Schools in Schools program was launched, where students raise shad fry (juvenile fish) from eggs in their classroom.

As a part of the Schools in Schools Shad program, students will gain an understanding of watershed dynamics, how our actions on the land impact our waterways, the ecological role of American shad, the shad life cycle, role in our local history, shad decline due to overfishing, habitat loss and pollution, and ultimate rebound through conservation efforts. 

Students sorting dud (dead) eggs from the fertile eggs.

Students raise shad fry (juvenile fish) from eggs in their classrooms, in hatcheries provided by the Anacostia Watershed Society, and shad fry provided by Maryland Department of Natural Resources. Using microscopes, students observe the fish hatch, monitor the water quality of the hatchery, and learn about the fish’s life cycle and development during the course of the week. At the end of the week, students release the shad fry into the Anacostia River, where the fish will return as adults to spawn.

Over 1300 American Shad fry are released into the river through this program annually. 

Students release their shad fry into the Anacostia River at Anacostia Park

Program at a Glance

  • Engages students in Washington, D.C. in restoration efforts by raising American Shad in the classroom
  • Offered February – May annually
  • Includes a class visit and intro class led by AWS educators
  • Includes a boat tour of the Anacostia River and a shad “release day” at Anacostia Park in Washington, D.C.
  • Aligned with Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) for 4th grade; but it can and has been easily adapted for other grades and ages.
  • Includes professional development training for all participating teachers.

Video. Anacostia Watershed Claymation

2009 video made by a 2nd grade class from Thomson Elementary explaining what they learned about the Shad and the Anacostia Watershed.

More Information

For more information about this program, please contact our Director of Education and Outreach, Kendra Bierman at [email protected].

To learn more about American shad and the Schools in Schools program please check out this blog post.

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