Education Programs & Resources
In the 1980s, the Anacostia River was written off as hopelessly polluted. Today, the river's condition has upgraded from critical to very serious, with a prognosis that it is becoming cleaner and healthier thanks to the determination of the Anacostia Watershed Society, community members, and other organizations who actively collaborate with us in the restoration of the watershed.
However, stormwater runoff, sewage contamination, trash, invasive plants, soil erosion, and uninformed daily actions are all problems that continue to plague the Anacostia River, its watershed communities, and wildlife. People want to help, but often do not understand the issues completely or feel that they lack the power to make a difference.
The Anacostia Watershed Society works to offer an answer by engaging residents of all ages in meaningful education programs where participants learn about the issues through hands-on educational experiences and become part of an on-going effort to protect and restore the Anacostia River and its watershed communities. Our goal is to increase awareness, knowledge, skills, and a sense of stewardship among watershed residents (youth to adult) that will result in changes in both present and future behavior, positively affecting the health of the river.
Learn more about our K-12 school-based programs, Saturday Environmental Academy for 6th-8th graders, and our Watershed Stewards Academy and Maryland Master Naturalist Program for adults.