The Anacostia Watershed Society (AWS) is a local, 501(c)(3) non-profit environmental organization that is working to protect and restore the Anacostia River and its watershed. AWS seeks to fulfill its mandate of a swimmable and fishable river through its programs of education, action and advocacy.

A MANIFESTO FOR THE ANACOSTIA RIVER

CLEAN THE WATER

Preserve and restore natural river beds and embankments where possible
Reduce rainwater run-off by maximizing permeable surfaces
Implement storm water controls
Preserve and expand functioning wetlands
Provide water conditions conducive to varied aquatic life
Reduce sediment migration

RECOVER THE SHORES

Preserve woodlands and protect mature trees
Shade all waters with a canopy of trees
Create linked wildlife habitats
Eliminate litter and debris
Control stream bank erosion

HONOR THE HERITAGE

Encircle the nation's capital with a necklace of parks and paths
Restore and preserve historic sites
Thread pathways throughout the Watershed connecting points of interest
Encourage a variety of appropriate economic, social and cultural activities on the river's shores
Open the river to people through increased visibility and accessibility
Retain and manage as a unity all public lands in the Watershed
as a legacy for future generations

Anacostia Watershed Society
1991

The Anacostia Watershed Society (AWS) is a non-profit environmental organization dedicated to restoring and protecting the Anacostia River, (designated as one of the nation’s most polluted), for the health and enjoyment of everyone in its watershed, while in the process, bringing people from all walks of life together to achieve this mission. Incorporated in 1989, AWS was founded with a vision of this “forgotten river” attaining the status of swimmable and fishable.

Through volunteer restoration activities, residents of the Anacostia watershed have been provided with an opportunity to get involved; they have invested their time in a cause, actively working for a positive change. AWS also provides advocacy and coalition building skills to emerging as well as established grass roots organizations within the Anacostia River communities. By assisting local groups, partnerships are formed and efforts to protect the local environment as well as focus decision makers are strengthened.

Since its inception in 1989, AWS has mobilized over 30,000 volunteers who have planted over 11,300 trees and stenciled 1,008 storm-drains within the watershed as well as removed 458 tons of debris and over 7,500 tires from the watershed. Furthermore, AWS has educated 14,535 people with its slide presentation which explains the river’s history and the current threats it faces, as well as the different lifestyle choices and changes citizens can undertake to improve the condition of the watershed. In addition to these education and restoration events, AWS has introduced 8,200 people, of which 4,500 were children, to the river through paddling clinics, canoe adventures and pontoon boat tours along the “Kingfisher Canoe Trail,” a scenic five-mile stretch of the Anacostia River. All AWS programs teach citizens that they are integral participants in the restoration and preservation of this urban river.

The fruit of AWS' educational and grass roots organizing efforts is to develop an enlightened community of citizen stakeholders who are aware of their connection to the natural world and who work to promote the healing of the Anacostia River and its watershed communities. It seems that urban children, often residing in neighborhoods similar to many of those in the Anacostia watershed, have limited opportunities and sometimes turn to unhealthy or dysfunctional activities to fill their time. They have little or no regular contact with the natural world and are consequently insulated from the beauty and character-forming influences that can be found in nature. AWS’ work with urban children assists in the development of an informed and empowered generation of young people. The students are made aware of their connection to the natural world and thus begin to work to promote the healing of themselves as well as the river.

AWS receives 48% of its funding from foundation grants, 20% from federal grants, 23% from cash contributions and 9% from miscellaneous contributions. The key to the Anacostia Watershed Society’s success is its large and growing network of citizen volunteers.

*Read Chief Seattle's "Letter to All" for further insight into the purpose of our organization.*

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