RESTORATION ACTIVITIES
The third component of the Watershed Explorers and River Habitat programs is a service-learning project. There are many different opportunities to engage students in restoration activities near or along the Anacostia River. These outdoor activities are integral to the students’ meaningful Bay experience. More importantly, they allow students to take action and do something positive for the river and their environment.
Teachers who have participated in our teacher training have scheduling priority. Like our river trips, we do not charge fees for providing these programs, but we do request donations to help cover our costs. Below are different activities that AWS offers.
Wetland Nursery/Rice Ranger Program
Seed Collection
Students help gather arrow arum seeds from the tidal wetlands along the Anacostia River. Seed collecting ONLY occurs during low tides during late-September through mid-October. We do three trips per year. Maximum group size is 30 students plus adult chaperones.
Seed Planting
At the Bladensburg Waterfront Park Pavilion, students plant arrow arum and pickerelweed seeds that were gathered in the fall. The potted seeds are then transferred to “wet beds” to grow over the summer and winter at the park. This usually takes place from mid-April through mid-Summer.
Wetland Plant Transplanting
Students plant wild rice seeds and transplant arrow arum and pickerelweed seedlings, among other wetland plants. Many of the planting sites are on Kingman Island, near the Langston Golf Course Driving Range, and on Heritage Island, near the RFK stadium parking lot #6. There may be other locations TBA. Wetland transplants ONLY occur during low tides from mid-April through mid-Summer. The maximum group size is 30 students plus adult chaperones.
Click here for more background information on the wetland nursery/rice rangers program.
Other Restoration Projects
The following activities can take place at/near your school or on the river. The average event duration is 2-3 hours, but can be adjusted to your school schedule if necessary. Links to fuller descriptions are below.
Trash Cleanup
We can coordinate a trash cleanup at your school or at different spots along the Anacostia River. These events can be scheduled at any time.
Tree Planting
AWS can arrange a tree planting event on your school grounds. AWS has other tree plantings during the weekend that student groups can join. These events usually occur during the fall and spring.
Storm Drain Stenciling
Storm drain stenciling around your school property and the surrounding neighborhood is one way to increase awareness that whatever goes down the storm drain ends up in the Anacostia River and eventually the Chesapeake Bay. These events usually occur during summer, fall, and spring (rainfall dependent!). Maximum group size is 20 students.
To schedule a restoration activity as part of a full Watershed Explorers or River Habitat program, please contact Ric or Grace.
To schedule an individual restoration event for your group, please contact Josh.
