I am a native Washingtonian. And I am proud of it. Though looking at the Anacostia River really makes me wonder. This summer along with our Summer Youth Employees, we are learning the significance of becoming stewards of our environment.
While the Anacostia River has been recognized as one of the dirtiest rivers in America, we are learning just how the simplest act can begin to transform it again into a healthy vibrant tributary of the Chesapeake Bay. A single act of discarding bottles and plastic bags into trash receptacles help keep the Anacostia clean, among others.
In the beginning of the summer, I took our youth to a dock near the Anacostia Park Roller Skating Pavilion. At that vantage point you could see all the trash, especially plastic bottles that had accumulated in that portion of the river. Without saying too much, the youth were upset to see this trash. Later, we had the chance to visit the Anacostia Aquatic Resources Center. There they gain even more knowledge about the impact of development, rainwater run-off, trash, industrialization, fuel from cars, and other environmental hazards are destroying the vibrancy of the river. In fact, the Anacostia is home to several native aquatic species including species left from the Age of the Dinosaurs that are being impacted as a result of pollution, including turtles and frogs, eels, long nose gar, catfish, etc.
Although the purpose of our summer program is to engage youth in a healthier lifestyle, it is impossible to talk about their health and not address the issue of the health of the Anacostia River. The River plays a significant role in their life. As they begin to associate their wellbeing with the wellbeing of the river, it is my hope that they too will come to the same conclusion as I have. We are the Anacostia. It is our responsibility to protect it.
The following is a list of steward of the Anacostia, though not an exhaustive list. They help to protect, preserve, and prevent further destruction the river's fragile ecosystem with many year-round activities.
Take some time out of your busy schedule to explore the contrasting beauty and murkiness of the Anacostia River and utilze the resource of these stewards to learn more about this great watershed.
National Park Service – Anacostia Park Roller Skating Pavilion
202-472-3873
http://nps.gov/anac/index.htm
DC Urban Tree House (The SCA)
703-524-2441x16
UTH@thesca.org
Aquatic Resources Education Center (DDOE)
202-535-2260
DC Department Parks and Recreation
Anacostia Recreation Center
202-698-2250
Anacostia Pool
202-724-1441
Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens (NPS)
202-426-6905
http://www.nps.gov/keaq/index.htm
Earth Conservation Corps
202-479-6710
http://www.ecc1.org/
