More than 22,000 visitors have seen the cuddly beasts in the past 18 months, according to usage statistics. The Eyes of Paint Branch page seduces Web-goers with a gallery of maps and photographs of the Montgomery County stream valley, inviting them to join a mailing list and contribute to cleanup efforts. Enchant with images, recruit volunteers, and link to other local environmentally oriented sites. Volunteers who want a wide range of options can try one of the area's clearinghouse sites, such as Greater D.C. Cares and the Volunteer Center of Fairfax County . The Fairfax center lets Web surfers browse a long list of openings.
Higher powers are also well-represented on the local Web.
At the Christian Cornerstone Network , the D.C. Jewish Community Center and Islamic Resources of the National Capital Area , groups with religious affiliations try to provide clearinghouses for their members. Cornerstone is a directory of local Christian congregations and Web pages. The Jewish center provides listings of its programs.