After every rain shower, a continuous stream of floating debris issues forth from the tributaries which drain the intensely developed neighborhoods located within the Anacostia watershed. The debris littered along the shore serves to insult the human inhabitants who reside near the river, as well as to disgrace the natural integrity of the river and our Capital city. AWS organizes groups of volunteers to remove the trash from the river and from the surrounding communities either via canoe or on foot. During the volunteer cleanups which have taken place in the communities, AWS staff members have noticed residents coming out of their homes and picking up in their own yards, as well as on the streets adjacent to their houses.
Positive action serves as an example to stimulate others to take more care.