May 2025
Image Credit: Jackie Fortiér/KFF Health News
Imagine relaxing by the banks of the Anacostia River or Rock Creek, instantly feeling calmer by seeing the clean shoreline and observing wildlife in its natural habitat. The District is working on getting to that point, but some basic waste practices, such as those related to pet waste and street waste, are getting in the way.
City streets accumulate a mixture of debris, litter, motor oil, trash, and pet waste. If left on sidewalks, when it rains, this waste is swept into the stormwater system. The resulting pollution impacts waterways—increasing bacteria levels, raising treatment costs, preventing recreational use of public waters, inhibiting plant and food crop growth, and destroying natural habitats.
By properly disposing waste, residents can improve water quality, protect public health, save wildlife, restore habitat, and move closer to achieving Sustainable DC’s target of 100% of District waterways being fishable and swimmable by 2032. Take advantage of the Department of Energy and Environment’s resources on pet waste or the Mayor’s Office of the Clean City’s programs to reduce litter and trash pollution. Empowered by these resources, you can help make DC the cleanest, greenest, healthiest city for all residents.
Aquatic Resources Education Center Open for Summer Trips
The Aquatic Resources Education Center (AREC) is a multi-use environmental education center located in Anacostia Park, run by the Department of Energy and Environment. AREC is accepting reservation requests for June, July and August. Check out https://doee.dc.gov/arec to learn more and request free summer field trips for groups!
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2025 Fish Art Contest Winners Announced
The winning entries from Wildlife Forever’s Art of Conservation® Fish Art Contest are now available for viewing online! The annual program invites K-12 youth from around the world to connect with nature and learn about fish and aquatic habitats while exploring creative art and writing. Check out the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners from the District, as all as all other national winners, at https://www.theartofconservation.org/2025-fish-art-winners.
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Applications Open for Climate and Energy Leadership Awards Program
Government agencies, non-governmental organizations, and educational institutions across metropolitan Washington are invited to apply or nominate candidate projects or programs for the 2025 Climate and Energy Leadership Awards. The deadline to submit an application/project summary file is June 30. Learn more and submit an application at https://www.mwcog.org/environment/planning-areas/climate-and-energy/climate-awards/application/.
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World Pride Incorporates Sustainability Initiatives
World Pride is taking place in the District from May 17 to June 8, with activities all around the city. The event is bringing together voices from around the world to support the LGBTQ+ community’s ongoing fight for equality, visibility, and justice. World Pride’s organizers are also incorporating sustainability initiatives into the event, from reducing waste to encouraging public transportation. Learn more at https://worldpridedc.org/about-us/sustainability-initiatives/!
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District Sustainability Initiatives Featured at First DC Climate Week
The first ever DC Climate Week took place April 28 to May 2, with more than 150 events including panel discussions, building tours, and much more. The District’s sustainability efforts got their time in the spotlight. Featured events included the Department of Energy and Environment (DOEE) and its partners launching the expanded Solar for All program, DOEE co-presenting with Destination DC on the need for climate adaptation to sustain core industries, and recipients of District grants and sustainability awards, such as Up Top Acres and the DC Dentist offering up tours of their spaces. Check out the roundup of events at https://lu.ma/dcclimateweek.
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2025 Small and Accessible Sustainability Grant
The Department of Energy and Environment (DOEE) seeks an eligible entity to advance the District’s sustainability, zero waste, and urban agriculture goals. The grantee will provide small subgrants to entities undertaking projects to promote these goals. The subgrant projects should fit within the programs of DOEE’s Office of Urban Agriculture and DOEE’s Donation and Reuse Program, Reuse DC. The amount available for the project is $190,000 and the deadline is May 30. For more information, see https://doee.dc.gov/release/request-applications-2025-small-and-accessible-sustainability-grant.
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Become a RiverSmart Homes Ambassador
The Department of Energy and Environment’s RiverSmart Homes program focuses on helping homeowners reduce stormwater runoff from their properties. It helps with installing features like rain barrels, shade trees, and rain gardens, often with copayments and rebates. The RiverSmart Homes Ambassador Program seeks interested residents in Wards 7 and 8 to be extensions of the program by providing outreach and engagement support. Ambassadors inform their neighbors, friends, and family about the program, speak at local Advisory Neighborhood Commission/Civic Association meetings, and promote RiverSmart rebates and incentives. To learn more and sign up, visit the RiverSmart Homes Ambassador page.
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Greater Greater Washington – Operations and Administration Associate (Part-Time)
Greater Greater Washington is a nonprofit organization that works to advance racial, economic, and environmental justice in land use, transportation, and housing throughout Greater Washington. The part-time Operations and Administration Associate will help administer and guide a diverse range of functions to support the smooth operations of this small nonprofit organization. For more information and to apply, visit the position listing page. Applications are due May 20.
Friends of Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens – Program Coordinator
Friends of Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens (FoKAG) is a nonprofit committed to protecting and promoting one of the nation’s most unique public spaces—the only national park dedicated to aquatic plant life. Through a combination of conservation, education, and community engagement, FoKAG works to create safe, welcoming, and enriching park experiences for all. This AmeriCorps VISTA position will support the organization’s mission by advancing the Come Alive After 5 initiative, which extends park access during peak evening hours to underserved local communities. For more information and to apply, visit the position listing page. Applications are due June 1.
 National Park Service Unveils Vision for Revitalizing Anacostia Park: This press release highlights the National Park Service’s Reimagine Anacostia Park Development Concept Plan, an effort to enhance accessibility, safety, and connectivity between the park and neighboring communities that is set to begin in summer 2026.
Human, Bird, or Dog Waste? Scientists Parsing Poop To Aid DC’s Forgotten River: This KFF Health News article highlights educational efforts to inform community members about the Anacostia River’s cleanup progress, and what is still left to do.
Anacostia River Festival
The 11th Street Bridge Park and the National Park Service present the 11th annual Anacostia River Festival on Saturday, May 17 from 1:00 to 6:00 p.m. Set along the Anacostia River in the heart of Anacostia Park, the event spotlights the rich diversity of Black culture by celebrating the African Diaspora. Activities include live musical performances, a curated marketplace, historical exhibitions, seed paper making, fishing workshops, and canoe rides. Learn more and register at https://buildingbridgesdc.org/arf/.
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District of Columbia 2025 Mobility Safety Summit
Join industry leaders for presentations and interactive workshops on best practices in multimodal transportation safety efforts at DC's inaugural 2025 Mobility Safety Summit hosted by the DC Highway Safety Office. This is an all-day event on Thursday, May 22 at the Kellogg Conference Hotel. Attendance is free and includes admission to all general sessions, workshops, and lunch. Learn more and register at https://www.ghsa.org/events/district-columbia-2025-mobility-safety-summit.
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Air Quality Backyard Bubble
Air Quality Awareness Week may be over but that doesn’t mean there aren’t more opportunities to learn about air quality! Come by Frager’s Hardware at 1115 Pennsylvania Ave SE on Sunday, May 25 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. to see the “backyard bubble” display and learn about hidden backyard clean air hazards.
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Fix It DC
Fix-It DC events are community repair events dedicated to changing the “throw-it-away” mentality. Visitors bring their broken items to the Fix-It DC event where volunteer Fix-It coaches provide guidance in troubleshooting how to repair each item. The next event is Wednesday, June 25, 5:30-7:30 p.m. at the Cleveland Park Library (3310 Connecticut Ave NW). The registration link will be posted to https://doee.dc.gov/service/fix-it soon.
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