The Anacostia River touches countless communities across the DC region before flowing into the Chesapeake Bay. Though it has suffered from generations of neglect, the promise of a healthy and clean river is within reach. Dedicated to the restoration of the watershed, AWS mobilizes the community to clean, protect, and reconnect with the river. Its K–12 programs engage over 4,000 students in hands-on learning, while year-round events and trainings empower thousands of volunteers to join them in advocating for better stormwater controls and pollution reduction. As one of the only nonprofit organizations in the country working to restore the river ecosystem by propagating and deploying freshwater mussels, AWS does more than remind residents of the pleasure that clean rivers can bring — it rebuilds the habitats that make those experiences possible. Your stewardship and support are the next essential resources.

Headquarters: MD-Prince George's County

Where They Operate: DC-Citywide; MD-Montgomery County; MD-Prince George's County

Age Groups Served: Infants (0-2); Pre-K (3-4); Youth (5-11); Pre-teen/teen (12-17); Young adult (18-24); Adult (25-49); Seniors (50+); All

Population(s) Served: All; Low- to Moderate-Income Community Members; Students

Schools They Work In: We work with more than 50 schools through DC, Prince George's, and Montgomery Counties each year.


  • Number of volunteers who work with us annually:   7500
  • Number of clients served in outdoor education programs (students/others) annually:   3000
  • Acres of land / miles of river protected or preserved annually:   12

Awards & Recognition

1992 — United Nations Achievement Award
1992 — Sierra Club Outstanding Achievement Award (Sierra Club)
1994 — Excellence in Environmental Education (National Environmental Education Foundation)
1999 — President's Volunteer Action Award (Office of the President of the United States of America)
2000 — Friend of the Potomac Award (Friends of the Potomac)
2006 — Argosy Foundation and etown E-chievement Award
2009 — U.S. Senate Certificate of Special Recognition
2012-2015 -- Rated 5 Stars by Charity Navigator

Press

Budget (FY2023)

  • The current budget for Anacostia Watershed Society is: $3 million or higher
  • $1 million to $3 million
  • $500k to $1 million
  • Less than $500k

Catalogue charities range in size from $100,000 to $3 million. This graphic indicates the budget range of the organization featured here. If you see an organizational budget above the $3 million mark, that is because the featured charity has grown in size since it first appeared in the Catalogue. We proudly present on our website the work of these "growth" charities.

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