The Anacostia Watershed Society (AWS) is a D.C.-based nonprofit organization dedicated to cleaning the water, recovering the shores, and honoring the heritage of the Anacostia River and its watershed communities. Founded in 1989, AWS has spent the last 25 years ridding the water of trash and toxins and working to make the river fishable and swimmable (in keeping with the Clean Water Act) for D.C. and MD residents to enjoy. Through their various programs and departments including Education, Stewardship, Recreation and Public Policy & Advocacy, AWS seeks to engage residents in the watershed communities and educate them on all of the ways they can help to improve the health and quality of the river while also enjoying the urban oasis they have in their backyard. Community involvement is critical to achieving the vision of a clean and healthy river and AWS seeks win-win solutions through strong partnerships and coalitions, with all parts of the community, government, and other stakeholders.
