The Committee to Restore Shepherd Parkway invites volunteers to join their signature community clean-ups every second Saturday of the month during the Year of the Anacostia.

Shepherd Parkway is a federal park that covers the hillside between I-295 and the neighborhoods of Congress Heights and Bellevue in the far southern part of Washington, DC. Its 197 acres of eastern hardwood forest include the remains of two Civil War forts, two bald eagle nests, and views across the city.

Unfortunately, the park has become a target for illegal dumping. Invasive plants threaten its ecosystem of native plants and animals. Since 2011, over 2,000 volunteers have removed over 200 tons of trash from the woods and cut invasive vines from over 500 trees.

But the job is far from finished! By removing trash and invasive species from one of the largest wooded areas in Ward 8, we are helping to restore native habitat along the river’s shores, enhancing the forests’ role as a natural filter for storm water and air pollution.

Volunteer events run from 10:30am-1:00pm.

We work in rugged, wooded terrain, so volunteers should wear boots, full-length pants, and clothes they will not mind getting dirty. Please bring a water bottle. Gloves, bags, and water refills are provided.

Documentation of community service hours gladly provided upon request.

Volunteers meet at the benches across Malcolm X Avenue from 555 Newcomb Street SE, Washington, DC 20032.

For more information about this event please contact Nathan Harrington at nbharrington@yahoo.com or 301-758-5892