We are excited to be back— in person— for the 2021 #EUBeachCleanup!
This year's cleanup will take place at Anacostia Park in SE Washington, D.C., on Saturday, September 25th from 2:00-4:30pm.
Located in the heart of DC, Anacostia Park spans two miles along the Anacostia River and is a major hot spot for the city’s trash. The park is very large with plenty of space to spread out and stay socially distanced.
We invite you to bring your friends and families to join us for an afternoon of cleanup along the river. All ages and abilities are welcome, including children!
Cleanup supplies and instructions will be provided by Anacostia Riverkeeper, including trash bags, gloves, and grabbers.
SCHEDULE
- 2:00-2:20pm: Welcome by EU Ambassador Stavros Lambrinidis & introduction by Trey Sherard of Anacostia Riverkeeper
- 2:20-4:20pm: Cleanup
- 4:20-4:30pm: Closing remarks
Following the cleanup, volunteers will enjoy gelato and sorbet from Dolci Gelati!
WHERE TO MEET
- We will be meeting near the boat launch at Anacostia Park. Navigate to “Anacostia Park Boat Ramp” or “1500 Anacostia Drive” on your preferred mapping app.
- Directions to Anacostia Park here
- Free parking is available near the skating pavilion
BIKING
We encourage you to bike to the park via the Anacostia River Trail. The park is only a 30 minute (6.1 mile) bike ride from the Maryland state line. On route to the park you can enjoy the breeze, watch for deer grazing along the trail, and be on the lookout for bald eagles soaring overhead. You may even wish to stop by Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens on your way.
BOATING
- You are welcome to bring your own kayak or canoe to collect trash from the river. You can launch your boat directly from our meeting place at the boat launch.
WHAT TO WEAR
- Volunteers should dress appropriately for the weather on the day of the event and are required to wear closed-toed shoes.
- We recommend wearing sturdy shoes such as hiking boots or sneakers, long socks, and pants.
- Please wear an EU shirt and hat if you have one!
BRING
- Volunteers should bring a refillable water bottle. Water fountains are available at the park, as well as bathroom facilities.
- We also recommend bringing hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen.
RSVP
We have limited spaces and need a final headcount by 9/23. Register now to reserve your spot and be sure to reserve a ticket for each person in your group, including children.
WAIVER
Each volunteer must sign Anacostia Riverkeeper's digital waiver.
COVID Precautions
This event will be taking place outdoors and there will be two miles of park land to spread out and maintain plenty of distance.
From the CDC Website:
Current data suggest the risk of transmission of SARS-CoV-2 in outdoor settings is minimal. In general, fully vaccinated people do not need to wear a mask outdoors. Fully vaccinated people might choose to wear a mask in crowded outdoor settings if they or someone in their household is immunocompromised.
#EUBeachCleanup
This event is part of the European Union’s annual global #EUBeachCleanup campaign that seeks to raise awareness about one of the greatest threats confronting our oceans: marine litter. In partnership with the United Nations, in-person cleanup events and online actions are taking place now through October across the globe.