Riverside Tree Planting with the Anacostia Watershed Society

Saturday, March 22, 2025
10:00 AM EDT - 1:00 PM EDT

Note: This event is weather dependent. If you are sick or exhibiting symptoms associated with COVID-19 (such as fever, chills, cough, sore throat, difficulty breathing, loss of taste or smell, etc.), please do not come to the event and consider joining us another time. 

Date: Saturday, March 22, 2025
Time: 10:00 am - 1:00 pm

Meeting Location: Bladensburg Waterfront Park: 4601 Annapolis Road, Bladensburg, MD 20710 (map)

• We will meet by the red caboose! 
• There is limited parking available
• This site can be accessed by car, bus (Metrobus: T18, T14, F8), or bike trail

Description: Join the Anacostia Watershed Society for a tree planting along the riverside area of the Bladensburg Waterfront Park! We will focus on clearing areas of invasive vegetation and planting trees in the forested area damaged by the invasive emerald ash borer beetle. Planting these trees is important because they will help to increase biodiversity in the tree canopy, manage stormwater and filter surface water before it goes into the Anacostia River, they prevent erosion of the river bank, and they create habitat for wildlife. Some of the species we will plant could include black willows, swamp white oaks, swamp chestnut oaks, sycamores, bald cypresses, black gums, pin oaks, and river birches. All native tree species! By participating in this project, you will help us to restore the tree canopy, improve the water quality of the Anacostia River, and the habitat for wildlife.

Physical Level of Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult 

• This event will likely involve lifting, bending, and walking in some steep and muddy areas. To get to the site, volunteers will walk about half a mile to a mile. We will also hop over a railing to access the site. There is a ladder on the other side of the railing that volunteers can use to get down to the site, or you can very carefully jump down. Participants will be expected to wear closed-toed shoes for the duration of the event. If you think any of the physical requirements will be problematic, please let us know.

Registration is required. Please register prior to the event date to receive additional information about the event.

For more information before the event, contact Emily Castelli at ecastelli2@anacostiaws.org or call 301-699-6204 x103.