Ward 8 Woods Conservancy Inc

OUTREACH PROGRAM/CLEANITCLAIMIT Our Community Outreach Coordinator spreads awareness about the organization and its work. He canvasses areas where our Park Stewards and volunteers are doing cleanup, maintains our social media presence, and tables at community events. These efforts support our volunteer and advocacy work while promoting anti-littering and waste reduction. He works with residents, property managers and city agencies to remedy trash pollution hot spots.

VOLUNTEER PROGRAM - In 2024, Ward 8 Woods welcomed 464 volunteers at 31 volunteer events. Suitland Parkway Volunteer Days were held the first Saturday of each month, and Shepherd Parkway Community Clean-Ups every second Saturday. We also hosted eleven private groups bay special arrangement. These volunteers worked alongside our Park Stewards to remove more than a quarter of a million pounds of trash.

SCHOOL GARDEN PROGRAM Our School Garden Coordinator leads approximately 25 children in grades PK through 5 in garden-based learning at a neighborhood public school. Students plant, water, weed, harvest, cook and eat vegetables, fruits, and herbs. Native wildflowers throughout the garden add color and attract bees and butterflies. The Garden Coordinator maintains the garden and shares vegetables with residents when school is not in session.

ADVOCACY Our Executive Director is a forceful and effective advocate for environmental justice in Ward 8. He testifies at DC Council hearings, consults with DC Councilmembers and staff on legislation, and provides detailed recommendations on parks and planning. He speaks before groups and has been featured on many local online, print, radio and TV outlets.