Hundreds of helping hands from across the country gathered on March 31st to participate in the largest restoration project ever along the shores of the Anacostia River. The Anacostia clean-up served as a vehicle to inform the public of DC’s Wildlife Action Plan, while addressing the greatest threat to local wildlife identified in the plan: non-native invasive plant species.

"The DC Wildlife Action Plan will enhance the quality of life for wildlife and people, and it will protect natural areas for future generations," said Mary Pfaffko, a wildlife biologist with the Fisheries & Wildlife Division of the DC Department of the Environment, which is charged with implementing the plan. “DC is the only totally urban jurisdiction directed to implement a Wildlife Action Plan, making it the nation's model for urban wildlife conservation."

A century ago, Anacostia River was a thriving habitat with healthy populations of American and hickory shad, white and yellow perch, red-breasted sunfish, catfish and herring.  Lush forests and abundant wildlife complemented the clear waters that flowed in to the Potomac River and the Chesapeake Bay.

“Restoration can turn the ‘Forgotten River’ into a river of renewal,” Pfaffko said. “DC residents working together to restore the river can bring back to life the refuge for birds and other wildlife that the river once was.”

Volunteers worked toward restoring the river by removing non-native plant species and leaving plants that allow indigenous wildlife to thrive. Invasive species are identified as the number-one threat to District wildlife, and the Anacostia River is noted as one of the highest priority habitats in Washington.

“These plans are cost-effective, they enhance the quality of life for both wildlife and people, and they protect natural areas for the enjoyment of future generations,” said Sarah Gannon Nagle, the National Wildlife Federation manager for the State Wildlife Action Project. “NWF is proud to work with the DC Fisheries and Wildlife Division to show just how these action plans can save threatened plants and animals.”