Friday, May 16, 2014, 9 am – 2.30 pm Anacostia Park, Section ESoutheast Washington, DC The Anacostia Environmental Youth Summit is a city-wide showcase that spotlights youth voice, demonstrates environmental literacy, and encourages stewardship for the Anacostia and Potomac Rivers and the Chesapeake Bay; sponsored by the District Department of the Environment (DDoE), Watershed Protection Division, in conjunction with the Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay, Earth Force and DC Environmental Education Consortium, it will reach 500 DC school children (grades 4 – 8), teachers and chaperones.The purpose of the summit is:

  • To help school-aged citizens of the District of Columbia gain an appreciation of the Anacostia River through first-hand experiences
  • To educate students about pollution prevention and the care and conservation of our natural resources, especially the Anacostia and Potomac Rivers and the Chesapeake Bay
  • To increase environmental literacy and encourage stewardship for our watersheds.

Each year, several hundred students from schools in the District of Columbia attend this outdoor event, during which they connect with the Anacostia and Potomac Rivers and the Chesapeake Bay through carefully selected, hands-on learning experiences. This year marks the second Anacostia Environmental Youth Summit that encompasses student presentations and educational experiences. Students and teachers interact with exhibitors from numerous public and private organizations, engaging in activities such as catch-and-release fishing, studying aquatic creatures under a microscope, and exploring the river by boat.In 1997, Vice President Al Gore attended the fair and delivered the Presidential Earth Day Address. Since its inception, more that 6,500 District school children have attended the Anacostia River Environmental Education Fair.

For more information visit the Event Page on the DDoE website or contact: Grace Manubay, Watershed Protection Division, 202-535-1844 P. Trinh Doan, Watershed Protection Division, 202 535-1653