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On the east side, while there is the Anacostia Park managed by the National Park Service, most of the park is segregated from the neighboring community by a freeway. The Navy Yard, the Southeast Federal Center, Fort McNair and other federal properties also block public access to the riverfront.

Older community members remember swimming and fishing in the Anacostia, but currently, due to non-point source pollution from upstream — from both D.C. and Maryland — heavy metal contamination, and a number of combined sewage overflow outfalls, fish continue to appear with deformities and are dangerous to eat. The Anacostia, however, remains a focal point for the neighborhoods nearby. A clean Anacostia would encourage economic growth in already-developed areas.

Sierra Club, often in collaboration with other citizens groups, is pursuing a multifaceted strategy to restore the waters, fish and wildlife of the Anacostia River. To improve water quality, the Sierra Club is working to improve the District and neighboring communities' sewage system by fixing rain water runoff problems through the proper design of paved surfaces and using permeable pavers, and participating in the Anacostia’s watershed initiative.

To help restore the Anacostia River along the banks of our nation's capital, please contact Gwyn Jones at 202-607-7094.