This spring you can help give back to the local community by volunteering for a neighborhood cleanup in celebration of Earth Day, adopting a puppy, or competing in a trivia fundraiser for students.
Earth Day and Celebrate Trails Day
The entire family can commemorate a belated Earth Day by tidying up Mount Vernon Trail. Volunteers will remove trash from the marsh near Marina Towers along the trail. Participants are encouraged to bring gloves, waterproof boots, water, a long-sleeve shirt, and long pants; snacks will be provided (free).
Marvin Gaye Park Cleanup
Participate in a Saturday morning cleanup of Marvin Gaye Park to help support Anacostia River conservation. Supplies will be provided (free).
Extreme Cleanup at the Carter Barron
Rock Creek Conservancy, the National Park Service, and Stream Team Leader Valerie Fitton-Kane are wrapping up a month-long effort to restore the Rock Creek watershed. You can sign up to remove litter that’s causing stormwater pollution (free but registration required).
Punk It Forward
Rock out to the punk and post-hardcore sounds of DC rock bands Shelley Star and the Galaxy, Old Knife, and GiGi Marie at Jammin’ Java to help raise funds for Survivors.org, an organization that supports sexual violence prevention and survivors ($21).
Trivia for Cheaters
Trivia whizzes—and newbies—can test their knowledge of literature, history, science, and pop culture to support 826DC’s free writing and tutoring programs for local youth (donations welcome).
Evening for Hope Gala
Attend the Evening for Hope Gala to raise funds for the Children’s Inn at the National Institutes of Health. The elegant event includes a cocktail reception, dinner, music performances, and an after party (ticket prices TBA).
Park and Bark
Families and pets can spend the day outdoors for a good cause. At Park and Bark, there’s sausages and hotdogs to taste at Kaziville food truck, craft brews from Lazy Dog Restaurant, live music, dog-themed vendors, kid’s activities, and an opportunity to adopt dogs from A Forever Home Rescue Foundation (free, donations welcome).
Remember to share this post with a friend on social media, and sign up for our newsletter for more things to do.
Briana A. Thomas is a local journalist, historian, and tour guide who specializes in the research of D.C. history and culture. She is the author of the Black history book, Black Broadway in Washington, D.C., a story that was first published in Washingtonian in 2016.
