Recent Projects

In Washington, D.C. the Fund works to preserve and enhance the city’s green spaces so that future generations can enjoy its unique natural, cultural, and historic resources.

Anacostia River Water Trail Guide

Flowing through the heart of the nation’s capital, the Anacostia River is a historic gem waiting to be rediscovered. Since the summer of 1608 when English explorer Captain John Smith became its first European visitor and met Native Americans on its shores, the Anacostia River has been an important part of the American story.

The new Anacostia River Water Trail Guide gives history buffs, nature-lovers and modern-day explorers a chance to paddle, hike, bike or drive down the Anacostia and experience the natural landscape that captivated John Smith. Complete with maps and trails, the guide highlights historical, cultural, natural and recreational points of interest on or adjacent to the river, such as the Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail, the National Arboretum, an osprey nesting platform and Bladensburg Waterfront Park.

The Anacostia River Water Trail Guide is available for download here, or by calling or visiting the Anacostia Watershed Society.

The guide was produced by the Anacostia Watershed Society, The Conservation Fund and Friends of the John Smith Chesapeake Trail with financial support from the Morris and Gwendolyn Cafritz Foundation.

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  Anacostia River
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  Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens
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  Egret on the Anacostia
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  Future site of the nature education center

Past Projects

Historic Rosedale

In the heart of our nation’s capital, the Fund assisted the Rosedale Conservancy and the Potomac Conservancy in preserving one of Washington’s most historic properties, which includes 18th century falling gardens. The partners—supported by more than 100 local families—purchased the Rosedale lawns, which have long served as an informal “village green” for the Cleveland Park neighborhood. The project received the city’s Excellence in Historic Preservation Award for outstanding community involvement.