Be a Rock Creek Steward

We all love Rock Creek. And we also know it’s stressed. Stormwater and sewage overflows are polluting the creek, invasive plant species threaten the fragile forests, inequities persist, and climate change is accelerating all of these issues. So, as Rock Creek stewards, we can use people-powered restoration to ensure Rock Creek continues to be a driver of quality of life for our region for years to come. 

Thanks to the entire Rock Creek community for #RecreatingResponsibly and for volunteering  with the Conservancy. But being a Rock Creek steward continues after you leave the park. These are just a few actions you can take at home, at work, and in your neighborhood to continue to restore Rock Creek from the outside-in!

invasive Plant Species

  • Stop Invasive Plants

    Invasive plants like English ivy and bamboo spread fast and take over the native ecosystem. Removing these common invasive plants from your home garden, deck, or common area is the first step to prevent them from spreading into the city’s natural spaces.

  • Choose Native Plants

    Planting native species is a great way to beautify your home and provide benefits to the surrounding ecosystem. Native plants often require less maintenance and can provide a habitat for native wildlife. Even greening your balcony with native potted plants can provide food and habitat to pollinators. Click here for some inspiration on what to plant in your green space.

  • Become a Weed Warrior!

    Want to remove invasive plants on your own time? You’re going to need some training before you can start pulling plants out of Rock Creek Park. Weed Warrior field training classes will take place quarterly, and the sessions are open to anyone who would like to learn more about non-native invasive plants. Read more about the program here.

stormwater

  • Stop stormwater

    Stormwater is the biggest threat to the health of Rock Creek and its parks. Sewer overflows, stream bank erosion, flooding, and nutrient overload are all exacerbated by an overabundance of stormwater due to a lack of absorbent surfaces in the urban landscape.

    We encourage eligible community members to sign up for Washington, DC's River Smart Homes program or the Montgomery County, MD RainScapes program, for financial and technical assistance for property owners.

  • Stop Litter In Its Tracks

    Clean up trash before it gets to Rock Creek! Keep your neighborhood clean while stopping litter from washing into Rock Creek by adopting a block in your neighborhood through the DC Adopt-a-Block program or registering an individual cleanup.

  • Pick up after pets

    Help keep excess nutrients and bacteria out of Rock Creek by picking up your dog's poop and keeping your pup on a leash. Find some tips and tricks for pet owners here.

  • stream team leaders

    Stream Team Leaders are neighborhood-based volunteers who function as the eyes and ears of a slice of the Rock Creek watershed. Leaders host cleanups and conservation activities, conduct outreach, and otherwise help to educate and promote the broader Rock Creek community around stewardship best practices.

Donate to the Conservancy

Rock Creek Conservancy leverages a unique model of people-powered restoration to protect the forests, advocate for improved water quality, elevate the park visitor experience, and increase equity of access to the park. Supporting the Conservancy financially is another important way to steward the park. Lend your support today:

 

Volunteer!

We have volunteer events all throughout the year, so there are plenty of opportunities to deepen your relationship with your favorite parks. Volunteer events can include trash cleanups, invasive plant removals, and even restoration plantings.