Press Release: Give Back to Rock Creek at the 13th Annual Extreme Cleanup!

News Release — Rock Creek Conservancy

Bethesda, MD (March 22, 2021) – Every year, thousands of volunteers participate in people-powered restoration efforts  throughout the Rock Creek watershed for the annual EXTREME CLEANUP event. After a long year largely indoors, we’re  looking forward to kicking off the spring season and celebrating Earth Month with our 13th annual Extreme Cleanup as a  chance to get outdoors and give back to our local environment. 

This event, hosted by Rock Creek Conservancy in partnership with the National Park Service and as part of the Alice  Ferguson Foundation’s Potomac River Watershed Cleanup, mobilizes volunteers throughout the entire Rock Creek  watershed to remove litter from Montgomery Parks and Rock Creek Park land, moving us closer to our vision of a trash-free  Rock Creek. 

“We’ve been so impressed by the way the Rock Creek community has come together in a time of need to support the  health of our beloved urban oasis,” said Jeanne Braha, executive director at Rock Creek Conservancy. “Amidst the onset of  the COVID-19 pandemic we had to cancel all 2020 Extreme Cleanup activities and shift to socially-distant stewardship  options. In 2021, we can’t wait to get back out in the park with you all as we give thanks to the places that have sustained  us over the last year!” 

Most service events will take place on Saturday, April 10th, and other cleanup opportunities will continue throughout April.  All events meet strict covid safety standards, requiring volunteers to wear masks and limiting group sizes to ensure social  distancing remains possible. 

In addition to in-person service events throughout the watershed, volunteers are also encouraged to complete individual cleanups on their own time and with their household members or “bubbles”. Individual cleanups are as simple as they sound: grab your mask, gloves, and a trash bag and head outside to pick up trash in your neighborhood or nearby park. This option allows everyone to be a Rock Creek steward, regardless of availability or potential safety considerations.

Extreme Cleanup is a part of Alice Ferguson Foundation’s annual Potomac Watershed Cleanup. With more than 30 cleanup sites planned, there are lots of opportunities to get involved! Visit our Extreme Cleanup event page to learn more and sign up.

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About Rock Creek Conservancy: 

Rock Creek Conservancy is an awarding-winning 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to the restoration of Rock Creek and its 33- mile watershed as a natural oasis for the benefit and enjoyment of all people. As the only organization devoted solely to  Rock Creek and its parks and as a philanthropic and stewardship partner of Rock Creek Park, the Conservancy engages  communities and volunteers, enhances visitor experiences, and provides direct restoration to Rock Creek. 

Media inquiries: 

Jeanne Braha 

Executive Director