A hot summer brought an even hotter team!

This summer, the Alliance’s DC Green Infrastructure Team had an unforgettable season, packed with fun, learning, and community impact. From soccer stadiums to open streets and riverfront festivals, our team showed up across the city in full support of our mission to protect and restore the Chesapeake Bay watershed.

Here’s how we made the most of an eventful DC summer!

 

Cherry Blossom Night with DC United

We kicked off the season at Audi Field for DC United’s Cherry Blossom Night Game!

The stadium was amped up with excitement as our team joined fellow environmental organizations to engage soccer fans before the game. Through interactive trivia, meaningful conversations, and some fun giveaway items, we connected with attendees who were excited to learn more about the Alliance’s work.

two people pose for a picture standing behind a display table

The energy was electric, and the Alliance team stuck around to cheer for the home team. It was a gooooaaal-worthy night for outreach and community building!

 

Anacostia River Festival – Music, Art & Environmental Action

Next, we joined one of DC’s most celebrated community events, the Anacostia River Festival.

The Anacostia River Festival isa celebration of local culture, music, and environmental activism. The event highlighted the strength and beauty of the Anacostia River, which flows through the heart of the city, and supports both ecological diversity and community life.

people write on ribbons

We proudly featured our Climate Ribbon Project, a long-standing interactive art installation that invites people to share their hopes for the future of our planet. Each ribbon is a voice, a wish, and a message of climate hope. Visitors deeply connected with others’ stories and added their own.

people hang ribbons on a taut string

The Anacostia River, home to over 40 fish species and 200 bird species, is a vital part of the community and the festival reminded us why it deserves our continued care!

 

Open Streets Comes to Capitol Hill

This summer marked the first-ever Open Streets on Capitol Hill and we were there for it!

The neighborhood, also home to our DC office, transformed into a pedestrian paradise for a day filled with exploration, conversation, and joy. The Alliance joined neighbors, local vendors, and other nonprofits in celebrating everything that makes Capitol Hill thrive.

three people posing for a picture behind a display table

With music in the air and kids playing hopscotch in the street, our team connected with community members about stormwater management, green infrastructure, and sustainable practices they can bring into their own homes and communities. The event was a vibrant reminder of the power of reclaiming public spaces for education, fun, and environmental awareness.

 

RiverSmart Home Showcase – “I ♥ RiverSmart Homes!”

To close out the summer, we hosted our biggest event of the season: the RiverSmart Home Showcase. This year’s theme, “I ♥ RiverSmart Homes!” was a perfect fit for a day full of family-friendly fun and hands-on learning.

The event featured live demonstrations of rain gardens, bayscaping, permeable pavers, and rain barrels. Attendees had the opportunity to engage one-on-one with our team, ask questions, and even sign up on the spot for RiverSmart Home programs.

people look at items on a table in a backyard

Participants left with all kinds of goodies, including native plants, thanks to our partners at Chesapeake Natives and Bona Terra. Children received books and child-safe garden tools to spark their interest in environmental care from an early age, while adults took home garden gear to put their knowledge into action.

Our DC staff were incredible hosts, guiding participants through green infrastructure best practices and how to bring sustainability right into their own backyards.

Huge Kudos to our RiverSmart Homes Ambassadors for showing out and volunteering their time to help this awesome event!

a large group of people smile for a photo

 

Thank You, DC!

From riverbanks to rooftops, open streets to stadiums, the Alliance was honored to be out in the community all summer long. We’re incredibly grateful to everyone who stopped by our events, shared their stories, signed up for programs, or just said hi. Your passion fuels our mission!

Want to Join Us Next Time?

Visit our events page to stay updated on upcoming programs, volunteer opportunities, and community events near you.