Getting Involved in Local Environmental Groups

If you’re interested in getting more involved in the environmental movement locally, there are plenty of local environmental organizations to join.

Here are a few examples -

Take an active role in cleaning up Rock Creek by joining Friends of Rock Creek’s Environment (FORCE). This organization works to return Rock Creek to its natural state. A few times each year FORCE hosts clean-up programs at points along the Creek. The organization also educates interested volunteers in invasive species removal and water quality testing. There is an advocacy component to FORCE as well, with support for local legislation and regulations. FORCE’s largest event occurs this April 4th when they will coordinate clean-ups all along the 33-mile stretch of Rock Creek. Find out more about FORCE by clicking HERE.

Help to “restore, enhance and protect the tree canopy of the Nation’s capital” by joining Casey Trees. This unique organization trains local residents to become Citizen Foresters, measures the health of our trees and directs tree plantings for the best layout of our canopy. If you’re looking to get involved, you can participate in community tree plantings by clicking HERE. If you own property and would like to do your own tree planting, Casey Trees can provide free trees and planting materials. Learn more about Casey Trees by going HERE.

If you’re interested in taking a big chunk out of your carbon footprint, join CarbonfreeDC. This local group hosts a series of workshops, field trips and events that give participants the tools necessary to take real, immediate action. In the past, they have hosted workshops on topics like local recycling restrictions, switching to wind power and energy efficiency. Joining CarbonfreeDC is free and there are lots of great programs planned for the coming year. Get the full scoop HERE.

If these examples don’t whet your whistle, go over the meetup.com and look for environmental groups near your zip code. There are so many groups, you’re bound to find something that interests you like bird watching, hiking and kayaking.

Photo courtesy of FORCE.