East of the River

08/11/2026

Imagine the excitement of Ward 7 and 8 residents, who for the first time would not have to trek across the city to the National Mall to celebrate July 4th. The reality proved disappointing. It was just the latest in a series of disappointments at Anacostia Park.

Anacostia: The Forgotten Federal Park. Mcclure writes with support from DC

On June 26, 2026, the National Park Service (NPS) officially invited the public to celebrate July 4th at Anacostia Park, “a vibrant community gathering space along the Anacostia River with expansive, open-air views of Washington’s July 4 fireworks,” the press release said. Moreover, the agency...

07/29/2026

🌎 One plastic fork. One coffee lid. One shopping bag.
They seem insignificant... until they’re multiplied by millions.

This , challenge yourself to make just ONE simple swap:
🥤 Bring a reusable water bottle.
🛍️ Carry a reusable shopping bag.
☕ Grab your favorite coffee mug.
🥡 Say “no thanks” to plastic utensils.

Small choices today create cleaner neighborhoods, healthier waterways, and a stronger future for our community.

💚 What’s one single-use plastic you’ll ditch this month? Tell us in the comments!

Read why reducing single-use plastics matters—and how easy it is to make a difference: https://www.hillrag.com/2026/07/15/why-avoiding-single-use-plastics-matters/

CommunityAction ProtectOurRivers

07/27/2026

🌎 One plastic bag. One coffee lid. One straw.

They seem insignificant... until they're multiplied by millions!

As 's Plastic Free July comes to a close, remember that protecting our environment doesn't end when the calendar changes.

The small choices you make every day can have a lasting impact.

💧 Carry a reusable water bottle.
🛍️ Keep a reusable shopping bag handy.
☕ Bring your favorite coffee mug.
🥡 Say "no thanks" to plastic utensils and other single-use items whenever you can.

What starts as a 31-day challenge can become a lifelong habit, helping create cleaner neighborhoods, healthier waterways, and a more sustainable DC for everyone.

💚 What's one plastic-free habit you'll keep long after July?

Read more about why reducing single-use plastics matters and how easy it is to make a difference. Link in Bio on IG or visit reuse.dc.gov

07/17/2026

🌸 One of DC's favorite summer traditions returns to Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens! 🌿

The 17th Annual Lotus & Water Lily Festival takes place Saturday, July 18 and Sunday, July 19, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens, the nation's only National Park dedicated to aquatic plants.

Visitors can experience the spectacular peak bloom of the Gardens' iconic lotus flowers and water lilies while enjoying 🎶 live music, 💃 cultural performances, 🌱 ranger programs, family activities, art, wellness experiences, food vendors, and more. Admission is FREE!

Planning to make a weekend of it? 🏨 Festival attendees can also receive 15% off stays at participating Fairfield Inn and City Express by Marriott hotels by scanning the QR code on the attached flyer.

📅 Learn more and plan your visit: https://go.nps.gov/lotus

05/17/2026

New Post: NGA Jazz in the Garden Celebrates American Sounds https://www.hillrag.com/events/nga-jazz-in-the-garden-celebrates-american-sounds

05/17/2026

New Post: “Burnished: Pueblo Pottery” at NMWA https://www.hillrag.com/events/burnished-pueblo-pottery-at-nmwa

05/17/2026

New Post: “Spain My Way: Live with Jose Andres” at the Lincoln https://www.hillrag.com/events/__trashed

05/17/2026

New Post: “America’s State Flowers: An America 250 Celebration” at the Botanic Garden https://www.hillrag.com/events/americas-state-flowers-an-america-250-celebration-at-the-botanic-garden