January 2021 Newsletter

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 In spite of the extraordinary challenges of 2020, Guerrilla Gardeners of Washington DC is celebrating an outstanding year filled with accomplishments that positively impacted our community.  In January, we tackled a neglected stretch along the I-695 on-ramp, replacing unsightly weeds with wildflowers to create a pollinator habitat that supports birds, bees and butterflies.

In the Spring, our expanded garden in Winston Park burst forth in a sea of red and yellow tulips before giving way to new plantings of bee balm, black-eyed Susan's, cardinal flower, coreopsis and coneflower. 

In April, we helped remove 20 tons of asphalt from outside the walls of the historic 8th & I Marine Barracks to create a rain garden.

In the Fall, we once again planted liriope in the tree boxes along Barracks Row.  Throughout the year we restored historic call boxes and continued our stewardship of Margaret's Garden and the Navy Yard Triangle.

In September, we embarked on an ambitious long-term project to reclaim the Potomac Triangle Parks from neglect and misuse, clearing overgrowth and establishing gardens. 

The community response to these projects was overwhelming. Guerrilla Gardeners volunteers logged over 1,500 service hours alongside our collaboration partners Brothas Huddle, Capitol Hill BID, Daughters of the American Revolution, Naval Lodge No. 4, United States Marine Corps, Capitol Hill Restoration Society and Barracks Row Main Street. 

Our work was funded by individual donors, large and small together with grants from the Capitol Hill Community Foundation, DC Access, National Capital Bank Foundation, Dila Construction and Awesome Foundation DC.
Public officials aided our efforts, especially dynamo ANC Commissioner Kelly Waud (6B07), Ward 6 Community Liaison Naomi Mitchell, Steve McKindley-Ward (DDOT) and Kathleen Rehwaldt (DPR). Still more community members supported us from behind the scenes.

With sincere gratitude we wish them and you the best in the year to come. 

Happy New Year!