As promised, we have more volunteer opportunities in April. In this issue, we cover:
- Commemorating the Sinking of the Titanic
- Demonstration Garden Planting April 17th
- More Volunteer Opportunities with the Friends
- April Opportunities with Neighbors and Partners
Commemorating the Sinking of the Titanic
Due to continued COVID-19 restrictions, we once again discourage gatherings in the park on April 14-15, the anniversary of the sinking of the Titanic. Please find time on your own to contemplate the lives lost and saved on this poignant day in history. We are hopeful that restrictions will be lifted before next year, when we will commemorate the 110th Anniversary of this tragedy.
Demonstration Garden Planting April 17th
We are on track to plant the Demonstration Garden near the North Play Area on April 17th. This project is possible thanks to multiple partners:
- The National Park Service provided landscape design, cultural resources review, and helped us shepherd the permit through to approval.
- The Anacostia Watershed Society provided us with a Watershed Steward grant, covering nearly half the cost of the plantings.
- Nature by Design, a native plant nursery in Alexandria, VA, is providing the plants for us.
- Harbour Square Owners, Inc. and the DC Harbor Patrol are providing water for the initial planting and maintenance watering throughout the year.
- And of course, you, our Friends, are providing over half of the funds through your donations.
We are grateful for everyone who has made this planting possible.
On Saturday, April 17th, we would love 4, and only 4, volunteers to help plant. We are keeping the number small so that we can comply with all DC and NPS safety protocols. If you can help, please sign up on our Events page.
More Volunteer Opportunities with the Friends
One Volunteer for the Birds!
The Southwest Business Improvement District is inviting Southwest community organizations to join them in painting new bird houses to be hung at the Southwest Duck Pond, Library Park, Lansburgh Park and other green spaces throughout the neighborhood. The Friends are signed up to get a birdhouse, now we just need an artist to paint it!
The SW BID will supply the birdhouse and all painting supplies on April 7, and hopes to get the painted birdhouses back by April 19th so they can be hung for Earth Day. Contact us at [email protected] by April 5 to take on this unique volunteer task!
Graphic Design, Anyone?
We are also looking for someone who loves graphic art and communications to help us create printed materials like rack cards that show who the Friends are and what we do. Contact us at [email protected] if you would like to help with graphic design.
...and, there's still time to help with:
Park Visitor Counts -- How many people visit Titanic Park during the week or on weekends? What are popular activities for people visiting the Park? Answers to these questions can help us identify projects for Park restoration and maintenance. We will be starting this project in April and can use more volunteers.
110th anniversary of the Titanic Sinking -- It is not too early to start planning an event commemorating the 110th anniversary of the Titanic sinking in April 2022. The sinking of Titanic was one of the deadliest peacetime maritime tragedies in history, and we want to honor all souls lost at the Titanic Memorial erected in their honor.
Sign up to indicate your interest in one or both of these volunteer opportunities. There is no obligation at this point. We'll contact you with more information.
April Opportunities with Neighbors and Partners
- The National Cherry Blossom Festival is designed to incorporate both virtual and personal experiences through April 11. Some events even continue into May. Visit the National Cherry Blossom Festival website for details.
- The Anacostia Riverkeeper is seeking citizen scientists for its water quality monitoring program again this year. One of the sites is at the Wharf, just upstream from Titanic Memorial Park. Training will be held on April 14, 21, and 24. For more information, visit DC Water Quality, or just sign up!
- The Anacostia Watershed Society will have its annual Earth Day Cleanup on April 24. Visit AWS's sign up page for more details.
- The City Nature Challenge takes place April 30 - May 3. Just like last year, the 2021 challenge is designed for individuals and family groups to join in where they feel safe and can maintain social distance. Visit the City Nature Challenge Website for virtual training, guidelines, and tips. You can spend as little as 15 minutes, or literally hours, capturing images of nature in your own back yard.
Corinne Irwin, Chair
Friends of Titanic Memorial Park
Proud partner of the National Park Service