This geocache is hidden as part of the Geocaching DC's Waterways Project with Urban Adventure Squad students.
Near this geocache, you can spot an above-ground stream called Watts Branch. This stream is a small stream called a tributary that leads to the Anacostia River. Not all of the stream is above ground, a lot of it is re-routed through underground pipes called culverts.
Imagine a super rainy day. Where does the rainwater go after it hits the ground? The water that doesn't soak into the ground is called stormwater runoff, flowing down our streets until it reaches a storm drain. The storm drains in this neighborhood are part of the Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4), which has a separate pipe for stormwater runoff and a separate pipe for sewage. The sewage pipe leads to the water treatment plant to get cleaned, but the stormwater pipe leads directly into our local waterways.
Pollution like food wrappers, empty cans, or harmful chemicals can all get washed into the storm drains, and ultimately end up in our local waterways. Local students and many others organize neighborhood litter cleanups to help keep the immediate neighborhood clean, which also keeps waterways clean. We can see whether or not Watts Branch is clean, but we don't always think about where storm drains or smaller waterways lead to: the Anacostia River!
Have fun checking out this local stream and the nearby hiking trail that leads from Watts Branch Playground to Marvin Gaye Park.
Container is a magnetic nano. Magnetic nanos have tiny log papers that get wedged into the cap of the container--be sure to bring tweezers to remove the log and a pen to sign the log!
This student-led project was funded by a DC Department of Energy and Environment Community Stormwater Solutions Grant.