Every time it rains, trash and pollutants on our streets are carried into storm drains and then to surrounding streams, eventually entering the Anacostia River and even flowing out into the Chesapeake Bay. These pollutants negatively impact local waterways by degrading fish and wildlife habitat, drinking water supplies, and recreational opportunities.

In Fall 2021, the City of College Park Committee for a Better Environment began working with the College Park Arts Exchange (CPAE) and local artists to paint small-scale murals on storm drains in an attempt to draw attention to these down-stream impacts. The murals typically feature images of plants and animals native to the Anacostia River Watershed, the watershed in which College Park is located. Each work is unique and helps to provide a reminder that our neighborhood streets are connected to our streams, and that it is important to keep streets and waterways clean.

From the City's Committee for a Better Environment