In 2001, the Earth Conservation Corps and the Anacostia Watershed Society came together over the state of the polluted Anacostia River. These community organizations recognized the need for a dedicated public advocate for the river and took steps, with the support of the Summit Fund of DC, to create a Waterkeeper program for the Anacostia River Watershed. For several years, Anacostia Riverkeeper operated as a program under the Earth Conservation Corps. Then in 2008, Anacostia Riverkeeper became  an independent 501 c 3. Today, Anacostia Riverkeeper continues to grow as it advocates for a clean, healthy River for all who live, work, and play in its watershed.