Alice Ferguson Foundation

Overview of the Alice Ferguson Foundation's
Programs and Accomplishments

The Alice Ferguson Foundation’s educational programs unite students, educators, park rangers, communities, regional organizations and government agencies throughout the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area to promote the environmental sustainability of the Potomac River watershed.

Students rolling down the hill Our team of educators teaches over 10,000 students annually through an on-site program at Hard Bargain Farm Environmental Center and through Bridging the Watershed, an off-site partnership program providing high school field studies in national parks. Our curriculum-based education programs are designed to enhance each participant’s life experience and environmental perspective while integrating a multitude of science, math, language and problem solving skills into non-traditional, non-classroom based learning opportunities. Student programs are complemented by workshops for teachers and park rangers, and dynamic educational Web sites with activities for youths and educators.

The Foundation's Annual Potomac River Watershed Cleanup has become a decisive catalyst for progress that ignites people throughout the watershed with the Ferguson's community spirit. The largest regional event of its kind, the Cleanup provides a transforming experience that engages citizens and community leaders and generates momentum for change. In addition, the Foundation has developed annual special events open to the public that include the Spring Farm Festival, an Oktoberfest, summer concerts and theater programs performed at the Foundation’s outdoor amphitheater.

Highlights of Our Accomplishments

  • Donated all of its riverfront land in 1968 (some 86 acres) to the Department of Interior to help establish Piscataway Park, serving as a unique model of public/private development.
  • Awarded scholarships and loans to college students majoring in education, many of whom continued to teach in area public schools.
  • Served and taught more than 300,000 students in our innovative environmental education programs.
  • Trained hundreds of educators to integrate environmental education across the curriculum using outdoor sites and hands-on investigative approaches.
  • Mobilized more than 30,000 volunteers working with over 220 partner organizations, businesses, and government agencies to remove 1,022 tons (more than 2 million pounds) of trash from the Potomac watershed since the Potomac Cleanup was launched in 1988.Virginia Bluebells, drawing by Karen J. Miles
  • Preserved and protected Hard Bargain Farm’s historic legacy and working farm, including conserving works of art and the Ferguson farmhouse. It is one of only three early twentieth century artist’s estates intact near Washington, D.C. and Baltimore.
  • Developed and maintained longstanding and effective partnerships with our local Accokeek community; state and county public school systems; and the National Park Service.
  • Supported by a loyal cadre of professional staff, volunteers, organizations, businesses, and government agencies. Whether baling hay, partnering on curriculum development, contributing dumpsters for the river cleanup, or delivering a large check for new programs and infrastructure improvements, each has made a direct, tangible contribution to the Foundation’s work.

© Copyright 2006, Alice Ferguson Foundation
2001 Bryan Point Road, Accokeek, Maryland 20607
webmail@fergusonfoundation.org
Photo Credits: D. Sharp, K. Miles