The City of Alexandria will recognize the history and importance of the Chesapeake Bay, and the continued efforts to protect it, during Chesapeake Bay Awareness Week, June 7 through June 15, 2025. As part of this commemoration, the City will participate in the Chesapeake Bay Foundation’s annual Clean the Bay Day.   

Clean the Bay Day, an annual event typically taking place the first week of June, is organized by the Chesapeake Bay Foundation to bring communities together to clean and protect the waters at various locations along the Chesapeake Bay.  

At the City Council Legislative Meeting on June 10, 2025, the Chesapeake Bay Awareness Week proclamation will be read affirming the City’s commitment to the Chesapeake Bay and its natural resources, and to continue performing maintenance activities, stream cleanups, and implementing capital projects to protect it.  

The City’s Department of Transportation and Environmental Services invites the community to participate in a stream cleanup event on Saturday, June 7, 2025, at Oronoco Bay Park (100 Madison St.) The cleanup event will take place from 9:00 am to 11:00 am.  

For those participating in the Clean the Bay Day event at Oronoco Bay, City staff will provide gloves, trash grabbers, and bags, and will have first aid kits onsite. Participants are encouraged to bring sunscreen, snacks, water, and wear appropriate clothing, including long pants and closed-toe shoes.  

Clean the Bay Day is just one way to increase awareness of the importance of the Bay, not only for Awareness Week, but throughout the year. Additional actions to protect the Bay include:  

• Keep pet waste out of the City’s storm drains by picking up and properly disposing of pet waste in a trash can. Pet waste can cause bacteria contamination in waterways. 
• Keep the City litter-free, as waste dropped on streets, sidewalks, or parks ends up in local waterways and the Chesapeake Bay. 
• Reduce or eliminate fertilizer use on lawns. Excess fertilizer caused poor water quality. Consider applying for a ten percent Stormwater Utility Fee credit for the no-fertilizer pledge. 

If you suspect contamination or an illicit discharge entering the City’s waterways, please contact Alex311.  

For more information on the City's efforts to protect the Chesapeake Bay and other local waterways, please visit the Stormwater website.   

To request reasonable disability accommodation, contact anthony.minnick@alexandriava.gov or call 703.746.4132, Virginia Relay711.