Photo by Francis Grant-Suttie
“The list of work that needs to be done is never-ending. We are so grateful for our long-standing partnership with the C&O Canal Trust,” said Amanda Zimmerman.
NPS Park Ranger Amanda Zimmerman was one of the many people who joined us out in the park on April 25 for the C&O Canal Trust’s annual public Canal Community Days volunteer event at Great Falls. Nearly 100 volunteers attended, and despite the cold and rainy day, they made an enormous impact in one of the most popular sections on the 184.5 mile stretch of the C&O Canal towpath.
As the official philanthropic partner to the C&O Canal National Historical Park, the Trust works in close partnership with the National Park Service to preserve the natural, cultural, and historical resources of the park. This year marks the 18th consecutive year of Canal Community Days, a core program of the Trust.
During the event, Trust President & CEO, Lauren Riviello, welcomed the group to Great Falls, sharing:
“We all know and love this park. The C&O Canal is a nationally significant landmark that enriches Montgomery County, the State of Maryland, the District of Columbia, and the surrounding region. This continuous 184.5-mile park serves as a vital cultural, historical, and natural resource for millions of visitors and local residents each year,” said Riviello. “For 18 years, our dedicated volunteers have come here to Great Falls to help protect and preserve this park and its resources. Last year, volunteers removed over 20,000 pounds of trash and invasive plants. I can’t wait to see what we can accomplish together this year. We’re more motivated than ever and ready to continue to grow our support for the park.”
Delegate Linda Foley; Chief of Staff for Delegate Sarah Wolek, Claudia Fess; Montgomery County Councilmember Evan Glass; and Montgomery County Councilmember Andrew Friedson were all in attendance and shared their appreciation with volunteers and their commitment to the protection of the park. “All of your work is more important than ever,” said Councilmember Evan Glass.
In celebration of this year’s Canal Community Days, Councilmember Friedson awarded the Trust with a certificate celebrating 18 years of partnership and stewardship of the C&O Canal.
Each year, the C&O Canal Trust continues to expand volunteer stewardship throughout the park. Great Falls is just the beginning of our 2025 success story. Together, volunteers collectively removed 600 pounds of invasive garlic mustard and 225 pounds of trash in addition to other beautification projects.
“Thank you all for joining us and for your support of our local national park. Your participation shows your strong commitment to stewarding our shared public lands so that they are protected for today and preserved for future generations,” said Riviello.
Thank you to our volunteers for helping us Make This Park Shine!
Photos by Francis Grant-Suttie
Thank you to our
2025 Canal Community Days Sponsors!
Canal Visionary
Canal Explorer
Canal Traveler
Canal Preserver
AC&T Co., Inc.
The Butz Foundation
Clark Construction Group, LLC
Exelon Corporation
Sam’s Club
Younger Toyota
Lockkeeper
Home Depot
Tri-State Stone and Building Supply
Small Business Sponsors
Bagels and Grinds
Cushwa Brewing
Mile 99 Bike Shop
River Bottom Roasters
Still Smokin’ BBQ
Sweet Notes Bakery
Tony’s Pizza
Top Photo by Trust Staff
