The first annual C&O Canal Pride Days was a huge success thanks to the tremendous response of individuals and organizations throughout the community.  Originally planned to run through May 10th, C&O Canal Pride Days was extended through May 31st to accommodate the hundreds of volunteers who wanted to show their pride for their park.  Organized by the Trust in partnership with the National Park Service, C&O Canal Pride Days was the largest volunteer effort in the C&O Canal National Historical Park since the clean-up effort following the floods of 1996.  

"C&O Canal Pride Days is the most significant focused volunteer effort in this park since the community helped us following the two floods of 1996.  Great Falls, Anglers Inn, and Carderock haven’t looked this good since I came to the park 12 years ago."  - Kevin Brandt Superintendent, C&O Canal NHP

Over 700 volunteers worked a combined total of 2,450 hours completing 74 projects. During this time, dedicated volunteers spread a mountain of mulch (over 72 yards), raked and bagged 10 truckloads of leaves, pulled 85 bags of garlic mustard (an invasive plant species), painted 21 picnic tables, installed 6 new barbeque grills, repaired 20 existing grills, striped 240 parking spaces, and much, much more! To see photos of the projects, visit the Canal Pride Days album in our online photo gallery.

According to Kevin Brandt, Superintendent of the C&O Canal National Historical Park, “C&O Canal Pride Days is the most significant focused volunteer effort in this park since the community helped us following the two floods of 1996.  Great Falls, Anglers Inn, and Carderock haven’t looked this good since I came to the park 12 years ago.  The C&O Canal Trust and all the volunteers really deserve our thanks.”

Matthew Logan, C&O Canal Trust President, states, “The outpouring of support from the community has been truly remarkable.  We’ve had participation from individuals, corporations, schools, scouts, religious organizations and other groups.  And we’re very thankful for the sponsorship we’ve received from Minkoff Development Corporation and Potomac Paddlesports.  It’s really gratifying to find so many people anxious to give back to the park they love.”

In addition to the knowledge that they helped preserve and protect the beautiful C&O Canal National Historical Park, each volunteer received a C&O Canal Pride Days T-shirt, a coupon for a free ride on a historic canal boat, and eligibility for raffle prizes, including a framed work by artist Tom Kozar, clothing donated by the D.C. Patagonia store, and more.

Plans for next year’s event are already underway.  To learn more about how you can get involved in supporting similar efforts to protect, restore, and promote the C&O Canal National Historical Park, sign up to receive our periodic e-newsletter, “Canal Connection,” or just contact us.