Dennis Chestnut wins River Hero award at River Rally 2019 in Cleveland

River Network is an organization that hosts an annual conference, River Rally, and connects nonprofit organizations and government agencies working on river issues across the country.

The Network’s River Hero Award, currently in its 18th year, honors leaders who go above and beyond what is expected of them on behalf of our nation’s waters and rivers. River Heroes are nominated by fellow water advocates, river conservationists, elected officials, community members, and others, and are celebrated at River Rally.

“Access to clean water and healthy rivers is not equitable today in the United States,” says Nicole Silk, President of River Network. “The individuals being recognized this year are my heroes. Their passionate determination reminds us that nobody should be left behind. Their stories and insights will elevate our sights and inspire more people to become agents for change.”  

This year at River Rally in Cleveland, OH, River Network honored a local champion of the Anacostia River, Dennis Chestnut.

Gretchen Mikeska of the District Department of Energy and Environment introduced Dennis to a welcoming, enthusiastic crowd on June 23.

Dennis Chestnut, Founding Executive Director of Groundwork Anacostia River D.C; Washington, D.C. A lifelong resident of Ward 7 in the far-northeast section of Washington, D.C., Chestnut is a master carpenter and vocational educator, but his dedication to youth development, community improvement, and civic duty has led to his involvement in many conservation projects. Chestnut is the co-founder of the Center for Green Urbanism and chairman of the Friends of Watts Branch. He is a board member of the East of the River Steel Band, SEED D.C. Public Charter School, and the Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay.