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Volunteer Spotlight

Byron Williams has lived in Accokeek in the southeastern corner of Prince George's County for more than 25 years. During that time he has made varied and significant contributions to the Greater Washington Region's environmental quality and to the awareness of our citizens of the importance of the natural environment.

During two six-year terms on the Foundation's Board of Trustees (one in the 1980s and another in the 1990s), Byron served as chair of the Community Relations Committee, the Facilities Committee, and the Nominating Committee. In those positions and as an active participant in all our work, he had the opportunity to influence both this organization and numerous citizens both locally and throughout the metropolitan area. A brief listing of some of those activities follows:

  • He organized the Annual Presidents' Day Shoreline Walk on the Potomac in 1994 and since.
  • He was one of original organizers of the Annual Potomac River Cleanup in 1988 and has been a promoter and participant ever since.
  • Served as President of the Greater Accokeek Civic Association in 1990s and dealt with issues of development, growth, and community.
  • Served on the original volunteer committee that successfully nominated the Potomac as an American Heritage River.
  • Through the Cleanup and the annual Shoreline Walks, he has brought numerous individuals into direct contact with the River and taught about its natural history and the importance of keeping it clean.
  • He has inspired local citizens to become more involved in the Accokeek Foundation's environmental and sustainable agriculture work, and has contributed countless hours to the effort.

Byron is retired from the Federal Government, having worked for the Peace Corps and the Federal Emergency Management Administration. He is a noted artist, whose hand-made baskets from local materials adorn homes throughout the metropolitan area. He has exhibited his work at numerous juried craft shows throughout the mid-Atlantic region, including the annual Mount Vernon colonial craft show. He is also an accomplished historical re-enactor.

Byron has recently been nominated by the Accokeek Foundation as a WETA "Local Hero".