Watershed News & Information You Can Use!

Dear Watershed Partners,

TTF has lots of good news about recent and upcoming watershed opportunities and resources!

EPA Urban Waters Grant Awarded!

Drew Becher of PHS, Julie Slavet of TTF, Barbara McCabe of PPR, and William Early from the EPA. Photo courtesy of PHS.

We are proud to be part of a new collaborative initiative for restoring clean water, improving neighborhoods, and supporting green stewardship and employment in our watershed funded by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) through the Urban Waters Grant program. Led by the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society with partners TTF, Greentreks Network, the Philadelphia Water Department, and Philadelphia Parks & Recreation (PPR), this program will support green infrastructure projects to restore local waterways and training, outreach and educational activities teaching green skills.

Click here for the EPA announcement and press coverage, and read The Source to stay informed about this effort!

Riparian Buffer Projects, Support, and Information Grow!

Cedarbook Middle School students plant the riparian buffer.

Riparian buffers are critical as they absorb and filter rainwater before it reaches our creek. TTF has planted two riparian buffers, one at Glenside Elementary and a second Cedarbrook Middle School in Cheltenham, and we look forward to planting another with the Abington School District this fall.

TTF supports the adoption of the riparian buffer ordinance under consideration in Cheltenham (see calendar below). We are also looking forward to using the data developed by Heritage Conservancy (HC) and the Montgomery County Planning Commission (MCPC) as part of their Riparian Buffer Assessment Update for streams in Montgomery, Bucks, and Philadelphia counties to plan additional riparian buffer restoration projects with partners across our watershed communities.

For more information on the HC/MCPC project, contact Susan Myerov at [email protected] or Drew Shaw at [email protected].

TTF August activities!
To keep up with the amazing tree and mussel surveying work we accomplished last month, be sure to visit our blog. August posts include:

Hope to see you soon,

Julie Slavet, Executive Director

TTF WELCOMES NEW STAFF!

We are pleased to welcome two new staff members to the TTF team. Both enthusiastic, committed staff come to us through the Americorps VISTA program!

Molly Finch is TTF's Educator. Since graduating in 2009 from Guilford College with a degree in Biology and a concentration in Environmental Studies, she has held a variety of science research and environmental education positions, including with the Smithsonian and National Park Service. Contact Molly at [email protected].

Brynn Monaghan is TTF's Communications Assistant. Brynn holds a B.A. in Advertising with a concentration in Copywriting from Temple University. After graduating in 2010, Brynn has contributed her writing, photography and social media skills to several Philadelphia-based blogs and magazines. Contact Brynn at [email protected].

We're also excited to host a new intern, Ariel Murphy. Ariel is majoring in Communications with a concentration in Print at Arcadia University. Last semester, Ariel volunteered with TTF through her "Social Action and Social Change" class. Ariel is helping with event preparation and communications projects.

IDENTIFY THIS TURTLE AND WIN A PRIZE!

Can you identify this turtle?

During a visit to Tacony Creek Park with a group from PPR's McVeigh Recreation Center summer camp, one of our young naturalists-in-training found this turtle swimming in the creek at Adams Avenue. It's about two inches in diameter. Email your answer to [email protected]. Submit the correct answer and receive an Earthlust water bottle!

FEATURED PARTNER: AWBURY ARBORETUM

The Francis Cope House at Awbury Arboretum

TTF has had a long and fruitful partnership with Awbury Arboretum. Our offices are located at the arboretum, and we have partnered on many environmental education initiatives. Located in the historic Germantown neighborhood of Northwest Philadelphia, Awbury Arboretum is a 55-acre public landscape and historic house, managed by the Awbury Arboretum Association.

Awbury Arboretum features a host of stormwater management features, including a rain garden, a stormwater bioswale, a restored wetland and a wildflower meadow. It also hosts the only daylighted portion of the Wingohocking Creek! Interested in a tour? Email [email protected].

Awbury Arboretum's grounds are open year-round, dawn to dusk, free of charge. Awbury hosts educational and service learning programs and offers a variety of volunteer opportunities. The arboretum works with a number of institutional and private organizations that focus on watershed protection, urban agriculture, horticulture, and food systems education to creatively steward and interpret its site. In fact, TTF and Awbury are working together to support tree planting efforts here in Germantown and across our watershed. To learn about the Awbury's Fall Field Studies program for children and other information, visit www.awbury.org.

ATTENTION TREE HUGGERS: FREE TRAINING!

Volunteers pose with a newly-planted street tree.

TTF loves trees! Trees bring lots of benefits to our watershed communities, including cleaning our water and air, reducing flooding and energy usage, and moderating temperatures. Trees increase community property values, stability and health.

Do you live in our watershed and want to become a Tree Tender through the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society? Because trees are so important to watershed health, we want you to become a Tree Tender for TTF! PHS is offering Tree Tender classes in October. Click here for information and dates. TTF will pay your Tree Tender training fee. Call us at 215-844-8100 to find out how.

FEATURED BOARD MEMBER: FRED LEWIS

Fred Lewis

Fred Lewis is the Volunteer Coordinator for the Senior Environment Corps at Center in the Park in Germantown. The Senior Environment Corps is a group of dedicated volunteers who value the area's natural resources and are working to conserve, preserve and improve the environment for future generations. Established in 1997, the Senior Environment Corps provides opportunities for older adults to play an active, visible role in environmental protection, education and advocacy.

Fred previously served as a management consultant in the laundry industry. He is active in many local organizations and boards of directors, including the Philadelphia Water Department Citizen Action Committee, Friends of Vernon Park, Friends of Cliveden Park, and the Wissahickon Watershed Partnership, among others. Fred was featured in Grid magazine! Read more about him here. Learn more about Fred and our other board members on the TTF website.

BACK-TO-SCHOOL STORMWATER TIPS

It's back-to-school time, so here are some special back-to-school stormwater tips! These are great ways to help address stormwater issues whether you are a student, teacher, parent, or administrator!

Storm drain marking with Arcadia University students

1. Sign your class up for service-learning activities with TTF. We regularly host cleanups and storm drain marking events, and can help you organize your own event. Learn more ways to get involved here.

2. Teach your students -- or talk to your child's teacher -- about water issues this year. Check out our comprehensive list of water-related curriculum resources here.

3. Check out other great, local and environmental non-profit organizations for educational programs, assemblies and additional classroom resources. Philadelphia Parks & Recreation and the Fairmount Water Works Interpretive Center offer fantastic educational opportunities. For teachers, Earth Force helps educators incorporate service-learning and civic action into the classroom.

4. Talk to your school administrators about the importance of keeping school campuses and the surrounding community litter-free. TTF is happy to help you organize a cleanup. Or bring your school group to our next cleanup event. (Find more information on our Events page!)

5. Take a field trip this year for hands-on learning. The Fairmount Water Works Interpretive Center is a great place to start!

JOIN PEC FOR A STORMWATER CONFERENCE

Conference Join the Pennsylvania Environmental Council in Harrisburg on September 18 and 19 to learn the latest developments in stormwater and green infrastructure in Pennsylvania.

Topics covered will include meeting regulatory compliance with Best Management Practices, financing models, offsetting mitigation, designing and retrofitting for cost effectiveness, operation and maintenance considerations, municipal codes and stormwater fees. Continuing education credits available for solicitors, engineers and landscape architects.

DATES: September 18 and 19, 2012
PLACE: Best Western Premier Hotel and Conference Center, 800 East Park Ave., Harrisburg, PA 17111

CONTACT: For more information, visit: http://pastormwater.org/

SEPTEMBER EVENTS

Please note: Outdoor events are canceled in the case of heavy rain. Please check the TTF Events page for updated information.

September 11: Your Watershed is Your Home: An Introduction to Watersheds & Stormwater Management Tools

Come to this FREE workshop! Learn about watershed issues and how to install and maintain a rain barrel. A rain barrel collects and stores rainwater from a rooftop, allowing you to re-use the water. At the workshop, you will receive a coupon for a discounted rain barrel from the Primex Garden Center in Glenside. Offered in partnership with the Cheltenham Environmental Advisory Council.

DATE: Tuesday, September 11, 2012
TIME: 7:00 p.m.
PLACE: Glenside Library, 215 S. Keswick Avenue, Glenside, PA 19038
CONTACT: Alix Howard at 215.844.8100 or [email protected]

September 18: Cheltenham Riparian Buffer Ordinance Meeting
TTF, along with Township officials, the Cheltenham Environmental Advisory Council and the Montgomery County Planning Commission will present information about the proposed ordinance and answer questions.
DATE: Tuesday, September 18

TIME: 7:00 p.m.
PLACE: Glenside Hall, 185 S. Keswick Avenue Glenside, PA 19038
CONTACT: Nancy Gibson at [email protected]

September 19: Tree Surveying in West Oak Lane!
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED! Join TTF to survey West Oak Lane neighborhoods for spots where trees will be planted! We're looking for volunteers of all ages who are interested in greening West Oak Lane. Food is included, as well as a FREE TreePhily tote bag while supplies last!

DATE: Wednesday, September 19, 2012

TIME: 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
PLACE: Finley Recreation Center, 7701 Mansfield Avenue, Philadelphia PA 19150
CONTACT: Abby Grosslein at [email protected] or 215-844-8100

September 29: Tree Surveying in West Oak Lane!
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED! Join TTF and LaSalle University to survey West Oak Lane neighborhoods for spots where trees will be planted! We're looking for volunteers of all ages who are interested in greening West Oak Lane. Food is included, as well as a FREE TreePhily tote bag while supplies last!

DATE: Saturday, September 29, 2012

TIME: 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
PLACE: the corner of Stenton Avenue and Yerkes Street, Philadelphia PA 19138
CONTACT: Abby Grosslein at [email protected] or 215-844-8100

Partner Events

September 8: 2012 Pennsylvania Coast Day - Partnership for the Delaware Estuary

Discover your connection to the coast at Pennsylvania Coast Day, now part of the WHYY Connections Festival. That's where up to 20 interactive displays and children's activities will be featured near the RiverLink Ferry terminal at Penn's Landing.

DATE: Saturday, September 8, 2012

TIME: 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

PLACE: Penn's Landing, Philadelphia PA 19106

CONTACT: For more information, visit the Partnership for the Delaware Estuary website.

September 15: Family Fun Day at Vernon Park - Friends of Vernon Park

This will be a day of family fun with music and free activities, including Thai Chi, Yoga, Zumba, field games, drum lessons and face painting!

DATE: Saturday, September 15, 2012

TIME: 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

PLACE: Vernon Park, 5818 Germantown Avenue, Philadelphia PA 19144

CONTACT: Angela Miles at 215.359.7816 or [email protected]

September 20: Green City, Clean Waters Information Session - Philadelphia Water Department (PWD)

Learn all about Green City, Clean Waters, including information on how you can provide input on potential green stormwater infrastructure projects in your neighborhood. PWD will provide updates on projects throughout Philadelphia, so RSVP to ensure that PWD is able to bring your community's project information.

DATE: Thursday, September 20, 2012

TIME: 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

PLACE: Municipal Services Building, 16th Floor, room Y, 1401 John F Kennedy Boulevard #11, Philadelphia, PA 19102

CONTACT: Please RSVP at www.phillywatersheds.org/monthlymeeting.

September 29: Fall Open House at Collins Nursery

Enjoy container-grown native trees and shrubs and a selection of native perennials. Celebrate native pawpaw trees with a pawpaw tasting and a limited number of one-year-old pawpaw saplings and check out a new collection of handmade hypertufa pots and troughs planted with native sedums, ferns, and moss.

DATE: Saturday, September 29 (raindate: Sunday, September 30)

TIME: 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

PLACE: Located at historic Edgehill Castle: 773 Roslyn Avenue, Glenside, PA

CONTACT: For more detailed information and directions, you can visit the Collins Nursery website at http://www.collinsnursery.com.

View more upcoming events on our Events Calendar!

TTF's mission is to enhance the health and vitality of the Tookany/Tacony-Frankford Creek and its watershed. We initiate and support efforts to restore the health of the watershed, and to mobilize our communities as watershed stewards through community outreach, networking, educational programs, and projects.

Tookany/Tacony-Frankford Watershed Partnership, Inc.
phone: 215-844-8100 email: [email protected] web: www.ttfwatershed.org

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