Check out our first annual report and read about our accomplishments during 2011-2012! We are very proud of our efforts across our watershed during the past year, and are so pleased that Amy Blake of Blake + Baranick Design Group, Inc. worked with us to produce this attractive, informative report. Email me at [email protected] for a printed version.
Buffers in Philadelphia TTF has been actively involved in efforts to support Bill 120654, introduced in September, which would restore 50-foot buffers all ALL waterways. Along with our partners, we support the establishment of at least 50-foot waterway buffers for our City's rivers and streams, the sources of our drinking water. Buffers protect water quality, filter toxins, prevent flooding, and allow for recreational use along our streams and rivers
TTF and the Friends of the Wissahickon provided joint testimony at the hearing on this bill yesterday. You can see our statement on our Riparian Buffer page here.
We promise to keep you updated on this critical issue.
Best Wishes to Katie Donnelly
Please join me in wishing farewell to Katie Donnelly, TTF's Associate Director for the past four years. She has provided our organization with excellent communications, development, and human resources support during a time of great growth. Although we will miss her valuable judgement, amazing focus, professionalism, and food knowledge, we wish her the best in pursuing a research and writing career.
Warm regards,
Julie Slavet, Executive Director
THANKS TO OUR BUFFER SUPPORTERS & VOLUNTEERS!
On Saturday, October 13, 100 volunteers planted a riparian buffer
along the headwaters of the creek located on the playing fields at Abington Junior High school. Volunteers removed trash, planted over 500 native trees and shrubs, and installed deer fencing -- all in just a few hours! The area already looks great but will look even more beautiful as the plants grow.
Awesome volunteer Veronica plants along East Baeder Creek
We had lots of fun on planting day, but this project is
not over yet. We will be installing an interpretive sign at the site in the spring and will create a helpful guide for creekside residents to learn about ways to plant buffers like this on their own property. Stay tuned for more information about these exciting next steps! You can also visit the Riparian Buffer page on our website for resources on this topic.
TTF would like to extend special thanks to the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection & Aqua Pennsylvania for this TreeVitalize Watershed grant and an anonymous donor for their generosity. Special thanks to the Abington EAC, the Abington School District, and Nancy Minich and her incredible staff at NAM Planning & Design, LLC. And thanks to Dottie Baumgarten of Sustainable Choices for bringing her enviroscape and providing watershed education during the day!
NOTICE ANYTHING NEW IN JENKINTOWN?
Jenkintown residents may notice some new additions to local storm drains. On October 11, over 50 seventh grade students from the Hackley School in Tarrytown, NY joined TTF for a Green Apple Day of Service to mark Jenkintown storm drains with "No Dumping" stickers.
TTF Educator Molly Finch taught a watershed stewardship lesson and explained why storm drain marking is important -- most of Montgomery County's storm drains lead directly to our creeks! The mission of the students was to mark storm drains, complete a trash tally and identify watershed health indicators, all key steps to becoming a good watershed steward.
Marking drains is an important tool to educate community residents about where storm drains go, because many people do not realize that storm drains lead to our waterways. Through our outreach and education work, we hope to curb the practice of people using storm drains as dump sites. TTF marks storm drains through a project with the Partnership for the Delaware Estuary. If you're interested in getting involved with TTF's volunteer events, visit here.
We'd like to thank Jenkintown Borough for their cooperation and hospitality. Borough Manager Carolyn Hanel made an appearance to thank the volunteers for all their hard work. TTF would also like to thank the Hackley School's lively volunteers. Their positive attitudes and energy made the day a success!
ATV LEGISLATION PASSES IN PHILADELPHIA!
All Terrain Vehicles (ATVs) are not only a major safety hazard -- they also severely damage our parks and creekside areas! TTF attended City Council hearings about this issue to let people know how damaging ATVs can be.
We are pleased to report that Philadelphia City Council recently approved legislation that tightens restrictions and imposes steep fines on those riding ATVs on public property, including city parks. Riding ATVs on public streets is already banned under state law. Under the legislation, police would be allowed to destroy seized ATVs and dirt bikes. The law goes into effect March 1, 2013 and will also include an educational campaign.
LOWER NORTHEAST DISTRICT PLAN ADOPTED
The Lower Northeast District Plan, part of Philadelphia2035, the Philadelphia City Planning Commission's comprehensive longterm vision for the city, was adopted on October 16.
One of the most exciting aspects of the plan is the recommendation for a trail and watershed park along the length of the Tacony-Frankford Creek. This watershed park would be would be similar to the park along the Pennypack Creek.
Download the full document here! Learn more about Philadelphia 2035 here.
TTF BOARD MEMBER: SUSAN MYEROV
Susan Myerov is a Senior Planner with Heritage Conservancy, a regional land trust located
in Doylestown, Bucks County. Her responsibilities include preparation of watershed-based
conservation plans, stormwater management education and outreach, and preparation of
Sue and daughter Celia at East Baeder Creek Buffer Planting
municipal open space plans.
Susan is a member of the Schuylkill Action Network's Stormwater Workgroup and the Lower Delaware River Management Committee. Susan's professional affiliations included the American Planning Association, American Institute of Certified Planners, Pennsylvania Planning Association and the Pennsylvania Association of Environmental Professionals. In addition, Susan is a member of the Abington Township Environmental Advisory Council. Susan has represented the Conservancy on our board since 2005.
Susan serves as TTF's Board Secretary. Susan and husband Ben and daughter Celia are always ready to lend a most appreciated hand at TTF events.
HIGH SCHOOL PARK MEADOW RESTORATION NEWS
Adapted from an article in the Fall 2012 Friends of High School Park Newsletter
TTF partner organization Friends of High School Park has entered a new phase in their extensive meadow restoration project, with the planting of nearly 300 shrubs and 100 small trees along the edge of the meadow. These plantings play a crucial role, linking the wooded areas to the meadow grasses, making this an especially rich habitat for insects, birds and other wildlife. Thousands of plugs of Pennsylvania sedge, golden sundrop, wild sweet-William (meadow phlox), golden Alexander, gloriosa daisy, silky wild rye, beard-tongue, and purple love grass are being planted.
These plants will become firmly established in three years. For the remainder of this year, the meadow will be kept short, no higher than 14 to 18 inches, in order to prevent the fast-growing non-native grasses from shading out the slower-growing native ones. Low mowing also limits seed formation by these unwanted species. The Friends of High School Park, along with volunteers, will monitor the meadow over the next three years. Over 1,000 volunteer community service hours have been pledged to this project. Learn more about the meadow restoration here.
Since 1995, Friends of High School Park has continued to reclaim, enhance and restore what was once the built environment of Cheltenham High School to a natural setting with native plants and vegetation to benefit wildlife habitat and provide human enjoyment.
The park is used by public and private schools, scouts and individuals for outdoor education and recreation. High School Park encompasses three distinct environmental zones and ecosystems within its boundaries: meadow, woodland and riparian buffer.
Former Friends of High School Park President Amy Steffen represents the organization on the TTF Board of Directors. Learn more about the TTF Board here.
EPA'S NEW HOW'S MY WATERWAY APP!
The EPA recently launched a new app and website to help you find information on the condition of thousands of lakes, rivers and streams across the U.S. from your smartphone, tablet or desktop computer. The How's My Waterway app and website use GPS technology or a user-entered zip code or city name to provide information about the quality of local water bodies. Check it out to stay on top of local watershed conditions!
TO RECYCLE OR NOT TO RECYCLE: THAT IS THE QUESTION
We've all had times when we've had a piece of garbage in our hand and wondered where it should go -- the garbage can or the recycling bin? Well, recycling is not as black and white as garbage can versus recycling bin. Here are some of the in's and out's of recycling.
What are the numbers on the bottom of plastic products for? These are used to facilitate recycling post-consumer plastics -- since that doesn't mean much to many of us, check out RecycleScene's "Non-Boring Guide to...Those Little Symbols on the Bottom of Your Container" which has an easy to understand guide on the numbers and how to recycle accordingly.
Please note: Outdoor events are canceled in the case of heavy rain. Please check the TTF Events calendar for updated information.
Watershed Issues in Wyncote
Representatives from TTF and the Cheltenham EAC will discuss current watershed issues and programs in Wyncote, including storm water management, stream bank restoration, sustainable landscaping, and volunteer activities.
DATE: Wednesday, November 5, 2012
TIME: 7:00 p.m. PLACE: All Hallows Church, 262 Bent Road Wyncote, PA 19095 CONTACT: RSVP to [email protected]
Tree Planting with Germantown Tree Tenders
Join TTF to plant trees, speak with homeowners, and transport volunteers. We will provide tools, materials, and snacks. We plant rain or shine, so bring weather-appropriate clothing, as well as closed-toed shoes. If you have a car, please bring it with you to help transport volunteers!
DATE: Saturday, November 10, 2012 TIME: 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
PLACE: Awbury Arboretum, 1 Awbury Road, Philadelphia PA 19138. We will travel to sites in Germantown from there. CONTACT: Abby Grosslein at 215.844.8100 or [email protected]
Love Your Park at Tacony Creek Park TTF is hosting a cleanup of Tacony Creek at Friends Hospital in Philadelphia. Join us in this important effort! Love Your Park is a collaborative partnership between Philadelphia Parks & Recreation, the Fairmount Park Conservancy and the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society to steward and support neighborhood parks throughout Philadelphia.
DATE: Saturday, November 17, 2012
TIME: 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. PLACE: Friends Hospital, 4641 Roosevelt Blvd. Follow signs on the Friends Hospital campus to the cleanup site. RSVP: Alix Howard at 215.844.8100 or [email protected]
Shopping Benefit at the Dovetail Artisans for TTF Do your holiday shopping and support TTF at the same time! If you've never been to this lovely, intimate store -- offering American handcrafted gifts including jewelry, pottery, clocks, boxes, artglass, tiles, scarves, purses, windchimes, picture frames, mirrors, and Judaica -- you don't know what you're missing! Join us for wine and hors d'oeuvres, plus a chance to schmooze and learn about our work. Credit cards accepted; cash and checks preferred. A portion of each purchase will be donated to TTF. DATE:Tuesday, November 27, 2012
TIME: 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. PLACE: 105 East Glenside Avenue, Glenside, PA 19038 CONTACT: No need to RSVP! Questions? Call TTF at 215-844-8100 or visit here.
Clean Water Partners Business Seminar
It takes a team approach to combat flooding and water pollution. Cheltenham Township and TTF invite our local business owners and managers to join the battle! Large or small, businesses can use simple management practices to reduce excessive water runoff and the pollution it carries. Proudly displayed, your Clean Water Partner decal will let your customers know that you care about water issues in our community. Together, we can beat flooding and water pollution, it's easier than you think... Join us to receive your free Clean Water Partner packet and learn more! Light breakfast included.
DATE: Wednesday, November 28, 2012 TIME: 8:30 a.m. PLACE: Curtis Hall, 1250 W. Church Road, Wyncote, PA 19095 RSVP: 215-887-6200 x112, [email protected] or [email protected]
Partner Events
Schuylkill Soundings Open House
As the Fairmount Water Works Interpretive Center (FWWIC) develops plans to expand, it is working with designers to develop creative ways to bring in and integrate new exhibits. Attend this Open House to look at the concepts being developed for this expansion and add your ideas to those of the designers.
DATE: Thursday, November 15, 2012
TIME: 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
PLACE: FWWIC, 640 Waterworks Drive, Philadelphia PA 19130
Green City, Clean Waters Information Session
Learn all about the Philadelphia Water Department's Green City, Clean Waters program, including how you can provide input on potential green stormwater infrastructure projects in your neighborhood. PWD will provide updates on projects throughout Philadelphia.
DATE: Thursday, November 15, 2012
TIME: 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
PLACE: Municipal Services Building, 16th Floor, Room Y, 1401 John F. Kennedy Boulevard, Philadelphia, PA 19102
Free electronics recycling collection for residents and business in the community. Acceptable items include anything with a plug: desktop computing, printers, peripherals, audio/video equipment, mainframes, and household items like microwaves, air-conditioners and vacuum cleaners. In addition, mobile devices like cell phones and Blackberry/PDAs, storage equipment like video/audio tapes, CDs, thumb drives, motherboards and network cards will also be accepted. Note: Beginning January 2013, Cheltenham Township will no longer accept televisions for special refuse collection or drop-off due to a new state law.
DATE: Saturday, November 17, 2012
TIME: 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
PLACE: Cheltenham High School parking lot, located at 500 Rices Mill Road in Wyncote.
CONTACT: Check www.cheltenhamtownship.org for a complete list of acceptable items. For more information, call 215-635-4600.
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.
people know how damaging ATVs can be.
Philadelphia City Planning Commission's comprehensive longterm vision for the city, was adopted on October 16.
find information on the condition of thousands of lakes, rivers and streams across the U.S. from your smartphone, tablet or desktop computer. The 
