The Source
Dear Friends:

If you're not at our Watershed Milestones Award Ceremony & Reception at the Fairmount Water Works Interpretive Center (FWWIC) on May 22, you'll really be missing something!

Watershed Milestones Logo

This event will celebrate our accomplishments as well as the achievements of
leaders, young and old, large and small, from across our 30 square mile watershed! We'll enjoy great networking with watershed stakeholders and sponsors. We'll schmooze with Water Commissioner Howard Neukrug. We'll enjoy delicious cheese from Valley Shepherd Creamery and beer from Yards Brewing Company. We'll raise critical dollars to support our outreach, education, and restoration efforts.

Please learn about our Award Winners. Please check out our sponsors and sponsorship opportunities. Here's ticket sales information. See you on May 22!

Julie  
Julie Slavet, Executive Director 
HEALTHY TRAILS 5K WINS IN TACONY CREEK PARK

More than 100 Healthy Trails 5k runners and walkers christened

TTF's Brynn with Boston Marathoners
Boston Strong! TTF's Brynn ran alongside two Boston Marathoners.

the brand new Tacony Creek Park (TCP) trail at Friends Hospital last Saturday.

 

TTF and its partners are working to promote community access and healthy activity in TCP -- and Healthy Trails 5k was the perfect way to start!  

 

The Healthy Trails 5k Run & Walk would not have been a success without Philadelphia Parks & Recreation (PPR), The Scattergood Foundation, Friends Hospital, and Fairmount Park Conservancy. We'd like to thank all of our volunteers who helped before and during the race. Your efforts made the park race day ready! 

 

Proceeds from the Healthy Trails 5k Run & Walk and Health Fair & Community Day will support future safety promotion and healthy, family oriented activity in TCP.

TACONY CREEK PARK TOUR
Tacony Creek
Touring Tacony Creek Park
TTF recently hosted a walk to bring together partners whose work benefits Tacony Creek Park and its neighborhoods.

Rick Howley from the Philadelphia Water Department (PWD) and Rob Armstrong from PPR discussed stream and trail restoration work in the area, while TTF shared some of our ideas for programs in the park. Attendees included Scattergood Foundation President Joe Pyle and
new Urban Trails Organizer Jason Sandman, and
leader of the Juniata Action Committee Derick Scudder.

These walks are a great way for us to enhance and support the relationships that make our work in Tacony Creek Park possible. Interested in planning a walking tour? Contact Alix Howard at [email protected]

FREE SUMMER 

PROGRAM FOR YOUNG WOMEN 

SWEP

Exploring the Urban Watershed is a FREE two-week summer program for young women presented by the Fairmount Water Works Interpretive Center (FWWIC) and TTF, supported in part by the Society for Women Environmental Professionals (SWEP) and PWD

 

This program is an introductory exploration of the science supporting the management and protection of our waterways and resources. Young women will engage in the real world application of the study and methods of environmental science, enabling them to be better prepared as they enter high school. Taught by women scientists, participants will work in the laboratory, in the field and in local streams. The program runs from August 12th to August 23rd, 2013 from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. based at FWWIC.  

 

Do you know a rising 8th grader who'd be interested in attending this summer program? Share this application with them! Thank you to SWEP for making this program possible! 

BUFFER SIGN CELEBRATED AT ABINGTON JUNIOR HIGH
TTF staff at Abington Junior High Riparian Buffer Sign
TTF staff with new sign

TTF along with funders and partners Abington School District staff and students, Abington Environmental Advisory Council, Montgomery County Conservation District (MCCD), and the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society (PHS) celebrated the installation of a permanent interpretive sign at the newly blooming riparian buffer planted last October at this critical Tookany/Tacony-Frankford Creek headwater.

 

Remarks were made by TTF Executive Director, Julie Slavet; Abington School District Supervisor of Facilities, Stephen Saile and Abington Junior High Principal, Dr. Mark Pellicio; Abington Township EAC Chairperson, Jennifer Sherwood; Montgomery County Conservation District Watershed Specialist (and TTF Board member), Susan Harris; and PHS Plant One Million Director and Vice President of Business Development, Jimmy Owens. Special guests included Green Thumbs Club students and Denis Mora and Valessa Souter-Kline of PWD. 

 

Read more about the ribbon cutting here. Please visit the buffer and learn about what you can do to protect our creeks!
PWD Rain Check Deadline 
PWD Rain Check
Beautify your home and help Philadelphia's environment: Sign up for Rain Check! Rain Check is a PWD program that provides residents with resources to manage stormwater and improve their homes. Through the program, PWD helps people pay for landscape improvements such as rain gardens or downspout planters that keep rain water from entering the sewer system.

 

The program is open to all people with homes connected to the combined 

sewer system. To participate in the program, sign-up online at www.phillywatersheds.org/raincheckSign up by June 1st so that PWD can get started! PWD will begin property assessments on a rolling basis and the program will run from July 2014 to June 2015. Participating in Rain Check is a great way to improve your home and manage stormwater - all at a low cost to you.

SUSTAINABLE CHELTENHAM PLAN ADOPTED
Sustainable Cheltenham
Sustainable Cheltenham is official! The Township Board of Commissioners recently adopted thisTownship-wide, multi-year Sustainability Plan to guide the community to become more environmentally friendly and resilient. 
 
The plan establishes ten goals and objectives that are applicable to any organization, institution or individual in the community. The plan's core is the Municipal Action Plan, which outlines actions the municipality can take to function more sustainably and serve as a leader and model for others.

 

"This community-inspired Sustainability Plan is designed to ensure a vibrant, healthy Cheltenham for generations to come," said Art Haywood, board president. "It calls upon everyone - residents, businesses, institutions and government - to reshape their behaviors to contribute towards building a brighter future. I believe we can make that future a reality."

 

TTF participated in the development of this plan and applauds its ecological stewardship, sustainable development, and water management goals. We are so impressed with this plan that we are recognizing the Township as Municipal Leader at our Awards Ceremony on May 22. We also hope to see you at the Sustainable Cheltenham Spring Festival on June 1 (see Events).    

     

View the complete Sustainability Plan online or contact the Cheltenham Township Public Information Office at 215-887-6200, ext. 230, for more information. 
FEATURED TTF BOARD MEMBER: SUSAN HARRIS
Susan Harris Featured TTF Board Member Since 2001, Susan Harris has served as Watershed Specialist at the Montgomery County Conservation District. Her responsibilities include coordinating the Watershed program, reviewing plans and permit applications for compliance with Chapter 102 Erosion and Sediment Control program, website administration, and coordination of educational events.

In her role as Watershed Specialist, Susan manages and coordinates watershed restoration and protection projects -- grant writing, administering funding, managing budgets and construction bids, providing technical assistance, and designing and implementing watershed restoration and stormwater management projects.

In 2012, Susan Harris led a tour of an exciting watershed project at the Sisters of Saint Basil's facility. The site's topography creates a watershed divide with a portion of the site draining to the Pennypack Creek and the remainder to the Jenkintown Creek.

The Jenkintown Creek is a headwater stream in the Tookany/Tacony-Frankford watershed. The site includes forested wetlands, spring-fed marshes, a wet meadow, and numerous drainage features. PA Growing Greener funding is supporting implementation of Best Management Practices, including vegetated swales to convey surface runoff, a riparian buffer, fencing to restrict horse access and stabilization and understory trees. TTF recently assisted with tree planting for this project.

CITY WINS EPA GRANT FOR REUSE PROPERTIES ALONG FRANKFORD CREEK
TTF EPA logo

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has selected the City of Philadelphia as one of 20 communities to receive a grant to conduct a planning study for the cleanup and reactivation of brownfield land.  A $200,000 grant will fund a study for a four-square-mile area of Frankford Creek including sections of the Bridesburg, Frankford, Port Richmond and Juniata Park neighborhoods. The Philadelphia City Planning Commission (PCPC) will manage the planning process. 

 

"EPA's investment in the Frankford Creek area is crucial for us to unlock the transformative potential of these brownfields sites," said City Councilwoman Mar�a Qui�ones S�nchez, whose district includes the Frankford Creek watershed.  "We now have the opportunity to replace environmental contamination and vacancy with new life and economic vitality, as we have done with nearby success stories like the Globe Dye Works and Amuneal Manufacturing."

 

The rehabilitation of brownfield sites will also support the development of the Frankford Creek Greenway, which would connect Tacony Creek Park to the North Delaware Riverfront. The PCPC just kicked off its feasibility study for this Greenway, which was part of the Lower NE District Plan. "This planning grant provides us with an exciting opportunity to advance our trails, watershed protection, and open space objectives while connecting and engaging with communities on these vital assets," said Michael DiBerardinis Deputy Mayor Environmental and Community Resources and PPR Commissioner.  "We look forward to continuing to work with PCPC and other partners on this important collaborative effort."

 

Read entire press release here

 EVENTS MayEvents
Please note: TTF's outdoor events are canceled in the case of heavy rain. Please check the
TTF Events calendar for updated information. 
 
MAY EVENTS
 
LOVE YOUR PARK SPRING EDITION

Join us for a clean-up at Tacony Creek Park's new gateways, which provide access to the new TCP Trail. Beautify the area and make these gateways more inviting. Supplies & snacks provided. 

DATE: Saturday, May 11

TIME: 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

PLACE: Intersection at Whitaker Ave & Loudon St, 19124 

CONTACT: Alix Howard,[email protected]/215.844.8100   

 

MUSSEL MANIA! Mussel Mania
Join FWWIC for this classroom/field-based program and go mad for freshwater mussels! The day's lineup includes a talk by Dr. Danielle Kreeger, Science Director for the Partnership for the Delaware Estuary. Lance Butler, Watershed Protection Manager for PWD, will discuss his team's work is doing and why these bivalves have piqued our interest. TTF will share the results of last year's mussel surveying and train participants in the afternoon when we go out to the stream. And we will finish off the day a saltwater mussel and beer reception! The $12 per person ticket covers transportation to the site, the reception and basic supplies. 
DATE: Saturday, May 11
TIME: 10:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. 
PLACE: FWWIC, 640 Waterworks Drive, Philadelphia 19130
CONTACT: To register, go to fwwicmusselmania.eventbrite.com
  

WATERSHED MILESTONES AWARDS CEREMONY AND RECEPTION

Watershed Milestones

Celebrate with us! Our annual event is a wonderful opportunity for networking, honoring volunteers and partners, and raising funds for our critical work.

SPONSOR: TTF

DATE: Wednesday, May 22 

TIME: 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m 

PLACE: FWWIC, 640 Waterworks Drive, Philadelphia 19130

CONTACT:To purchase tickets, visit watershedmilestones.eventbrite.com

 

 

GIVING GRILL AT WHOLE FOODS MARKET Whole Foods Logo

Pick up a delicious burger, dog, or portabella hot off the grill. Whole Foods Market will donate the food and 100% of the money collected at the grill will be donated to TTF Watershed Partnership.

SPONSOR: Whole Foods Market

DATE: Sunday, May 26

TIME: 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

PLACE: 1575 The Fairway, Jenkintown 19046

CONTACT: Julie Slavet at [email protected]/215.844.8100

 

PARTNER EVENTS

  

Rain Barrel
ECA AND PWD RAIN BARREL WORKSHOP

Spring is here! What better time to get your rain barrel for this upcoming season? Please fill out and bring the Waiver form to the workshop. Completed Waivers are required to receive a Rain Barrel. The workshop consists of a short video, powerpoint presentation, and a question and answer period. Note: You will be receive your barrel at the workshop; ECA will contact you to schedule a time to install the barrels for you.  

SPONSOR: Energy Coordinating Agency (ECA) and PWD

DATEFriday, May 3

TIME: 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

PLACE: The United Communities Houston Center, 2029 S.8th Street, Philadelphia 19148

GREEN CITY, CLEAN WATERS INFO SESSION 

Green City, Clean Waters

Join PWD on the second Wednesday of each month to learn about Green City, Clean Waters and how you can be involved. This is a great opportunity to get updates or provide feedback on projects in your neighborhood and to meet others interested in transforming the city through green stormwater.

SPONSOR: Philadelphia Water Department  

DATE: Wednesday, May 8

TIME: 6:00 to 7:00 p.m.
PLACE: Municipal Services Building, 16th Flr, Room C, 1401 JFK Blvd, Philadelphia 19102
CONTACT: RSVP here.
 
SUSTAINABILITY FORUM-GERMANTOWN UNITED'S  2ND ANNUAL FORUM Germantown United TTF

See how easy it is to be Green and make a more sustainable Germantown. Speakers include Dr. Robert Fleming, Director of Sustainable Design at Philadelphia University,  representatives of the Food Trust, the Philadelphia Water Department, and "Smart Work", and The Doley Sisters.

DATE: Wednesday, May 8

TIME: 6 p.m.

PLACE: Flying Horse Center, 315 W. Chelten Ave., Philadelphia 19120

CONTACT: Germantown United

 

 

FRESHWATER MUSSEL RESTORATION WORKSHOP Partnership for the Delaware Estuary
Grab your waders and stream clothes! A classroom session will cover a fascinating intro to freshwater mussels, instruction on how to upload survey findings to the online data collection portal, and a safety lesson. Then we'll go outdoors for a hands-on mussel search in the stream. (A limited # of waders will be available for use if you don't have a pair.) Bring a water bottle and picnic lunch. Learn more here
SPONSOR: Partnership for the Delaware Estuary 
DATE: Wednesday, May 8
TIME: 9:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. 
PLACE: Green Valleys Association, 1368 Prizer Rd., Pottstown, PA 19465
or
DATE: Saturday, May 18
TIME: 9:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.
PLACE: Delaware Nature Society, 3511 Barley Mill Rd., Hockessin, DE 19707
CONTACT: RSVP by 4/25,Dee Ross at [email protected]/800.655.4990 x106
 
RAIN BARRELS AND YOU: SAVE MONEY, PROTECT STREAMS
Friends of High School Park

Join the fun and get a rain barrel at a discount. Together,

we can lower the impact of storm water by collecting and holding rain in a barrel, then releasing it after the storm has passed. Learn how to install and maintain a rain barrel. Understand how you can help prevent stream erosion and water pollution while lowering your water bills and supporting your garden. Purchase a rain barrel for only $15 when you attend two workshops.
SPONSOR: 
Friends of High School Park 

DATE: Saturday, May 11

TIME: 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

PLACE: The Frame House, 7900 High School Rd, Elkins Park 19027

CONTACT: Friends of High School Park, 215.782.8082www.highschoolpark.org.

  

DELAWARE RIVER CITY CORP. SPRING CLEANUP

TTF Delaware River City Corp.

Help clear, clean and refurbish DRCC's newest riverfront park, Lardner's Point. Suggested attire is long pants, long sleeve shirt, hat and closed toe sneaks or boots. 

Let us know you plan to attend so we can insure that supplies and snacks are available for everyone.  
DATE: Saturday, May 11
TIME: 9 a.m.
PLACE: Lardner's Point Park is located at the end of Levick St. next to the river, adjacent to the Tacony Palmyra Bridge, Philadelphia 
CONTACT: [email protected] 

  

EARTH DAY 2013 CLEANUPS

Abington EAC Cleanip

Volunteers needed to help beautify our parks. Earn 

service-learning hours and take part in the Great American Cleanup of PA!

SPONSOR: Abington EAC  

DATE: Saturday, May 11

TIME: 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. 

PLACE: Roslyn Park, Susquehanna Rd. & Artman Ave, Marsden Soccer Field, Glenside 19038 

and

DATE: Friday, May 24

TIME: 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. 

PLACE: Roychester Park, Harding Ave & Parkview Ave, Abington, 19001. Meet at creek. 

CONTACT: Abington EAC at [email protected]
   
WATER, WINE AND CHEESE: A HUMAN SENSORY EXPERIENCE

Wine and Cheese FWWIC TTFJoin FWWIC for this lively, engaging and very tasteful

evening as we enjoy wine, water and cheese samples, and test our sense of smell! This event is open only to adults over age 21. More event info here

SPONSOR: FWWIC

DATE: Wednesday, May 15

TIME: 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

PLACE: FWWIC, 640 Waterworks Drive,Philadelphia 19130

CONTACT: Purchase tickets here

 

FRIENDS OF VERNON PARK FUNDRAISER AT TROLLEY CAR DINER & CAFE TTF Trolley Car Diner
Here's a fun way to help beautify Vernon Park and welcome special events all summer! Bring your completed coupon plus bring your friends and family to eat at the Trolley Car Diner or
Cafe. The Trolley Car Diner & Cafe will generously donate 15% of your purchase. Visit the diner or cafe with coupons as many times as you can. 
SPONSOR: Friends of Vernon Park (FOVP) & Trolly Car Diner & Cafe 
DATE: Monday, May 27 to Sunday, June 2
TIME: Monday-Friday 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Saturday-Sunday 3 p.m. to 9 p.m.
PLACE: Trolley Car Diner, 7619 Germantown Ave. or Trolley Car Cafe, 
5219 Ferry Rd
 

GERMANTOWN GARDEN FESTIVAL

TTF Friends of Vernon Park Vernon Park is blooming! Philadelphians can experience the passion that Germantown has for its gardens at the Germantown Garden Festival. Get your hands in the soil as FVOP plant a brand new garden bed. Learn about the rain garden and gardening techniques at creative workshops. Give and receive new plant varieties at the plant swap. Historical lecture by Nicole Juday. Come with your friends, bring the family or just get out and meet other garden enthusiasts! 
SPONSOR: Friends of Vernon Park & TTF 
DATE: Saturday, June 1
TIME: 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
PLACE: Greene St. side of Vernon Park, 5800 block of Germantown Ave., 19138
 
Sustainable Cheltenham
SUSTAINABLE CHELTENHAM SPRING FESTIVAL
The Cheltenham EAC invites you to a spring festival to celebrate Sustainable Cheltenham! Stop by and say hi to TTF!
SPONSOR: Sustainable Cheltenham
DATE: Saturday, June 1
TIME: 12 p.m. to 3 p.m.
PLACE: Cedarbrook Middle School, 300 Longfellow Ave, Wyncote 19095
 
18TH ANNUAL ARTS IN THE PARK JURIED CRAFT SHOW AND FESTIVAL TTF Friends of High School Park

Join the family fun when the Friends of High School Park presents its 18th Annual Arts in the Park Juried Craft Show and Festival. The festival fundraiser benefits native plant restoration at award winning High School Park. Featured for sale is the work of 50 juried artisans.The festival features a children's craft and activity area and a  plant sale. Food, refreshments and raffle prizes. Adult suggested donation $5: Nominal fee for Children's activities.  

DATE: Sunday, June 2
TIME: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
PLACE: High School Park, Montgomery Ave. & High School Rd, Elkins Park 19027
CONTACT: www.highschoolpark.org or call 215.782.8082
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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