Phew! TTF had a productive, busy summer and is heading into an action-packed fall! Here are just a few highlights:
Exploring the Urban Watershed
Thank you to our partner, the Fairmount Water Works Interpretive Center and funder, Society for Women Environmental Professionals for working with us to present a fun, educational summer camp for two weeks in August. Nine enthusiastic eighth grade girls learned a lot about the science supporting the management and protection of our waterways. We have no doubt that these girls will become environmental heroes! Read more about the camp here.
Farewell
Our best wishes to Valessa Souter-Kline, Public Affairs Specialist and long-time colleague at the Philadelphia Water Department (PWD). We greatly enjoyed working with her and will miss her guidance and knowledge. Our loss is Pittsburgh's gain.
Office Warming
See you next week at our Office Warming at our new home at the Globe Dye Works! Don't miss the chance to see our office and this fascinating building, learn about our work, and schmooze with our Board Directors, partners, neighbors, and generous sponsors:
P.S. Have a colleague who would be interested in our work?
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A RIPPLE EFFECT IN TACONY CREEK PARK
We're working hard with our partners to encourage positive activities in Tacony Creek Park. Hundreds of neighbors came to our Block Parties at the park's new gateways in July, and we're planning many family friendly programs for this year.
See how GreenTreks Network has captured this action below!
Tacony Creek Restoration: Improving Water Quality and Quality of Life
ABINGTON BUFFER GROWS
Last year, TTF along with the Abington School District, partners, and over 100 volunteers planted a 16,000 square foot buffer along East Baeder Creek. The creek's eastern branch, one of our creek's headwaters, begins on the campus of Abington Jr. High School. We planted over 500 native trees, shrubs, grasses and wildflowers!
Read our recap of last year's planting here and PlanPhilly's coverage here.
On Saturday, October 5, we will host the second phase of this planting project, planting more native trees, shrubs, and grasses. We are seeking volunteers for 2 shifts: from 10:00 am until 12:00 pm, and 12:00 pm until 2:00 pm. We will provide refreshments and educational information, as well as all planting supplies. We can provide certification of community service hours for students with service learning requirements.
This project will improve water quality in Baeder Creek, reduce runoff and pollutants as well as flooding downstream, improve habitat for wildlife, and beautify our watershed. Learn more about riparian buffers here.
The Baeder Creek Riparian Buffer Project is a partnership of TTF, the Abington School District, the Abington Township Environmental Advisory Council (EAC), and NAM Planning & Design, LLC. This project is made possible through a TreeVitalize grant through the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection and Aqua Pennsylvania.
Want to learn more? Come to a community meeting on September 30! See Event section for community meeting and planting day information.
TTF JOINS REGIONAL TRAIL EFFORT
We're excited to announce that TTF recently joined the Circuit Coalition! The Circuit is Greater Philadelphia's multi-use trail network connecting communities throughout Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and beyond. Over 250 miles of the system are open for use, 50 more miles will come online soon, and 450 miles remain to be built.
We are so excited that our watershed and trails are part of the Circuit! This is a wonderful opportunity for your neighborhoods and communities across our watershed.
On September 24, TTF will host an informational meeting about the Circuit Commitment campaign, whose goal is to replenish the Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission's Regional Trail Fund. Meeting details can be found in Event section below.
TTF WELCOMES NEW COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT COORDINATOR!
In August, we welcomed our new Community Engagement
Coordinator, Alex Cooper. Alex holds a degree in Geography with a concentration in hydrology from West Chester University. He has held community engagement positions in Mississippi and New Jersey and will now work on the TTF team to mobilize our watershed citizens.
Alex is eager to help improve the water quality of the Tookany/Tacony Frankford Creek by providing community-based environmental activities, and fun educational programming to interested citizens and organizations. To read more about Alex's background, visit our blog here. He can be reached at cooper@ttfwatershed.org or 215.744.1853.
STORMWATER GRANT AWARDED
Congratulations to our office landlord, Globe Dye Works, on being awarded a Stormwater Management Incentives Program (SMIP) grant by the Philadelphia Water Department (PWD)!
The Stormwater Management Incentives Program was created by The City of Philadelphia, through PWD and PIDC, to help reduce the volume of stormwater runoff entering the City's sewer system and to simultaneously help beautify communities. The grant helps businesses and nonprofits green large, impervious properties and unburden the city's sewer system from high volumes of stormwater runoff. Stormwater management tools, such as green roofs, porous paving, rain gardens, stormwater tree trenches, detention and retention basins reduce a property's impervious surface, also resulting in lower monthly stormwater charges.
PWD's Watersheds Blog
Globe's project will capture and reuse rainwater for processes within the building, addressing 10,200 sq. ft. of roof and capturing 6,387 gallons. Project benefits include a reduction in stormwater runoff to the combined sewer and a reduction in potable water demand for the building.
To find out more about this grant and other recipients, read PWD's Watersheds blog here. Interested in learning more about the SMIP grant? Join us on September 16 for an informative workshop presented by PWD and DEP. More details in Event section.
By buying one of our beautiful new wooden handle golf umbrellas, of course!
These umbrellas, complete with our logo, are $35 each.
EVENTS
Please note: TTF's outdoor events are canceled in the case of heavy rain. Please check our
Event calendar for up-to-date information. Events are FREE unless indicated.
JOIN US IN SEPTEMBER & OCTOBER!
HOW TO REDUCE YOUR STORMWATER FEE: PWD & PA DEP WORKSHOP
Property owners: looking for ways to reduce your stormwater fee? PWD, in cooperation with the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (PADEP)and TTF, invites you to a workshop about a potential reduction in your stormwater bill. This meeting will also inform and educate you on the SMIP grant. You'll learn: How stormwater credits can lower your bill, how to apply for a SMIP grant, testimonials from previous recipients, and questions you have concerning zoning, permitting, and your stormwater.
DATE: Monday, September 16
TIME:10 a.m. PLACE: Globe Dye Works, 4500 Worth Street, Philadelphia 19124 CONTACT: RSVP to pwd.stormwatercredits@phila.gov with address of your property(s).
TTF OPEN HOUSE & OFFICE WARMING
TTF is hosting a fun and delicious office warming party at our new digs at the fabulous Globe Dye Works in Frankford. Stop by to network with our Board Directors, sponsors, and partners as well as to help us cut our special cake!
DATE: Tuesday, September 17
TIME: 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. PLACE: TTF Watershed Partnership, 3rd floor, 4500 Worth Street, Philadelphia 19124 CONTACT: RSVP to Linda McCabe at linda@ttfwatershed.org or 215.744.1853
CIRCUIT CAMPAIGN INFORMATIONAL MEETING
TTF will host an informational meeting about the Circuit Commitment campaign, whose goal is to replenish the DVRPC's Regional Trail Fund, a competitive grant program established by the William Penn Foundation The fund is distributing nearly $10 million in our nine-county region, and helping plan, design and build nearly 40 miles of trail. Light dinner will be provided.
ABINGTON RIPARIAN BUFFER COMMUNITY INFORMATION MEETING
Learn about the Riparian Buffer we are extending along East Baeder Creek behind Abington Junior High School. This project will plant native grasses, wildflowers, shrubs and trees. This meeting is hosted by the Abington School District for interested residents to learn how you can undertake a project like this at your home.
TTF will host the second phase of the East Baeder Creek Riparian Buffer planting project at Abington Junior High school. We will plant native trees, shrubs, and grasses. See information above for information about the project and volunteering.
DATE: Saturday, October 5
TIME: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
PLACE: Abington Jr. High, 2056 Susquehanna Road, Abington 19001
Join PWD on the second Wednesday every quarter to learn about Green City, Clean Waters and how you can be involved in potential projects. A great opportunity to get updates or provide feedback on projects in your neighborhood and meet others interested in transforming the city with green stormwater projects.
DATE: Wednesday, September 11
TIME: 6:00 to 7:00 p.m.
PLACE: Municipal Services Building, 16th Floor, Room C, 1401 JFK Blvd, Philadelphia 19102
Join City Councilwoman Maria Quio�es-S�nchez, Mural Art executive director Jane Golden, muralist Cesar Viveros, PWD, and community members for the dedication of the Imagining Frankford mural series.
DATE: Friday, September 13
TIME: 12 p.m. to 2 p.m.
PLACE: Womrath Park, Frankford & Kensington Avenues, Philadelphia 19124
September is a great month to get a rain barrel. Register to receive your free rainbarrel from PWD and the Energy Coordinating Agency (ECA). Each workshop consists of a short video, a PowerPoint presentation, and a question and answer period. Note: You will not receive your barrel at the workshop. You will be contacted to schedule a time to install the barrel. To receive a rainbarrel you must fill out and return a waiver, available here. If you are unable to access the waiver, you can get one at the workshop.
DATE: Friday, September 13, 2013
TIME: 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
PLACE: Representative Ron Waters Community Appreciation Event, 2000 South 58th St (Presbyterian Apartments), Philadelphia 19143
DATE:Monday, September 16 To register for this workshop please click here. TIME:7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. PLACE:Wakefield 49ers/Germantown Deaf Ministries, 5213 Germantown Avenue
Join us on a walk through 18-acre Roslyn Park hosted by Commissioner Bowman. We'll stroll on the walking path through the park and visit Abington's skateboarding facility, see the "Rosie" pole, get a tour and history of the Roslyn Boys and Girls Club, and learn about the improvements to Sandy Run to reduce the flooding in the area.
DATE: Saturday, September 14
TIME: 9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
PLACE: Meet at Roslyn soccer field on Artman Street of Susquehanna Road between Westmont & Maple Avenues, Roslyn 19001
A presentation from Kimberlee Douglas, Assistant Professor, College of Architecture, Philadelphia University, about an effort by students, guided by Germantown residents, to develop a neighborhood plan. This year, the University's focus is Germantown. There will be time for networking before and after the program. Continental breakfast provided.
In autumn migration, huge numbers of Chimney Swifts roost in chimneys in our area.The birds typically begin going down the chimney just before dark, so people should plan to meet around 6:45 PM as the birds begin to gather. Location to be determined as the roost can vary from year to year.
DATE: Wednesday, September 18
TIME: 6:45 p.m.
PLACE: TBD
CONTACT: Visit the Wyncote Audubon Society website at www.audubonsociety.com to contact the leader for information on location as the date approaches.
PRIMEX GARDEN CENTER LECTURE: BIRDS IN YOUR BACKYARD
Marsha is back from Philly Wild Bird to teach us how to help our feathered friends face the fall and winter, and encourage them to return in the spring. Learn about their favorite foods and plants in our landscapes. Classes run approximately 1 hour. There is a $10 fee per class due at registration. You must pay in advance. A $5 Primex Gift Card will be issued to each paid registrant who attends. More info here.
DATE: Saturday, September 21
TIME: 10:00 am
PLACE: Primex Garden Center, 435 West Glenside Avenue, Glenside 19038
CONTACT: Register in the store or call 215.887.7500.
ABINGTON EAC RAIN BARREL WORKSHOP
Get a great price for a rain barrel in custom colors. Rain barrels sell for $100 or more - get one for as little as $35 by attending a workshop!
DATE: Saturday, September 28
TIME: 10 a.m.
PLACE: Jackson Park, between Meadowbrook and Amity Rd., Abington, 19001
Container grown native trees and shrubs. Expanded selection of native perennials including ferns, ground covers, and flowering plants for sun and shade. Celebrate our native pawpaw trees with a tasting. New collection of our own handmade hypertufa pots, troughs, and bird baths.Cash and check.
Volunteers are needed to plant and prune trees, remove invasives, pick up litter. Volunteers will earn service learning hours. Sponsored by an EcoStar grant from Constellation Energy, Rydal-Meadowbrook Civic Assocation, Meadowbrook Bird Sanctuary, Abington Township Shade Tree Commission, and Abington EAC. Activities include: award ceremony, rain barrel demonstration, tree pruning workshop, Jackson Park Master Plan, refreshments.
DATE: Saturday, September 28
TIME: 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
PLACE: Jackson Park, Meadowbrook Rd and Paper Mill Rd, Abington 19001
Learn how to transform your community or your own back yard and become a Pennsylvania Horticultural Society (PHS) Tree Tender! Registration for the full 9 hour class is $25. Scholarships are available. DATES: Wednesdays, October 2nd, 9th, 16th, 2013 TIME: 5:45 PM - 9PM PLACE: Pennsylvania Horticultural Society, 100 N. 20th Street, 5th floor Philadelphia 19103
ABINGTON TOWNSHIP SHADE TREE COMMISSION FALL FESTIVAL
Fun for all ages! Play: treasure hunt, rain barrel toss, tree part art, demo by chain-saw carving artist. Learn: select native plants, plant a tree, prune for health and beauty, rain garden basics. Plant : pick up your pre-ordered trees, and purchase additional plants. Pre-order trees by October 1. Choose from three native trees: Eastern Redbud, Flowering Dogwood, Sugar Maple: Small (2-4 ft./$15) Medium (3-4 ft./$25) Large (4-6 ft./$35). Trees are container grown. Send your name, email, phone number, list of trees you'd like to by and payment to Abington Township Shade Tree Commission, c/o Maria Wyrsta, 1176 Old York Road, Abington, PA 19001. Checks payable to "Abington Township".
DATE: Saturday, October 19
TIME: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
PLACE: Grove Park, 1383 N. Easton Rd., Roslyn, PA 19001-- just north of Woodland Ave
Residents of Abington Township are encouraged to bring peronal confidential documents and files to this shredding event. No need to remove binder covers, paper clips or staples. All material will be recycled. There is a limit of 4 boxes or bags per car. Boxes can not be bigger than 1.2 cubic ft and weigh more than 30 lbs. For more details, visit here.
CONTACT:Abington Township Public Works Facility at 267.536.1034/267.536.1038.
PARKVIEW PARK BUFFER PLANTING
Great service hour opportunity! Volunteers needed for a riparian buffer planting at Parkview Park. Native trees, shrubs, and grasses will be planted. Bring your work gloves!
DATE: Saturday, October 26
TIME: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
PLACE:Parkview Park, Parkview Road between Front Street and Ivinetta Road, Cheltenham, PA 19012.
Abington Township is proud to offer residents the opportunity to responsibly recycle obsolete electronics. Electronics will be recycled by eForce Compliance, Philadelphia's first certified Responsible Recycler. All hard drives will be destroyed or wiped out. For more details, visit here.
DATE: Saturday, November 9
TIME: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
PLACE: Abington Township Public Works Facility, 2201 Florey Lane, Abington, PA 19001
CONTACT: David Manzinger, Refuse Superintendent at 267.536.1037.
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.
