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Dear Friends:

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
Invite
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:

 
It's great to work with you,
 Julie  
Julie Slavet, Executive Director 
 
P.S. Have a colleague who would be interested in our work?
Forward this newsletter by clicking on this button!
 
                                          
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
Tacony Creek Restoration: Improving Water Quality and Quality of Life
ABINGTON BUFFER GROWS
Buffer planting

Last year, TTF along with the Abington School District, partners, and over 100 volunteers planted 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 pmWe 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.

 

Volunteer at Abington Buffer Plant 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. 

The Circuit

 

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. 

Read more about TTF joining the Circuit here.

 

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)!

Save the Date Office Warming

 

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. 
KNOWLEDGE IS POWER: RECOMMENDED WATERSHED READS

Read about the success of TTF friend and landscape architect, Nancy A. Minich.

We're fed up with the plastic bottle litter problem 
in the Tookany/Tacony-Frankdord watershed.
Do your part by doing the 10 things listed! 

 

JUMP IN AND GET WET WITH A TTF INTERNSHIP
Intern

Interested in interning with TTF this year? We accept graduate, college or exceptional high school students with:

  • Strong organizational and interpersonal skills
  • Interest in improving the health of our urban watershed
  • Minimum commitment of 16 hours per week.

TTF provides a supportive and educational internship experience. Apply here or contact Alix Howard at 215.844.1853 or alix@ttfwatershed.org.

AND STAY DRY WITH A TTF UMBRELLA!
Dottie with TTF Umbrella
TTF friend Dottie B. loves her umbrella!

 

 

You may wonder, how can I support TTF

AND stay dry in style? 

 

By buying one of our beautiful new wooden handle golf umbrellas, of course! 

 

These umbrellas, complete with our logo, are $35 each.
 
Buy Now

 EVENTS MayEvents
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 WORKSHOPPWD

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).
 
Save the Date TTF Watershed Partnership Office Warming
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 MEETINGThe Circuit BCGP
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.
DATE: Tuesday, September 24 
TIME: 6:30 p.m.
PLACE: TTF Watershed Partnership, Globe Dye Works, 3rd floor, 4500 Worth Street,
Philadelphia 19124
CONTACT:  RSVP to Julie at julie@ttfwatershed.org or 215.744.1853.

 

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. 

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DATE: Monday, September 30

TIME: 7:00 p.m. 

PLACE: Abington School District, Administration Building, 970 Highland Ave, Abington 19001 

CONTACT: RSVP to Alex Cooper at 

cooper@ttfwatershed.org or 215.744.1853.

 

ABINGTON RIPARIAN BUFFER PLANTING

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
CONTACT: RSVP to Alex Cooper at cooper@ttfwatershed.org or 215.744.1853
 
PARTNER EVENTS

GREEN CITY, CLEAN WATERS INFO SESSIONGreen City, Clean Waters

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
CONTACT: RSVP here.

 

IMAGINING FRANKFORDImagining Frankford

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

CONTACT: RSVP to events@muralarts.org or 215.685.0753.

 

PWD & ECA RAIN BARREL WORKSHOPS

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September is a great month to get a rain barrel. Register to receive your free rain barrel 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 barrelTo receive a rain barrel 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 

 To register for this workshop please click here.

 

DATE: Monday, September 16

TIME: 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. 

PLACE: A Place Like Home, 5610 Lancaster Ave, Philadelphia 19131

To register for this workshop please click here.

 

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

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 (Advocate St. Stevens Church), Philadelphia 19144

To register for this workshop please click here.

DATE:  Thursday, September 19
TIME: 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. 
PLACE: Norris Square Civic Association, 174 West Diamond St, Philadelphia, 19122

To register for this workshop please click here.

 

DATE:  Thursday, September 26
TIME:  6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m

PLACE: Association of Puerto Ricans on the March, 2319 N. 7th St, Philadelphia 19133 

To register for this workshop please click here.

 

CONTACT: Aaron Slater, Rain Barrel Program Manager at 215.609.1083 or rainbarrels@ecasavesenergy.org

 

BRIAR BUSH NATURE CENTER WALK IN ROSLYN PARK

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

WYNCOTE AUDUBON SOCIETY (WAS) MORNING BIRD WALK 

The Wyncote Audubon Society will hold a MORNING

BIRD WALK at Fort Washington State Park. Meet at the Hawk Watch platform at Militia Hill. Leader Jane Henderson.   DATE: Sunday, September 15

TIME: 7:30 a.m.

PLACE: Fort Washington State Park, 19034 

CONTACT: Wyncote Audubon Society at www.audubonsociety.com to contact leader.

 

GERMANTOWN SUSTAINABILITY NETWORK EVENT
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.
DATE: Wednesday, September 18
TIME: 9:00 am  
PLACEFlying Horse Center5534-5546 Pulaski Avenue, Philadelphia 19144
(Pegasus banquet hall is upstairs, elevator is accessible from Pulaski St. Parking available nearby, and the Center is steps away from train and bus.   
CONTACT: RSVP here

WAS ANNUAL FIELD TRIP: CHIMNEY SWIFT ROOST

Wyncote Audubon

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

Primex Logo

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
Abington EAC Rain Barrel
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
CONTACT: EAC.abington@gmail.com or call 215.576.5111.

  

FALL OPEN HOUSE AT COLLINS NURSERY Collins Nursery

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. 

DATE: Saturday, September 28

RAIN DATE: Sunday, September 29

TIME: 11:00 a.m. to 4 p.m. 

PLACE: Historic Edgehill Castle, 773 Roslyn Avenue, Glenside, 19038

CONTACT: info@collinsnursery.com or call 215.715.3439 

 

"RAIN BARREL THE TOWN" PROGRAM CELEBRATION Rain Barrel
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
CONTACT: RSVP or more information, email  eac.abington@gmail.com.

JENKINTOWN GREEN APPLE DAY OF SERVICEnull
A day of service and fun to support school sustainability efforts. TTF will be there too, with lots of watershed information and activities!
DATE: Saturday, September 28
TIME: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. 
PLACE: Jenkintown School District, 325 Highland Avenue, Jenkintown 19046
CONTACT: Cindy Wollman at cfwollm@gmail.com or 215.740.2401.

PHS TREE TENDERS TRAINING  null

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

CONTACT: Register online here.

 

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

CONTACT:  For help choosing trees, Rita Stevens at 215.536.1003 or abingtontrees@gmail.com.

 

FREE PAPER SHRED EVENT
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
DATE: Saturday, October 19
TIME: 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
PLACE: Abington Township Highway Yard, 2201 Florey Lane, Roslyn, PA 19001
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
CONTACT: Barb Duffy at 267.241.0041.

ANYTHING WITH A PLUG ECYCLING 
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.

 

Tookany/Tacony-Frankford Watershed Partnership, Inc.
phone: 215.744.1853 email: info@ttfwatershed.org  web: www.ttfwatershed.org

  

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