February 2015

Dear Watershed Friends:

Planning & Meeting
January was a busy month for the TTF Team: we did some serious planning for 2015 programs -- check out the events on our  calendar-- and had the opportunity to attend two conferences: the Winter Gathering of the Delaware River Watershed Initiative initiated by the William Penn Foundation and organized by the Institute for Conservation Leadership and the Delaware Estuary Science & Environmental Summit organized by the Partnership for the Delaware Estuary.

Both our internal discussions and meetings with colleagues inspired and energized us for the coming year -- to continue our efforts to improve our watershed both upstream and downstream -- and to communicate our work with neighbors and stakeholders, both near and far.

Love TTF on Valentine's Day
Our biggest financial challenge is raising dollars to pay for operational costs, such as rent, heat, and paper clips! Support TTF by shopping at AmazonSmile and designating us as the charitable organization of your choice. Need help finding the perfect gift? Here are some TTF suggestions for the environmental love of your life:

A social history of the Delaware River discusses trout fishing in the Catskills, botanists who use it as a living laboratory, eel fisherman, pollution, and more. 
 

 All Mountain Fresh Soaps products come from nature-- olive oil, coconut oil, beeswax, shea butter, goat milk, essential oils, etc.

Best,
Julie
Philadelphia Water Department Update
Regulations & Celebrations

In July 2015, the Philadelphia Water Department (PWD) will take another
important step towards improving water quality in our region. PWD is updating its stormwater regulations for private development to meet Federal and State requirements under the Clean Water Act. These changes will improve the health of our rivers, help alleviate local flooding, and encourage the use of green infrastructure throughout the city. Information about the changes: www.PhillyWatersheds.org/StormwaterRegulations.  

PWD is also celebrating the positive impact of stormwater management on private property. In November, PWD recognized the first Stormwater Pioneers -- Stanley's True Value Hardware and Ruggiero Plante Land Design -- 

for excellence in stormwater management! 

Visit: www.PhillyWatersheds.org/StormwaterPioneers.

 

Yo! TTF Watershed:
Join the Great Backyard Bird Count!

 


Hey, TTF birders: each year, the Audubon Society hosts the Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC) for birdwatchers of all skill levels. Be part of this year's count from February 13 to 16 and put the birds of our watershed on the map! Here's How to Participate:

  • Visit GBBC's "Get Started" page.
  • Count your birds for at least 15 minutes on one or more GBBC days.
  • Enter your results on the GBBC website.
  • Share your bird photos with us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram! Use the hashtag: #TTFbirds. The best photo will win a PRIZE!
BULLETIN BOARD

Missed one of our blog posts? No worries!
Catch up on watershed news on our Bulletin Board.


Events

 

OIL TRAIN LISTENING TOUR: OIL TRAINS IN PHILADELPHIA NEIGHBORHOODS. Sponsored with Clean Water Action  

Every day, trains carrying about 160,000 barrels of crude oil travel through Philadelphia's neighborhoods and near our creeks to be refined and transported at locations in and around the city. This 90 minute community listening workshop will provide a primer on this issue and an opportunity for participants to share concerns and become engaged in communicating with decision-makers. Information here. Pizza will be provided. Free.

DATE: Wednesday, February 4

TIME:  6 to 7:30 pm

PLACE: TTF Office at Globe Dye Works, 4500 Worth Street, Phila. 19124

CONTACT: Julie Slavet at [email protected]/215.744.1853

 

SLOW DOWN & SAVE WATER: RAIN BARREL WORKSHOP

Learn how you can save water & manage this important natural resource! Cheltenham Township Parks & Recreation hosts this TTF program on how rain barrels help improve the water quality in our community...including Tookany Creek, right down the street from the Community Center. Reserve a discounted rain barrel when you register to pick up at the presentation or order one when you attend for pick-up at a later date. 

DATE: Wednesday, February 25
TIME: 5:30 p.m.
PLACE: Rowland Community Center, 400 Myrtle Ave., Cheltenham 19012
CONTACT: Alex Cooper at [email protected]/215.744.1853
 

TREE TO TABLE: MAPLE SUGARING IN TACONY CREEK PARK

See how maple syrup is made with Environmental Educator Judith Gratz. Learn what makes maple trees special, and why we can use them to make that yummy treat: Pure Maple Syrup. Experience what it's like to "tap" a tree and watch maple syrup being made. You'll get to taste pure maple syrup on a waffle! Dress warmly for the one-hour lesson. For adults and children ages 5+. Free.
DATE & TIME: At 1 p.m. on Wednesday, March 4 & Saturday, March 7
PLACE: Tacony Creek Park, I St. & Ramona Ave., Philadelphia 19124
CONTACT: Dory�n De Angel at [email protected]/215.744.1853

WATERSHED HEROES AT CHELTENHAM ADULT SCHOOL
Learn about watershed problems and solutions, including attractive & effective steps you can take at home. TTF will share information and resources on rain barrels, native plants, creekside buffers, and rain gardens as well as downspout planters, depaving, and permeable paving. Receive information about award winning local green stormwater infrastructure sites you can visit. Cost: $32
DATE: Saturday, March 7 RAIN DATE: Saturday, March 14
TIME: 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. 
PLACE: Cheltenham High School, 500 Rices Mill Rd, Wyncote 19095

CONTACT: Cheltenham Township Adult School/215.887.1720

 


The Partnership for the Delaware Estuary wants YOU to apply for PWD Green City, Clean Waters Art Contest! 
 More 


 Mommies & Minnows
Fathers & Fry!

PENNSYLVANIA ENVIRONMENTAL COUNCIL MUNICIPAL STORMWATER WORKSHOP FOR OFFICIALS & PUBLIC FACILITY PERSONNEL

Learn about relevant, required pollution prevention and good housekeeping practices and tips for municipal operations and storm water facility maintenance. Free. Register here.

DATE: Wednesday, February 4

TIME: 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

PLACE: Bensalem Township Municipal Bldg, 2400 Byberry Rd., 

Bensalem 19020 

CONTACT: Paul Racette at [email protected]/215.545.4570 x 112

 

COMMUNITY MEETING: FRANKFORD CREEK WATERSHED BROWNFIELDS AREA-WIDE PLAN PROJECT

View and comment on preliminary ideas for the future reuse of brownfield sites in Bridesburg and areas near the Frankford Creek in Frankford, Juniata Park, and Port Richmond. Light refreshments provided. Free.

DATE: Wednesday, February 11

TIME: 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. 

PLACE: Mariana Bracetti Academy Charter School, 1840 Torresdale Ave., Philadelphia 19124 (Jasper St. entrance)

CONTACT: City Planning Commission at 215.683.4653

 

CHELTENHAM TOWNSHIP PARKS & REC PRESENTS: MAPLE SUGARING IN HIGH SCHOOL PARK

With Environmental Educator Judith Gratz. Observe and participate in the process of making syrup. Learn history of maple sugaring and enjoy the taste of syrup on a waffle! Dress warmly and wear boots. You may pre-register at Rowland or La Mott Community Centers or at High School Park that day. Large groups required to pre-register* $5/person and FREE to Friends of High School Park (FHSP) members from 12:30-1 p.m. 

DATE: Saturday, February 21 RAIN DATE: Sunday, February 22

TIME: 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. 

PLACE: High School Park, Montgomery Ave & High School Rd, Elkins Park, 19027

CONTACT: Parks & Recreation Dept. at 215.887.6200 x 227

 

FHSP & CREEKSIDE CO-OP: PROPAGATING FROM CUTTINGS

Gardeners of all skill levels are welcome to join a brief discussion followed by a hands-on activity in High School Park. Winter is the perfect time to propagate woody plants (trees & shrubs) from cuttings. Learn how to root cuttings and take home a cutting of a native shrub from the park for your own garden! Dress warmly! Gloves and pruners provided, but you're encouraged to bring your own. 

DATE: Saturday, February 21

TIME: 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. 

PLACE: Meet at Creekside Co-op, 7909 High School Rd, Elkins Park,19027

CONTACT: Register with Kevin at [email protected]/ 215.782.8082

 

FRIENDS OF HIGH SCHOOL PARK: WINTER WARM UP 

Help fund the park and have a great time with new and old friends. Wine, beer, delicious hors d'oeuvres from local restaurants and scrumptious desserts. Exciting silent auction items, music and fun all evening long. Proceeds support the Friends of High School Park. Ticket info here.  

DATE: Saturday, February 28 

SNOW DATE: Saturday, March 7

TIME: 7:00 to 11:00 p.m. 

PLACE: Cheltenham Center for the Arts, 439 Ashbourne Rd. Cheltenham 19012

CONTACT: [email protected]/215.782.8082
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