NNWB Koisks
Neighbors of the Northwest Branch launched a new environmental education program with the recent installation of two kiosks along the Northwest Branch in Prince George’s County. The kiosks provide information about the NNWB mission and its efforts to clean up and protect the watershed as well as how others can join these efforts.
The kiosks are intended to be the first of a series along the 21.5 miles of the Northwest Branch which flows through Prince George’s and Montgomery Counties. The first two are located at Lane Manor Community Park, on W. Park Dr. in Chillum and at Kirkwood Park, 2600 Nicholson St. in Hyattsville.
In salute to its commitment to reduce trash in the environment, the NNWB board of directors decided to place QR codes linked to the webpage, There people can read more about what we do, find a list of upcoming events where they can volunteer, as well as get information how to become a member or donate to support our work.
Information posted in the kiosks includes seasonal information such as a winter display about the use of salt as ice melt and the hazards of using too much. The summer display includes the regular posting of water quality monitoring test results from NWB and other local streams. It includes a graphic display of the amount of E-Coli in the streams and analysis of the data to assist people in making safe choices in recreating along the NWB. Posters are being designed by board members to keep the display up to date and eye catching.
The funding for the new program was provided in part from a grant by the Community Foundation of Hyattsville and from donations from NNWB members.
Board members working on this project have included Deb Briceland-Betts, Ben Semisak who worked to get funding for the project, permits from the county for installation, and selection and purchase of the kiosks and Valerie Morris who designs the posters.