Story of Streams Presentation 12/6/22
Eliza Cava, Conservation Director of Nature Forward (formerly Audubon Naturalist Society) reported results from the grant-funded study she led to rate three tributary streams: the Northwest Branch, Oxon Run (in Prince George's County) and Holmes Run (in VA). She described the methodology and the ratings: the NWB rated just FAIR. All this and much much more has been put into an interactive website, the Story of Streams. And for those who enjoy the NWB, I enthusiastically draw your attention to the section on the NWB within the chapter on STREAMS. Scroll down to the NWB and then to the embedded story map by Krista Schlyer. Ms. Schlyer takes the NWB from source to confluence with pictures and history, including the Underground Railroad and Rachel Carson.
The website is a vast world of information, wherever you look--historical, geographic, and current. The statements of those who now enjoy these streams, despite their flaws, prove how important they are to the well-being of our communities. We so need them to be healthier! And the next chapter of the story of our streams remains to be written. YOU can help to make it better than the recent past chapters. Link to the overall Story of Streams website.
Listening Session, 9/6/22
You spoke; we listened
And what we heard was much enthusiasm for restoring the Northwest Branch to a waterway safe for recreation, enjoying the trails, and advocating for both stream and trails maintenance.
What participants would like to know more about--in their own words:
-Water quality. [See latest monitoring results on the NNWB Homepage.]
-Anacostia watershed, pollution.
-The entire Anacostia, native plants/Invasives.
-Would love to know more about how the ICC impacted the watershed.
-I really can't narrow it down…
-Helping with pollution and becoming a weed warrior.
-I'd like to know more about the long-term history of the stream, human impact on it, and preservation/conservation attempts. I know the current state, but it'd be nice to have a wider historical picture of things.
-Can the Burnt Mills Dam and reservoir be used for sediment control by digging out what has been deposited over the decades.
-I'd like to learn more about the ideal/healthiest state for the plant and animal ecosystem - what would it look like, what species would we want to see in abundance and which ones would we hope not to see?
-We need to engage more directly with MoCo and PG governments,
-Stormwater runoff, peoples solutions are to put in hard surfaces and extend their pipes to send their stormwater [to] downhill neighbors, erosion, streams.
Serious issues have been raised here. Much for us to consider!
Meanwhile, a poll of participants showed everyone hikes the trails--and would welcome some NNWB hikes. So look for fall hikes along with our stream cleanups! Thanks so much, everyone, for your input! If you would like to add your own comments, please click here to access the Comments page.
Presentations
4/5/22: New President and CEO of AWS, Chris Williams
3/1/22: Rachel Carson: A local visionary with lessons for today
3/1/22: Rachel Carson: A local visionary with lessons for today
Chris shared with us the origins of the Anacostia Watershed Society, with emphasis on "watershed." The AWS focus has been on the river itself because of its dire state. But now that the goal of fishable and swimmable by 2025 is within reach, AWS is creating a plan that includes more of the upper watershed and source waters. He asked for our suggestions, since we are protectors of the major source. The discussion included the AWS position on the beltway-I-270 expansion for toll lanes, synthetic turf as a water pollutant, and the value and risks of stream restorations.
3/1/22: Rachel Carson: A local visionary with lessons for today
3/1/22: Rachel Carson: A local visionary with lessons for today
3/1/22: Rachel Carson: A local visionary with lessons for today
Board member Rebecca Henson, who is leading the effort to create a local museum featuring Rachel Carson, discussed her life and legacy at the March 1 Membership Meeting. Ms. Carson lived in both the NWB and Sligo Creek watersheds during her nearly three decades of residence in Montgomery County. Rebecca explored how Carson understood and wrote about the natural world, primarily with messages of wonder and caution. Your can find more information about Rachel Carson on the Friends of Sligo Creek website at https://www.friendsofsligocreek.org/home/how-we-work/sligo-story-archive/rachel-carson-lived-here/