PRESERVING THE NATURAL BEAUTY AND WILDNESS OF THE WISSAHICKON VALLEY FOR EIGHTY-NINE YEARS.

WINTER 2013 • VOLUME 22 • NUMBER 4

Photos like this one by Steve Powell will be featured in FOW’s new 2014 Calendar. See p. 3 to learn how to get one.

Watershead Watch p. 4 Spotted in the Wissahickon p. 8 Whispers Along the Wissahickon p. 13 1 A MESSAGE from the DIRECTOR

s 2013 comes to a close, FOW looks back at all we have 8708 Germantown Avenue accomplished this year and looks forward to 2014 when we will Philadelphia, PA 19118-2717 Phone: (215) 247-0417 celebrate our 90th anniversary with you. A E-mail: [email protected] This past year we have completed projects both big and Website: www.fow.org small, such as: Valley Green Stream Stabilization and Parking Lot Improvements; repairs to the Wissahickon Environmental Center; The mission of the Friends of the Wissahickon restoration of the trails at the Andorra Natural Area; a stone is to preserve the natural beauty and wildness of the Wissahickon Valley and staircase at Kitchen’s Lane; native shrubs and trees planted stimulate public interest therein. throughout the park; crew leader training; and bench repairs along Forbidden Drive. (see pp. 4 and 12) Officers Not all of our work requires a hammer or a shovel. Our John Rollins, President Trail Ambassadors have patrolled the park all year long, led Bettina Hoerlin, Vice President, Advocacy numerous hikes and workshops, and staffed FOW events, Will Whetzel, Vice President, Governance such as Whispers Along the Wissahickon (see p. 13). Our Jeff Harbison, Treasurer Board of Directors, also volunteers, completed a Five-Year Liz Werthan, Secretary past PresidentS Cindy Affleck Charles Dilks FOW was born of people coming together to care for the park Robert A. Lukens david Pope Edward C. Stainton robert Vance and Valley Green Inn. It has become the central gathering place in Board Members the Wissahickon because of its history, its significance in people’s Chris Bentley Louise Johnston lives, and its enduring symbolism of community engagement and Christine Bamberger Courtney Kapp Melen Boothby John Kelly stewardship. Join us at the Inn on October 25, 2014, to celebrate Richard P. Brown, Jr. Martha Kennedy Stephanie Craighead Richard Kremnick our 90th Anniversary! Emily Daeschler Charles Lee, Jr. David Dannenberg Jerome Maddox Daphne Lynch Fifield Chris McCausland Strategic Plan with goals to complete the Sustainable Trails Initiative, foster new programs in Sam Finney John Meigs habitat and water quality, and broaden FOW’s constituency and scope. Shirley Gracie Liz Pearson These goals trace their origin to FOW’s beginning, when the community rallied together in Heidi Grunwald David Pope 1924 to restore the Wissahickon after a winter storm the previous year destroyed over 200 trees Jeff Harbison John Rollins in the park. Northwest Philadelphia neighbors raised funds the following year to purchase and Robert Harries Liz Werthan plant 14,000 native trees, as well as shrubs and wildflowers, in Wissahickon ValleyP ark. The David Hilton Will Whetzel Friends of the Wissahickon was born. Bettina Hoerlin Throughout its first decade, FOW spearheaded numerous projects to preserve the park and STAFF create a place of refuge and recreation for the community, such as: dredging Wissahickon Creek; Maura McCarthy, Executive Director building structures, shelters, structures, trails, and bridle paths; and restoring Harper’s Meadow. Ruffian Tittmann, Development Director But one FOW project stands out because of its importance to all park users: the restoration of Audrey Simpson, Business Manager Valley Green Inn. So it is fitting that FOW will be restoring the Inn throughout 2014 and holding Denise Larrabee, Editor/Publicist our anniversary celebration there on October 25th. Zane Magnuson, Development/Operations Coordinator Where else but Valley Green Inn would we celebrate our start? FOW was born of people Sarah Marley, Outreach Manager coming together to care for the park and the Inn. It has become the central gathering place in the Henry Stroud, Project Manager Wissahickon because of its history, its significance in people’s lives, and its enduring symbolism of Eric Falk, Volunteer Coordinator community engagement and stewardship. Newsletter For 90 years, FOW has worked with you to preserve the park and its history, all for the benefit Denise Larrabee, Editor of the environment and the community. We are excited to work with you in the coming year and Dena Sher, Associate Editor look forward to celebrating our joint efforts with you in the fall. See you at Valley Green! Sarah West, Listings Editor Moon Design, Layout Published by Princeton Packet, Princeton, NJ

Printed on recycled paper.

United Way Donations SAVE THE DATES! The Friends of the Wissahickon can receive Race in the Park - May 17 • Family Picnic - July 12 membership/donations through the United Way. Our United Way number is 9882. If this is the most Anniversary Celebration at Valley Green Inn - October 25 convenient way for you to give, please do so. Visit our Celebrate 90 Y ears with FOW! website (www.fow.org) to learn about the benefits of membership in the Friends of the Wissahickon. 2 Friends of the Wissahickon • Winter 2013 2 NEWS in Brief FOW Announces Over $1 Million in Grants New Wissahickon FOW has received over $1 million in grant awards for stewardship Calendar initiatives in Wissahickon Valley Park and made a formal announcement at the Volunteer Appreciation Night on December 10. The awards include for 2014 $440,000 from the William Penn Foundation to support the continued growth The Friends of the Wissahickon of FOW’s community engagement and stewardship initiatives in Wissahickon will publish a Wissahickon Calendar Valley Park and several grants from the Commonwealth Financing Authority for 2014, available free to all FOW under the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic members. Non-members can Development (DCED): $271,000 to support tributary and stormwater purchase the calendar for $12 channel remediation; $250,000 for the implementation of a park-wide trail at wwwfow.org; calendars will signage program; and $100,000 to support the restoration of a collapsed be shipped the last week in stream bank failure along Forbidden Drive. December. Each month features a photo of the Wissahickon and an interesting fact about the park or an important safety tip. Upcoming Annual Public Meeting Held FOW events are also noted on the calendar so you won’t miss any of at Cathedral Village our 90th Anniversary Celebration FOW hosted a public meeting to discuss progress to date on the events! Sustainable Trails Initiative and upcoming projects for 2014 on November 25, 2013. FOW Project Manager Henry Stroud said that sustainable trails This image is from the photo for the revolve around four key concepts: ecology, equity, economy, and liveability. month of November in FOW’s new calendar Most work this year was performed in the areas around Valley Green Road, for 2014. Photo by Hillary Wagner Andorra, Historic RittenhouseTown, and Kitchen’s Lane. (see p. 4) Volunteers removed 336 bags of trash, planted 361 shrubs and trees, and worked 3,851 hours. Total Investment to date: $375,000. FOW Executive Director Maura McCarthy presented details of the Five-Year Strategic Plan, which includes three major components: completion of the Sustainable Trails Initiative; progress in habitat and water quality; and expansion of FOW’s constituency and scope through branding.

Project Manager Henry Stroud describing FOW’s Sustainable Trails Initiative at the public meeting in November.

Spring Mill Café Raises $300 for FOW The Spring Mill Café in Conshohocken raised $300 for FOW from their Classic Car Brunch for a Cause in September. The Classic Car Brunch for a Cause is an opportunity to support a charity or nonprofit and enjoy a great meal while showing off your classic car or motorcycle or just admiring other classic sets of wheels. The Spring Mill Café has been serving French country fare since 1978. It is a BYO that serves lunch, dinner, and Sunday brunch. The historic property features the original Spring Mill general store and the picturesque converted farmhouse. More information at www.springmill.com. 3 Friends of the Wissahickon • Winter 2013 3 STENTON AVENUE

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1 RO D A ILL S M G L’ E BEL R 18 M A N T STENTONO AVENUE SPRING LA. W N MANATAWNAOL AVE. 2

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R L’ E BEL R A 18 M A FIELDFIIELD N WILLOW GROVE AVE. 19 T O SPRINGFIELD AVE. SPRING LA. W 20 O N MANATAWNAOL AVE.NORTHWESTERN AVENUE 14 2 . RO D DILLLL A R ISE’S M D EN A WISEW LINE R RE E Y G V Chestnut 1 EROAD E U 17 L 155 16 L L N N IL A M V REX AVENUEG U E HENHENRY AVENUEL’S Hill EL E E V EN B 18 R A M STENTON AVENUE O 8

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2 ST WILLOW GROVE AVE. TE 5 6 C ALLENS LANE ST R 23 N What’s Happening in the Wissahickon 19 MANATAWNAOLD AVE. A Y 2 E 3WESTE A WESTE HWEST L SPRINGFIELD 20 AVE. LINE R WISSAHICKONWIWWIS AVENUE 14 V V HWEST E AVENUE 100 . Chestnut A L Roxborough I 24 D R KITCHENSKITCHHENENSS DU U ILLLL OA 1 R E A E M DV R ISSAHIISSA E’S LINE R N 1 E IS EEN M V V Chestnut WISEW 16NORTHWESTERN R AVENUE I N E D G

14 LLAANENEE Y REX AVENUE E U NORTHWESTERN AVENUE E U N E . R Mt. Airy

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R L B R 6 OU23 MCM C FIELDFIIELDM A 4 25 H WILLOW GROVE AVE. composting restroom; and build a new back porch for Wissahickon M C A 19 L LA WISSAHICKONWIWWIS AVENUE FIELDFIIELD A

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HENHENRY15 AVENUE5 D ZE T 2. Valley Green Stream Stabilization and Parking Lot Improvements Chestnut N N N N T I U A

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RO T D MILLH AD 25U OU E R LL RO D IS ’S O W6ALN H 23 EN other trails; restoration of 1.75 acres of habitat through invasive removal and S MI AD R E L E ’ WISEW F L A GR WISEWIS REEN N 6 N Y Germantown G T 23WISSAHICKONWIWWIS AVENUEE Y H OOU E L E R WKITCHENSKITCHCHALNHENENSS L L E E L Y S ISSAHIISSA native plantings. COMPLETE 3 WISSAHICKONWIWWIS A AVENUE V N Germantown A I V

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OU H N ALLENS LANE T H U E E LA NE WALNL SE LA E E N L of forest thinned to favor native mast producing species; replanting and

TV L H N OO OU U E GermantowL n V Roxborough H N I H L WC AL UM STRE Roxborough I E R S UM STRE L R N Germantown R Y 3 OO D protecting meadow with 3,800 feet of deer fencing. COMPLETE, but will be R H D

AVENUE 100 A C Mt. Airy

Y S 3 LIV L Mt. Airy V N E IV Z AVENUE 100 E N E 21 A E E Y controlling invasive cork trees around the perimeter of the northern end during ZEY V N 11 L E D L E U A E D E A E 21 N D 11 N T I D

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O F 6. roxborough Reservoir (PPR)—Invasive vegetation to be removed in a SE LANE F OU NE H SE LA L OU WISSAHICKON AVENUE 3.2-acre area. Planted approximately 300 trees and 300 shrubs in the cleared H WISSAHICKON AVENUE HOO KITCHENS E KITCHENS SC L V E OO I area along Eva Street. Ongoing invasive control work on the site, especially in V

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the “dry” basin (partially filled with soil from the PWD project).

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AVENUE A AVENUE A V 4 V E Friends of the Wissahickon (FOW) E 4 NU N E UE SCHUYLKILL RIVER RIDGE RIDGE Philadelphia Parks & Recreation (PPR) SC HUYLKILL RIVER SE LANE LANE OU SE H Wissahickon East Project (WEP) HOU L OO OL H HO SC SC Locations on Map are approximate.

City of Philadelphia Acquires Six Acres of Park Land on Cresheim Creek by Carl Bennett, Wissahickon East Project This easement is held by the Chestnut Hill the building of 32 new homes that would have Historical Society and prohibits any future covered the creek. Now, under the leadership wenty-four years of neighborhood development of this land. of PPR, and with support from Friends of the pressure came to fruition on October 8, This land is now part of the Philadelphia Park Wissahickon, WEP will help create a small, low- T2013, as real estate developers DeSouza- System, which will make it the first public park in impact, walk-to neighborhood park that supports Brown signed over six acres of land in East Mt. Upper East Mt. Airy. “We are elated; there are tears the delicate environment of the Cresheim Creek Airy to the Philadelphia Parks and Recreation in our eyes,” said Dr. Arlene Bennett, long-term valley. According to Maura McCarthy, Executive Department (PPR). This neighborhood pressure community activist and treasurer of WEP. Director of FOW, Cresheim Creek is an important has evolved into a non-profit organization, the contributor to Philadelphia’s drinking water Wissahickon East Project (WEP), which negotiated In 1996 neighbors organized the first and there are major challenges to the creek a land easement for this parcel in 2006. opposition to a proposed housing development environment and to the stabilization of the on Cresheim Creek, which would have included creek bed.

4 Friends of the Wissahickon • Winter 2013 WATERSHED WATCH FOW PROJECT UPDATE by Henry Stroud, Project Manager Parking Lot on FOW Stabilizes Valley Green Road Open Trailhead at The Valley Green Stream Stabilization and Parking Lot Improvements are complete, and Historic park users may once again park their vehicles in the lot. One of the largest projects FOW has ever undertaken, the changes made to the parking lot and adjacent stream channel have vastly RittenhouseTown improved conditions in one of the most heavily used areas of the park. FOW has further reduced erosion at In recent years, large stormwater flows caused the once small, ephemeral stream adjacent Historic RittenhouseTown with work on the to the parking lot to rapidly erode, trailhead and small parking lot for the Orange contributing significant sediment loads Trail located next to the paper making studio. into Wissahickon Creek during storm These improvements were made possible events and causing the lot to partially with additional funding from MERCK for collapse. Beginning in July of this year, the Wissahickon Stormwater Mitigation and FOW, Philadelphia Parks & Recreation Sediment Reduction Project, which began (PPR), and the Philadelphia Water in 2011. This project enhances work that Department (PWD) began stabilizing was previously done in the area to control the stream channel and upper parking stormwater, which included closing poorly lot along Valley Green Road. designed trails to reclaim a quarter acre of This project was designed to forest habitat and constructing an infiltration improve water quality in Wissahickon pond. Creek by helping to meet Before > the EPA Total How FOW Did it Maximum > Constructed a series of stormwater Daily Load berms upslope from the trailhead (TMDL) for sediment and enhance to promote infiltration and diversion drinking water quality for the City of stormwater into existing control of Philadelphia. It is part of the ponds. Wissahickon Stormwater Mitigation > resurfaced the parking lot and and Sediment Reduction Project, driveway with a porous aggregate a collaborative effort to reduce designed to resist erosion. sedimentation and the loss of forest habitat park wide. > rebuilt the open culvert along the driveway. The stream channel has been reengineered to be more resistant to > Created an armored gutter in the erosion and attenuate large stormwater lower portion of the driveway flows through a directly adjacent to Monoshone series of stepped Creek. infiltration pools. AFTER > > removed vegetation and several The parking hazardous trees to protect historic lot has been structures. resurfaced and retrofitted with new wheel stops, curbs, and fencing. Like every large project, this one had its fair share of setbacks and complications. The quarry had trouble keeping up with our demand for large rock, and torrential rains in Sustainability in Practice July led to muddy conditions in the stream channel, slowing How does FOW reduce waste generated from its projects? In the case of the down the movement of our machines. Pumps ran constantly Valley Green Stream Stabilization and Parking Lot Improvements, which required the as water had to be pumped up and around the construction excavation of almost 2,000 cubic yards of soil, FOW took this soil to a landfill. The area while work was underway. material excavated from the stream channel has been used to create stormwater While dealing with unexpected problems and berms at Historic RittenhouseTown, resurface a vehicle road in the Andorra Natural coordinating with multiple agencies can be challenging, the Area, cover an exposed sewer pipe at Kitchen’s Lane, and close an old road at the process was extremely rewarding, and FOW is pleased with Wissahickon Environmental Center. the result. FOW would like to thank the staffs at PWD, PPR, Trees that were felled to make way for construction were collected by PPR and Skelly and Loy, Inc., and Gessler Construction for all their stored at the district operations yard. This timber was later milled into lumber and will hard work and assistance. be used for upcoming structure restoration projects.

5 Friends of the Wissahickon • Winter 2013 WATERSHED WATCH Keep the Conversation Going

In October, geologist Tim Bechtel, Ph.D., gave a presentation at Valley Green Inn on hydraulic fracturing, part of FOW’s popular lecture series Valley Talks, sponsored by Valley Green Bank. Bechtel is a geological, environmental, and geophysical consultant and teaches in the Earth and Environmental Science Departments of the University of Pennsylvania and Franklin & Marshall College. He explained the occurrence of natural gas and methods of extracting it, namely directional drilling and hydraulic fracturing. Below are the answers to a few questions he did not have time to answer during his presentation.

Q. What happens to the cavities created by gas and oil extracting? A. There are no macroscopic cavities other than the cased and grouted wellbore itself. Out in the formation, there are systems of generally microscopic discontinuities that allow the gas to flow. When recovery ceases, these will fill back in with the briny water that naturally occurs at these depths.

Q. What would you say is the most detrimental part of fracking? A. The fracking itself (meaning the specific act of enhancing the permeability of the formation by pumping in high pressure, high volume water and chemicals) is not detrimental. However, the handling of the flowback water at the ground surface probably involves the greatest risk for contamination of the soil and groundwater that humans, wildlife, and livestock might encounter. Note that this is not very different from the handling of many other liquid wastes produced by modern societies. This is, however, a new type of liquid waste that is being generated in very high volumes in a highly localized fashion.

Q. Do you know or does anyone else know the full list of fracking fluids and what their impact is on human health and water? Where can Q. Seismic activity has been reported in areas where horizontal one get this list? fracturing is being done. Could this be from shale shifting or settling, A. The USEPA has a website listing frack water additives, as does or do you think it is directly related to the explosive charges? And StateImpactPA.org The potential impacts on human health represent a very is information available on the specific explosives being used large data gap. The health effects of individual chemicals may be known, but underground? the synergistic effects of proprietary combinations of these chemicals are not A. Seismic activity is the result of deep injection (for disposal) of fluids. well-studied. Public health assessments of the impacts of the whole fracking These fluids are wastewater—some from fracking, some from other sources. process have not been done. The fracking itself does not create perceptible earthquakes at all. Explosives are not used for fracking. Fracking is short for “hydraulic fracturing,” in which the shale is made more permeable by wedging open tiny joints using high pressure fluids—not explosives. Very small shape-charges are used to perforate the steel casing, but these are quite tiny—not much different from a shotgun shell. Fracking opens generally microscopic scale discontinuities, so there is no evidence, and very little potential, for the shale shifting or settling.

Q. How long do frack wells remain efficient? At what point do you see a fall off in production? A. Initial production is high, but then declines asymptotically, but not asymptotically to zero. The lifetime of a well will depend on both physics and economics. Once a well is producing, it may continue to produce for a very, very long time. The gas is formed from thermal cracking of the natural organic material (kerogen) in the shale, so gas production involves both already- Roots to Reentry generated gas (that creates the initial high production), but also gas that is continually generated (such that production declines, but does not drop to Employees from KJK Associates who are graduates from Roots to Reentry zero). So, wells may continue to produce for very long periods of time, and work with FOW on a variety of projects in the park. This fall they spread the market price for gas will determine whether it is economical/profitable to mulch along Valley Green Road, completed some trail work at the Andorra continue to keep the well online. Natural Area, and installed a split rail fence. In this photo, James Pollard helps Steve O’Kula from PPR stack wood at District 4 headquarters. Q. What is the end product of the waste water when it evaporates? Also working at District 4 this Fall were Norman Dash and O. Chapman. A. A briny sludge that may also contain the non-volatile chemical additives, Roots to Reentry is a green jobs program for former prison inmates. It is as well as other minerals and metals leached from the formation. sponsored by the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society, in partnership with the Philadelphia Prison System, Bartram’s Garden, and KJK Associates.

6 Friends of the Wissahickon • Winter 2013 WATERSHED WATCH

PPR Launches Forest Management Framework by Joan Blaustein, Philadelphia Parks & Recreation

he launch of Philadelphia Parks & Recreation’s (PPR) Forest Management Framework at the Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University featured author Emma Marris, who Tdiscussed the new face of nature in the 21st century and challenged us to consider our urban forests as “novel ecosystems.” These systems are new, human-influenced combinations of species FoCW member Erica Brendel helps to clear the meadow in that can function as well or better than native ecosystems and provide humans with ecosystem Carpenter’s Woods at Love Your Park Day. services of various kinds—from water filtration and carbon sequestration to habitat for rare species. This approach poses some serious questions for us to consider: News from • do we value the fact that nature contains a list of things that were here a thousand years ago, or do we value it because it has its own processes that are not under human the Friends of control? Carpenter’s Woods • as the earth responds to changes we humans have made, does it make sense to destroy ecosystems that thrive by Linda Goschke, President under the new conditions? This is nature’s response to what we have done to it. requent summer rains dampened many Novel ecosystems may be our best hope for the future, as of the activities and volunteer efforts of their components adapt to the human-dominated world using Fthe Friends of Carpenter’s Woods (FoCW) the time-tested method of natural selection. Could we hope this summer. But the rains were good for tree to do any better than nature in managing and arranging our growth, so many of the trees, planted in May natural world for a warmer, more populous future? by volunteers on LOVE Carpenter’s Woods When the Friends of the Wissahickon was formed in 1924 Spring Fest—Love Your Park Day are doing and later partnered with Fairmount Park (now PPR) on forest very well. restoration efforts, those efforts included: developing guidelines Volunteers from the Educational Commission for planting in bare areas; screening industrial buildings on for Foreign Medical Graduates joined FoCW the borders of the parks; and planting only native species. members John Janick, Louise Hayes, Erica Going forward, PPR asks FOW and all our citizen partners Brendel, John Goschke, and Keith Russell in site to work with us to plan for our future forests. The Forest prep and planting dogwood, sweet gum, and Management Framework is a living document that results in a black gum trees along the edges of the woods. set of activities and steps that return healthy functioning and The day was busy, with nature walks led by self-perpetuating processes to the forests. As our forests adapt Sarah Low, Jason Lubar, Ken LeRoy, and Scott to changing conditions, so must we employ a new palette Quitel, poetry readings led by Lynn Hoffman, a of management approaches to ensure that our forestlands photo safari led by Linda Goschke, and colorful, continue to benefit the citizens of Philadelphia. migrant warblers providing a lively concert. Joan Blaustein is Director of Urban Forestry and Ecosystem A mature American Chestnut in Carpenter’s Management Division for Philadelphia Parks & Recreation. Photos by Larry Goldfarb Woods has flowered and produced seed. FoCW continues to monitor the health of this rare tree and others on the hillside. Several members of FoCW have joined the group of trained Invasive Workshop volunteers collecting a small percentage of the acorns from our many Carpenter’s Woods oaks as part of the Philadelphia Parks & Recreation/ Pennsylvania Horticultural Society program to cultivate tree stock to replenish our native urban forest. You may see FoCW volunteers in the woods with seed collection bags, scouring the ground for acorns. Keith Russell, Outreach Coordinator for Cedrela Smack Down a Big Success! In October, FOW volunteers learned how to Audubon Pennsylvania, led 22 participants, identify and effectively remove Cedrela sinensis, an invasive tree found in Wissahickon many new to FoCW walks, on our fall Bird Walk Valley Park. Tom Dougherty, (left) Land Steward from Philadelphia Parks and Recreation, on October 5. Forty-three species were spotted, taught the group about selecting the proper removal technique for this species, electronic including ten species of warblers, five species of tracking of invasive removal projects and hours, and proper tool selection. This workshop woodpeckers, and three fly-over double-crested was held in partnership with PPR. These volunteers can now independently remove cormorants. A complete list of species seen that Cedrela sinensis throughout the park and report back to FOW and PPR on their activities. morning can be found at www.focw.org. 7 Friends of the Wissahickon • Winter 2013 Spotted in the Wissahickon Coyotes Why are we seeing coyotes and eagles in the Wissahickon? Bald Eagles You cannot plan moments like this: any of us think of coyotes as being in the western states, long despised by ranchers and At a Valley Talk in the Spring, just as guest speaker Ruth Pfeffer began her lecture on wenty years ago, if a bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) was sighted at the Militia Hill Hawk roadrunners, but did you know that they live here, in Philadelphia? The eastern coyote birds of the Wissahickon, an eagle flew by Valley Green Inn, hovering about ten feet above Watch located near Wissahickon Valley Park, it caused a lot of excitement among bird watchers. Now, bald eagles are being sighted frequently in the Wissahickon Valley. A pair of eagles nested on (Canis latrans) is found in every county in Pennsylvania, and in the past decade the the creek. Everything stopped as the audience took a moment to catch a glimpse of the T M private property near the park this past year and were successful in raising two chicks. It will take four numbers have increased so dramatically that they are now found in Wissahickon Valley Park and majestic sight, one that has only recently been available in the Wissahickon with the arrival to five years for the young birds to reach maturity. surrounding neighborhoods. They have been spotted several times in Northwest Philadelphia—in of a pair of nesting eagles. yards, under porches, and along train tracks. Thanks to the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Recovery Project, the eagle nesting count is up in Pennsylvania. (For About seven years before their arrival this spring, park visitors began spotting another more information on the history and recovery project of the bald eagles, visit www. fws.gov/midwest/eagle/ Usually associated with the western United States, coyotes now live in every state east of the predator in the Wissahickon: coyotes. Their appearance in the park indicates that the Mississippi River. Hunters and trappers harvested more than 20,000 coyotes recovery/bioic.) Close to home, the Hawk Watch volunteers are keeping track of progress in the Wissahickon is supporting a chain of life that can sustain animals at the top of their food Wissahickon Valley. According to James Stewart, one of the three coordinators of the Hawk statewide in 2005 alone, according to Pennsylvania Game Commission chains. It is also a stark reminder that their natural habitats are becoming more limited. survey results. They can be found almost anywhere, from the suburbs to Watch, volunteers at Militia Hill observed 28,169 raptors, including 109 eagles, this year. These predators are choosing green spaces such as Wissahickon Valley Park because they The Hawk Watch runs annually from September 1 through October 31, and is located in Fort the Alleghenies. In Pennsylvania, eastern coyotes have become more have fewer acceptable options. common than black bears, bobcats, and otters over the past 30 Washington State Park. years. The appearance of these predators speaks to the success of the work FOW and the Many individuals are sharing their eagle sightings in the Wissahickon. One birder community does to retain open space and preserve our parkland. It also speaks well of the The eastern coyote is larger than its western cousin. DNA has reported seeing a bald eagle perching across from the Valley Green Inn on a daily basis. natural lands restoration that Philadelphia Parks & Recreation implements throughout the revealed that they are a hybridization of the wolf and western Another report described seeing an eagle fly along Germantown Pike with an eastern coyote. According to the Pennsylvania Game Commission, a large park and city wide. But we must remember that efforts outside the park are as important as cottontail (Sylvilagus floridanus) in its talons. Bald eagles tend to congregate, and influx of coyotes appeared in the northern part of the state in the those within its borders. adults and their fledglings have also been spotted perching at the Elmwood Zoo 1960s, coming from the Catskill Mountains. Their range expanded The Joint Easement Program of FOW and the Chestnut Hill Historical Society encourages in Norristown. over the following 20 years until they were found throughout property owners throughout the Wissahickon watershed to place easements on their property One morning, during a birding adventure at the Morris Arboretum Wetlands, Pennsylvania, with the highest populations found in the northern to assure that it will never be inappropriately developed. Work FOW does upstream in the youngest member of the group spotted an adult eagle along the counties. collaboration with the Wissahickon Valley Watershed Association, and downstream with the water’s edge. The bird had a fish in its talons that was too heavy Coyotes look very similar to dogs. They have German Preservation Alliance of Greater Philadelphia, serves to preserve this natural corridor beyond to lift, so it dined on the perimeter of the water. The group shepherd coloring, but to correctly identify one, look the borders of Wissahickon Valley Park itself. observed the bird from at least 60 yards away. After a few for yellow eyes, black lines running up the front of their Wildlife will always find corridors of migration between open, green spaces. It is our job minutes, the bird swooped up from the water’s edge, and front legs, and a downward, cylindrical shaped tail. to increase those corridors and make the green spaces healthier and more viable so these perched, with its wings extended, on a small dead tree. Where else can you Do coyotes Excitement erupted at the sight of this regal creature. Before Coyotes will eat almost anything; mice; live or animals can survive. long, this majestic flyer was gone, but the joy that we felt road-killed deer; even a sickly cat or small dog. They --Maura McCarthy, Friends of the Wissahickon stayed with us. spot bald eagles? howl? are nocturnal, rarely aggressive toward people, and will Bald eagles are nesting in Coyotes howl infrequently, but usually run if approached. They do not form packs like The bald eagle was adopted as the official bird emblem Philadelphia at the John Heinz when they do, especially on a cold wolves, but travel in pairs and family units. Families will Sources: of the United States in 1782 and has struggled to exist. National Wildlife Refuge at Tinicum, quiet day, or right before dark, it usually stay together until fall, and sometimes into the Carson, Rachel, Lois Darling, and Louis Darling. Silent Spring. Boston: Houghton Mifflin, 1962. American farmers would shoot the eagles because the birds and Bucks, Montgomery, and Chester carries for a long way in wild areas. winter when breeding activity starts. “Shedding Light on the Eastern Coyote.” www.portal.state.pa.us. Pennsylvania Game Commission, 2013. Web. 01 Dec. 2013. would be seen near their livestock. The loss of habitat and Howls are thought to be used by U. S. Fish & Wildlife Service (www.fws.gov) the use of DDTs (chemicals used to protect crops) both Counties thanks to the efforts of many The next time you are hiking in the Wissahickon in coyotes to announce their location. contributed to their decline. organizations such as the American the late evening or early morning, and you see a German Eagle photos by Ruth Pfeffer. Photos of eastern coyotes from www.istockphoto.com. Coyotes are known to howl in Eagle Foundation. They have been shepherd-looking animal off leash, take a second look. In 1972, the use of DDTs was banned by Congress. The response to loud noises like fire alarm removed from the Endangered Species Maybe it is a coyote. Marvel at how wonderful it is to Contributors: bald eagle was placed on the Endangered Species List in whistles. They also seem willing to List, however they are still protected spot one in the wild, but as with all wild animals, keep Trish Fries is an Environmental Education Program Specialist with Philadelphia Parks & Recreation at the Wissahickon Environmental Center 1978 in the lower 48 States. It was removed from this list in respond to most coyote howling calls, under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. your distance. in the Andorra Natural Area. For more information on WEC and its programs, visit http://fow.org/about-us/partners/wissahickon-environmental- 2007—truly a win for the Endangered Species Act. so long as they hear them. center These laws prohibit killing, selling, or ­—Trish Fries, Wissahickon Environmental Center The pair of Eagles that nested this year in the otherwise harming eagles, their nests, –Pennsylvania Game Commission Maura McCarthy, PhD, is Executive Director of the Friends of the Wissahickon, with degrees from New York University and the University of Wissahickon Valley will hopefully meet with success again in Oxford. or eggs. the coming year, and many park users will have the chance Ruth Pfeffer is an expert birder and photographer, and the owner of Birding with Ruth. She teaches at the North Penn Continuing Education to observe their aerial dynamics during their courtship. Center and the Morris Arboretum, and gives slide presentations and leads discussion groups. She has been leading birding expeditions in the — Ruth Pfeffer, Birding with Ruth 8 U.S. and abroad since the 1990s. More information at http://www.birdingwithruth.com/ 9 Friends of the Wissahickon • Winter 2013 Friends of the Wissahickon • Winter 2013 9 KEEPING U P With the TRAIL AMBASSADORS Become an FOW Trail Ambassador Walks . . . Registration is recommended for all hikes Trail Ambassador (required if indicated) so that participants can . . . and Talks Join the Friends of the Wissahickon (FOW) be informed of weather or other emergency cancellations. Unless otherwise specified, Trail Trail Ambassador Talks are held at The Cedars and become a Trail Ambassador this winter. Ambassador hikes may use rocky, rugged trails House on Sundays. They are open to the public at FOW is offering a fall training session for this that may be wet and slippery. Wear sturdy shoes no charge. These programs are suitable for children popular volunteer program. The application or boots with socks. Long pants are recommended ten and older accompanied by a responsible adult. deadline is Friday, January 31, 2014. for protection against occasional poison ivy and No reservations are necessary, but are recommended so that you may be informed if there are changes Trail Ambassadors are park volunteers who possible ticks. Bring water and a snack if desired. Unless otherwise noted, children seven and older to the program. Talks are cancelled in the event of assist and educate people in the park with are welcome if accompanied by a responsible hazardous transportation due to snow or ice. Visit anything from directions to safety needs to park adult. Walks are cancelled in heavy rain or icy www.fow.org for updates. history, flora, and fauna. Ambassadors perform conditions. For more information or to register, January 12 2 pm their service in the park and participate in contact Sarah Marley at [email protected]. Visit www. The Wissahickon and the Revolutionary War. A 45 minute ongoing education. They become experts in the fow.org for updates. presentation by Jack Coleman, including both facts and popular Wissahickon and have the opportunity to delve myths. deeply into their particular topics of interest while providing a valuable public service. Trail January 19 2 pm Ambassadors share their knowledge by: Understanding Horses. A presentation by Cynthia Turecki on how a horse sees its surroundings and thinks. • interacting with and providing assistance to park users while walking the trails; January 26, 2 pm 17th and 18th century Mills and Homesteads in the Wissahickon • staffing information tables at FOW volunteer Gorge. A 45 minute presentation by Sarah West. days and events; February 9 2 pm • leading walks in the Wissahickon Valley; Roads and Roadhouses in the Wissahickon. A 45 minute • conducting surveys of park users and Trail Ambassador Scott Quitel leading a hike in the Wissahickon presentation by Sarah West. wildlife. February 23 2 pm Orange Trail Hike with Merritt Rhoad Training will be held on Wednesday Sunday, January 19 1 pm The Coming of Spring: a Program of Photographic Impressions. evenings, 6 to 8 p.m., from February 5 A presentation by Bruce Wagner. If weather permits, this Walk along Forbidden Drive to Bell’s Mill Rd. and then presentation will include a walk along Forbidden Drive to observe through March 26, 2014. There will also be along the Orange and White Trails to the Indian Statue with the signs of spring. one Saturday first aid training session (date to return to Northwestern Ave. along Forbidden Drive. Learn a be determined). Applicants accepted into the little more about Wissahickon history and nature. Difficulty: March 9 2 pm program are required to pay a $100 registration moderate. Distance: ~4 miles. Duration: 2-2.5 hours. Meet at The Historical Geology of the Wissahickon Gorge. A 45 minute fee, sign a one-time volunteer release form, Northwestern Ave & Forbidden Drive. presentation by Sarah West and Mike Kopena followed by and obtain their criminal background check and Kid-Friendly Hike with Marv Schwartz a short, easy geology walk along Forbidden Drive between child-abuse clearance. Saturday, January 11 1 pm Northwestern Avenue and Bell’s Mill Rd. (if weather permits). Ambassadors must be FOW members or This hike will take in many of the most interesting sites in the willing to join the organization. The number of Wissahickon: Valley Green Inn, Forbidden Drive, the Livezey open positions is limited. For more information, Dam, Gorgas Creek cave, the Fingerspan Bridge. Will stop for a snack on the stone steps high above the creek and continue program requirements, and an application form, along the stream to Devil’s Pool and Pee Wee rock on our return visit www.fow.org/volunteering/trail-ambassadors. to the Inn. Suitable for children 6 and older, accompanied by an Contact FOW Outreach Manager Sarah Marley adult. Difficulty: moderate. Hiking shoes or sneakers required. with questions and to schedule an interview at Pack your snacks and drinks, and dress appropriately for the [email protected] or 215-247-0417 x109. weather. Meet at the Valley Green Inn. The Power of Geology with Scott Quitel Saturday, February 22 9 am After flowing generally south for about 5 miles, the Wissahickon Creek takes a sharp turn to the west, near where Monoshone Creek comes in, and then continues west to its confluence with the Schuylkill. Why? Much of the answer has to do with the surrounding rock. This hike will focus on a noteworthy large rock formation that preserves millions of years of geologic history. What forces combined to create such massive formations, put graceful folds within many of the rocks, and put the creek in its place? Difficulty: mildly strenuous. Meet near the Battle of Germantown Tablet, in the parking area where Forbidden and Lincoln Drives meet. Orange Trail Hike with Merritt Rhoad Sunday, March 23 1 pm Walk along Forbidden Drive to Bell’s Mill Rd. and then along the Orange and White Trails to the Indian Statue with return to Northwestern Ave. along Forbidden Drive. Learn a Trail Ambassadors Gerry and Cathy Schweiger Trail Ambassador Bruce Wagner giving a on patrol in the Wissahickon. little more about Wissahickon history and nature. Difficulty: moderate. Distance: ~4 miles. Duration: 2-2.5 hours. Meet at presentation on photography. Northwestern Ave & Forbidden Drive. 10 Friends of the Wissahickon • Winter 2013 TA Field Report TA Field Report Ambassadors: Justin Milgrim and Marv Schwartz Date: 10/9/13 Shift time: 9:30am-12pm Mode of Transportation: Hike Number of Interactions: 4 Types of Interactions: Info about the park; assistance rendered to park user Dogs off leash: 7 Volunteer Profile: Zone: A--NW Stables Cynthia Turecki Shift Summary: We walked from Northwestern Ave. to Cynthia Turecki has volunteered with FOW for seven years and is an Bell’s Mill Road, took the Orange, Lavender and White FOW Trail Ambassador. Trails to Rex Ave. and returned on Forbidden Drive. Met the woman who designed the steps leading down to Home: I was born and raised in Manayunk and still live in the house the Tedyuscung statue and her three unleashed dogs. I grew up in. I ran in the Wissahickon all my life. I rode horses out Passed a large group from Philadelphia University studying of a barn on Parker Avenue called Pop’s Stable and rode at every park/people interactions. Picked up a little trash and a other public stable in the area. couple of bags of dog feces. The drive and trails were, Work: By day, I sit behind a computer screen. I work for overall, quite free of litter. Gave out a couple of FOW an insurance company that deals in property and casualty newsletters. commercial insurance and design forms for an application that is used by our agents to issue policies. Volunteers for FOW because: I became an FOW volunteer because I thought it was important to give back to my community. After I bought my horse in July 2005, I went to a FOW Trail Ambassador field reports are routinely submitted after a neighborhood meeting at the Roxborough Memorial Hospital about patrol shift in the Wissahickon. FOW’s Sustainable Trails Initiative and thought, since I would be riding the trails, it was important for me to know what was going on and that I should get involved. Best part of being an FOW volunteer: What I like best is meeting other people and sharing the knowledge and passion I have about horses. I also get to meet so many people who are happy to share their passions with me, especially their passion of preserving the park. I like to learn about the trails and work with others who use the trails to learn and share different ideas. Horses have been traversing through the Wissahickon since the beginning of time and I feel especially blessed to have both the Wissahickon and my horse so close to home. The Wissahickon is where my horse lives. We all take care of our homes, and to me it is just as important to take care of the home where my horse lives. Sharing information about horses with others and learning about the Wissahickon is having the best of both worlds. Favorite spot in the Wissahickon: It is so hard to pick a favorite place; each place in the Wissahickon is so special, and each season presents something new every time it blossoms. It is alive and different each and every day. I love the trails and I love the creek.P erhaps the Andorra Natural Area is the quietest—the Meadow is so peaceful. Sometimes coming into the area near Valley Green Inn feels like coming home. Seeing the warming sheds fills me with a comforting feeling. I remember once, when I got caught in a rainstorm with thunder and lightning, I waited out the storm in the warming sheds. Villiage Fair Earliest memory of the Wissahickon: I had been a little girl in the Wissahickon when I first experienced horses in the park. My aunt FOW staff volunteers helped staff an information table at the Mt. Airy Village used to take my sisters, my cousins, and me, and we would all walk Fair in September. They shared information about FOW and the work the and pick up horse manure for her garden. She had the most beautiful organization does with people attending the fair, solicited memberships, and azalea and rosebush garden on the street. I remember looking up at sold FOW gear and maps. Pictured here is Trail Ambassador Michael Kopena the rider and thinking how beautiful she looked on that horse and speaking with John Eskate. thought: someday I will have my own horse and ride here in the Wissahickon. How fortunate am I that my dreams have come true?

11 Friends of the Wissahickon • Winter 2013 VOLUNTEERHIGHLIGHTS by Eric Falk, Volunteer Coordinator

300+ National Public Lands Day Trail TLC volunteer 25 bags of Our first annual Fall Creek Clean-up in trash and Everyone knows that a hours September was welcomed by many and turned recyclables trail left unattended in the out to be a huge success. We met at Valley collected Wissahickon will eventually Green Inn and worked our way along the be engulfed in an array of diverse Wissahickon Creek toward the Mt. Airy Bridge. The vegetation. That is why we dispatch group was large enough to extensively search for legions of dedicated volunteers to walk rubbish among the dense vegetation on both sides the trails armed with the proper tools of the waterway. We had a great showing from to cut back the tendrils of growth and students at AIM Academy and Bowdoin College reclaim the open corridor. This fall, affiliates. A special thanks to Hi-Pointe Cafe and FOW volunteers focused on Houston T&F Farmers Pride for their donations of coffee and Meadow, Hermit’s Lane, the Lavender Trail, and various sections tomato pies. of the Orange Trail that were in need of a little TLC.

Volunteer School Groups Make the Grade Another Philadelphia County new trail The arrival of fall and cooler weather marked the return of countless numbers of students built Pennsylvania Equine Council that dedicate their time to work in the Wissahickon. Over the years, FOW has established A cool October morning relationships with many different organizations focused on conservation work in the natural was the setting for a small environment. These relationships allow us to accomplish a lot of work and hopefully inspire gathering of equestrians a dedicated user group to embrace the park and its natural beauty. Below are a few of the ready for trail building. schools that FOW has the privilege What this group lacked in of working with on a regular basis. numbers it made up for in The Crefeld School students enthusiasm and hard work. volunteer time almost every week. The Equine Council built a With dedicated leadership from new section of trail that is an David Dannenberg (FOW Board integral part of the Andorra Member and Crefeld teacher), this Natural Area. This pleasantly group really gets their hands dirty meandering trail required a when tasked with one of the many dedicated crew to remove projects that we throw at them. several onerous stumps, clear vegetation, and wrestle invasive They approach each project with trees to the ground. We look forward to working with the a raw enthusiasm that inspires Philadelphia County Pennsylvania Equine Council on the trails everyone around them. and collaborating with them on many new trail projects in the future. Enough cannot be said about the integrity of the Episcopal Episcopal Academy School Academy School groups that have Special Thanks for a Dirty Job made their presence known in the park. Each workday with the Academy is productive and Thanks to those volunteers who have been moving insightful; all the students are intent listeners who are eager to learn. dirt at the Andorra Natural Area and Kitchen’s Lane: Kevin The Friends Select students really enjoy being outdoors in the Wissahickon. Every workday Kramer, Steve O’Kula, Rich Berman, and John Cassidy. with them is filled with laughter and jokes, which in turn leads to happy productive people. Without your efforts we would all be buried. Much work is accomplished, which is why they are always welcome. Over 400 trees Structures 122 and shrubs volunteer November is Planting Month planted Crew hours FOW is not only planting natives in the Wissahickon, but FOW’s Structures monitoring each species to determine a healthy survivability rate. Each Crew has been plant is selected for the proper habitat and tagged to ensure a thorough hard at work this restoration process. A special thanks to Len Mellman & Temple University, fall repairing park Arcadia University, Germantown Friends School, and Philadelphia University benches along for all their effort in organizing and planting and these four locations: Forbidden Drive, • Kitchens Lane was planted as part of the completion of new trail picnic tables at construction and the restoration follow-up. the Boy Scout • The swale at was re-vegetated as part of an ongoing headquarters, and Blue Bell Hill FOW volunteers Buzz Wemple, restoration process of a two-year-old trail closure. It was Philadelphia the gate at Wises Merritt Rhoad, and Jim Walker Insurance Companies second company workday this year—great work! Ayla Falk tagging plants Mill Road. They also repairing benches at the Boy on Love Your Park Day. replaced railings Scout headquarters. • We celebrated Temple Universities Global Day of Service on November on the Yellow Trail 9 with a massive turnout of 49 volunteers to plant closure sites at the bridge near Gorgas Lane and the warming shed Andorra Natural Area. All the plants were sunk into the ground, and we had time left over to tackle at Valley Green. And they still found time to some invasive removal and clear some nasty vines off of some older plantings. mill more wood from black locust trees in the • The final day of vegetation work was completed at St. Martin’s Lane. As a celebration of Love Your Park Wissahickon for future projects! Day on November 16, over 200 willow and dogwood stakes were strategically placed along the riparian access points under the bridge crossing Cresheim Creek. 12 Friends of the Wissahickon • Winter 2013 Lily and Tate Whispers Along Jensen of Mt. Airy the Wissahickon FOW Celebrates 10 Years of Whispers Along the Wissahickon When the Friends first hosted Whispers Along the Wissahickon in 2004, it was intended to be a “friend raiser.” Three former FOW Board members (Cindy Affleck, Cindy Heckscher, and Lyn Montgomery) conceived the event as a means of encouraging families to come to the Wissahickon and enjoy it at nightfall. By fostering a connection to the park, it was hoped these families would The Hersh/Goldman family of Mt. Airy: Zack, Liz, become supporters of its preservation in the future. By and Greg the fourth year, the event, always held at the Wissahickon Environmental Center, sold out and it has continued to sell out quickly ever since. This year marks the popular event’s tenth year. “Whispers Along the Wissahickon sells out because it has such a unique blending of enjoyable activities for Joanna and families,” says FOW Executive Director Maura McCarthy. Marleigh “We at FOW love it because it is a great opportunity to Burton get the public into the Wissahickon enjoying the park.” Whispers Along the Wissahickon would not be Children line up every year for Airbrush Tatoos so successful without the help of the staff from the Wissahickon Environmental Center, PPR Groundskeeper

Steve O’Kula, and many great volunteers. “FOW is also grateful to all our sponsors and local merchants who donate goods for the event,” says McCarthy.

Thanks to our volunteers! Gifts in Kind Pete Andrus Baker Street Bread Music around the bonfire from Urban Drawl Barbara Berman Chestnut Hill Coffee Rich Berman Chestnut Hill Sports Crefeld School students HobNob Mary Hathaway Night Kitchen Bakery Jon McDevitt Oxford Circus Anoushka Mercer Tavern on the Hill Dan Mercer Wissahickon Cyclery Mary Phalan Cynthia Turecki An anonymous ninja playing limbo Sarah West Wendy Willard Sponsors

live balloons party entertainment

Another Whispers tradition: hay rides down Forbidden Drive Suzie and Sarah We appreciate Valley Minnick from Conshohocken. Green Bank reinvesting in our community and in the Wissahickon Valley!

13 Friends of the Wissahickon • Winter 2013 Green Roofs Taking Root in Philadelphia by William Hengst, Ph.D., Former FOW Board Member

n Philadelphia and around the nation, green roofs are taking root. Not a new idea. Think of thatched-roof Icottages in England, sod roofs on the prairie, the Hanging Gardens of Babylon. (Historians believe the building’s tiered rooftops also produced fruits and vegetables.) But green roofs today are often multi-purpose, far more creative, and come in all sizes. In 2011, Philadelphia ranked fourth in the nation for total green-roof square footage, behind Chicago, Washington, D.C., and New York, in an annual survey by Green Roofs for Healthy Cities. According to landscape architect and author Lauren Mandel—featured speaker at a recent FOW Valley Talk—green This 1,940 square-foot green roof on Germantown Friends School’s science center was completed in 2009. rooftops result in several environmental benefits, most notably Some areas are accessible to the students; plants include medicinal herbs and Pennsylvania native plants. reduced stormwater runoff, and potential decreased heating and Photo courtesy of Roofmeadow. cooling costs, especially for low-rise buildings. Instead of the conventional black-surface roof, green roofs have softer, pervious materials installed above the original roof, which capture and Green Roofs in Philadelphia slow the surge into public storm-water collection systems. So, The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society (PHS) offers monthly tours of the PECO green green roof owners are eligible for reductions in the stormwater roof. They resume April 2014 through October, the third Tuesday of each month from 5 fee charged by the Philadelphia Water Department. to 6 pm. Individual reservations can be made at PHSonline.org. Arrangements for private Typically, green rooftops extend the life of a conventional group tours, call PHS at 215-988-8857. Green roofs can be seen at the main branch of the roof two or three times—normal life expectancy is 15 to 20 Free Library and the Morris Arboretum. Listed here are green roofs designed and built years. Green roofs also help improve air quality because they by Roofmeadow (in addition to PECO and several private residences). Some of these filter pollutants. Other benefits include: providing wildlife organizations have green roofs on more than one building. habitat, particularly for birds and bees; creating opportunities The Barnes Foundation Friends Center for growing food crops; and adding color and texture, affording Germantown Friends School Haverford College attractive views for those who will see them from a distance. LaSalle University Pennsylvania Ballet Philadelphia Fencing Academy Plaza at King of Prussia Instead of topsoil, a growing medium—far lighter than St. Joseph’s University University of Pennsylvania dirt—is substituted. The one-acre, green roof at the PECO Schuylkill Center for Environmental Education headquarters in Center City, Philadelphia’s largest green roof, uses a medium of finely crushed expanded clay and other lightweight materials with a dash of compost, topped off with pre-grown Sedum mats. Whether a small-scale home garden, a restaurant, or hotel venue for “roof-fresh produce,” more and more ecologically- conscious folks and businesses are turning to rooftop gardening. Urban rooftop gardens are becoming popular ventures for high- end restaurants and hotels, which grow their own produce— most notably in New York, Boston, Chicago, San Francisco, Toronto, and Montreal. Although Philadelphia lacks a rooftop garden restaurant, Mandel indicated during her Valley Talk presentation that both the Four Seasons Hotel and the Union League in Center City grow rooftop vegetables for their diners. Because high winds are the bane of rooftop gardening, you will not find them on top of skyscrapers, but a modest 4,500 square-foot green roof sits on top of the Comcast Center in Philadelphia. The 47,000 square-foot green roof at the PECO headquarters, however, is on the eighth floor, not on the tower. Before constructing a green roof, an engineering analysis of the load-bearing capacity is needed, and further structural support may be required for existing buildings. Mandel is well informed on this topic. She works as a project manager for Roofmeadow, a local firm with over 2.5 Tree House Getting New Green Roof million square feet of built, green rooftops in the United States, A ~390-square-foot green roof (minus a small area for a skylight) will be installed at and is the author of EAT UP: the Inside Scoop on Rooftop the Wissahickon Environmental Center in the Andorra Natural Area on top of the new porch, Agriculture (New Society Publishers, 2013), the first full-length scheduled to be built in 2014. Roofmeadow has designed this green roof and FOW has book about rooftop food production. provided most of the funding. “The green roof will be an education tool for our visitors, and will further our commitment to stormwater management,” says Trish Fries, Environmental Education Program Specialist at WEC. 14 Friends of the Wissahickon • Winter 2013 NEWMembers FOW is pleased to welcome the following new members, who joined the HIKES IN THE WISSAHICKON Friends of the Wissahickon from September through November 2013. Mr. Irv Ackelsberg Ms. Julia Gray Mrs. Beatrice Rider Trail Ambassador Hikes Mr. Brett Altman Mr. Dan Herrman Ms. Anne Rife Registration is recommended for all hikes (required if indicated) so that participants can be informed of weather or other emergency Ms. Carol Ambruster Ms. Sara Hirschler Ms. Katherine Roberson cancellations. Unless otherwise specified, Trail Ambassador hikes may use rocky, rugged trails that may be wet and slippery. Wear sturdy shoes or boots with socks. Long pants are recommended for protection against occasional poison ivy and possible ticks. Bring Mr. Timothy Ammon Mr. Daniel Hoffman Mr. and Mrs. David Rooney water and a snack if desired. Unless otherwise noted, children seven and older are welcome if accompanied by a responsible Mr. Theodore Apple Ms. Ruth Hoxsie Mr. Kenneth Rose adult. Walks are cancelled in heavy rain or icy conditions. More information on p. 10. Questions or registration, contact Sarah Marley at [email protected]. Visit www.fow.org for updates. Mr. Gerry Aubrey Mr. Daniel Hyman Mr. Jonathan Rosenberg Orange Trail Hike with Merritt Rhoad Dr. Steven Averbuch Ms. Kim Ilgenfritz Mr. Lee Sargard Sunday, January 19 1 pm Ms. Cecelia Baez Mr. Frederic Jacoby Ms. Kathleen Scullion Walk along Forbidden Drive to Bell’s Mill Rd. and then along the Orange and White Trails to the Indian Statue with return to Northwestern Ave. along Forbidden Drive. Difficulty: moderate. Distance: ~4 miles. Duration: 2-2.5 hours. Meet at Northwestern L. Baker Mr. William Jantsch Mr. Tim Shapiro Ave & Forbidden Drive. Mr. Allen Bartlett Jr. Ms. Judith Karlin Ms. Carrie Sherretta Kid-Friendly Hike with Marv Schwartz Ms. Janine Beale Mr. and Mrs. Eugene Koller Mr. Peter Silverman Saturday, January 11 1 pm This hike will take in many of the most interesting sites in the Wissahickon: Valley Green Inn, Forbidden Drive, the Livezey Dam, Ms. Farley Bills Mr. Paul Krepto Mr. Stephen Sinclair Gorgas Creek cave, the Fingerspan Bridge. Suitable for children 6 and older, accompanied by an adult. Difficulty: moderate. Hiking Ms. Gwendolyn Binder Ms. Janet Kroll Ms. Marie Slanina shoes or sneakers required. Pack your snacks and drinks, and dress appropriately for the weather. Meet at the Valley Green Inn. Mr. and Mrs. Robert Bisbing Mr. Stuart Kurtz Utako Smith The Power of Geology with Scott Quitel Saturday, February 22 9 am Ms. Jane Borgerhoff Ms. Pamela Learned Mrs. Andrea Steinberg After flowing generally south for about 5 miles, the Wissahickon Creek takes a sharp turn to the west, and then continues west to Mr. Brett Brasler Mr. Wynn Lee Ms. Lucille Stephens its confluence with the Schuylkill. Why? This hike will focus on a noteworthy large rock formation that preserves millions of years of geologic history. Difficulty: mildly strenuous. Meet near the Battle of Germantown Tablet, in the parking area where Mr. James Brenneman Ms. Ina Lipman Margot and Philip Sullivan Forbidden and Lincoln Drives meet. Ms. Laura Bullit Ms. Louise Lisi Ms. Eliza Taylor Orange Trail Hike with Merritt Rhoad Mr. Jared Bundra Mrs. Maryanne Lynch Ms. Ellen Tedaldi Sunday, March 23 1 pm Walk along Forbidden Drive to Bell’s Mill Rd. and then along the Orange and White Trails to the Indian Statue with return to Ms. Patty Cheek Rob and Peggy MacGregor Ms. Ann Tegnell Northwestern Ave. along Forbidden Drive. Learn a little more about Wissahickon history and nature. Difficulty: moderate. Distance: Mr. Joseph Christopher Ms. Pauline Martin Mr. Richard Tschopp ~4 miles. Duration: 2-2.5 hours. Meet at Northwestern Ave & Forbidden Drive. Mr. and Mrs. Jay Cohen Mr. James Matthews Mr. Thomas VanWinkle Check our website for updates • www.fow.org Mr. Jon Cohen Mr. Brad Maule Mr. Walter Washko Mr. Harry Coslett Mr. Seth McDowell Mr. Jack Weaver Appalachian Mountain Club Delaware Valley Chapter www.amcdv.org Mondays - Wissahickon Gorge Wandering. Brisk-paced hike; distance is dependent on the conditions and speed of the Mr. Robert Czop Mrs. Lora McMeans Ms. Ellen Weaver group. Meet at 6:30 pm at Valley Green Inn. Bring water and a flashlight. Bad weather cancels. Leaders: Christina Lawless (215- Mr. John Deckop Ms. Rosemary McNicholl Mr. George Weiss, MD 530-3883 or [email protected]); Mike Lawless (215-836-2275); David Stein (215-508-5915 or [email protected]). Thru Feb. 24 Mr. Avi Decter Mr. Robert Michel Mr. and Mrs. Brian Welsh Tuesdays - Tuesday Nights in the Wissahickon. Casual social hike through hills of Wissahickon Gorge. Bring water Ms. Noa Dierks Mr. and Mrs. David Mitchell Ms. Eliza Whetzel and a flashlight or headlamp. Always an option for dinner following the hike. Meet at Bruno’s, at the corner of Germantown and Ms. Mary Dunn Ms. Doris Moss Mrs. Farley Whetzel Northwestern Aves., at 6:30 pm. Nasty weather will cancel hike. Leaders: David Stein (215-499-9803 before 9 pm or dstein0857@ yahoo.com); Pat Naismith (610-639-3670 before 9 pm or [email protected]). Thru Feb. 25 (excludes 12/24 and 12/31). Mr. and Mrs. Davis Dure Mr. Steven Moyer Mr. Horace Williams Ms. Virginia Ellis Ms. Deirdre Mullen Ms. Jean Williams Batona Hiking Club www.batonahikingclub.org Mr. Peter Ennis Mr. and Mrs. Lee Mullen Ms. Susan Wilson January 1. 5-6 miles. Meet at Valley Green Inn at 2:00 PM for our annual New Year’s Day hike. Visit website for directions. This Mr. Claude Epstein Mr. Robert Nappen Mr. James Wuenschel is a combined hike with Valley Forge Audubon. An optional “Dutch Treat Dinner” at the Yu Hsiang Gardens Two, 7630 Germantown Avenue, will follow the hike. Leader: Michael Alper, 215-233-0916, Cell: 480-809-5763, [email protected]. Mr. David Evans Ms. Marian Nowell Ms. Carole Yaster Mrs. Gail Flint Ms. Christi Penrose Ms. Sherley Young Philaventures www.philaventures.org Ms. Paulette Force Ms. Maria Pesch Ms. Nesrin Young Last Sunday of Month - Wissahickon Hike Ms. Jennifer Friedman Ms. Mary Poste Mr. Stephen Zane An opportunity to walk at a moderate pace with a talkative group of LGBT folks who like fresh air and exercise! Some ups and downs and uneven paths are found along the way, so wear proper footwear and be ready to hike. This groups meets at 2pm at Ms. Rachel Fuld Ms. Barbara Powers Ms. Jewell Zellers Cosimo’s Pizza, 8624 Germantown Ave. at Bethlehem Pike (the top of Chestnut Hill). RSVPs are required to the hike leader, Bert G., Ms. Sarah Gabriel Mrs. Dorian Redburn Ms. Mary Ziemba at [email protected].. Mr. Michael Giessmann Ms. Sarah Ricks Check Out The Cedars House The Cedars House is a unique café situated on Forbidden Drive near Northwestern Avenue. The Cedars House offers breakfast, lunch, and snacks throughout the year (with hours changing seasonally). Visit www. cedarshouse.com for seasonal hours, and Facebook for information on weather-related closings. Menu items include coffee and juices, power bars, and protein smoothies, yogurt and granola, homemade soups and sandwiches, quiche, salty snacks, and sweet treats. The Cedars House is available for rent for parties, classes, lectures, fitness activities, group events, and more. A menu of wellness services is available including group run classes, workshops, personal training, and private coaching. The upstairs hosts a wonderful massage studio where guests can enjoy a massage experience that is personalized, luxurious, affordable, and indulges all the senses of the mind, body, and spirit. The Cedars House is also home to Kim Soles’ Indigo Nature Arts program. The program embraces art, nature exploration, movement, and music, surrounded by Wissahickon Valley Park. Visit indigonaturearts.com for information on specials, upcoming programs, and local events. —Ricki Gever Eisenstein 15 Friends of the Wissahickon • Winter 2013 15 Calendar OF EVENTS IN THE WISSAHICKON VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES THIRD SUNDAY OF EVERY MONTH WISSAHICKON ENVIRONMENTAL CENTER Wissahickon Restoration Volunteers (WRV) lead a service project from 10am to noon. Details and directions to the worksite posted at http:// Located at 300 W. Northwestern Ave. Philadelphia, 19118. Registration is required for all wissahickonrestorationvolunteers.org at least one week prior to the event. WRV supplies work gloves and tools. Wear socks, sturdy shoes that tie, and dress to programs unless otherwise noted. Call 215-685-9285 or email [email protected] get dirty. Bring plenty of water. To RSVP, email only your name and date of service to [email protected]. Questions? call 215-951-0330 x2175.Groups of 5+ to register. email and call to confirm. Thursday Tots • Thursdays 1-2 pm EVERY TUESDAY Bring your little one for an hour of discovery at the Tree House. Each month we will explore FOW volunteers repair and build structures in the Wissahickon from 9am to 1pm. To register, contact Volunteer Coordinator Eric Falk at [email protected] or 215- a new topic that celebrates the season. Ages 3-5. Parents stay with their child. 247-0417 x107. Suggested donation: $2.00/child per lesson. Please register in advance. EVERY WEDNESDAY Winter Sleepers • January 16 Wissahickon Service Projects (September through May) 1pm to 3pm. Join Crefeld School, FOW, and Philadelphia Parks & Recreation. Something new Learn about chipmunks and groundhogs and play in a kid-sized chipmunk home. every week. Call David Bower at 215-685-0120 for info. Maple Trees and Treats • February 20 EVERY SATURDAY Search for the special Sugar Maple tree and taste its fresh sap. Watch how the sap FOW Workdays in the park are held most Saturdays from 9am to 1pm, unless it is a holiday or there is inclement weather. Projects include trail maintenance, turns into maple syrup and taste our home made maple syrup on pancakes. invasive weed removal, planting, and clean-ups. Visit http://fow.org/volunteering/upcoming-workdays for info on future projects. For any other info, contact Volunteer Coordinator Eric Falk at [email protected] or 215-247-0417 x107. Kites and Wind Wands • March 20 Celebrate the March winds blowing by making a wind wand and going outside to FIRST SATURDAY OF EVERY MONTH make it fly. Wissahickon Restoration Volunteers (WRV) lead a service project from 10am to noon. Details and directions to the worksite posted at http://wissahickonrestorationvolunteers.org at least one week prior to the event. WRV supplies work FRIENDS OF THE Winter Wonderland Exploration • Saturday, January 11 • 1-3 pm gloves and tools. Wear socks, sturdy shoes that tie, and dress to get dirty. Bring plenty of water. To RSVP, email only your WISSAHICKON Hike the forest in the winter looking for signs of animal footprints, scat, and homes. Bundle name and date of service to [email protected]. Questions? call 215-951-0330 x2175.Groups of 5+ email and call to up and explore off the beaten path. Ages 6-12. Parents are not required to stay with confirm. Yoga Garden Philly their child. Free Saturday, February 15 THIRD SATURDAY OF EVERY MONTH 903 South Street (see p. 3) A Walk through the Winter Skies • Thursday, January 30 • 7:30-9:30 pm Friends of Cresheim Trail conducts ongoing workdays in the Cresheim Creek area. Meet at the entrance at Lincoln (Cloud date: Friday, January 31) Drive and Allens Lane at 10am. Wear long pants, long sleeves, sturdy shoes; there is poison ivy in the woods. All tools TA Talks at Cedars House Spend an evening exploring the winter skies. Lean about some of the brightest constellations (see p. 10) and gloves provided. Coffee and snacks served. Contact: [email protected] or 215-715-9159. and the amazing astronomical objects found within them. Bring your binoculars and warm clothes. All ages. Space is very limited. Free. Snowflake Fun • Saturday, February 8 • 1-3 pm Future calendar listings for the newsletter may HISTORIC RITTENHOUSETOWN Learn how snowflakes form, create your own ice sun catcher, and help make ice cream to be placed by contacting the Friends of the Historic RittenhouseTown offers classes, workshops, and events for individuals and families to learn enjoy! Then, if it’s snowy outside, bring your boots and sled to have fun in the snow. Wissahickon at 215-247-0417 or [email protected]. about the craft of hand papermaking and other aspects of Colonial life at the original Rittenhouse All ages. Space is very limited. Free The Calendar of Events in the Wissahickon may Family Homestead. RittenhouseTown is located on Lincoln Drive at Rittenhouse Street. For information on their programs call 215-438-5711, e-mail [email protected], or visit Un-Valentines Full Moon Hike • Friday, February 14 • 7-9 pm also be viewed on FOW’s website www.fow.org, www.rittenhousetown.org. Need something to do with a few of your single friends this Valentine’s Day? Enjoy a hike in which contains updates on our events, including the winter woods with old friends and new. Afterwards, warm up around the camp fire with marshmallows and a box of chocolates! cancellations. Wissahickon Valley Watershed Association Adults only. $5.00/person WVWA offers many public programs as part of its mission to protect the quality and beauty of the Maple Sugar Day • Saturday, February 22 • 11 am-3 pm Wissahickon Creek and to enhance life in the Wissahickon Watershed. Located at 12 Morris Road, Ongoing maple sugaring demonstrations, mini pancakes served with real maple syrup, a RUNNING CLUBS Ambler, Pennsylvania. For information on their programs, visit www.wvwa.org. taste test of different pancake toppings, and freshly made maple candy to taste. Pennsylvania Family Winter Walk Maple Syrup products available for purchase. Forbidden Drive near Northwestern Ave. EVERY THURSDAY No registration necessary. All ages. Free. Wissahickon Wanderers Trail Run. 3-5 miles. Starts Saturday, January 1 • 10-11 am 6:30pm sharp at Valley Green Inn. For updates and more Join the Wissahickon Valley Watershed Association’s Executive Director, Dennis Miranda, for a Family Bug Out • Saturday, March 8 • 10-11:30 am info visit www.wanderersrunningclub.org. Winter Walk. Discover what happens to nature in the winter at this stunning 55-acre nature preserve. Learn how to make simple pest control products that can keep harmful chemicals away from The walk begins and ends at WVWA’s headquarters at Four Mills Barn. Register at www.wvwa.org. children and pets and out of our water supply. You will get to mix up concoctions to take EVERY SATURDAY home to kick out your unwanted pests. Ages 12 & up. $5/person. Shawmont Running Club. Starts at Northwestern Green Ribbon Trail Walk Ave. & Andorra Rd. (north end of Forbidden Drive). From Sunday, January 26 • 1-2:30 pm Tastes of spring • Saturday, March 22 • 1-2:30 pm 2nd Saturday in May thru 2nd Saturday in Oct. start at Take an informative walk with Bob Adams, the Wissahickon Valley Watershed Association’s Director Celebrate the first weekend of spring searching for the earliest leaves of the new season. 7:30am. From 3rd Saturday in Oct. thru 1st Saturday of Stewardship, starting at WVWA headquarters at the Four Mills Barn. Learn about enhancements Enjoy some spicebush tea and other dishes made with some of the plants that we find. in May start at 8am. Distances are at the discretion of on the Green Ribbon Trail and WVWA’s restoration efforts at the Four Mills Reserve. All ages. Free runners. All levels welcome. Emphasis is on fun! Register at www.wvwa.org. www.shawmontrunningclub.com. Check our website for updates www.fow.org Join us on facebook and twitter — Friends of the Wissahickon Membership Form —

  YES, I/We want to help preserve and protect the Wissahickon. Membership Level  $20 Limited Income/Students  $45 Basic  $75 Family All new members receive a map of the Wissahickon Valley. Limited  $100 Contributing*  $250 Sponsor*  $500 Patron* Income/Student members receive invitations to all events and our quarterly newsletter. Basic members receive invitations to all events; our  Society of Generous Friends*  $1000  $2500  $5000  $10,000 or above quarterly newsletter, and membership card with discounts for meals at Valley Green Inn (in the park) and FOW merchandise. Family members *Choice of: receive all benefits of Basic membership plus choice of two kids tees  Hat  T-Shirt (circle size) (S [6-8], M [10-12], L [14-16] ). Contributing members and above ($100 Children: S M L or more) receive all benefits of Basic membership plus choice of hat or T-shirt (M, L, XL).  Please keep the premium and Red Bird: Women S M • Adult L XL use the entire membership fee for the Park. Warbler & Map: Adult M L XL XXL Method of Payment Name______ Check Enclosed (payable to the Friends of the Wissahickon) Street______ Charge my City______State______Zip Code______ VISA  Mastercard  AmX  Discover

Phone (Home) ______(Work) ______E-mail______Card Number______I also want to help the Friends of the Wissahickon with: Expiration Date______ Membership  Community Outreach  Trail Repair  Clean-Up  Wildlife Signature______ Fundraising  Reforestation  Structures Repair  Education  Vine Removal Please return to: 8708 Germantown Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19118 • tel 215-247-0417 • [email protected] • www.fow.org Contributions to the Friends are tax deductible as permitted by current laws. The official registration and financial information may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling, toll free, within Pennsylvania (800) 732-0999. 16