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

SPRING 2013 • VOLUME 22 • NUMBER 1

Best in Show, FOW Photo Contest 2012 Photo by Bruce Wagner 1 A SPECIALMESSAGE

from Maura McCarthy, Executive Director John Rollins, President 8708 Germantown Avenue Philadelphia, PA 19118-2717 ver the past several months, our Board of Directors has been soliciting feedback from Phone: (215) 247-0417 our partners, FOW members, and the public through many venues as we shape our E-mail: [email protected] OStrategic Plan for the next five years. We thank you for participating in focus groups, Website: www.fow.org attending public and stakeholder meetings, and completing surveys on everything from The mission of the Friends of the Wissahickon signage to maps. is to preserve the natural beauty and In the new Strategic Plan, FOW has renewed our wildness of the Wissahickon Valley and commitment to the completion of the Sustainable Trails stimulate public interest therein. Initiative (STI). You will be pleased to know that, once STI is complete, core programming associated with it will continue: Officers our vibrant, hands-on volunteer program; the popular Trail John Rollins, President Bettina Hoerlin, Vice President, Advocacy Ambassador program; safety initiatives; improved signage and Will Whetzel, Vice President, Governance wayfinding; and diligent trail maintenance. Jeff Harbison, Treasurer As part of this commitment, we will look very critically at Richard Berman, Secretary the outcomes associated with water quality and habitat health, and determine how to best develop a more systematic investment in these two areas. Frequent past PresidentS readers of our newsletter, which includes the section “Watershed Watch,” know that water quality Cindy Affleck Charles Dilks and habitat already figure greatly in our work. In this issue, you can find information on our Robert A. Lukens david Pope Annual Creek Clean Up on April 27, when we team up with the Wissahickon Valley Watershed Edward C. Stainton robert Vance Association to clean the Wissahickon Creek from top to bottom (see page 5). We also report on Board Members the work of others in our community to improve the quality of the Wissahickon Creek, and are Cindy Affleck Bettina Hoerlin pleased to launch the first in an occasional series called “Partners in Water Quality.” (See page 6.) Chris Bentley Louise Johnston Richard Berman Courtney Kapp Melen Boothby John Kelly Richard P. Brown, Jr. Martha Kennedy We thank you for participating in focus groups, Stephanie Craighead Richard Kremnick Emily Daeschler Charles Lee, Jr. attending public and stakeholder meetings, and completing surveys Daphne Lynch Fifield Jerome Maddox on everything from signage to maps. Sam Finney John Meigs Shirley Gracie Liz Pearson Heidi Grunwald David Pope Jeff Harbison John Rollins The cover of this issue of the newsletter features the Best in Show winner from our 2012 Robert Harries Liz Werthan Photo Contest. Congratulations to Trail Ambassador Bruce Wagner! (You can see more Photo Cindy Heckscher Will Whetzel Contest winners beginning on page 8.) FOW has been conducting this competition since 1995, and David Hilton it serves many purposes, such as providing us with a fine collection of Wissahickon photographs that we can use in FOW publications and on our website. Most importantly, it is one of the ways STAFF we celebrate the Wissahickon with our friends and neighbors and remember how special this Maura McCarthy, Executive Director urban wilderness is to all of us. Ruffian Tittmann, Development Director Audrey Simpson, Business Manager Love of the Wissahickon, public involvement, and support for our programs are key to the Denise Larrabee, Editor/Publicist long-term health of the Wissahickon Valley and Creek. Together with the community, FOW is Zane Magnuson, Development Assistant planning ahead to maintain the health of our waterway and canopy and thinking about how we Sarah Marley, Outreach Manager can improve it. Your input, volunteer service, and financial support are essential in this effort. Henry Stroud, Project Manager Thanks for being part of it! Eric Falk, Volunteer Coordinator

Newsletter Denise Larrabee, Editor Dena Sher, Associate Editor Sarah West, Listings Editor Moon Design, Layout Valley Talks Published by INTERPRINT of Bristol, PA. sponsored by Valley Green Bank Printed on recycled paper. April 17 and May 15 • 6 pm • Valley Green Inn Wine and cheese reception United Way Donations More details at www.fow.org The Friends of the Wissahickon can receive membership/donations through the United Way. Andy Hamilton of the East Coast Greenway Alliance discussed this Our United Way number is 9882. If this is the most revolutionary trail system and how it enhances local communities convenient way for you to give, please do so. Visit our and the region at large. This Valley Talk on December 5 took place website (www.fow.org) to learn about the benefits of at Springside Chestnut Hill Academy. membership in the Friends of the Wissahickon. 2 Friends of the Wissahickon • Spring 2013 Preserving our Preliminary Results Are In! Gateway to the Goat Invasive Control Study Wissahickon by Sarah Marley, Outreach Manager Ever wonder what a conservation easement is or otanists from Bowman’s Hill Wildflower Preserve thought about putting one on your own property? found that humans were more effective than Here’s an opportunity to have Bgoats and herbicides at removing bamboo, after all your questions answered. performing the final PSI (Plant Stewardship Index) for the Goat Invasive Control Study for 2012 in the fall. While the FOW and the Chestnut Hill Historical Society goats did eat some of the bamboo at the selected site present Conservation Attorney Pat Pregmon for a in the Andorra Natural Area, they clearly had an appetite discussion on conservation tools to protect the for the shorter, younger shoots. The botanists suggest Wissahickon Watershed, open space, and the that cutting the bamboo down and then introducing the natural environment of the Chestnut Hill area. goats may prove more effective at keeping the new shoots from growing larger. The herbicide Wednesday, March 27 at 6 pm treatment was not observed to have an effect on the bamboo. The report also suggests that Springside Chestnut Hill Academy with the increased sunlight, lesser celandine, an invasive plant, may increase in the areas where Wissahickon Room bamboo was removed. Yvonne Post, owner of the goat herd, noted in her account that, while 500 Willow Grove Avenue the goats did enjoy bamboo and other invasive species in the area, park users following a popular route near the goats disrupted their eating habits. These findings will be taken into Light refreshments will be served consideration next year when FOW decides on a new target species and location for the third before and after the talk. year of the Goat Invasive Control Study. Park in Science Building lot. Patricia L. Pregmon has more READ MORE: Goats—www.fow.org/news-events/meet-herd-goats-wissahickon than 25 years experience as an P SI ­—www.fow.org/sites/default/files/FOW-newsletter-Winter-2007.pdf attorney, working specifically on conservation and real estate law. As one of the region’s foremost authorities on historic preservation and conservation Central Park Botanical Tour law, she has served on the boards Join the Friends of the Wissahickon on Thursday, May 2, 2013, of such groups as the Pennsylvania for their second Botanical Walking Tour of New York’s Central Park Land Trust Association and the Wissahickon Valley with Ned Barnard, FOW Trail Ambassador and author of New York Watershed Association. Pregmon has also written City Trees (2002), and Ken Chaya, creator of Central Park Entire: extensively about conservation law and is principal the Definitive Illustrated Folding Map (2011). The tour will focus on author of The Model Pennsylvania Conservation the northern portion of the park, which is seldom visited by tourists Easement and Commentary (2011), a key publication and contains extravagant floral displays. of the Pennsylvania Land Trust Association and the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. The guided tour will include: the Harlem Meer with its great old bald cypresses, ginkgos, Turkey oaks, and London planes; the North A void Muddy Trails Woods--a bit of wild forest that existed before Central Park was built; and the Great Hill and the Pool, two beautiful, secluded spots in Wissahickon beloved by residents of the Upper Westside. It’s Mud Season in Wissahickon Valley Park, and FOW is urging park users to refrain from biking, hiking, or horseback riding on muddy trails, particularly in meadow areas. May is when the flowering trees and shrubs of Central Park are at their best, and when “Spring is the time of year when trails are most thousands of migrating birds will be passing through the area. Bring your binoculars and be vulnerable to erosion and long-term damage,” says FOW prepared to spend a large amount of time walking through Central Park. Executive Director Maura McCarthy. Both Ned Barnard and Ken Chaya are experts on Central Park. Barnard’s New York City Trees is As frost thaws, it releases water. During this period, the most extensive field guide to New York and Central Park trees to date. Chaya’s map of Central it is important to leave the soil undisturbed so it can mix Park is considered the most detailed map of any urban park in the world. with organic leaves and other organic matter and dry out The tour group will depart at 8:00 am on May 2, 2013, from Plymouth Meeting Mall, 500 West naturally into trail dirt. If disturbed while muddy, the soil Germantown Pike, Plymouth Meeting, PA 19462. Participants will meet at the bus at 3:30 pm for a will be washed away leaving exposed rocks and roots. 4:00 pm departure time from Central Park. The tour group will return to Plymouth Meeting Mall at The trails in the Houston and Andorra Meadows 6:00 pm. become particularly muddy during this time of year. When This is an adults-only trip. Registration is required. Ticket cost is $100 per adult. The tour will coming upon a muddy trail, FOW advises that park users include a box picnic lunch and a copy of Central Park Entire: the Definitive Illustrated Folding Map. consult the Map of the Wissahickon Valley for alternative Participants will be asked for their lunch choices on the registration page. To register, contact FOW trails. Maps are available from FOW at http://fow.org/ Outreach Manager Sarah Marley at [email protected] or 215-247-0417 x109. about-park/maps. A new edition will be published in Spring 2013. 3 Friends of the Wissahickon • Spring 2013 STENTON AVENUE

O NORTHWESTERN AVENUE STENTON AVENUE

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ILL STENTON AVENUE S M G L’ E BEL R O 18 M NORTHWESTERN AVENUE A STENTON AVENUE N T SPRING LA. O 1 ROAD W NORTHWESTERNO LL AVENUE STENTONN AVENUE MANATAWNAOL AVE. MI G S 2 ELL’ E D B 18 R A LINE R O M E NORTHWESTERN AVENUER V Chestnut 1 OAD A E U 16 LL N N N I S M REX AVENUEG T U SPRINGE LA. L’ E O Hill EL E V B 1 ROAD R W O 18 M A NORTHWESTERN AVENUE N L STENTON AVENUE MANATAWNAOL AVE.O IL 8 A E S 2 M G STENTON AVENUE L’A E N G EL 22 D B D T 189 R O A SPRINGD LA. LINE R M I R V E 1 7 OAD ST. MARTINSA W LANE Chestnut

R E U ILL N N N A MANATAWNAOL AVE. 16 N M G T L’S 2 REX AVENUEO U SPRINGE LA. EL E FIELDFIIELDHill E D B R WILLOWW GROVE AVE. V O 18 M A A LINE R 19 E N V NORTHWESTERN AVENUE A Chestnut MANATAWNAOL AVE.O O 8 SPRINGFIELDE AVE. E U NORTHWESTERN2 AVENUE N 20 A 16 N G N 22 T D D REX AVENUEO U E 9 A SPRINGD LA. LINE R V Hill E I E ST. MARTINSW LANE Chestnut 14V 1 7RO AD . E R U R D A ILLLL OA 1 RO D R N N M D L A A MANATAWNAE’S OL AVE.O 16 IL 8 N N IS 2 EE E WISEW M GRREX AVENUEG U E S LL Y L’A I E GE FIELDFIIELDHill M E G D EL 22 L V B DS R WILLOW GROVE AVE. 155 17L’ 189 L E A LINE R D M A E EL 19 A V Chestnut I B R ST. MARTINS LANE O 18 8V 7 MA E

E U R HENHENRY AVENUE SPRINGFIELD20 AVE. A 16 AN N A N EN G D 22 REX AVENUENT U E 9 O D IELDHill SPRING LA. E FIELDFI

I T 14V 7 ST.. MARTINSOWILLOWW LANE GROVE AVE. SPRINGR A LA. L RO D 19 MILLL O AD4 8 R WN A MANATAWNAE’S OL AVE. E N WISEWIS 2 GREE NSPRINGFIELD 20 AVE. MANATAWNAOL AVE.A Y IELD G D 222 E FIELDFI D 17 9 LL MCM C WILLOW A GROVE AVE. D 155

I D LINE R 19 A ST. MARTINS LANE 14E V 7 C AV Chestnut

R . U LINE R SPRINGFIELDVE 20 AVE. E HENHENRY AVENUE R C D Chestnut ILLLL OA 5 ALLENS LANEN A EN’S M D16 R E NU ISE EN A STENTON AVENUE WISEW E GREREX AVENUE NU E 16 Y L IELD N FIELDFI V E Hill REX AVENUEL WILLOWU GROVEE AVE. I L 24 Roxborough14V 17 E 155 L U. Hill E 19 R A R A D V ILLLL OA R E’S M O D4 8V N M SPRINGFIELD AVE. IS D E A E WISEW RE 20 HENHENRY AVENUE G Mt. Airy OA 8LIVEY S E EN G 22 N LE MCM C 155 17AD 9 L ZE T E Y D G 22 A R

I 14 D V 7 L C ST. MARTINS LANE D 9 . E

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D HENHENRY AVENUE 191 RO D SPRINGFIELD20 AVE. A 5 C ALLENS LANE Mt. Airy EN 6 L 23 S IV A SPRINGFIELD20 AVE. L MCM C N E IL EZE T E M Y G L R S V L’ WISSAHICKONWIWWIS L CAVENUEL Roxborough14 I 24 E D . E EL KITCHENSKITCHHENENSS U B A R E E R R D ILLLL OA 5 18 ISSAHIISSA C ALLENS LANE 14 D R

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R Roxborough A L E D U C D A R KITCHENSKITCHL HENENSS E E STENTON AVENUE O ISSAHIISSA A

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F Hill E A KITCHENSKITCHHENENS12 S N E V C N WATERSHEAD C E WATCH D 5 133 T ALLENS LANE

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N 18 25 E T L D A Mt. Airy V Z L E M

LINE R E IV Y S R V E Chestnut N E L WISSAHICKONWIWWIS AVENUE T O E Z L IELD ERE D EA A E E FIELDFI U E KITCHENSKITCHHENENSS Y R TE N 12 A 11 C E 133 N ISSAHIISSA N E WILLOWN GROVE AVE. ST T L H D E What’s Happening in the Wissahickon 16D

MONASTERY U U E VN

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2F 3 12 NORTHWESTERN AVENUE S I 1. Andorra Meadow Expansion (PPR)—Creation of approximately 21 acres of contiguous

14 A 1’O 133 RO ND . L T A L E H AVENUE 100 N

G F 6 R ELA 22 U 23E D D LLLL DO ’S MI BAD WLA LN25 R L A R E E L 9 D IS V I 6 1823 EN WISEW LINE R E M I E M GR G ST. MARTINSO LANE V N NE GermantowChestnutn meadow and 4 acres of shrub habitat and the restoration of 5 acres of forest and forest understory. L’S E 7 Y LA WISSAHICKONWIWWISSE LA AVENUE R E E U EL N KITCHENSKITCHHENENSL S N E C A R 11 17 WISSAHICKONWIWWIS AVENUE B TL OU ISSAHIISSA R E N A

15MONASTERY5 H 18 H R

16U U E N V N 1 OAD N Y A M KITCHENSKITCHHENENSS I

E WA3LNV REX AVENUE I E U Accessible from Northwestern Avenue. Ongoing invasive plant controls. COMPLETE E E ISSAHIISSA

L IELD LLAANENEE L A VR T AVENUE 100 FIELDFIHill A E L HENHENRY AVENUE I N Germantown L

V N WILLOW GROVE OAVE. I

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EN R MIM G RIDGE V SCHUYLKILLSPRING RIVER LA. H A

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O E 8 A O E Y SPRINGFIELD AVE. E EL SPRING LA. 3 N 20

N T 12 11 W N 2. Houston Meadow Reclamation (PPR)—Tree and shrub clearing, 7 acres of forest B R A H 133 E AVENUE U 100 6 A U G MANATAWNADOL AVE.22E WALN 12 N N M E 4 91323 L V D MANATAWNAOL AVE. N N A

I Germantown 14 E2 7 LAST.NE MARTINSOL LANE thinned to favor native mast producing species, replanting, and protecting meadow 21 D SE . R RIDGE N R SCHUYLKILL RIVER L RO N 11 MCM C D C D ILLL O A ’S M AD OU R A A

ISE MONASTERY LINE YR U H N T E N 3 C

WISEWE LINE R E RE C V Chestnut E G I V Chestnut with 3,800 feet of deer fencing. Ongoing planting/cutting, and invasive plant controls. COMPLETE O

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AVENUE 100 IELD MONASTERY L L

A SPRING LA.

U E N E FIELDFI E

U 17 5 L C ALLENSI WILLOW LANE GROVE AVE. W

V OO L N N 25 L SCHUYLKILL RIVER RIDGE155 16 H16 A A N N 19 E E SC 25V L REX LA AVENUENE REX AVENUEU N E E A SE L U HENHENRY AVENUE N V 11 SPRINGFIELDHill20 AVE. MANATAWNAOL AVE. L E Roxborough I 24N —Invasive vegetation to be removed in a 3.2-acre area. Planting V LOU Hill 3. Roxborough Reservoir (PPR) 2 U T U E V EN H U H A E ER A LN N M WA T H E A D O D 8UL E

E A 14 N WALN LANE GermantowMt. Airyn along Eva St. in fall 2012. E SCHUYLKILL RIVER RIDGE 21A O OO LIV SE . S LINE R E H E V G R D Chestnut N N E MILLLL DOADR 422 C ZOUE R T Germantown SE’S A E S 9 H Y N R E Y D I EE U G WISEW R 3 R I G L DD 7 Y ST. MARTINSE LANE N L Y AVENUE E100 A R A 3 E N D L MCM C 17 D L 4. Wise’s Mill Stormwater Treatment Wetland (PWD)—A project to reroute storm flows with a REX AVENUE

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A U N N N N T I ST. MARTINS LANE 155 AVENUE V 100

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R FIELDFI HENHENRY AVENUE N 5 OU 11 C A ALLENS LANE WILLOW GROVE AVE. E H stormwater treatment wetland that will collect stormwater from the 261 acre area that eventually EN U A A

O 19N EE L 11 ELD O F U L E EV L SPRINGFIELD20 AVE. FIELDFI Roxborough I OO 24 RIDGE 21 6H 23 U WILLOW GROVE AVE. discharges into Wise’s Mill Run, a tributary of Wissahickon Creek. COMPLETE A

SCHUYLKILL RIVER R C G RIDGE 4 S M D SCHUYLKILL RIVER D

WISSAHICKONWIWWIS AVENUE D Mt. AirSPRINGFIELDy AVE. 14 KITCHENSKITCHHENELNSIVS . S E 19 I ST. MARTINS LANE L RO N E ISSAHIISSA MCM CD T ILLL A ZE R 5. Wise’s Mill Stream Restoration (PWD)—A program of limited in-stream intervention R ’S M D E Y V ISE EN R I A

WISEW LLAANENEE RL E C NE D Y G E LA E R 21 S

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5 L C NE ALLENSD LANE

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L E to reduce stream bank erosion, improve in-stream habitat, and address critical N N N SN T

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R SE 133 L N HENHENRYI AVENUE I 24 E Roxborough E ENWISEW HOOL U GRN infrastructure issues. COMPLETE R

O Y L SC OO EM SPRINGFIELD7 AVE. F L 17 D CH L O 155 S 6 L Mt. Airy IV 23 A S C

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4 N 6. Bell’s Mill Run Stream Restoration (PWD)—A project to restore the Bell’s Mill stream by E Y R I HENRYHEN AVENUE WISSAHICKONWIWWIS L AVENUE

21 D KITCHENSKITCHHENENSS E L 3 . A E E EN 25 ISSAHIISSA MCM C L RO D

D V ILLL A R N N N N T utilizing stone for energy dissipation and principles of natural stream channel design. 21 I COMPLETE M D

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E E 4 23 — Integration of land along Cresheim Creek into 4

F 7. Wissahickon East Project (WEP) A N 12 L Germantown V 133 L V Roxborough I 24 6 23 N R U R L MCM CA HENRYHEN AVENUE Y 3 M Fairmount Park. D WISSAHICKONWIWWIS AVENUE O S LA

AVENUE 100 Mt. Airy N A C KITCHENSKITCHHENELNSIVS S C ISSAHIISSA E

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N D 11 E R 8. Andorra Natural Area Improvements (FOW)—Rehabilitate and redesign 18,000 linear feet A

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12 N UM STRE of trail to mitigate stormwater runoff and reduce sedimentation into Wissahickon Creek; install a

R T 133 R MC CA H RIDGE SCHUYLKILL RIVER U E N WALN L E O D public, ADA accessible composting restroom; and construction of new back porch for Wissahickon

N F Germantown O Mt. Airy

LIV 6 C R 23 N E ALLENS LANE MONASTERY ZE

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3 E YN Environmental Center. (STI Stage 4—Wissahickon Environmental Center Stormwater Management). NE I E

WISSAHICKONWIWWIS LA AVENUE

SE L AVENUE 100 L A D L A KITCHENSKITCHH25ENENSS OU E E V L V H ISSAHIISSA Roxborough I D V N T UM STRE I I L

E LLAANENEEL A R

R —Stabilize the E E E

N 11 E 9. Valley Green Stream Stabilization and Parking Lot Improvements (FOW)

OOB T N D D

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N Mt. Airy SWAL E L

9 IV stream channel, remove debris from the stream, and make parking lot infrastructure improvements N Germantown N E 8 13O 3 12 ZE SCHUYLKILL RIVER RIDGE E Y

F N R L L Y D 3 6 21 designed to mitigate erosion of the lot. A O E 21 AVENUE 100 A D N T C I

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NE B E

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N 11 E 10. Kitchen’s Lane Trail Construction (FOW)—Closure and stabilization of an eroding section of OU ISSAHI U 25 H S V E I O

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OO T N trail. Construction of two new trail routes designed to enhance user safety and improve connectivity

SCHUYLKILL RIVER RIDGE H CH U E D

SWALN E

between the Orange Trail and other trails. Restoration of 1.75 acres of habitat through invasive N Germantown 12 WISSAHICKON AVENUE R 133 N KITCHENS Y E 3 SE LANE L removal and native plantings. 21 V

AVENUE 100 A HOU O LANEN I

V R

E L C D

MONASTERYN 11 11. Historic RittenhouseTown (FOW)—Resurfacing and stabilization of an existing trail head to

OO N

U H I

E C S L reduce sedimentation into Monoshone Creek. SCHUYLKILL RIVER RIDGE 10 N LA L 21 T N O H U E WALN This list is not comprehensive. C E MONASTERY

LANE N SE I N Germantown

HOU L R L Y OO 3 LA H AVENUE 100 SC A T N H U E V WALN E Friends of the Wissahickon (FOW) E 11 N Germantown 21 NU E R

Y

SCHUYLKILL RIVER RIDGE AVENUE A Philadelphia Parks & Recreation (PPR) V E 11 NU SE LANE E OU H Philadelphia Water Department (PWD) SC RIDGE L O HUYLKILL RIVER HO SC SE LANE Wissahickon East Project (WEP) HOU

OL HO SC Locations on Map are approximate.

Keep the Conversation Going With limited time at the Town Meeting on the Health of the Wissahickon Creek in March, 2012, not all questions submitted by audience members were answered. FOW posts answers to remaining questions in each issue of the newsletter as well as on Facebook and the FOW website.

What funding might be available to block The Philadelphia Water Department (PWD) has two programs that could meet these or community associations to make changes needs. The first, the Community Input Forum, allows communities/partners to propose that improve stormwater infiltration at green stormwater infrastructure projects that will help PWD meets its green acre goals. a community group level? For example, This program and its related information request link can be found at: http://www. re-paving an alley with a porous system or phillywatersheds.org/whats_in_it_for_you/CI_Index. PWD also has a grant program for promoting availability of rain barrels as a non-residential properties to install management practices on their property. Information block or community? on the Stormwater Management Incentives Program (SMIP) grant can be found at: http:// www.phillywatersheds.org/what_were_doing/SMIP_Grant. Q A —Joanne Dahme, Philadelphia Water Department’s General Manager, Public Affairs 4 Friends of the Wissahickon • Spring 2013 WATERSHEAD WATCH FOW Project Update Wissahickon Creek Clean Up by Henry Stroud, Project Manager Closure of Fire Road Will Reduce A pril 27 This spring marks the 43rd Stormwater at Andorra Natural Area anniversary of the Wissahickon Valley Watershed Association’s annual Creek The Friends of Clean Up, and the fourth year that FOW the Wissahickon has has teamed up with WVWA to clean all 21 begun accepting bids miles of the Wissahickon Creek. Volunteers for the closure and of all ages will clean the creek, its restoration of an old surrounding trails, and its many tributaries vehicle access road on Saturday, April 27, 2013, from 9:00 near the Wissahickon a.m. to noon. Armed with bags, volunteers Environmental will be assigned to sections of the creek Center (WEC) in the to collect anything from plastic bags and Jeanine Vivona, Sarah Cherubini, Henry Farnham from The Tree House Tots at the WEC tried to get their arms around the European swing sets, to mattresses and tires. Germantown Friends School at Creek Clean Up 2011. beech tree. It was named a “champion tree” in 2006 and is on the register of the Pennsylvania Forestry Association’s Big Trees Program. The tree has a Following the clean up, all volunteers About Our Sponsors 257” circumference and is 102.5’ tall with a 105’ spread. (2006) are invited to WVWA’s Talkin’ Trash picnic held from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the This mission-driven event Andorra Natural Area. The road has become a major conduit Fort Washington Park’s Flourtown Pavilion provides funding for WVWA’s for stormwater, which has accelerated erosion and caused on Mill Road in Flourtown. on-going stewardship efforts through corporate sponsorship of the Creek damage to the nearby trails and habitat. A European beech Registration is Required tree, the largest of its species in Pennsylvania, sits just below Clean Up. The Presenting Sponsor To help out in Montgomery County, all the road. During storms, the ground below it is scoured by volunteers must be pre-assigned a section is Merck & Co., whose West Point stormwater, washing away beneficial topsoil. By closing the of the Wissahickon Creek or a tributary plant sits at the headwaters of the road and restoring it to forest habitat, we expect to lessen to clean; sites range from Lansdale to Wissahickon Creek. Lead Sponsor the stormwater burden so that this tree and other valuable Flourtown. WVWA will provide bags and DOW Chemical Company of Spring resources can be protected. tell you where to place your trash when House provides volunteer support, Gearing Up for 2013 Trail Work you finish your section. Please contact Bob gloves, and T-shirts in addition to Adams, WVWA Director of Stewardship, at their contribution. North Wales Water We are kicking off the trail construction season in the 215-646-8866 ext. 14 or [email protected]. spring with two exciting projects: Authority, MSS Movers Specialty Please indicate the name, size, age range Service, and Caddick Construction • Beginning in March, the Friends will start rerouting the of your group, and if you plan to stay for Forest Loop Trail from the Fallen Magnolia to The Cedars the picnic. are also key supporters of the Creek Clean Up. House. This is the second stage of a three-stage process To work with FOW in Philadelphia, meet to rehabilitate trails in the Andorra Natural Area. For this at the pavilion along Forbidden Drive, a Additional sponsorship support project, FOW is teaming up with trail building expert Valerie short distance south of the intersection of comes from Ambler Savings Bank, Naylor. During construction, we will be offering workshops Forbidden Drive and Northwestern Avenue Aqua Pennsylvania, Artman Lutheran on basic trail construction and hand-tool use (see page 12). (19118). Volunteers will help clean up along Home, BBD, LLP, Colorcon, Inc., First • This summer, construction will begin on two short re-routes the creek and nearby areas of the park Priority Bank, Manufacturer’s Golf of the Orange Trail near Kitchen’s Lane. This hiker-only and neighborhood. Parking is available & Country Club, North Penn Water segment of trail is a popular jogging route and one of the along Northwestern Avenue and other Authority, Philadelphia Cricket Club, more heavily travelled upper trails in the park. Hikers will nearby streets, but limited. Volunteers now have two options when travelling on the Orange Trail are encouraged to bike or carpool to the Rotary Club of Blue Bell, Russell towards Kitchen’s Lane—traversing a new set of stone event. To participate, register at www.fow. Roofing, and Whole Foods of North stairs that connect with the White Trail or following the org. Please indicate if you plan to attend Wales. Companies interested in Orange Trail to the Kitchen’s Lane Bridge. More project the picnic. Contact Outreach Manager Sarah sponsoring the Creek Clean Up details are available at www.fow.org. Marley with questions at 215-247-0417 x109 should contact Carol DeLancey at Wissahickon Stormwater Mitigation or [email protected]. [email protected]. and Sediment Reduction Project FOW will continue to partner with Philadelphia Parks and Recreation and the Philadelphia Water Department in Annual Meeting 2013 to rehabilitate high priority erosion sites throughout Tuesday, June 4, 2013 • 6 pm the park. We will be working at Valley Green Road and Historic RittenhouseTown (HRT). FOW will continue to reduce FOW members are invited to gather to review the past year and learn about sedimentation of the Monoshone Creek near HRT by stabilizing upcoming FOW projects. Special Guest Speaker to be announced. FOW members trail surfaces adjacent to it. Along Valley Green Road, the who attend the Annual Meeting will receive a printed copy of the Annual Report for stream bank will be stabilized through a combination of rock 2012 in addition to the digital version (PDF) that all members will receive in May. armoring and riparian habitat restoration. The adjacent parking RSVP online at www.fow.org or by calling 215-247-0417 x109. lot will also be resurfaced and restriped. 5 Friends of the Wissahickon • Spring 2013 WATERSHEAD WATCH P artners in Water Quality First in an occasional series in which FOW highlights the efforts of others in the Wissahickon Watershed to reduce stormwater runoff. Green in So Many Ways: Springside Chestnut Hill Academy by William Hengst, Former Board Member

ne day last July, residents of northwest overflow pipes should the rain produce or exceed a Philadelphia (including myself) woke 100-year flood event. Oup to discover trees uprooted and turf By mid-fall, the retention beds and underground torn up around the athletic fields along Willow plumbing were in place and covered by four new Grove Avenue and Cherokee Street in Chestnut playing surfaces—two natural turf fields and two Hill. My first thought as I viewed the damage: is all this the result of a freak tornado? But I didn’t We have handled the stormwater on site with Sheet water used to roar down Cherokee Street to panic. I didn’t fire off an Hartwell Creek during heavy rain storms, but no longer, irate letter to the Chestnut each project we have built over the past 12 years. after the improvements to SCH’s athletic fields, which Hill Local. Instead, during should significantly reduce erosion in the Park. —Frank Aloise, SCH’s Business Manager Photo courtesy of SCH. the following weeks and months, I followed the transformation as Springside Chestnut Hill multipurpose Astroturf fields-- the Landreth football fields drop off 65 feet to where Cherokee Street and Academy (SCH) turned its playing fields into field and the soccer/field hockey field--each striped Hartwell Lane meet. something far more green. and ready for play. By the time the new tennis SCH has been steadfast in stemming this tide. I learned that this private school, founded in courts are open and the first ball is thrown out to “We have handled the stormwater on site with the 19th Century (CHA in 1861 and Springside in commence the Blue Devil’s 2013 baseball season, each project we have built over the past 12 years,” 1879) and merged recently as one school, had the scars of last year will be gone and over 200 the school’s Business Manager Frank Aloise said already completed a planning process and adopted newly-planted native trees and shrubs will be during an interview last fall. To date, a total of an ambitious yet sensible master plan which sets starting to leaf. It is important to add here that ten stormwater recharge beds have been built on forth a new vision for a unified campus, enhanced some of the old trees removed along Willow Grove the campus under parking lots, playing fields, and by physical improvements designed to optimize Avenue were in dangerous condition, and the native buildings; the six ones under the playing fields are creativity, learning, and collaboration. trees were spared. the biggest. The plan calls for changes to buildings and As we all know, stormwater runoff is a serious All the rain water, which works its way through grounds, implemented over ten years as funds problem throughout the Wissahickon Valley, causing the new underground plumbing, ultimately reaches are raised through a capital giving campaign. Its erosion to trails and sedimentation and pollution the interceptor sewer at Cherokee and Hartwell, first phase, which began last summer, includes an to Wissahickon Creek, exacerbated by increased flows down Hartwell Creek and then down to the impervious surfaces (roofs, roads, and parking Wissahickon Creek. Last fall, the Philadelphia Water lots) outside park boundaries. The Friends of the Department completed work to stop further erosion Wissahickon’s Sustainable Trails Initiative is in the along the banks of Hartwell Creek by installing large process of making the 50 miles of trails in the rocks and step pools to reduce the creek’s energy Wissahickon more environmentally sustainable for at high flows. all park users. Stormwater management at SCH includes other measures, such as pervious paving on parking lots instead of impervious surfaces, rain gardens, and Our curriculum seeks to correct rain barrels. In partnership with Weavers Way Co-op, rain barrels collect additional water on the campus. the disconnect between the Today, many small rain gardens dot the science of the environment campus at strategic locations near school buildings, R echarge bed—50 feet by 300 feet—under one of the and nature. walkways, and parking lots, each planted with Willow Grove athletic fields. The base of each bed is native plants and wildflowers, and offering lined with fabric, then gravel, and then the overflow pipes. —SCH’s president, Dr. Priscilla Sands opportunities for students to experience random Photo courtesy of SCH. sightings of birds, bees, and flowering plants—in the spring, perhaps, the scent of woodland phlox or wild ginger, and in the fall, a blaze of color from expenditure of $5.5 million to construct several Sheet water runoff from the playing fields cardinal flowers or butterfly weed. Several years large stormwater retention beds under the athletic has been a long-standing problem because of the ago, Audubon Pennsylvania singled out the school fields to store rain water and allow it to seep into topography. From a high point along the edge of for these gardens, declaring them a showcase from the ground or drain off-site through a network of the Philadelphia Cricket Club’s paddleball courts, the which other schools can learn.

6 Friends of the Wissahickon • Spring 2013 WATERSHEAD WATCH

SCH’s green initiatives also encompass a commitment to alternative energy sources, recycling, as well as an environmental curriculum. The Cherokee campus N ew Members hosts a string of solar panels on the roof of Vare Field House and on the main classroom building—all total, half an acre of panels. The school considered FOW is pleased to welcome the following new members, who joined another solar installation on the roof of the new Science and Technology building, the Friends of the Wissahickon from December 1, 2012 through but, according to Business Manger Aloise, it wasn’t economically feasible because January 31, 2013. of the tree cover at the Willow Grove campus. Dr. Robert Aiken Mr. Jay Gantz Ms. Margaret Morris Mr. Tom Atkinson Ms. Cyane Gresham Ms. Irene Palmer Recycling all recyclable waste materials is part of the daily routine for both students and faculty; recycling is monitored by the students, who designed a Mr. John Baker Ms. Natalia Grindlinger Mr. Kieran Quinn questionnaire for faculty and student feedback. All food wastes are placed in Mr. Jonathan Campo Mr. Marshall Haegley Mr. James A. Rosenstein separate containers and composting on campus is tended by a worm colony. Ms. Donna Carney Mr. and Mrs. William Harries Ms. Joann Seaver The Cechony Family Ms. Sharon Hough Mr. and Mrs. Donald G. In her remarks at a community forum last fall sponsored by FOW, Dr. Jan Clarke Mr. Edward Jelesiewicz Sirianni Jr. Priscilla Sands, SCH’s president, stated that the school’s curriculum deliberately Mr. Jim Collins Mrs. Judith Leifer Ms. Mariana Sorensen seeks to “correct the disconnect between the science of the environment and Ms. Katherine Soule nature. Environmental education begins with the pre-kindergarten children who Mr. Thomas Connolly Mr. Jerome Maddox Ms. Linda Cooke Mr. and Ms. Rick Markham Mr. Neil Trenk experience outdoor Mr. Ira Wallace environmental Ms. Anneclaire DeRoos Kara Markley Ms. Robin Zaret science classes in Ms. Deanne Dissinger Ms. Angela McGowan Ms. Suzanne Zimmerman the Wissahickon. Ms. Phyllis Epstein Mr. David Miller Our students have worked with the Friends of the Winter in the Wissahickon to plant more than Wissahickon 225 native trees Winter in the Wissahickon on and ferns and over December 1st was sold out. This 2,400 flowering annual holiday event at Valley Green bulbs. They’ve also Inn and sponsored by FOW, has participated in become a local tradition. Families their share of trail and friends decorated their own restoration projects holiday wreaths while enjoying in the park.” chestnuts roasting on an open fire, It is no surprise N ew Astroturf hot apple cider, lunch, and a Winter that last year SCH Woods Hike led by Trish Fries from was named a “Green Playing Field the Wissahickon Environmental Ribbon School” by Center. Children also made special the U.S. Department Y ou might ask, why choose artificial turf for treats for the wildlife that make the Lory Soda and Scott Piergrossi of Roxborough of Education, Wissahickon their home throughout two of the athletic fields instead of natural at Winter in the Wissahickon 2012. “a huge honor” the winter. according to Dr. grass? In fact, as Frank Aloise pointed Sands. Today, SCH out, it makes much more sense from both is green in so many Coming this spring ways—teaching a green and an economic perspective. children a deeper Artificial turf requires no irrigation, N ew Map of Wissahickon Valley Park understanding fertilizers, pesticides, or mowing, and of nature and • Only $10 offering examples actually absorbs rain water far easier than • Reflects STI trail changes of how residents grass turf, hence less runoff. With the large and businesses • Durable Synthetic Paper in northwest recharge beds in place beneath the fields, • 100% recycled materials Philadelphia it’s a slam dunk. In addition, artificial turf • Clear delineations on trail use could make their is made of recyclable materials and lasts • updated modern graphics properties more environmentally longer than natural turf. • Distance markers friendly. Although underground Available for purchase at www.fow.org retention beds may be Free to all new FOW members and current beyond their budgets, they might consider a strategically placed rain garden, or members when they first renew at the experiment. How about a terrace with a pervious surface? Why not? $45 level or above Also available at The Cedars House and Valley Bill Hengst started the FOW newsletter in 1992 and served as the editor for Green Inn and at FOW’s office. ten years. He also was a member of the FOW Board of Directors during that period. 7 Friends of the Wissahickon • Spring 2013 FOW Photo Contest Winners

“Icy Pond,” by Rosalind Dutton

“One Spring Afternoon,” by Nathalie Borozny

“Rock Garden,” by Chad Porreca

8 Friends of the Wissahickon • Spring 2013 FOW’s Biannual Photo Contest entered the digital age this year. Photos were posted on FOW’s Facebook page where the public viewed all entries and voted for their favorite to select the winner of theP eople’s Choice Award. All FOW Photo Contest Winners other prizes were awarded by local nature photographer James Stewart, whose work appears inWissahickon: Worth Preserving (2007). This year’s contest was sponsored by The Cedars House in Wissahickon Valley Park, and the winning photographs were exhibited at the Chestnut Hill Coffee Company at their new, second location at 3300 HenryA venue. in East Falls. All winning photos can also be viewed on FOW’s website at http://www.fow.org/2012-Photo-Contest.

“Reflections,” by Mallory Jacoby

“Mushroom,” by Chad Porreca

Winning Photographs Best in Show: Bruce Wagner for “Swallowtail” (on cover) People’s Choice Award: Mallory Jacoby for “Reflections” First Place Landscape: Rosalind Dutton for “Icy Pond” Second Place Landscape: Maria Stelacio for “Winter Wonderland” First Place Structures: Matt Evangelou for “Thomas Mill Gate” Second Place Structures: Jim Kershaw for “Summer Bridge” First Place Wildlife: Bruce Wagner for “Swallowtail” Second Place Wildlife: Richard Bechtel for “Turtle on Rock” “Thomas Mill Gate,” by Matt Evangelou First Place People: Nathalie Borozny for “One Spring Afternoon” Second Place People: Laurent Guy for “Horses in the Park” First Place Youth Wildlife: Chad Porreca for “Mushroom” First Place Youth Landscape: Chad Porreca for “Rock Garden”

9 Friends of the Wissahickon • Spring 2013 9 KEEPING U P With the TRAIL AMBASSADORS Safety Guidelines

P ark users should exercise with a partner whenever possible; if exercising alone, try to avoid using the park during off-peak times. Be alert! Go headphone free! It’s not only unsafe from the perspective of crime prevention, but you won’t hear bicyclists behind you or other potential problems. Vary your routine. If you always start your run at Valley Green at 6 a.m., try going to Bell’s Mill Road or Kitchen’s Lane once or twice a week. Trust your instincts. There is a sense of isolation from the city in the park that has a lot of appeal, but if you sense trouble First Trail Ambassador Class of 2013 because of a person or a place, leave. Bottom: May Dominic, Fran Gilmore, Maureen Flanagan, Natalia Grindlinger. Top: John Holback, David Bower (Volunteer Coordinator for Philadelphia Parks and Recreation), Kara Markley, Swimming in any of Philadelphia’s rivers and streams is illegal Jennifer Parker, Michael Kopena, Erin Bendig, John Perry. and dangerous. The Philadelphia Department of Public Health states that swimming and wading is not permitted due to risks Welcome to New Trail of drowning, injury from submerged objects, strong currents, and other hazards. Swimming in Philadelphia creeks and rivers is also Ambassadors of 2012 a serious health hazard because of bacterial contamination and Alexander Andron Bob Maier Marvin Schwartz pollution. Gay Bain Gerald O’Neill Gwen Taylor When you park your car, lock your doors, carry your keys with Daniel Brown Mary Phalan Jane Watkins you, and do not leave wallets, cell phones, or other valuables John Duffin Sanna Randall Wendy Willard in plain sight in your car. The major area of crime in the Stephen Kurens Wissahickon is in the parking lots. Please report suspicious activity by calling 911. Visit www.fow.org frequently. FOW posts crime alerts as necessary. Important Numbers to Know If your car is broken into, call 911. Report the location of your car (the number of the parking lot will help). Stay TA Field Report until the police arrive. Sent: Thursday, 12/6/2012 9:30 am to 12 pm The Fairmount Park Rangers can be reached at 215-685-2172. To: Sarah Marley FOW Trail Ambassadors are often in the park. Their From: Mary Hathaway and primary role is to provide information to park visitors Donna Wilhelm about the Wissahickon and report any problems they see Shift Summary: Zone B--Valley Green Inn to Fairmount Park Rangers. If you are unable to call 911 or the Rangers yourself, a Trail Ambassador can help. Just greeted a dozen or so visitors to the park who virtually all commented what a beautiful day it was to be in the park. No questions. We noticed a large section of many recently downed trees near Gorgas Lane which had already been sawed and moved away from the trails. There was noticeably less trash than earlier in the year. Spotted a flock of brown creepers, a downy woodpecker, Carolina chickadees, and a red tailed hawk. Number of dogs off leash: None

This is a sample of an FOW Trail Ambassador field report, which are routinely submitted after a patrol P hoto by Allison Ostertag shift in the Wissahickon 10 Friends of the Wissahickon • Spring 2013 Trail Ambassador Walks and Talks Walks Unless otherwise noted, hikes use rocky, rugged trails that may be wet, slippery, or steep. Please wear sturdy, protective shoes or boots and bring water/ snacks if you desire. Long pants are recommended for protection against occasional poison ivy and possible ticks. Children over the age of seven are welcome if accompanied by a responsible adult. Walks are cancelled in the event of heavy rain or ice. Registration is sometimes required and always recommended so that you can be informed if there are changes. Contact [email protected] to register. Visit www.fow.org for updated information. Orange Trail Hike with Merritt Rhoad Spring Awakening in the Park with Scott Quitel Sunday, March 10 1 pm • Sunday, April 14 1 pm Saturday, April 13 9 am Meet at Northwestern Ave. & Forbidden Drive. Duration: 2-2 1/2 hours. Meet at Forbidden Drive and Bell’s Mill Road. Hike some mildly rigorous trails Difficulty: moderate. Distance: about 4 miles along Forbidden Drive to Bell’s in search of spring ephemerals. Experience the Park springing to life. Bring Mill Rd and then along the Orange & White Trails to the Indian Statue with your senses. return to Northwestern Ave. along Forbidden Drive at a conversational pace. Spring Wildflower Walk with Don Simon Singles Walk/Hike with Monika Hemmers Saturday, April 27 10 am Sunday, March 17 10 am • Saturday, April 13 10 am Meet at parking lot on Northwestern Ave., on the Roxborough side. Duration: Meet at Valley Green Inn. Duration: 2 - 3 hours. This walk is for all single 2 hours. Distance: 2-3 miles. We will hike the meadow and some of the people ages 22 to 40. We will climb some steep hills on rocky terrain so trails around the Andorra Natural Area. The terrain is fairly easy, no steep please wear hiking boots or sneakers sturdy enough for hiking. After the hike climbs or descents. Participants may want to bring a field guide, camera for you may want to enjoy lunch at Valley Green Inn. More info.: mhemmers11@ photographs, and a notebook. verizon.net. Lower Forbidden Drive with Sarah West Meandering in the Wissahickon with Shelly Brick Sunday, May 5 3 pm Come and enjoy the upper trails of our park and “Talk Story,” a Hawaiian Meet at the small parking lot where Forbidden Drive meets Lincoln Drive, a tradition. Pace will be set by the group. More info.: [email protected]. short distance downstream from RittenhouseTown. Duration: 1.75 hours. Saturday, March 16, 2 pm. Meet at Kitchen’s Lane entrance to the park off Distance: 1 mile along lower Forbidden Drive on level ground as far as Wissahickon Ave. the Walnut Lane Bridge. More info.: [email protected]. Saturday, April 13, 2 pm. Meet at the intersection of Wayne Av. Waters of the Wissahickon with Diane Garvey and Allen’s Lane. Saturday, May 11: 1 pm Sunday, May 19, 2 pm. Meet at the Chestnut Hill entrance to the park on Chestnut Hill Ave. and Seminole St. Meet at Northwestern Equestrian Facility on Sunday, June 23, 2 pm. Meet at the Rex Ave. entrance to the park Northwestern Avenue. Duration: 2 hours. Difficulty: off Seminole Street. moderate. Distance: 2+ miles, downstream on the Orange Trail to the Covered Bridge, back on Three Mile Hikes with Kimberly Quinn Wissahickon Drive. Waterproof shoes recommended. Saturday, March 16 12 pm We will use the Wissahickon as a living laboratory Wednesday, April 10 5:15 pm to measure how much and how fast the water flows Wednesday, May 8 5:15 pm and look at turbulent and laminar flow, and more. Meet at Valley Green Inn. Difficulty: moderate. Duration: 2 Ideal for families and homeschoolers 6 years & older hours. Distance: 3+ miles. Group sets the pace of the hike. accompanied by a responsible adult. We’ll hike along the less traveled Orange Trail, downstream from More info.: [email protected]. Valley Green. Wear supportive hiking shoes and bring water. Cameras and binoculars encouraged. T A Cynthia Turecki will introduce you to the Suitable for children over 8 accompanied by a responsible joys of horsemanship on March 17 and April 7. adult. More info.: [email protected]. (Details below.) Geology Hike with Sarah West Saturday, March 23 3 pm Meet at Valley Green Inn. Duration: 1.75 hours. Distance: Talks 1.5 miles along a rough, steep trail on the east side The public is invited to The Cedars House for a free lecture series presented by FOW of the creek upstream from Valley Green. Slippery or Trail Ambassadors. These programs are suitable for children ten and over, accompanied muddy in places. This hike is suitable for children over 10 by a responsible adult. All lectures are free to the public. The Cedars House is located accompanied by a responsible adult. Please bring water and on Forbidden Drive near Northwestern Avenue in Wissahickon Valley Park. Registration sturdy footwear. More info.: [email protected]. is strongly recommended as space is limited. To register, contact FOW Outreach Wandering the Valley to Find the “Best” Pictures Manager Sarah Marley at [email protected]. Visit www.fow.org for updated information. with Bruce Wagner 17th and 18th Century Mills and Homesteads Saturday, April 6 9 am Sunday, March 3 2pm Meet at Cedars House on Forbidden Drive near Northwestern A 45 minute slide presentation by Trail Ambassador Sarah West during which she Ave. Duration: 3 hours. The Wissahickon Valley is beautiful. discusses historic Mills along the Wissahickon Creek and shares historic views and How do we get the best photos of it? We will follow paths information about the homesteads that were associated with them along the creek stopping for unusual photo opportunities. Expect moderate hills and rocks on the trails. More info.: Understanding Horses [email protected]. Sunday, March 17 2 pm From the Back of a Horse with Cynthia Turecki Have you ever wondered how a horse thinks and communicates? This presentation by Sunday, April 7 11 am Trail Ambassador Cynthia Turecki will help you understand the horse’s point of view. If the weather is suitable, she will bring her horse for a demonstration. Meet at Courtesy Stable. Duration: 2.5 hours. Registration is required: maximum of 8 people, maximum weight limit Historical Geology of the Wissahickon Gorge 180 lbs. Participants will take turns riding the horse for Sunday, March 24 2 pm 15 minutes, being led under control of instructor, who will A 45 minute presentation by Trail Ambassador Sarah West and (if the weather is suitable) teach you as you ride. Each person gets 15 minutes on a short, easy geology walk along Forbidden Drive between Northwestern Avenue and the horse. Age 18 & under must be accompanied by an Bell’s Mill Rd. adult. A waiver must be signed. More info.: barnmanager@ courtesystable.org. 11 Friends of the Wissahickon • Spring 2013 VOLUNTEERUPDATEBy Sarah Marley, Outreach Manager Volunteer of the Year: Saturday Workdays 2012 Volunteers with FOW by the numbers Kevin Kramer March 23 and 30 • 10 am to 2 pm by Dena Sher, Associate Editor Join FOW in the Andorra Natural Area for a 10,817Total Volunteer hours trail building workshop and trail maintenance ince 2010, the Friends of the Wissahickon has awarded Total Volunteers work day. Meet at the Andorra Tree House. 817 the title of “Volunteer of the Year” to one of its large crew Trail building expert Valerie Naylor will instruct of volunteers who accumulated a total of 10,817 hours Trail Ambassadors S volunteers on the basics of sustainable trail 59 of work in 2012. The recipient this year is Kevin Kramer, who building, working with hand tools, and trail work clocked a grand total of 250 hours, mostly on trail upgrading and tool safety. Following instruction, volunteers 237Trail Ambassador Shifts and maintenance will refine and finish sections of trail by cutting Kevin has a long history of performing trail work. His more Volunteer Crew Leaders back slope, removing debris, compacting the trail 10 than 20 years of engaging in this challenging activity was usually surface, and possibly building small sections of a on footpaths, and only when he began volunteering with FOW stone retaining wall. in 2011, did he apply his skills to multi-use trails. When he lived Conservation in Texas, he worked on the Lone Star Trail. After moving to the Philadelphia region in 1992, he worked on trails maintained by Thanks Volunteers the Appalachian Mountain Club in the Delaware Water Gap area Thanks to the 30 most active and then in the National Recreation Area near Allentown. to the conservation volunteers and everyone Home for Kevin was Iowa, in a town called Waterloo. His else who came out in 2012. interest in the out-of-doors began with a three-week backpacking Structures Crew Richard Berman Jacob Marcinek trip to Colorado during his sophomore year in high school. The Structures Crew worked over 1,600 Deirdre Braun Drew Miller He was also a Boy Scout, earning numerous badges, but not hours this year, mostly rebuilding the Warming Justin Bushka Ryan Mitchell enough to qualify as an Eagle Scout. His project for the Order of Shed at Valley Green Inn, a project led by Mike John Cassidy Jennifer Overberg the Arrow was trail maintenance. Souders and Buzz Wemple. Other projects Colin Comerford Jennifer Parker-Adams Backpacking on trails in National Parks such as Yellowstone, completed in 2012 include: repairs to the Robert Conti Monique Rambo Glacier, and the Arches in Utah is how Kevin vacations. He travels swayback bridge on the Lavender Trail, the David Dannenberg Kenn Rymdeko with a group that rents a cabin and is very much interested in Cresheim Valley Road parking lot guard rail, the Dylan Evans Evan Sachs cooking as well as hiking. “We call ourselves a Hiking Club with boardwalk at Bell’s Mill, and the guard rail and Lance Honer Gerry Schweiger a Cooking Disorder.” posts along Forbidden Drive throughout the Chris Jarmas Matt Sylvester He knows the trails in the Wissahickon well, not only park. Chuck Kirkland Charles Uniatowski because of his weekly work on them, but because he hikes them Rich Berman Ron Kanter Mike Souders Kenneth Kopple Nick Uniatowski regularly. When weather or weariness does not allow outdoor Mark Blaustein Brian Murphy Ed Stainton Kevin Kramer Wendy Willard activity, Kevin reads avidly. His preference is for laymen’s books Eric Ervin Merritt Rhoad Bill Thompson on physics or historical fiction. He has read, in the course of one Gregory Lech Matthew Ziemba Bob Harries Tim Smigelski Buzz Wemple year, the 31 books on the medieval templar society written by Ivan Levingston Dmitri Zorine Michael Jecks. During an interview, Kevin spoke at length of the problems Winter Workdays of trail maintenance in the Wissahickon because of their heavy Twenty-one volunteers came use. “Users go off the trail too often to avoid any obstacle in out to remove a bridge that was their path. Also, they do not adhere to the designated uses salvaged for materials and perform of the trails.” What is needed, he says, is “more prominent trail work near the Hermitage on signage regarding intended use of the specific trail, because users often traveling at more than the 7 mile per hour rule in the January 12. On Martin Luther King Wissahickon can easily miss discreet signs.” Day, students from Springside Chestnut Hill Academy and the Kevin is rather modest about his honor. He is quick to Student Conservation Association joined forces with Boy Scout Troop #221 from Chestnut Hill to praise the other volunteers who work with him as being very work with FOW volunteers. They removed removed trash and debris throughout the park and knowledgeable and dedicated. He says, however, that because dismantled an old deer exclosure under the direction of David Bower, Volunteer Coordinator for of the popularity of the Wissahickon as a destination for Philadelphia Parks & Recreation. The group is pictured near the Warming Shed at Valley Green hikers, bikers, and equestrians, the trails in the park will always experience heavy use and require maintenance under the prior to the start of their “day on.” guidance of knowledgeable leaders. What did you do in 2012?

FOW volunteers planted 600 trees and shrubs, removed over 3 acres of invasive plants, filled 488 bags of trash, cleared over 85 fallen trees after Hurricane Sandy, built 9,230 feet of sustainable trail, and closed 4,018 feet of unsustainable trail, led 36 guided walks, and performed FOW volunteers celebrated their 2012 accomplishments with dinner, courtesy of Valley Green Inn, at the Sixth Annual Volunteer Recognition Evening on 230 Trail Ambassadors shifts. December 4. Seated here are: Dee Grubin, Valerie Flitter, John Duffin, and Diana Hulboy. Valley Green Inn also showed their appreciation for FOW volunteers by donating gift cards and coupons which were raffled off to those attending. 12 Friends of the Wissahickon • Spring 2013 N otes from an Expert Birder by Ruth Pfeffer, owner of Birding with Ruth n 2005, Fairmount Park was named an Important Bird Area (IBA) by Audubon Pennsylvania. This includes Wissahickon Valley Park, with a diversity of habitat that Iattracts over 250 species of birds each year. One such habitat is Houston Meadow, located in the Roxborough section of the Wissahickon. There are many species of birds that have returned to this meadow in recent years due to the variety of native wildflowers, shrubs, and trees, such as oaks and hickories. If you haven’t taken a stroll there, this spring would be an ideal time to do so.N ew trails in the meadow were redesigned and constructed by Philadelphia Parks & Recreation (PPR) and FOW. FOW Hosts Public The new FOW Map indicates the various entrances to the meadow. Great Horned Owls are present in the Wissahickon all year round. This nesting owl is Meeting on STI easier to see before the leaves appear. The fledglings can be seen just as spring arrives. The Wood Ducks return in the spring to nest using the boxes provided by the FOW or in he Friends of the Wissahickon hosted a public tree cavities. While strolling along Forbidden Drive, the ducks can be seen until early fall. meeting at New Covenant Campus to discuss Last spring I stopped to converse with volunteers doing trail maintenance near the progress to date on the Sustainable Trails T Covered Bridge, an excellent place to spot birds in the Wissahickon. Of course, I was birding Initiative (STI), upcoming STI projects, and new park and enjoying the songs of the Parula and Palm Warblers. And close by was a Ruby-crowned signage for Wissahickon Valley Park. STI is a multi-year Kinglet feasting on insects. project to make the 50 miles of National Recreation Trails in the Wissahickon a physically and socially Our beloved Wissy (birder’s term) comes alive with song sustainable system that works for all park users. in April and May. The benches along Forbidden Drive provide This project is being executed in partnership with ample opportunity stop, look, and listen to our feathered Philadelphia Parks & Recreation. friends. Take time to enjoy it. Happy Birding! Upcoming work includes projects at the Andorra Natural Area and the Wissahickon Environmental Center, READ MORE: http://fow.org/ and a signage plan, part of STI that has been in about-park/activities/bird-watching development for approximately five years. This signage project is the first comprehensive plan for a new park- wide signage system that will orient park users during A bove right: Pileated Woodpecker, which have been seen their visits to the Wissahickon and help them deal with excavating at the edge of Houston Meadow. potential safety and health emergencies on the trails. Above Left: Indigo Bunting. There were four nesting pairs Your Questions Answered in the Wissahickon last year. Any chance “The Monster Hill” trail which leads Right: Palm Warbler. Q from Courtesy Stables going north down to Bell’s Photos by Ruth Pfeffer Mill Road can be rerouted soon? FOW does not have plans to reroute this section A of trail in the next 12 months, but all trails will be D id you know? evaluated as we continue STI planning. The Houston Meadow Reclamation Project has improved conditions How can we assure that plantings done at the for birds and other wildlife. Initiated by PPR and Audubon Q Valley Green Stream Stabilization Project will be done correctly? Pennsylvania, this project enlarged and enhanced the meadow. The plantings for this project will be done by well- The work included: delineating new boundaries of the meadow, A trained FOW volunteers. which was nearly four times its current size in 1959; removing many Will the Kitchen’s Lane staircase be suitable for early-successional trees which were encroaching on the meadow; Q equestrian use? The Kitchen’s Lane staircase will be a new, hiker- identifying important trees to keep for bird habitat; controlling A only connection from the Orange Trail to the White invasive non-native plants; seeding with native wildflowers and warm- Trail, so it will not result in a loss of access for any user group. season grasses; and planting native shrubs along meadow edges. Is there any information available about what was Q learned from the recent sign survey? The existing park signage was inventoried last National Trails Day A summer, generating details on the location, June 1, 2013 • 9:30 am to 12:30 pm content, and type of each sign located in the park. Join FOW and REI Conshohocken in this nation-wide effort to raise awareness of This information will be used to help FOW plan the and care for the trails in Wissahickon Valley Park. production and installation of the new, park-wide signage Meet at the parking lot at Kitchen’s Lane, down Wissahickon Avenue in Mt. Airy, system. In total, we documented ~300 trail and/or park for invasive plant removal and trail maintenance. related signs. This does not include signs maintained by other city agencies, such as police, fire, or streets. Register with FOW Outreach Manager Sarah Marley at [email protected] or 215-247-0417 x109. —Joanne Dahme, Philadelphia Water Department’s General Manager, Public Affairs P ictured Above: FOW Project Manager Henry Stroud at the Public Meeting in December. 13 Friends of the Wissahickon • Spring 2013 Summer Camps in the Wissahickon Valley Briar BushN ature Center Briar Bush provides the opportunity to experience the wonders of nature through games, hikes, crafts, live animal encounters, and free play time. Older campers venture to local natural areas and places of interest to increase their knowledge and comfort level in the outdoors. Summer Camp 2012. Half-day camps for ages 2-7 and Full-day camps Update: Wissahickon for ages 8-18. Camp Aide volunteering for young adults ages 13+. Registration for members begins Feb. 4. Non-member registration begins March 18. Restoration Volunteers Location: 1212 Edge Hill Road, Abington, PA 19001 by Susannah Beckett, WRV Field Director More Information: 215-887-6603 or www.briarbush.org

he Wissahickon Restoration Volunteers (WRV) Pennypack Environmental Center had another successful year of restoration Explore, investigate, and enjoy Pennypack Park during this fun-filled week. Twork by volunteers in 2012. WRV led some Nature Camp is the perfect setting to discover nature’s wonders in a safe, 400 volunteers on 40 restoration days, removed educational, and social environment. thousands of invasive plants, and planted Nature Camp. (June 24-28) Ages 8-12 years. 9 am-3 pm. $125.00 per child. approximately 300 native trees and shrubs. WRV Limited to 24 children. Register early. Registration is not complete until 2012 sites include: payment received and space is confirmed. Payment is non-refundable. • roxborough - Invasive removal and Classes are taught by park staff and guest educators from other professional planting off Henry Avenue and Wigard organizations. Optional one-night campout for an additional fee. Avenue near the Scout House. Location: 2600 A Verree Road, Philadelphia, PA 19115 More information: 215-685-0470 or [email protected] • Mt Airy - WRV continued our decade long commitment to the forest area off Kitchen’s Lane, expanding Schuylkill Center for Environmental Education our restoration work toward the SCEE offers two environmentally-based summer camp programs run by experienced Monastery Stables. environmental educators and gives children and teens opportunities to explore the natural world and their connection to it. • Chestnut Hill - Our newest site is Nature Ramblers Summer Camp. Ages 4 to 9. Takes place on 340 acres of diverse habitat and the Lavender Trail near the provides intimate and ongoing access to forests, fields, streams, ponds, and an organic farm Crefeld gate. garden. For more information, contact Camila Rivera-Tinsley at 215-482-7300 x122 or crivera@ This year has started off great. schuylkillcenter.org. WRV received a National Environmental Summer Adventure Treks. Ages 10-15. Challenges pre-teens and teens to improve their outdoor Education grant to hold gatherings knowledge and skills in a comfortable and supportive setting. For more information, contactA nna to further our mission of thoughtful, Marchefka at 215-482-7300 x140 or [email protected]. volunteer based, natural restoration work in Location: 8480 Hagy’s Mill Road, Philadelphia, PA 19128 Wissahickon Valley Park. So far, we participated More information: [email protected] or www.schuylkillcenter.org in the Martin Luther King Day of Service, leading 30 volunteers and an educational hike. This February, Wissahickon Environmental Center WRV held its first Advisory Board meeting. This group consists of individuals devoted to the ecological health Online registration begins Sunday, April 1, 2013, at 12 am. Space is limited to the first 25 registrants. of the Wissahickon, including a biologist, an employee Sibling discount: $25.00 discount is offered for each additional sibling registering for the same week. of Philadelphia Parks & Recreation (PPR), and an Each child may only attend one week of summer camp at WEC. If registration is full and you are ecologist from a local environmental firm. interested in being on a wait list or receiving emails about WEC camp and programs in 2014, email [email protected]. As for WRV’s 2013 restoration plans, our Wigard Tree House Adventure Camp. (June 17-21 or June 24–28) Ages 6-10. Limited to first 25 registrants. A Avenue site has grown to include the removal of four week-long camp filled with nature discovery, games, and adventures. Children divided into small groups large stands of the tree Devil’s Walking Stick. We will according to age and taught by an experienced education staff member and junior counselor. 9 am to 3 also focus on planting native trees roadside along Henry pm. Cost: $185 for one week. Avenue at Hermit Lane and between Wigard Avenue and Out-N-About Camp. (August 12-16) Ages 11-14. Limited to first 12 registrants. Day trips may include Wise’s Mill Road. This spring, our new Lavender Trail tubing on the Delaware, raft building, rock climbing, canoeing, biking, a downtown scavenger hunt, and site will be planted with canopy trees and understory more. An extended day trip followed by an overnight camp-out is planned for 8/15 9 am to 8/16 1 pm. shrubs. WRV looks forward to working with PPR Transportation to all activities is included. 9 am to 3 pm. Cost: $200 for one week. and FOW on our shared vision of a healthy natural Location: 300 Northwestern Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19118 environment in the Wissahickon. More information: 215-685-9285 or [email protected] To be a Wissahickon Restoration Volunteer, join a WRV Crew Leader the first Saturday or third Sunday Wissahickon Valley Watershed Association of every month in the Wissahickon. Contact WRV Summer Education Camp. Ages 8-17. Takes place at the Temple University Ambler Campus on to schedule a special restoration workday for your Meetinghouse Road. A wonderful opportunity for youths to learn about a specific area of interest, group of ten or more. To volunteer in your neck of experience a college campus, and have lots of fun at the same time. There is a 10% discount for the woods, check out our events calendar at www. registration by April 30, 2013. wissahickonrestorationvolunteers.com. See you in Location: 580 Meetinghouse Road, Ambler, PA 19002 the woods! More information: 267-468-8500 or www.ambler.temple.edu/camps 14 Friends of the Wissahickon • Spring 2013 HIKES IN THE WISSAHICKON

Trail Ambassador Hikes Unless otherwise noted, hikes use uneven trails that may be wet, slippery, or steep. Please wear sturdy, protective shoes or boots and bring water/snacks if you desire. Children over the age of seven are welcome if accompanied by a responsible adult. Walks are cancelled in the event of heavy rain or snow. Registration is not required, but is recommended so that you can be informed if there are changes. For more information, see p. 11. Please visit www.fow.org for updated information. Orange Trail Hike with Merritt Rhoad Wandering the Valley to Find the “Best” Sunday, March 10 1 pm Pictures with Bruce Wagner Sunday, April 14 1 pm Saturday, April 6 9 am Meet at Northwestern Ave. & Forbidden Drive. Duration: Meet at Cedars House on Forbidden Drive near 2-2 1/2 hours. Difficulty: moderate. Distance: about 4 Northwestern Ave. Duration: 3 hours. The Wissahickon miles along Forbidden Drive to Bell’s Mill Rd and then Valley is beautiful. How do we get the best photos of it? along the Orange & White Trails to the Indian Statue with We will follow paths along the creek stopping for unusual return to Northwestern Ave. along Forbidden Drive at a photo opportunities. Expect moderate hills and rocks on conversational pace. the trails. More info.: [email protected]. Singles Walk/Hike with Monika Hemmers From the Back of a Horse with Cynthia Turecki Sunday, March 17 10 am Sunday, April 7 11 am Saturday, April 13 10 am Meet at Courtesy Stable. Duration: 2.5 hours. Registration P hoto by William Hengst Meet at Valley Green Inn. Duration: 2- 3 hours. This walk is required: maximum of 8 people, maximum weight limit is for all single people ages 22 to 40. We will climb 180 lbs. Participants will take turns riding the horse for Wissahickon Day ­• April 28 some steep hills on rocky terrain so please wear hiking 15 minutes, being led under control of instructor, who boots or sneakers sturdy enough for hiking. After the hike will teach you as you ride. Each person gets 15 minutes The 2013 annual Wissahickon Day Parade will be held on Sunday, April 28, 2013, on you may want to enjoy lunch at Valley Green Inn. More on the horse. Age 18 & under must be accompanied info.: [email protected]. by an adult. A waiver must be signed. More info.: Forbidden Drive in Wissahickon Valley Park. The parade is the oldest annual equine parade [email protected]. Meandering in the Wissahickon in the U.S. and is sponsored by the Wissahickon Valley Riding and Driving Association with Shelly Brick Spring Awakening in the Park (WVRDA). Come and enjoy the upper trails of our park and “Talk with Scott Quitel Story,” a Hawaiian tradition. Pace will be set by the Saturday, April 13 9 am The Parade has a rich history; tradition dictates that only riders and drivers group. More info.: [email protected]. Meet at Forbidden Drive and Bell’s Mill Road. Hike some Saturday, March 16, 2 pm. Meet at Kitchen’s Lane mildly rigorous trails in search of spring ephemerals. participate—no one walks. This tradition relates to the purpose of the original 1921 parade, entrance to the park off Wissahickon Ave. Experience the Park springing to life. Bring your senses. Saturday, April 13, 2 pm. Meet at the intersection of Spring Wildflower Walk with Don Simon which was to protest the proposal to open this main Wissahickon Valley Park path to Wayne Av. and Allen’s Lane. Saturday, April 27 10 am Sunday, May 19, 2 pm. Meet at the Chestnut Hill automobiles. A “Save the Wissahickon” campaign rallied hundreds of equestrians and Meet at parking lot on Northwestern Ave., on the entrance to the park on Chestnut Hill Ave. and Roxborough side. Duration: 2 hours. Distance: 2-3 miles. thousands of spectators. The proposal was defeated, cars were “forbidden,” and Forbidden Seminole St. We will hike the meadow and some of the trails around Sunday, June 23, 2 pm. Meet at the Rex Ave. Drive got its name. the Andorra Natural Area. The terrain is fairly easy, no entrance to the park off Seminole Street. steep climbs or descents. Participants may want to bring The Parade will start at 12:00 p.m., departing from Harper’s Meadow. Line-up will start Three Mile Hikes with Kimberly Quinn a field guide, camera for photographs, and a notebook. Saturday, March 16 12 pm with carriages in front of Northwestern Equestrian Facility (NWEF) at approximately 11:45 Lower Forbidden Drive with Sarah West Wednesday, April 10 5:15 pm Sunday, May 5 3 pm a.m. Riders will fall in line behind the carriages starting at Harper’s Meadow. TheP arade Wednesday, May 8 5:15 pm Meet at the small parking lot where Forbidden Drive Meet at Valley Green Inn. Difficulty: moderate. Duration: will travel to Forbidden Drive and continue along the Drive to the judging area at Valley meets Lincoln Drive, a short distance downstream from 2 hours. Distance: 3+ miles. Group sets the pace of RittenhouseTown. Duration: 1.75 hours. Distance: 1 mile Green Inn. the hike. We’ll hike along the less traveled Orange along lower Forbidden Drive on level ground as far as the Trail, downstream from Valley Green. Wear supportive Walnut Lane Bridge. More info.: [email protected]. A Horse Show will precede the parade, with classes held in the outdoor arena of hiking shoes and bring water. Cameras and binoculars NWEF, starting at 10:00 a.m. Classes include English, Western, Costume, Stable Group, and encouraged. Suitable for children over 8 accompanied Waters of the Wissahickon with Diane Garvey by a responsible adult. More info.: kimberlyaquinn@ Saturday, May 11: 1 pm Carriages. Registration for both the Show and the Parade begins at 9:00 a.m. gmail.com. Meet at Northwestern Equestrian Facility on Northwestern Avenue. Duration: 2 hours. Geology Hike with Sarah West Spectators can watch the Horse Show from the bleachers in front of the ring in Harper’s Difficulty: moderate. Distance: 2+ miles, downstream Saturday, March 23 3 pm on the Orange Trail to the Covered Bridge, back on Meadow, while Parade viewing is available anywhere along Forbidden Drive. The judging Meet at Valley Green Inn. Duration: 1.75 hours. Distance: Wissahickon Drive. Waterproof shoes recommended. 1.5 miles along a rough, steep trail on the east side area in front of Valley Green Inn is the most popular Parade viewing site. Picnic areas are We will use the Wissahickon as a living laboratory to of the creek upstream from Valley Green. Slippery or measure how much and how fast the water flows and available throughout the park. Food and beverages are available at Valley Green Inn, where muddy in places. This hike is suitable for children over 10 look at turbulent and laminar flow. Ideal for families accompanied by a responsible adult. Please bring water reservations for meals are recommended. Northwestern Avenue will be closed to traffic and and homeschoolers 6 years & older accompanied by a and sturdy footwear. More info.: [email protected]. responsible adult. parking to accommodate horse trailers and carriages. Parking will be available in the upper More info.: [email protected]. lots at Valley Green. Appalachian Mountain Club Delaware Valley Chapter www.amcdv.org For more information or to register, contact Jo Catanzaro at [email protected]. Mondays. Wissahickon Gorge Wandering. Brisk-paced hike; distance is dependent on the conditions and speed of the group. Meet by Valley Green Inn at 6:30 pm. Bring water and a flashlight or a head lamp. Bad weather cancels. Leaders: Christina Lawless (215-530-3883) or [email protected]; Michael Lawless (215-836-2275); David Stein (215- 508-5915) or [email protected]. Thru April 29. Tuesdays. Tuesday Nights in the Wissahickon. Casual social hike through hills of Wissahickon Gorge. Bring water and a flashlight or headlamp. Always an option for dinner following the hike. Meet at Bruno’s, at the corner of Germantown and Northwestern Avenues, at 6:30 pm. Nasty weather will cancel the hike. Leaders: David Stein (215-499-9803 before 9 pm or [email protected]); Pat Naismith (610-639-3670 before 9 pm or [email protected]). Thru April 29. You make the world Philaventures www.philaventures.org Last Sunday of Month. Gay/Lesbian/TG Wissahickon Walk. Meet outside former Borders on Germantown Ave. in Chestnut Hill at 1:45 pm on the last Sunday of the month. Return: approx. 5 pm. Walk at a focused pace, some ups a more beautiful place. and downs, over uneven paths. Exit at midway break, if desired. A fun, talkative group of gay/lesbian/TG people who like fresh air and occasional exercise. Leader: Andy B. ([email protected]).

NBCUniversal is a proud sponsor of Friends of the Wissahickon.

We appreciate Valley

Green Bank reinvesting in Bravo, Chiller, CLOO, CNBC, CNBC World, Comcast Sports Group, E!, ExerciseTV, G4, Golf Channel, msnbc, mun2, Olympics, Oxygen, Sprout, our community and in the Style, Syfy, Telemundo, Universal HD, USA, VERSUS Trail Ambassador Merritt Rhoad leading a walk on Forbidden Drive. Wissahickon Valley! Check our website for updates • www.fow.org 15 Friends of the Wissahickon • Spring 2013

Job #: NBCU155 Job Name: Whispers Along the Wissahickon Sponsorship Ad 1

Unit: Full page Dimensions Width x Height Publication: Reservation #: Colors: 4/C Non-Bleed: 3” x 4” Program XXX Line Screen: 300 dpi Trim: NA Issue Date(s): XX/XX/11 Placement: XXX PDF: Acrobat 8.0 Safety: NA 15 Mat. Due Date: XX/XX/11

Production Contact: Caroll Ann Moore 1-212-367-9225 x233 Calendar OF EVENTS IN THE WISSAHICKON VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES THIRD SUNDAY OF EVERY MONTH Wissahickon Restoration Volunteers (WRV) will lead a service project from 10 am to noon as part of their on-going reforestation activities. Details and directions to the worksite posted on the WRV website (http://wissahickonrestorationvolunteers.org) at least one week prior to the event. For information and to RSVP, contact WISSAHICKON ENVIRONMENTAL CENTER WRV at 215-951-0330 x201 or [email protected]. Day of event, call Ron at 215-483-4348. Pre-Registration is required for all programs (except Apple Pressing Day). Space is limited, EVERY TUESDAY so register early! Unless otherwise noted, all programs are FREE, last approximately 90 Friends of the Wissahickon volunteers repair and build structures in the Wissahickon from 9 am to 1 pm. If you are handy with tools and like to build, contact FOW minutes, & begin at the Tree House. For information and registration, please call us Volunteer Coordinator Eric Falk at [email protected] or 215-247-0417 x107. at: 215.685.9285, or email [email protected] EVERY WEDNESDAY Thursday Tots Wissahickon Service Projects (September through May) 1 pm to 3 pm. Join Crefeld School, Friends of the Bring your little one for an hour of discovery at the Tree House. Each month Wissahickon, and Fairmount Park. Something new every week. Call David Bower at 215-685-0120 for information. we will explore a new topic that celebrates the season. Ages 3-5. Parents FRIENDS OF THE WISSAHICKON stay with their child. Suggested donation: $5 per session. Please register at EVERY THURSDAY Preserving our Gateway to the Wissahickon least one week prior to the program. 1-2 pm. Friends of the Wissahickon volunteers do repairs within the Wissahickon from 9 am to 1 pm. If you would like to help, All about Trees: April 11 contact FOW’s Volunteer Coordinator Eric Falk at [email protected] or 215-247-0417 x107. Wednesday, March 27 6 pm See page 3 Fairy Houses: May 9 SATURDAY Bugs and Slugs: June 6 Valley Talks Friends of the Wissahickon leads a service project at various locations in the Park from 10 am to 2 pm, unless it Arbor Day Celebration Saturday, April 13 1 pm is a holiday or there is inclement weather. Projects include trail maintenance, invasive weed removal, planting and sWednesday , April 17 and may 15 6 PM Invest in the future by planting a tree at the Tree House. Learn how to See page 2 clean-ups. For information, check the volunteer calendar at www.fow.org/volunteering/upcoming-workdays or contact properly plant a tree while also learning tree identification and tree biology Volunteer Coordinator Eric Falk [email protected] or 215-247-0417 x 107. Wissahickon Creek Clean Up from a certified Tree Tender. All ages FIRST SATURDAY OF EVERY MONTH Saturday, April 27 11 am Picnic in the Meadow Monday, April 22 6-8 pm Wissahickon Restoration Volunteers (WRV) will lead a service project from 10 am to noon as part of See page 5 Come celebrate the newly restored Andorra Meadow. Bring the family, a their on-going reforestation activities. Project details and directions to the worksite will be posted at www. Central Park Tour picnic blanket and dinner, and enjoy a spring evening under the flowering wissahickonrestorationvolunteers.org at least one week prior to the event. For information and to RSVP, contact dogwood trees. All ages WRV at 215-951-0330 x201 or [email protected]. Thursday, May 2 8 am See page 3 Frogs and Toads Saturday, April 27 8 am National Trails Day Do you enjoy searching for frogs and toads? If so, then join us for an early HISTORIC RITTENHOUSETOWN Sa turday, June 1 9:30 am morning introduction to amphibians. We’ll listen and search for our resident Future calendar listings for the Historic RittenhouseTown offers classes, workshops, and events for See page 13 green frogs and American Toads. All ages newsletter may be placed by individuals and families to learn about the craft of hand papermaking Annual Meeting New Moon Hike Friday, May 10 7 pm contacting the Friends of the and other aspects of Colonial life at the original Rittenhouse Family Tuesday, June 4 6 PM Discover the wonders overhead during this month’s New Moon. (Bring Homestead. RittenhouseTown is located on Lincoln Drive at Rittenhouse flashlights & come prepared to hike through the woods.) Adults only Wissahickon at 215-247-0417 or See page 5 Street. For information on their programs call 215-438-5711, e-mail Bee Kind to your Mother Saturday, May 11 10 am [email protected], or visit www.rittenhousetown.org. [email protected]. Join our beekeeper, Chelsea Heck, for a close -up look at our beehives. The Calendar of Events in the VAlley Green Inn Learn about the honeybee’s role in a healthy ecosystem. Taste local honey! Wissahickon may Get your hands dirty and help us add plants to our native pollinator garden. Located on Forbidden Drive in Wissahickon Valley Park. For more information: http://fow.org/aboutval.php. All ages also be viewed on FOW’s website Yappy Hour www.fow.org, Back to Bats! Saturday, June 1 8 pm Last Tuesday of the Month. Benefits Philadelphia Animal Welfare Society (PAWS). 5-8 pm. 20% of Inn sales for the Learn about the benefits of Pennsylvania’s bat species and the cause of their alarming which contains updates on our evening will be donated to PAWS. drop in numbers. Then take a hike to the creek to search for brown bats in action. All ages events, including cancellations. Wissahickon Valley Watershed Association Fairy House Building Saturday, June 8 1 pm WVWA offers many public programs as part of its mission to protect the quality and beauty of the Wissahickon Creek The Fairies have returned to the forest and they are looking for a good place to live! and to enhance life in the Wissahickon Watershed. Located at 12 Morris Road, Ambler, Pennsylvania. For information Collect natural building materials and construct a home to attract your magical fairy or RUNNING CLUBS on their programs, visit www.wvwa.org. gnome. All ages EVERY THURSDAY Unless noted, programs are FREE, begin at the Tree House & last 90 minutes. Wissahickon Wanderers Trail Run. 4-5 miles. Starts 6:30 pm. at Valley Green Inn. For details call 215-849-9080 or visit Pre-registration is required for all programs. Space is limited, so register early. www.wanderersrunningclub.org. For information and registration, please call 215.685.9285 or email [email protected] EVERY SATURDAY Shawmont Running Club. Starts at the end of Forbidden Drive/Northwestern Ave. From the 2nd Saturday in May through the 2nd Saturday in October we start at 7:30 am. From the 3rd Saturday in October through the 1st Saturday in May we start at 8 am. Distances are at the discretion of runners. All levels welcome. Emphasis is on fun! www.shawmontrunningclub.com. Check our website for updates www.fow.org

— 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

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.