Preserving the natural beauty and wildness of the Wissahickon Valley for 93 years

SUMMER 2017 VOLUME 26 • NUMBER 2

Summer TA Walks p. 14 Hidden World p. 10 Kelly Green Project p. 17 of the Forest Floor

Photo by Tara Cutler A MESSAGE FROM THE DIRECTOR

ou will notice that this issue of FOW’s quarterly newsletter is thicker than usual. It includes our YAnnual Report for 2016, and we encourage you to 40 W. Evergreen Ave., Suite 108, Philadelphia, PA 19118-3324 take some time to read it. Last year we laid the groundwork (215) 247-0417 • [email protected] • fow.org for several large capital projects that will preserve the The mission of Friends of the Wissahickon is to Wissahickon, improve the water quality of the creek, and preserve the natural beauty and wildness of the maintain the park for the enjoyment of all park users: hikers, Wissahickon Valley and stimulate public bikers, bird watchers, equestrians, and . . . explorers. interest therein. No matter how old you are, it is fascinating to OFFICERS peek under a log in the Wissahickon and discover Will Whetzel, President what is living beneath it. The small creatures found Jeff Harbison, Vice President under a log help keep our world clear of debris— James Walker, Treasurer breaking down dead trees, animals, and waste—and Cynthia Heckscher, Secretary we depend upon them. The feature in this issue of PAST PRESIDENTS FOW’s newsletter provides guidelines that will help Cindy Affleck Charles Dilks

Photo by Laurie Beck Peterson Robert A. Lukens David Pope John Rollins Edward C. Stainton Last year we laid the groundwork for several Robert T. Vance, Jr. large capital projects that will preserve the Wissahickon, BOARD MEMBERS Christine Bamberger Louise Johnston improve the water quality of the creek, and maintain the Christopher Bentley Courtney Kapp Amy Branch Benoliel John Kelly park for the enjoyment of all park users: hikers, bikers, bird Tai-ming Chang Martha Kennedy Stephanie Craighead Richard Kremnick watchers, equestrians, and . . . explorers. Walt Crimm Charles Lee, Jr. Emily Daeschler Chris McCausland Alyssa Edwards David Pope you discover the life under a log without disturbing the creatures you encounter and Sam Finney Jean Sachs identifies what you might find. (See p. 10) It’s a great way for children to learn more about Shirley Gracie Robert T. Vance, Jr. the natural world, and you can look and observe with little or no impact on these hidden Jeff Harbison James Walker ecosystems. Cynthia Heckscher Patricia R. West Nina Hoe Will Whetzel At Philadelphia public schools, FOW is encouraging self-directed inquiry beyond the Susie Wilmerding park’s boundaries and into the Wissahickon Watershed at large. On page 17 you can read about the new meadow that has been built and cultivated by students at the John STAFF B. Kelly Elementary School and supported by FOW and the Tookany/Tacony-Frankford Maura McCarthy, Executive Director Watershed Partnership. The meadow will help mitigate stormwater runoff in the area, Ruffian Tittmann, Director of Development and Operations while students learn through doing. Audrey Simpson, Business Manager For all of us to continue to learn and love the Wissahickon, we must be mindful of Denise Larrabee, Editor/Writer each other and the habitat. FOW welcomes everyone in the park, including dog walkers, Sarah Marley, Outreach Manager who are present in the park at all hours of the day and are often the first to report to Peg Shaw, Project Manager Laura Feragen, Publicist us when there is a problem. But it is critical for their safety and the safety of others, John Holback, Field Coordinator including their dogs, that they keep their pets on a leash. FOW Trail Ambassadors are Christina Anthony, Volunteer Coordinator offering treats to dogs on leashes, and you can learn more about this program on page 15. Giulia Morrone, Development We all appreciate the park and support it in our own ways. Dr. Alice Clark (1937- and Outreach Assistant Lorraine Awuku, Development Manager 2016), who you can read about on page 12, had a deep personal connection to the Ashley Velez, Executive Assistant Wissahickon and made arrangements to ensure that others could do the same by putting aside resources to donate to the stewardship of the park. We hope you will take some NEWSLETTER time this summer to consider what the Wissahickon means to you—recreation, learning, Denise Larrabee, Editor rejuvenation—and consider joining us at FOW in protecting this unique and wondrous Moon Design, Layout Published by Bartash Printing, Inc., Phila. place. Printed on recycled paper.

UNITED WAY DONATIONS Friends of the Wissahickon can receive membership/donations through the United Way. Our United Way number is 9882. If this is the most convenient way for you to give, Maura McCarthy please do so. Visit our website (fow.org) to Executive Director learn about the benefits of membership in Friends of the Wissahickon.

2 Summer 2017 • Friends of the Wissahickon BRIEFLY NOTED HANDS-ON LEARNING SPRING AT SPRINGSIDE CHESTNUT HILL VALLEY Springside Chestnut Hill TALKS Academy’s (SCH) campus Valley Talks this past regularly provides a hands-on spring explored trees and classroom for students. This history. In April, Paul spring, Lower School boys Meyer, Edward Sibley tapped five maple trees during Barnard, and Catriona the running season (when Bull Briger presented sap flows) and then boiled the a preview of their sap to create delicious maple forthcoming book Philadelphia Trees: A Field Guide to the City and syrup. The boys also enjoyed the Surrounding Delaware Valley. Elizabeth Milroy examined how a Maple Tree Festival where and why the Wissahickon was added to Fairmount Park and shared they shared what they learned some new discoveries she made while writing her new book, The about the chemistry and Grid and the River: Philadelphia’s Green Places, 1682-1876. Valley ecology of syrup production Talks are sponsored by Univest. with other SCH students. Most were quite stunned to learn that the ratio of sap JOIN US FOR OUR 11TH ANNUAL boiled to syrup produced is 40:1! Pictured are first grade sap collectors Kiran ICE CREAM Chennupati (left) and Jasiah Payne (right). —Karen Tracy, SCH Academy SOCIAL.

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 16

The Cedars House Café 3PM-5PM on Forbidden Drive near Northwestern Ave.

u r e er free ice cream e mu ure e r e e m ueer e rm e rme eer e e mee , ueer, mmu rer

Partners

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THANKS TO YOUR VOTES, fow.org FOW WINS $10,000! FOW won a $10,000 grant from NRG Gives, NRG Home’s community Photo by Ellie Seif giving program funded by the NRG Retail Charitable Foundation. Three organizations were competing for up to $100,000 by encouraging WISSAHICKON IS TOPS IN HIKING their supporters to vote for them as often as possible from May 8 to 19. Nominated by an FOW member and NRG Home employee, FOW PhillyVoice named Wissahickon Valley Park one of the top three received hundreds of thousands of votes, which qualified us for the hiking destinations within ten miles of Philadelphia in April. $10,000 grant. Thank you to all our volunteers and supporters who The Wissahickon was lauded for being “the closest you’ll come to voted tirelessly for us! Pictured here are FOW Executive Director Maura mountainous hiking in Philadelphia.” It was called out for its 50+ McCarthy (center) and Tom Hughes (left) and Jordan McConnell (right) miles of “lush trails,” three equestrian stables, and the beloved Valley from NRG Home. Green Inn, because “what’s more satisfying than an early morning sweat followed by brunch?” We couldn’t agree more!

Friends of the Wissahickon • Summer 2017 3 WHAT’S GOING ON IN THE WISSAHICKON?

By Peg Shaw, Project Manager SUSTAINABLE TRAILS INITIATIVE The Sustainable Trails Initiative (STI) is a multi-stage commitment by FOW to help make the 50 miles of natural surface trails in the Wissahickon Valley Park an environmentally and socially sustainable system that works for all park users. There are three key objectives of the initiative: 1. improve stormwater management; 2. protect and restore habitat; and 3. enhance the trail user experience. Starting in 2006, FOW initiated a thorough community and stakeholder engagement process, and the results of that were synthesized into a trail assessment by the team of professional trail builders who developed the STI plan. We have completed over 14 miles of new sustainable trails, closed over nine miles of unsustainable trails, and maintained approximately ten miles of trails annually. Who’s completed all this work? A combination of professional trail builders, a corps of dedicated, trained, and skilled volunteer trail builders, FOW staff members, and hundreds of people NEW TRAIL AT Project Coordinator John Holback using a mini who volunteered on dozens of workdays. MT. AIRY AVENUE skidsteer on the trail near This spring Christ Bernhardt, a professional Mt. Airy Avenue. trail builder and Principal of Sentieros This spring FOW continued our Sustainable Trails Initiative (STI) work Consulting and one of the members of the by building a new sustainable equestrian and hiker trail near Mt. Airy original STI consulting team, assessed the work Avenue. Covering approximately 3,000 linear feet (LF), this new trail of STI to date as it relates to the original 2006 is replacing an existing trail, approximately 1,200 LF, located on a flat plans. He then outlined priority projects to move ridge top, and along the edge of, private property. Due to this location, the initiative toward completion in the next two the trail was unable to manage stormwater, which resulted in several to three years, at which time a new phase of segments holding water and remaining muddy, and other segments trail management will begin. across the contours causing erosion and gullying. FOW invited professional trail builder Valerie Naylor to build the new trail. She has completed trail work in the park with FOW in the past and for several years has taught Sustainable Trails 101 and Machine Use to our Crew Leaders. This year FOW coordinated the new trail construction to FOW SPEAKS OUT coincide with Naylor’s Sustainable Trails 101 course, allowing new Crew Leaders an immediate FOR SAFETY opportunity for training in the field. Prior to her arrival in early April, FOW staff worked with FOW Executive Director Maura McCarthy two long-time dedicated Crew Leaders, Dave Dannenberg and Dan Mercer, to lay out the new testified on May 12 at a Philadelphia City trail corridor following sustainable design principals that facilitate stormwater management, Council hearing called by Councilman protect habitat, and enhance user experience. Before starting, Naylor inspected the trail Curtis Jones, Jr. The hearing was called to layout and made a few adjustments to increase sustainability. FOW invited Trail Ambassador determine how to improve cell service in Diane Garvey, an equestrian, to review the trail design with Naylor. Subsequently, equestrian Fairmount Park, including the Wissahickon, amendments, such as passing areas, were incorporated. without becoming a detriment to the Building a trail involves not only cutting it, but conducting painstaking finishing work. While environment and park serenity. According construction provides the foundation for a sustainable trail, the trail is not ready for use until the to McCarthy, “Too many citizens now avoid finishing work is complete. Finishing tasks include clearing roots and loose rocks from the trail the park or consider it unsafe because of tread, pruning exposed roots on the banks of the tread, and redistributing excavated soils and our lack of consistent connectivity. . . . This organics. Once the trail is open, tread stability develops naturally through trail use. Like many of lack of connectivity also affects our policing FOW’s trail projects, this project followed “hybrid” construction process—utilizing a combination and enforcement in the Wissahickon, and of professionals and volunteers. reduces police presence because officers are Both experienced and new Crew Leaders joined forces on this trail project. Thanks to those unable to request backup while inside many who made substantial contributions to this new trail: Dave Dannenberg, Jason Fowler, Lance sections of the park.” This summer, those Lau, Mike McBride, Dan Mercer, and James Reiners, Marc Snyder, and Emily Southerton. With who testified are planning to visit Valley such a collaborative effort, the trail was completed and open for use in less than a month! Green, which has the most pronounced gaps in cell phone coverage. You can read McCarthy’s entire statement at fow.org/ news.

4 Summer 2017 • Friends of the Wissahickon LOOK FOR FOW’S FIELD ASSISTANTS THIS SUMMER For the third consecutive year, FOW will have three part-time summer field assistants working in the park. They will provide added services in the park every week, Friday through Monday, from mid- June through mid-September. FORBIDDEN DRIVE What will they be doing? They will begin each day at Devil’s Pool. Over the past few years, Devil’s Pool has received a dramatic increase in visitors during the summer months. Although FOW encourages all park visitors to carry out what they carry in, there is an overabundance of trash left behind at this site. Rather than allow this debris to accumulate and eventually make its way into the creek, the field assistants collect and haul the trash away for proper disposal. You may also encounter field assistants along the trails conducting trail maintenance, removing invasive plants, or stabilizing steep slopes. Some days the field assistants will be sprucing up park entrances and parking lots, while other times they will be removing graffiti or closing social (or rogue) trails. With Repaired and/or Replaced Wooden such a wide variety of duties throughout the summer, field assistants gain Parking Stops, Gates, valuable work experience while building their conservation skills. In return, the Installed 72 Fence Rails and park gets the extra support it needs during the busiest season of the year. Native Trees OrangeTrail Safety Barriers We encourage everyone to do their part to keep the Wissahickon a beautiful and Shrubs and sustainable park enjoyed by all. And if you see an FOW field assistant in your park travels this summer, say, “Hello!”

Wissahickon Creek Highlights of FOW Show your love Improvements at Valley Green Inn for the park! Spring 2017 SHOP.FOW.ORG HATS, T-SHIRTS, CALENDARS, MAPS, AND MORE!

Stock up on old T-shirt designs, soon to be retired. SPRINGTIME SPRUCE UP AT VALLEY GREEN INN Valley Green Inn is often considered the heart of Wissahickon Valley Park. Of the 1.1 million visits a year the park receives, Valley Green receives by far the most visits. In preparation for the busiest season of the year, FOW staff and volunteers spent several workdays this spring sprucing up the grounds in this area. Volunteer Structures Crew members repaired and replaced fence rails along the tributary leading to the upper parking lot and large wooden parking stops on Forbidden Drive along the Check out these new T-shirt designs! edge of the lower parking lot.

Saturday volunteer work crews repositioned concrete parking barriers, picked up trash, and installed nearly 100 native trees and

shrubs in several locations. Good Night Gamble/ Wissahickon Jasper Valley Park For more than 90 years, Friends of the Wissahickon (FOW) has protected Good Night Good Good Night and preserved Philadelphia’s Wissahickon Valley Park. This 1,800-acre urban Good Night FOW Field Crew Coordinator John Holback led a few wilderness holds over 50 miles of trails that wind through a wooded gorge formed by the Wissahickon Creek, which provides drinking water to one in three Philadelphians. FOW and its volunteers make the Wissahickon cleaner Saturday volunteer work crews who repositioned concrete and more enjoyable, and maintain its wild beauty and delicate ecosystem. Wissahickon

Copies stillYou can help supportavailable the protection of this public resource of for current and

future generations by joining FOW. Park Valley Wissahickon Valley Park parking barriers, picked up trash, and installed nearly 100 native Good Night For more information or to become a member, visit fow.org. You can also follow FOW on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. trees and shrubs in several locations. Additional improvements © Copyright 2016 by Good Night Books. ISBN-13: 978-1-60219-422-9 Wissahickon Printed by RRValley Donnelley in Reynosa, Mexico, JulyPark 2016, job #1. ! All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form without the express written permission of Good Night Books. included adding a turn mirror and fixing the gates and railings Written by Adam Gamble and Mark Jasper. Illustrated by Scotti Man. to the bottom of the bridge; relocating the bike rack near the 10% off for FOW members!$9.95 US

warming shed; and adding large stones to further define the Good Night Good planting bed near the rain garden. Thanks to everyone who lent a Books Adam Gamble hand in getting Valley Green ready for the busy summer months! Mark Jasper

Friends of the Wissahickon • Summer 2017 5 VOLUNTEER UPDATE

By Christina Anthony, Volunteer Coordinator LET’S BE FRIENDS! VOLUNTEER JOIN FOW ON A DAYS WORKDAY VISIT FOW.ORG

PHILLY SPRING CLEAN UP ON BELL’S MILL ROAD Bell’s Mill Road is the only public road that descends into and out of the Wissahickon Valley. It sees a lot of traffic and, unfortunately, a lot of trash. On April 8, FOW partnered with the Roxborough Civic Association to clean up Bell’s Mill Road. With police and road flagger EARTH DAY PLANTING assistance, a hard-working group of volunteers cleaned each side of Earth Day was created to celebrate the planet’s natural environments the road from Ridge Avenue to Forbidden Drive, one side at a time. and raise public awareness about our effect on the planet. For the 46th With the help of our incredible volunteers, we picked up 30 bags of Earth Day on April 22, FOW planted a variety of trees and shrubs at trash and 20 bags of recycling! Valley Green Inn. We are continuing to spruce up the Valley Green Inn area and were happy to add 72 new trees and shrubs to the popular hiking and dining destination. Some of the new additions included hornbeam, buttonbush, redosier dogwood, common ninebark, American plum, nannyberry, and blackhaw. These native trees and shrubs will provide beneficial habitat and resources to our local wildlife while keeping this incredibly popular park destination looking beautiful. We were joined by 30 volunteers who spent three long hours digging holes, planting, and mulching. We were lucky enough to end the workday with some rainfall that completed a successful planting. It was a beautiful sight to see so many passionate individuals contributing to a simple act of service. I am constantly amazed at the dedication of our volunteer base on our Saturday workdays. Thank you to all the volunteers that donate their time and energy on Saturday mornings to help preserve and protect the Wissahickon. We could not do it without you!

SUMMIT AVE. TRAIL REROUTE JUNE 17 & 24 • 9 AM – 1 PM MEET AT SUMMIT AVE. AND THE YELLOW TRAIL LOVE YOUR PARK DAY In June, we are working on the long awaited Summit Ave. reroute. FOW celebrated Love Your Park Day with a workday focused on all At Summit Avenue, the Yellow Trail enters the road for .2 miles things trails. The Wissahickon sees diverse trail traffic plus excessive before reentering the woods at Old Line Road. This is dangerous stormwater every year, making this work essential. We worked on and not enjoyable for the many cyclists, equestrians, and hikers the Yellow Trail that meets Forbidden Drive from the trailhead at who use this popular trail segment. This project will relocate the Cathedral Road and Glenroy Road. This trail is used by hikers, Yellow Trail so it no longer enters the roadway. Due to the scope cyclists, and equestrians. Twenty-eight volunteers came and helped and nature of this project, it is difficult to know exactly what work out. Because we had so many volunteers, we broke them into two will need to be performed each workday, so come prepared to help groups. Half picked up trash along Forbidden Drive and at Devil’s tackle a variety of trail building tasks. Parking is somewhat limited Pool, collecting over five large bags of trash! in this area. There is a small parking lot at Old Line Road and Summit Ave. that quickly fills. A second option is to park along the road where the Yellow Trail enters, and a third option is to park on Cathedral and Glenroy Roads and hike about ten minutes on the Yellow Trail to the work site.

6 Summer 2017 • Friends of the Wissahickon VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT

KRIS SOFFA TRAIL AMBASSADOR CREEK CLEAN UP FOW held another successful Creek Clean Up on April 29. Thirty bags of trash were removed by Christina Anthony, Volunteer Coordinator from Wissahickon Valley Park by 30 enthusiastic volunteers. Among the trash were many car parts and a broken iPhone. This was in addition to How do you volunteer with FOW? the trash collected by our upstream neighbors at I love pairing up with other TAs (Trail Ambassadors) on our regular tours and mentoring new the Wissahickon Valley Watershed Association volunteers. It is fun to be in a community with such enthusiastic and talented folks. Because FOW (WVWA). The Annual Creek Clean Up is sponsored by Friends of the Wissahickon and the WVWA. supports all kinds of programming, we’re encouraged to expand our personal interests and develop This spring marked the 47th anniversary of public talks, guided hikes, and programs. I love learning and researching and bettering my skills and WVWA’s Annual Creek Clean Up. It was the eighth knowledge base. I specialize in conservation advocacy, pollinators, and natural history. Our fourth year that FOW has worked with WVWA to clean annual celebration of National Moth Night is coming up in July. the Wissahickon Creek. What do you love about Wissahickon Valley Park? FOW volunteers cleaned up a section of the creek near Historic RittenhouseTown and Ten I love the unique urban wilderness and the astounding beauty of our “miniature Alpine gorge.” I love Box, close to Lincoln Drive. While in Montgomery how the Creek has recovered from the Industrial Revolution, and how each year more projects are County, volunteers of all ages cleaned sections of launched and completed to preserve and protect this jewel of the Philadelphia park system. For me, the Wissahickon Creek or tributaries, extending the Wissahickon Valley is a sacred sanctuary which, thanks to FOW, is being preserved and protected. from Lansdale to Flourtown. It offers solace and “a daily dose of nature Rx” for our annual 1.1 million park users, as well as an Thanks to all the volunteers who came out astonishing number of natural outdoor experiences for every season. to clean the creek! What is one of your favorite moments from volunteering with FOW? I learn something new every time I give a guided hike or talk. I switched from reciting information to the group like “Ye Olde Sage on the Stage.” Now I try to engage folks on a deeper emotional level. I tell them what inspires me to do this work and ask them why they are joining us. I’m inspired by the enthusiasm, sense of wonder, and curiosity of the people I meet. A favorite moment was when a woman understood the reason for the “leash-your-dog” law. No one had ever explained it to her. Another favorite moment was when a man had an “aha moment.” The light bulb went on as he got the big watershed picture: The Wissahickon Creek flows into a system which ends up coming out of his kitchen sink. What?! The best part was that once again, FOW solved that age-old problem of how to show up and make a difference. He joined FOW, got trained, and I’m told he is now on a crew having a blast, running a chainsaw, and keeping our trails in good shape. The Annual Creek Clean Up is a great How do you think FOW contributes to the Philadelphia community? conservation activity for families. Besides providing a safe, convenient place for the public to appreciate a “wild” natural environment and “recreate,” FOW is a distinguished regional leader in teaching folks how to preserve and protect our watershed, understand our natural history, and engage in best practices which support sustainable park management. The work we do in partnership with the Philadelphia Water Department and Philadelphia Parks & Recreation supports cleaner air and cleaner water for all of us, for now and for future generations. FOW is a trusted advocate for local environmental preservation. No one does it better.

What is your favorite spot in the park? How shall I pick one? Is this like being asked to choose your favorite child? I love where the sedimentary rocks create the first natural dam below Germantown Avenue Bridge. The smooth boulders and garnet display makes that eastern shoreline very special. I love the broad vistas of the Andorra Natural Area and Houston Meadow as well as the gorgeous historic WPA stonework, crenellated walls, Creek Clean Up volunteers Moritz Endriss charming arches, and stone stairways and structures found nestled throughout the Wissahickon. and Sam Johns

Friends of the Wissahickon • Summer 2017 7 7 UP AT THE TREE HOUSE SAFETY FIREFLIES: A GATEWAY GUIDELINES • Exercise with a partner. If exercising TO BEETLES alone, avoid using the park during off-peak times. By Tony Croasdale, • Be alert! Go headphone free. Using headphones Wissahickon Environmental Center leaves you vulnerable to physical injury and crime. ireflies (or lightning bugs, as we call • Vary your routine. Go at different times and them in Philly) are beetles in the family start from different locations. Lampyridae. These insects are predators F • Trust your instincts. If you sense trouble of soft-bodied invertebrates, such as larvae; the because of a person or a place, leave. adults either feed on nectar or may not feed at all. There are many types of fireflies, and not all of • When parking your car, lock the doors, carry them produce luciferase, the enzyme that emits your keys with you, and do not leave valuables light from their abdomen. In the Philadelphia in plain sight in the car. area, two of the more common types of fireflies • Call 911 if your car is broken into. Use the are in the genera Photinus and Photuris. These parking lot number to report the location of your fireflies are known for their flight displays with car. Stay until the police arrive. species specific patterns of flashing lights. The • Report suspicious activity by calling 911. females of Photinus fireflies do not fly, but flash from the ground. In some species of Photuris • Visit fow.org frequently. FOW posts crime alerts fireflies, the female will mimic the flashing pattern as necessary. of Photinus fireflies to draw in the males and eat • Subscribe to text updates from FOW by texting them! The state insect of Pennsylvania is Photuris WISS to 267-966-2207. pennsylvanica—one of these “femme fatale” • Philadelphia Park System Rangers can be fireflies. reached at 215-685-2172. If you are unable Photuris pennsylvanica to call 911 or the Rangers, find an FOW Trail Ambassador (TA) for help. • TAs provide information to park visitors about the Wissahickon and report any problems they Fireflies, along with ladybugs, are the most well-known encounter to Park Rangers. beetles; however, there are thousands of other beetles in the Wissahickon. Beetles are the most diverse group of animals. PUBLIC POOLS NEAR THE PARK Swimming at Devil’s Pool and in any of Fireflies, along with ladybugs, are the most well-known beetles; however, there Philadelphia’s rivers and streams is illegal and are thousands of other beetles in the Wissahickon. Beetles are the most diverse group dangerous. The Philadelphia Department of Public of animals. Twenty-five percent of all animals are beetles with 400,000 described Health states that swimming and wading is not species. Last summer some children visiting the Tree House brought me a net-winged permitted due to risks of drowning, injury from beetle—a cool cousin of fireflies. Recently, other students found a solider beetle that I submerged objects, strong currents, and other need to identify. hazards. Swimming in Philadelphia creeks and I encourage you to join us at the Tree House on our Firefly Fireworks Walk on rivers is also a serious health hazard because of Tuesday, July 3, and keep your eyes on our calendar bacterial contamination and pollution in the water. for insect related activities. Everyone is always FOW encourages park users to use local pools this welcome to bring any pictures or specimens of summer. Below is a list of some public pools near cool beetles to me at the Tree House! the Wissahickon. Find more at: phila.gov/pools.

Hillside Recreation Center Tony Croasdale is an Environmental FIREFLY 201 Fountain Street Education Planner for Philadelphia Parks & Recreation and works at the FIREWORKS Philadelphia, PA 19128 Wissahickon Environmental Center. AT THE 215-685-2595 Kendrick Recreation Center TREE HOUSE 5822-24 Ridge Avenue Philadelphia, PA 19128 JULY 3 215-685-2584 Pleasant Playground 8 – 9:30 PM 6720 Boyer Street Philadelphia, PA 19119 215-685-2230

8 Summer 2017 • Friends of the Wissahickon PARTNERS IN STEWARDSHIP

ONLINE CHATTER FOW reached over 42,000 people on March 28 with a post about the presence GROVE Installation of paper trees in 2007. Photo by Linda Fry Goschke of coywolves living in Roxborough, not far from Wissahickon Valley Park. The post generated 37 FRIENDS OF CARPENTER’S WOODS comments, confirming several sightings of by Linda Fry Goschke, President-Friends of Carpenter’s Woods coywolves in and around the park. Learn more about t is difficult to believe it has been ten years since artist and naturalist Louise Barteau and a group of energetic coywolves at tinyurl.com/ volunteers installed GROVE in Carpenter’s Woods. GROVE has been through a series of transformations—some kkuqudk. Iintentional, some accidental, and some through mistakes—leading to substantial natural improvements to the swampy area of Carpenter’s Woods near Wissahickon Avenue. Ten years ago, the area occupied by GROVE was consumed by dense Japanese knotweed (Godzilla of the plant world), protected by other invasive plants like privet, burning bush, English ivy, and multiflora rose. Because it is not native, knotweed is a poor food source for plants and animals and it creates a monoculture that keeps native plants from growing. The knotweed had quickly muscled out the area’s stand of native jewelweed, a late summer favorite of migrating hummingbirds, butterflies, and other insects. Louise Barteau saw an opportunity to remove the knotweed and replace it with more suitable habitat. Her plan was to first, clear the knotweed and invasive plants in a limited area. Then fill the area with a layer of new soil and a paper installation project which served as a memorial to her deceased husband. This was followed by an extensive initial planting, then gradual additions of native trees, shrubs, and low plants. Accidentally, Louise discovered the best way to kill and remove knotweed was to cover it and any remaining roots to deprive the plants of sun and to “cook” the seeds lurking below. Load after load of soil accomplished this. More recently, Louise and a few remaining volunteers have been monitoring GROVE to note and determine any changes. The removal of the invasive plants has allowed the native plants to reestablish in this area, and most of the new plantings have done well when left undisturbed. Now birds, insects, and other animals are discovering the restored habitat. Photo by Stokes at Flickr Commons This project has served as a model for starting other projects in Carpenter’s Woods to remove invasive plants and replace them with native plants, in most cases without the use of undesirable chemicals. Friends of Carpenter’s Woods and Louise are working on some interesting events and projects for the coming year celebrating GROVE and this important work in our lovely park. LIKE US ON FACEBOOK AND READ THIS: Notes from GROVE by Louise Barteau at fow.org/news YOU, TOO, CAN KEEP UP WITH ALL THINGS “WISSAHICKON”!

GROVE in 2015. Photo by Louise Barteau

Friends of the Wissahickon • Summer 2017 9 UNDER ONE LOG: The Hidden World

of the Forest FloorBy Trish Fries, Wissahickon Environmental Center

LEAVING LOGS The health of the forest depends on the dead trees that are left to remain. Species such as pileated woodpeckers, chickadees, flickers, Photo by Taddy Dawson wood ducks, and bluebirds excavate or occupy cavities ow many times have you walked through the forest with expectations of seeing a for shelter or nesting. Mammals large animal, a bird, or even a chipmunk, and they just aren’t there? Life exists like raccoons and squirrels will also Hall over the forest, but you need to slow down and look. As you walk along the use cavities in dying or dead trees. The trail, look to the side. See that log? Nowhere is the life of the forest floor easier to observe peeling bark can be than under a log that has been left alone to decompose. Rolling over a log to discover used as a habitat for insects that what is underneath is a great activity to do with children. Most children love bugs once become food for birds. Bare branches they get over the initial squeamishness. When you know what to expect, you can enjoy make a good perch for hawks. Fallen the discovery with them. trees provide shelter To examine what is under a log, find one that looks like it has been there a while, is at least a foot in diameter, for amphibians, but small enough to roll over. Look around to make certain that there are no yellow jackets making a “bee line” insects, and foxes. from the log, although you shouldn’t have to worry about that in the spring. In the spring the queen is the only The decomposing survivor of the winter; it takes well into midsummer for a wasp colony to reach its full size, which can number in tree adds to the the thousands! Once you have determined that there are no yellow jackets, carefully turn over the log. Roll it toward nutrients in the you, so if something like a snake or mouse is underneath, it can escape with the log between you and it. Don’t roll it forest, promoting a onto your toes. healthier forest for There are many treasures to find under logs. Most creatures work at decomposing the log and turning it into soil the future. and nutrients for the next generation of plant growth. Once you are finished exploring under the log, carefully put it back like you found it. All of the critters you’ve been looking at like a cool, dark environment, and you don’t want to destroy their habitat.

10 Summer 2017 • Friends of the Wissahickon CRITTERS TO FIND UNDER A LOG

SALAMANDERS CENTIPEDES WORMS SLUGS ANTS One of the most exciting Centipedes (red, almost Worms can often be found Another slow mover is the Sometimes you see ants things to find under a log is flat, long legs) are the first under a log—usually big, slug. When you pick one scurrying when you disturb a red-backed salamander. to scatter, and you will fat, European nightcrawlers up, your fingers become a log. I’ve always been The spring and fall are the see them for only a split (Lumbricus terrestris). covered with slime! A amazed at the instinct By Trish Fries, best times to see them. second. That’s okay; let Unfortunately, this is an slug secretes mucus as a among animals to “save Wissahickon Environmental Center Red-backed salamanders them go. Centipedes can invasive species brought defense against predators the babies.” You will see either have a red stripe bite, although a bite causes over during the colonial when its body is touched. the ants carrying what you down their back, or are only a small amount of pain period with rocks and soil If it thinks you are a might think are eggs, but entirely gray (lead). At first in a human. The centipede as ballast in ships and predator, it will become it is actually the larval and glance the salamander is carnivorous and has on imported plants. The an irritating, smelly, extra pupal stage of the brood. can look like a worm, but venomous jaws that can actions of birds and park puffy slime machine. If Ants go through a complete observe closely and you will catch and poison its prey. visitors helped spread the you’re curious, go ahead metamorphosis—from see its four legs widespread It eats insects and other worms throughout the and pick it up. It will slime almost microscopic eggs on the sides of its body. If log dwellers. Although you Wissahickon Valley. Invasive you, but it won’t hurt. A to larvae, then pupae, and you want to pick one up, might think a centipede exotic worms “change the slug moves by secreting finally adults. They live in be very careful; they are has 100 legs (“cent” means chemistry of the soil. . . . mucus to protect its foot or colonies and have specific lungless salamanders and “hundred” and “ped” By rapidly converting leaf soft underside. The mucus tasks to do within the breathe through their skin. means “feet”), in fact it litter into mulch, worms can act as a lubricant to colony. For example, the To be on the safe side, only has 30-60 legs—one create a microenvironment help it glide over the rough workers—all female—do not don’t pick them up if you’ve pair for each segment—and favorable to bacteria. forest floor, or as a glue produce offspring. Like a doused yourself with bug it grows a new leg segment These bacteria produce allowing the slug to climb bee colony, only the queen spray or sunscreen, as the each time it molts. abnormally high levels vertically up plants and produces the offspring, and salamanders are sensitive of nitrates in the soil. rocks. Hold one in your the workers raise them, to chemicals. Don’t pick Research has shown that hand and you can expect gather food, construct the them up by the tail either; high nitrates favor the to see the slug slowly begin nest, move the colony, and it will break off allowing the proliferation of exotic to move—it sticks out its defend it if necessary. salamander to run away, vegetation, since native antennae and then its body while the remaining tail species are less able to follows along. You can find continues to wiggle as a process high levels of shiny trails left behind by distraction. Don’t worry, the this naturally occurring the slugs as they move Photo by Taddy Dawson tail will regenerate. chemical.” (Metropolitan through the night staying Once you’ve carefully MILLIPEDES Paradise, pp. 536-37) out of the hot sun which observed the salamander, Millipedes are slower, their can dry them out. Slugs put it back next to the log bodies are more rounded can search out other slugs under which it was found. than a centipede, and by following these slime Don’t take the chance of instead of two legs per trails. They are primarily SNAILS rolling the log back on top segment there are four. plant eaters, so slugs are Snails are a cousin of the of the salamander. If you Their legs are underneath not appreciated in our slug and have a shell that aren’t lucky enough to their bodies and undulate gardens, but in the forest helps them survive dry find a salamander, maybe in a wave-like pattern. they play an important role conditions. If needed, the it’s too hot. Don’t despair; Unlike the centipede, their in decomposition. Once you snail can close its shell and there are plenty of other diet consists of decaying finish holding a slug, clean stay inside until conditions things to find. plant matter. When they are your hands off with a dry become moist again. Snails picked up, they curl into a cloth or pant leg; cleaning and slugs have rasp-like ball. Give them some time with water doesn’t remove teeth, called radula, with and they will open up and the slime. twelve continuous rows of start moving again. about 100 teeth each, which equals 12,000 teeth! If you see a mass of tiny eggs READ THIS! clustered under a log, these Are you and your preschool child interested in what can be found are most likely slug or snail under a log and in the forest? Look for the Backyard Books series eggs. by Judy Allen and Tudor Humphries. Some titles are: Are You an Ant? Are you a Snail? and Are you a Bee? Trish Fries is an Environmental Education Program Specialist at the Wissahickon Environmental Center Source: (Andorra Tree House). Contosta, David R., and Carol Franklin. Metropolitan Paradise: The Struggle for Nature in the City: Philadelphia’s Wissahickon Valley, 1620-2020. Philadelphia: Saint Joseph’s UP, 2010. Friends of the Wissahickon • Summer 2017 11 WE REMEMBER DR. ALICE CLARK (1937-2016)

he new bench at she worked at Curtis Publishing little English skills. “She was my Northwestern Avenue and Company in Philadelphia. She professor of English 101,” he said. TForbidden Drive, on which graduated from Temple University “She was very kind and patient, you may decide to sit and rest with a doctorate in English and was willing to spend as much after a hike or run in the woods, literature and studied seventeenth- time as I needed in her office to has a story behind it. And the new century English literature and go over homework and the results memorial plaque on the kiosk near history at the University of Oxford of exams.” this site is part of it. On April 12 while a graduate student in 1968. After retiring in 1998, Dr. this bench and the plaque were For ten years she taught Clark became a volunteer docent dedicated to Dr. Alice Clark (1937- English literature at Temple at the Philadelphia Museum of 2016), a retired professor of English University, and in 1981 joined Art, and then a paid guide for literature and frequent visitor to the the faculty at Delaware Valley Centipede Tours in 2000. For Wissahickon, who left a generous University in Doylestown, where more than 15 years, she dressed bequest to FOW to help ensure its preservation for others. “The east and “The east and west river drives [Martin Luther King and Kelly] west river drives [Martin Luther and Forbidden Drive in the Wissahickon were Alice’s two King and Kelly] and favorite places to ride her bike anytime weather permitted, or Forbidden Drive in the Wissahickon to just spend time communing with nature.” were Alice’s two Dr. Alice Clark wearing her tour favorite places guide costume. to ride her bike anytime weather permitted, or to she chaired the English department in colonial costume while guiding just spend time communing with for nine years. schoolchildren and adults through nature,” says Armond Scavo, her the streets of Olde City and “Alice brought a touch of class the Wissahickon as weather would partner of 20 years. He worked with Society Hill, and into the historic that all of us needed,” says James allow—biking, walking, eating lunch Friends of the Wissahickon and buildings on Independence Mall. Miller, an emeritus professor of at The Cedars House, or spending the Fairmount Park Conservancy Being a tour guide combined her biology at Delaware Valley. “To time at Valley Green. Her time in to memorialize the plaque and two love of teaching and Early American the students, she made literature the park allowed her to “commune benches—one in the Wissahickon history. accessible, showing them that F. with nature, keep her mind clear, and one in West Fairmount Park— Scott Fitzgerald has relevance to “Alice was petite and pretty, and to relax.” She reintroduced Mr. in Dr. Clark’s name. young people . . . and that even and the flowered petticoat, ruffled Scavo, a photographer, to the park Dr. Clark grew up in Glenside, Faulkner can be approachable.” sleeves and mob cap suited her,” and it became their favorite place Pennsylvania, and graduated Jun Iwata, a former student according to Centipede Tours for recreation and photography. from Abington High School. and friend, came to the university President Virginia Roberts, who He is currently working on After attending business school, from São Paulo, Brazil, in 1987 with received letters from clients a photography project of the describing “the Wissahickon in her honor. delightful way Alice conducted a tour, and how she was If you wish to leave a bequest to informative and a joy Friends of the Wissahickon, consider to be with.” joining the 1924 Society, a group According to Mr. of individuals who have included Scavo, Alice enjoyed FOW in their will, or have named competitive ballroom FOW as the owner or beneficiary of dancing, opera, Thai a life insurance policy, IRA, or other Food, and European retirement plan. Members of the 1924 travel. But her Society are recognized for their gifts. favorite interests were They receive a membership memento, Philadelphia History, invitations to special events, and movies, exploring the information about FOW programs hidden neighborhoods and projects. For more information of Philadelphia, and about the 1924 Society, or to let us Fairmount Park, know that you have already included particularly the FOW in your will, please contact Wissahickon. She Ruffian Tittmann at 215-247-0417 or spent as much time in [email protected]. The dedication of the memorial bench and plaque for Dr. Alice Clark near Northwestern Avenue and Forbidden Drive in Wissahickon Valley Park.

12 Summer 2017 • Friends of the Wissahickon THE PARK AND YOUR HEALTH A CONVERSATION WITH Primavera Years ago, two neighborhood children and I DR. MARC MCKENNA, M.D. visited Carpenter’s Woods. Our epiphany is CHESTNUT HILL HOSPITAL captured below. r. McKenna is a family medicine physician at Chestnut Hill As Lisa, Marco, and I Hospital and a long-time FOW member who has always had Walked April woods, Da love for the outdoors. You may see him riding his bike to the hospital for work or walking across the field at an outdoor sporting event A goose let out a cry. to tend to a player. In addition to being a board-certified family medicine “Spring may be here; physician, he has advanced training in sports medicine. Dr. McKenna is the primary care sports medicine physician for LaSalle University and a medical yet spring deceives. consultant for Arcadia University. He has also served as the player physician for national Winter fingers are strong.” golf and tennis tournaments recently held in our area, and is a clinical associate professor of the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine and chief of the division of family practice at Our answer, “Goose keep still! Chestnut Hill Hospital. Magnolias dot the hill. Here’s a daffodil.” Q. You’re a family doctor with a wide range of patients. Are your patients who spend time in the park healthier than those who do not? In the stream we stood A. The park is a great resource for my patients. One of the strongest medicines I prescribe is exercise and being While on the hillside brown outdoors. There is no place that is more convenient and beautiful. The wind bent blue squills down. Q. Friends of the Wissahickon’s All Trails Challenge will begin in August and encourages members and supporters to hike, bike, walk, or ride their horse on Then we had to go. all 50 miles in the park. What advice do you have for people before they set out Up the hill we went on a large-scale goal like that? What’s the best way to prepare for that kind of endeavor? As downward fluttered snow. A. In getting ready for any athletic event it is important to train. Start slowly, pace yourself, and make sure that you are The goose honked, “I know. healthy enough to undertake this type of activity. It might mean checking with your doctor first to make sure that this I know.” level of exercise would be safe.

Q. Let’s face it, the heat and humidity of summer in Philadelphia can be brutal. — Jon Rossman How can people protect themselves during the summer heat while enjoying the park? A. One of the advantages of the park is that with the shade it is not as hot as running on asphalt. Temperature can still be a concern, so it is important to wear a hat, stay hydrated, and don’t overdo it. Remember that there is a water fountain available near the Valley Green Inn. Q. The Wissahickon is lush during the summer months and users can encounter Faster. ticks and poison ivy. What steps should people take to protect themselves? A. When you are outdoors in the woods it is important to realize that you can be exposed to both poison ivy and tick- Less waiting where it matters borne illnesses. First of all, stay on the trails and out of the foliage. If possible, wear long-sleeved shirts and pants for most – our emergency room. protection. Be able to recognize and steer clear of the three leaves of poison ivy plants and always check for ticks after For faster care in the E.R., count on Chestnut Hill Hospital. your visit. We work diligently to have you initially seen by a medical professional* in 30 minutes – or less. And, with a team of Q. How did you become familiar with Wissahickon Valley Park? dedicated specialists, you’ll get a lot more care, if you need it. A. I first became familiar with Wissahickon Valley Park in 1980 right after I moved to Mt. Airy. Forbidden Drive became a The 30-Minutes-Or-Less E.R. Service Pledge – favorite place for me to run. This soft gravel surface was an ideal place to train and run each season of the year. I loved only at Chestnut Hill Hospital. the summer when the canopy of trees and the adjoining creek kept temperature and humidity bearable. As summer gave way to fall the color of the trees were stunning. Even in the winter it was cool to run there, and with no leaves on the trees, to be able to really appreciate the topography of the valley. Spring was also special with the blooming of the plants and trees and the opening of trout fishing season.

Q. Do you have a favorite location in the park? Why? A. I guess Valley Green would have to be my favorite part of the park. It is often the starting place and finish for many runs and bike rides, but also it is where I took my kids and now grandkids to feed the ducks. I have also been to weddings, anniversary parties, and birthday celebrations at Valley Green Inn.

Q. What’s your favorite way to experience the Wissahickon? Primary Stroke ChestnutHillHealth.com A. My favorite way to experience the Wissahickon now is to run the trails and explore the woods. My favorite day there is Center Christmas Day because it has become a tradition with my two daughters that we go for a run in the park on that day. It *Medical professionals may include physicians, physician assistants and nurse practitioners. is amazing, but we often see the same people on Forbidden Drive there every year.

Friends of the Wissahickon • Summer 2017 13 KEEPING UP WITH THE TRAIL AMBASSADORS

Kid Friendly Hike with Marv Schwartz Moth Night in Andorra Natural Area TRAIL Saturday, July 1 • 10 am - 12:30 pm with Kris Soffa Saturday, July 8 • 10 am - 12:30 pm Monday, July 24 • 7:30 - 9:30 pm AMBASSADOR Meet at The Cedars House, Northwestern Ave. & Rain date: Wednesday, July 26 Forbidden Drive. Meet on back porch of the Wissahickon Through a slide presentation, learn how the Environmental Center. Follow the dirt road up rocks of the Wissahickon Gorge were formed and the hill at intersection of Forbidden Drive and WALKS why they are currently exposed at the earth’s Northwestern Ave. surface. Then explore Wissahickon schist, with Registration is recommended for all hikes Join us for an evening experience to learn about its intricate and beautiful patterns. View stream these alluring nighttime beauties. FOW TA and (required if indicated) so that participants characteristics such as cut banks and deposition PA Master Naturalist Kris Soffa will present this can be informed of weather or other bars, and understand how the Wissahickon PowerPoint on how to observe moths in your Creek is still “downcutting” through the gorge. home garden, construct a simple catch-and- emergency cancellations. Unless otherwise Learn how movement of rock particles, through release moth trap, set up ultra violet light lures, specified, Trail Ambassador Walks may be erosion processes, have shaped the landscape. and place “sugaring lures” with her secret 3B Boots suggested. Ages 12+ welcome. Level: easy. on rocky, rugged trails that may be wet and Moth Bait recipe. Meet environmental scientist Vaughn Shirey, who will share how to participate slippery. Wear sturdy shoes or boots with TRAILS LESS TRAVELED VII: Eastern in the Citizen Scientist moth identification socks. Long pants are recommended for Gateway—Upper Cresheim Valley with project. Bring flashlight and a smartphone (to protection against occasional poison ivy and Gerry Schweiger register your sightings on the Citizen Scientist Sunday, July 9 • 1 - 3:15 pm project site). Be prepared to walk quietly on the possible ticks. Bring water and a snack if Meet at corner of St. Martin’s Lane & trails and woods in the dark. Suitable for children desired. Unless otherwise noted, children 8+ Huron St. (GPS: Use 7500 St. Martin’s Lane, age 10+ with a responsible adult. are welcome if accompanied by a responsible Phila., 19118). Mindfulness Meditation Hike to Hermit’s adult. Walks are cancelled in heavy rain. For A little used entrance to the park is the Upper Cresheim Valley. We will visit such places as the Cave with Kevin Eikov more information or to register, visit fow.org. old dam at Lake Surprise, the Cresheim East Trail Thursday, July 27 • 10 am - 12 pm and the old railroad right-of-way at Germantown Meet at 208 Lincoln Drive, Phila., 19144 (GPS: Ave. Level: moderate with some thorn bushes on Use 6034 Wissahickon Ave.). trails; bring gloves. Distance: 2.75 miles. Kevin will lead a hike from Historic RittenhouseTown to the Hermit’s Cave and back. The Lavender Loop with Bruce Wagner During our hike we will practice mindfulness Saturday, July 22 • 10 am - 12 pm meditation of the Wissahickon. Suitable for Meet at The Cedars House, Northwestern Ave. children age 13+. Level: easy to moderate & Forbidden Drive. difficulty. Distance: 2.5 miles. One of the most charming walks in the Wissahickon is the Lavender Loop, up and down Full Moon Rising Hike at the Upper the east ridge of the valley, to the Covered Roxborough Reservoir Preserve Bridge and back. We will see what is in the with Kris Soffa woods and along the trail—surprise and romance. Monday, August 7 • 7:30 pm - 9 pm This walk is really “in the woods.” The trail is Meet at park entrance at Port Royal Ave. & Lare somewhat rocky, and there are some hills. Bring Street, Phila., 19128. water and wear good boots. Level: moderately Join us for a twilight hike with a full moon rising. difficult but slow hike that may be challenging Hike the flat perimeter trail around the border for young children or “ol’ guys out-of-shape.” of one of Philadelphia’s newest parks. Learn the Distance: 3 miles. fascinating history of how this reservoir was preserved and admire the Center City skyline Kid Friendly Hike with Marv Schwartz from the “highest park” in the city. Kris Soffa will Saturday, July 22 • 10 am - 12 pm share fun facts about the preserve and how to Saturday, September 9 • 10 am - 12 pm mount open-space preservation efforts in your community. Children age 12+ with responsible Meet at Valley Green Inn. adults welcome. Level: easy. Distance: 1 mile. This hike takes participants along Forbidden Drive. Visit the Livezey Dam, Gorgas Creek Cave, See the Houston Meadow Backwards and Fingerspan Bridge. We will stop to enjoy our with Bruce Wagner snacks and continue on to Devil’s Pool and Pee Saturday, August 26 Wee Rock on return to the Inn. Level: moderate 9:30 am - 12:30 pm difficulty over some rocky trails. Distance: 2.5 miles. Meet at Valley Green Inn. Walking to the flower-filled Houston Meadow from Valley Green isn’t the common way to go, but it is a wonderful way to see the valley in historical context, and we will point out visible historical remnants on the way. This hike is

14 Summer 2017 • Friends of the Wissahickon longer than many guided walks, even though The Iconic Indian Walk Birds, Bees, & Butterflies: Mini Nature it’s mostly flat. (There is a way to shorten the with Bruce Wagner Safari in Andorra Natural Area with hike by vehicle relay. If that is important to you, Saturday, September 16 Kris Soffa contact leader at [email protected].) Other 10 am - 12 pm Wednesday, September 20 than distance, children can manage the walk Meet at Valley Green Inn. 10 am - 12 pm comfortably. Bring lots of water—it’s August! Distance: 6 miles. Walk to the iconic Indian Statue erected in 1902 Meet at the Wissahickon Environmental Center. and learn the history of the statue and elements Follow the dirt road up the hill at intersection of Forbidden Drive and Northwestern Ave. TRAILS LESS TRAVELED VI: of history we find on the way. We will walk Toleration of Obscure Trailheads with slowly as we take time to look at things along This hike is a mini nature safari during which you Gerry Schweiger the trail. Children welcome with parents. Dress will sharpen your senses as we notice natural Sunday, August 27 • 1 pm - 3 pm appropriately. Level: moderate with a couple of signs that summer is waning. We will learn hills. Distance: 2 miles. seasonal facts about birds, bees, and butterflies Meet at corner of Mt. Pleasant Place & N. Mt. as we hike to the meadow observation loop in Pleasant Rd. Park on N. Mt. Pleasant bet. the Andorra Natural Area. You will learn how to Wissahickon Ave. & Mt. Pleasant Place. GPS: identify the common three Bs while learning tips Use 7100 Mt. Pleasant Place, Phila., 19119. on how to attract them to your home garden. Toleration is complaining about not getting Bring water, camera, and ID book if you like. enough visits. To boost his ego, we will visit the Rain cancels. Suitable for children age 12+ with statue, starting from the very out-of-the-way responsible adult. Level: moderate. Mt. Pleasant Place trailhead. In addition, we will visit the Monastery and the historic Church of the Brethren baptismal site. Level: terrain at Toleration is rocky and difficult. Distance: 2.5 miles. TA Field Report Wood & Meadow Hike in the Andorra Meadow with Kevin Eikov Ambassadors: Louise Hayes & Nancy Baxter Thursday, August 31 • 9 am - 11 am 4/9/17 Meet at Bell’s Mill Rd. & Forbidden Drive. Date: Kevin will lead a hike from Forbidden Drive and Shift time: 9:30 am - 12:30 pm Bell’s Mill Rd. into Andorra Meadow. We will walk in a loop throughout Andorra Meadow back Zones: B (Valley Green) to Forbidden Drive. Level: easy to moderate Hike difficulty. Distance: 2.5 miles. Mode of Transportation: Graffiti TRAILS LESS TRAVELED VIII: Blue Park Damage: Bells and Hotels with Gerry Schweiger On the east side of the cement Sunday, September 10 • 1 pm - 3 pm Location of Park Damage aqueduct/sewer pipe on the White Trail, a little more than Meet at Blue Bell Hill Park at the halfway to Devil’s Pool from Mt. Airy Ave. parking lot kiosk. 20 Blue Bell Hill has several unique trails climbing Number & Type of Interactions: its shoulders. We will hike two of these trails There were about 10 unleashed dogs and as well as two little-used trails off Rittenhouse Dogs Off Leash: St. that touch the properties of Victorian inns/ about 12 leashed dogs. A few of the unleashed“If dogsYour becameDog is hotels that once fronted Lincoln Drive. We leashed once their owners [learned about] will also visit Historic RittenhouseTown. Level: on a Leash—Ask me for a Doggie Treat.” This was a huge moderate, but we will cross a couple of streets success! Kudos to the TA who with busy traffic. Distance: 3 miles. thought of the idea and to FOW for acting on it. The dog owners loved Wood & Meadow Hike in Houston it–they clearly never expected anything Meadow with Kevin Eikov like this—and of course this resulted Thursday, September 14 • 9 am - 11 am in a lot of tail wags. We explained Meet at Bell’s Mill Rd. & Forbidden Drive. that the idea came from a fellow Hike from the Yellow Trail at Forbidden Drive and TA and that FOW has initiated this Bell’s Mill Rd. to the end of Houston Meadow. It positive reinforcement program. Most is a 100ft elevation climb from the stream base of these encounters took place to the top of Houston Meadow. We will walk back on the Orange Trail between Devil’s in a loop through the meadow to the Yellow Pool and Mt. Airy Ave. Since it is an Trail. Distance: 2.5 miles. anticipatory positive encounter, the Look for FOW Trail Ambassadors Level: moderate/difficult because of the walkers were happy to wait while I wearing this button and get a free elevation climb. rooted through my backpack for the treat for your leashed dog! treats, all the while chatting about FOW.

Friends of the Wissahickon • Summer 2017 15 WHAT TO SEE IN THE WISSAHICKON A new feature in which Horticulturalist and FOW Crew Leader and Trail Ambassador Wendy Willard shares some information on the native plants that we can see each season in the Wissahickon. APPEARING NOW along the creek

Jewelweed (Impatiens capensis) This native plant is also called “Touch Me Not” (a name that makes you want to touch them, right?), and the ripe seed The first All Trails Challenge pods pop on touch. The orange drooping blossoms, similar to snapdragons, hang from 2-4 feet succulent stems that exude in 2016 was a complete juice when broken. Found in wet, shady places, it is sometimes success! FOW raised over confused with butter and eggs (Linaria vulgaris), also called common toadflax, which is an invasive plant found in dry $25,000 and we couldn’t spots, with narrow leaves and yellow flowers with orange have done it without the 271 spurs. participants who traversed over 5,000 miles throughout Wissahickon Valley Park. The All Trails Challenge is Trumpet Honeysuckle (Lonicera sempervirens) The native trumpet honeysuckle vine is more often found at an exciting four-month long nursery centers with pretty red or yellow long tubular flowers event that invites park users and upper leaves that seem to be pierced by the stem, but it can also be found in the park. The invasive Japanese honeysuckle to explore the Wissahickon is a weedy vine covering bushes along the Wissahickon Creek by hiking, walking, running, with yellow bell shaped flowers, black berries, and evergreen horseback riding, or biking all opposite leaves. 50 miles of its scenic trails. Participants raised money for the continued preservation COMING LATER THIS SUMMER in the meadows of the park by inviting their friends, family, and coworkers to sponsor them. White Wood Aster (Eurybia divaricata) The All Trails Challenge 2017 The aster is a composite flowering plant, with flat strap-shaped flowers will run from August 7, 2017, (rays or petals) around the edges and small tubular flowers in the through November 30, 2017.* center (disks). The white wood asters, part of the daisy family, have white flowers with relatively few rays, but clusters of many flat-topped Participants will once again blossoms and stalked, heart-shaped leaves. Asters can be found in have the opportunity to raise open woods or meadows from July through October, attracting bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. money by having friends, family, and coworkers pledge to make a one-time donation or a donation amount for every mile of trail in the Wissahickon completed. Visit Goldenrod (Solidago) fow.org for details as they Goldenrod has graceful, showy, plume-like clusters of yellow flowers with narrow parallel veined leaves on rough textured stems. This become available. should not be confused with common ragweed, which carries the lighter, yellow pollen that causes hay fever. Ragweed grows long Make plans now to clusters of flowers along a stalk with dissected leaves. Both are found join the All Trails in open meadows from August through November. Challenge 2017! *Dates are tentative. Wendy Willard is the owner of Hort. Landscape, which does site mapping and landscape design from large rain gardens and backyards to small entrance and curb appeal installations. You can reach her at [email protected].

16 Summer 2017 • Friends of the Wissahickon WATERSHED WATCH A MEADOW GROWS AT AN URBAN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

By Dennis Barnebey, Hansberry Garden and Nature Center

t the John B. Kelly Elementary School, a new meadow helps reduce stormwater runoff and develop the next generation of watershed stewards. A The Kelly Green Project, an outgrowth of the Hansberry Garden and Nature Center in Southwest Germantown, is dedicated to renewing the large, worn, and rarely-used school yard around the John B. Kelly Elementary School for the students and the community. After developing a healthy school garden and garden club in the back of the school, the Kelly Green Project organized conversations that led to removing the sod from the neglected front yard and developing a “pocket meadow” to attract birds, butterflies, and kids. Audubon PA, the Tookany/Tacony-Frankford Watershed Partnership, and FOW were all represented at the HIKING WITH discussion on-site, which resulted in neighbors agreeing it could be a great community asset. MAURA THE On June 1, 2016, 1,400 plugs were delivered and five classes of Kelly students planted them with the support of volunteers and the Land Health Institute. With no water source on the site, a hose was installed at a neighbor’s house across the street from the school, and water was EXPLORER hauled over when necessary to soak the new start-up plants during long dry spells! Within days of its installation, Audubon began hosting lessons with classes about the JUNE 30, JULY 28, meadow’s value, the importance of watersheds (Kelly sits in two!), and the restoration of AUGUST 25 urban spaces for wildlife. Over the summer FOW supported the project with the installation of beautiful rustic fences. Neighbors stopped by on “Meadow Minding” evenings, and evening Join FOW Executive Director Maura walkers stopped to take selfies once the brown-eyed Susans and other native plants began McCarthy for a hike on the last Friday blooming. of each month. She will tour a different section of the park during each hike and talk about her experiences, as well as point out any recent improvements by FOW. Bring your hiking shoes and be ready to share your favorite Wissahickon stories with her! Registration is recommended. For more information and to register, visit fow.org.

g community to ildin geth Bu er

At Univest, we’ve dedicated ourselves to This school year, Audubon continued to use the meadow as an educational space with supporting the communities we serve for more 5th grade classes, most recently through a service day for students who planted more native than 140 years, holding true to the values and pollinators and took over the bird feeding plan. There are now plans to engage younger students principles that helped shape us. It’s why in its care. wherever you are in life or business, you can A fund-raising effort, supported in part by FOW, raised revenue for two new educational bank here to get there. signs that were dedicated at a community clean-up day in April. Kelly students proudly read the information on the new sign to the large crowd on hand. The Kelly Meadow is quickly becoming an appreciated part of the neighborhood and a valued educational tool at the school. FINANCIAL SOLUTIONS Dennis Barnebey is Vice President, Acting Secretary, and Kelly Green Project Lead at the Hansberry FOR YOUR LIFE Garden and Nature Center. Learn more at kellygreenproject.org or by emailing kellygreenproject@ hansberrygarden.org. Follow the project on Facebook at KellyGreenProject.

Friends of the Wissahickon • Summer 2017 17 TUNED IN TO THE WISSAHICKON BAMBOO ON THE RUN

By Peg Shaw, Project Manager

ike many natural areas in the mid- canopy trees. By the spring of 2016, the bamboo Atlantic region, Wissahickon Valley Park had taken over nearly three quarters of an acre Lsuffers from habitat degradation due of land. to invasive plant species. Most of these species Depending on the species, there can be a originate from area garden centers and nurseries number of effective ways to control invasive and are planted in yards and open spaces plants. Choosing a method depends on a variety adjacent to the park. of interrelated factors such as cost, labor, Plants regenerate in several ways, including terrain, equipment, and ultimate goals. The seed dispersal, roots, rhizomes, and shoots. best way to remove bamboo is to remove the Seed dispersal provides the most far-reaching rhizomes located regeneration method and is the primary way about 12-18 invasive plants become established in the park. inches INSTEAD OF Seeds are dispersed by birds, animals, wind, underground. water, and . . . humans. This is particularly However, this BAMBOO relevant in relation to non-native ornamental site presented Eastern Red Cedar plants. A lovely specimen in your yard can challenges (Juniperus virginiana) quickly “escape” and find root elsewhere and, because the American Holly under the right conditions, become an invasive bamboo was (Ilex opaca) plant, usurping native species and the organisms located under that rely on them for survival. tall canopy Native Rhododendron trees. Removing (Rhododendron While in the park, you may have noticed periclymenoides) several impenetrable stands of bamboo. There the rhizomes are several popular ornamental bamboo species meant severing Nannyberry Viburnum sold in the region. Two common species are the thousands of (Viburnum lentago) golden bamboo (Phyllostachys aurea) and arrow feeder roots the Big Bluestem Grass bamboo (Pseudosasa japonica). While some trees depend on (Andropogon gerardii) for water and bamboo spreads vegetatively into the park from Switch Grass mineral uptake. adjacent private property, some arrives through (Panicum virgatum) seed dispersal. Either way, once established, it This type of root spreads rapidly by rhizomes. damage can lead Volunteer Kristen Dieffenbacher happy to be to decline and removing bamboo. BAMBOO AT HERMIT LANE eventual death Alongside and extending downslope behind the for trees. Hermitage Mansion on Hermit Lane, bamboo WHAT TO DO? shoots every six to eight weeks depending on from neighboring yards became established in their rate of growth. In this way, we hope to a sunny opening created by a couple of fallen For this patch of bamboo, FOW is employing a series of mechanical methods to first remove the exhaust the energy reserves in the rhizomes, aboveground stalks and shoots. leading to their ultimate eradication. Since late winter, FOW staff An additional method, especially practical and 42 volunteers have worked for smaller patches, is to dig a two-foot trench 336 hours cutting and hauling around the patch and either prune the new the material to the Philadelphia rhizomes as they grow into the trench or install Parks & Recreation recycling a plastic root barrier. This is a very effective center. We have experimented way to contain the spread of the plant and is an with loppers, hedge trimmers, appropriate first step toward removal of small and mowers; every method has patches. been labor-intensive. As of this writing, we have completed HOW YOU CAN HELP AT HOME cutting the stalks and shoots on 1. Do not plant bamboo! half the site. 2. If you have bamboo on your property, remove Based on our experience thus or contain it. far, we have decided to use hedge 3. Replace it with native species. trimmers to complete the initial cut. Working in teams of two, one There are many native plant options you can person will cut stalks of bamboo, choose from that not only provide a visual barrier while the other clears and stacks but support habitat. Finally, if you see bamboo the material to be hauled away. for sale at your local garden center, please Once we have cleared the area, request that they stop carrying it and educate we will return to mow the new their customers on the beauty and benefit of native species.

Volunteers removing bamboo near the Hermitage.

18 Summer 2017 • Friends of the Wissahickon HIKES IN THE WISSAHICKON Trail Ambassador Walks Registration is recommended for all hikes (required if indicated) so that participants can be informed of weather or other emergency cancellations.Unless otherwise specified, Trail Ambassador Hikes may be on 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 water and a snack if desired. Unless otherwise noted, children 8+ are welcome if accompanied by a responsible adult.Walks are cancelled in heavy rain. For more information or to register, visit fow.org. MORE INFORMATION ON PP. 14 AND AT FOW.ORG.

Kid Friendly Hike with Marv Schwartz See the Houston Meadow Backwards Saturdays, July 1, July 8 • 10 am - 12:30 pm with Bruce Wagner Meet at The Cedars House, Northwestern Ave. & Forbidden Drive. Saturday, August 26 • 9:30 am - 12:30 pm Appalachian Mountain Club Through a slide presentation, learn how the rocks of Meet at Valley Green Inn. Delaware Valley Chapter the Wissahickon Gorge were formed and why they (There is a way to shorten the hike by vehicle relay. If are currently exposed at the earth’s surface. Boots that is important to you, contact leader at bwagner@ amcdv.org suggested. Ages 12+ welcome. Level: easy. temple.edu.) Other than distance, children can manage the walk comfortably. Bring lots of water—it’s August! Mondays TRAILS LESS TRAVELED VII: Eastern Distance: 6 miles. Wissahickon Wanderings. A brisk-paced hike Gateway—Upper Cresheim Valley of 5-7 miles on various trails throughout the with Gerry Schweiger TRAILS LESS TRAVELED VI: Toleration of Wissahickon Gorge for adults 18+. The distance of Sunday, July 9 • 1 - 3:15 pm Obscure Trailheads with Gerry Schweiger the hike will be dependent on conditions and speed Meet at corner of St. Martin’s Lane & Huron St. Sunday, August 27 • 1 pm - 3 pm of the group. Meet at 6:30 pm by Valley Green Inn. (GPS: Use 7500 St. Martin’s Lane, Phila., 19118). Meet at corner of Mt. Pleasant Place & N. Mt. Pleasant Rd. Park on Bring water, snacks, and a flashlight. Bad weather We will visit such places as the old dam at Lake N. Mt. Pleasant bet. Wissahickon Ave. & Mt. Pleasant Place. GPS: Use may cancel. If doubtful, check the status of the Surprise, the Cresheim East Trail and the old railroad 7100 Mt. Pleasant Place, Phila., 19119. hike before 5:30 pm at amcdv.org/AMCCalendar. right-of-way at Germantown Ave. Level: moderate with Level: terrain at Toleration is rocky and difficult. php or contact the leader: David Stein, 215-499- some thorn bushes on trails; bring gloves. Distance: Distance: 2.5 miles. 9803. June 19, 26, July 10, 17, 24, 31, Aug. 7, 14, 21, 2.75 miles. 28. Wood & Meadow Hike in the Andorra Meadow Do the Lavender Loop with Bruce Wagner with Kevin Eikov Tuesdays Saturday, July 22 • 10 am - 12 pm Thursday, August 31 • 9 am - 11 am Tuesday Nights in the Wissahickon. A casual Meet at The Cedars House, Northwestern Ave. & Forbidden Drive. Meet at Bell’s Mill Rd. & Forbidden Drive. social hike at a moderate pace through the hills The trail is somewhat rocky, and there are some hills. Level: easy to moderate difficulty. Distance: 2.5 miles. of the Wissahickon Gorge of about 4-6 miles for Bring water and wear good boots. Level: moderately adults 18+. Bring water, snacks, and a flashlight or difficult but slow hike that may be challenging for TRAILS LESS TRAVELED VIII: Blue Bells and Hotels with Gerry Schweiger headlamp. Always an option for dinner following young children or “ol’ guys out-of-shape.” Distance: 3 the hike. Meet at Bruno’s, at the corner of miles. Sunday, September 10 • 1 pm - 3 pm Meet at Blue Bell Hill Park at the parking lot kiosk. Germantown and Northwestern Aves. at 6:30 pm. Kid Friendly Hike with Marv Schwartz Level: moderate, but we will cross a couple of streets Approximate GPS coordinates are: 40.085806, Saturday, July 22 • 10 am - 12 pm with busy traffic. Distance: 3 miles. -75.230823. Nasty weather will cancel. If doubtful Saturday, September 9 • 10 am - 12 pm check the status of the hike at amcdv.org/ Meet at Valley Green Inn. Wood & Meadow Hike in Houston Meadow AMCCalendar.php or contact the leaders before 5:30 pm: David Stein, 215-499-9803, Pat Naismith, Visit the Livezey Dam, Gorgas Creek Cave, and with Kevin Eikov 610-639-3670. June 20, 27. Fingerspan Bridge. We will stop to enjoy our snacks Thursday, September 14 • 9 am - 11 am Meet at Bell’s Mill Rd. & Forbidden Drive. and continue on to Devil’s Pool and Pee Wee Rock on Wednesdays return to the Inn. Level: moderate difficulty over some Distance: 2.5 miles. Level: moderate/difficult because rocky trails. Distance: 2.5 miles. of the elevation climb. Wissahickon Wednesdays. Moderate paced hike through the Wissahickon Gorge with lots of ups Moth Night in Andorra Natural Area The Iconic Indian Walk with Bruce Wagner and downs. Bring rain jacket with hood, at least with Kris Soffa Saturday, September 16 • 10 am - 12 pm a quart of water, and lunch. Meet at Germantown Monday, July 24 • 7:30 - 9:30 pm Meet at Valley Green Inn. and Rex Aves. in Chestnut Hill at 10:30 am sharp. Rain date: Wednesday, July 26 Children welcome with parents. Dress appropriately. Call or e-mail leader if you plan to come and let Meet on back porch of the Wissahickon Environmental Center. Level: moderate with a couple of hills. Distance: 2 her know if you change your mind by 8 am the day Follow the dirt road up the hill at intersection of Forbidden Drive and miles. of the hike. Registration with leader is required for this activity. Leader: Elizabeth Fox, 215-432-8747 Northwestern Ave. Birds, Bees, & Butterflies: Mini Nature Safari Bring flashlight and a smartphone (to register your (bet. 9 am to 10 pm) or [email protected]. in Andorra Natural Area with Kris Soffa June 14, 28. sightings on the Citizen Scientist project site). Be Wednesday, September 20 • 10 am - 12 pm prepared to walk quietly on the trails and woods in the Meet at the Wissahickon Environmental Center. Follow the dirt road up dark. Suitable for children age 10+ with a responsible the hill at intersection of Forbidden Drive and Northwestern Ave. Philaventures adult. Bring water, camera, and ID book if you like. Rain Mindfulness Meditation Hike to Hermit’s Cave cancels. Suitable for children age 12+ with responsible waygay40.org adult. Level: moderate. with Kevin Eikov Sundays Thursday, July 27 • 10 am - 12 pm Meet at 208 Lincoln Drive, Phila., 19144 (GPS: Use 6034 Last Sunday of Month Wissahickon Hike. An opportunity to walk at a moderate pace with a Wissahickon Ave.). talkative group of LGBT folks who like fresh air and Suitable for children age 13+. Level: easy to moderate Hiking with Maura the Explorer exercise! Some ups and downs and uneven paths difficulty. Distance: 2.5 miles. June 30, July 28, August 25 are found along the way, so wear proper footwear Full Moon Rising Hike at the Upper Join FOW Executive Director Maura McCarthy and be ready to hike. Meet at 2:00 pm at Cosimo’s Roxborough Reservoir Preserve with Kris Soffa for a hike on the last Friday of each month. Pizza, 8624 Germantown Ave. at Bethlehem Pike Monday, August 7 • 7:30 pm - 9 pm Registration is recommended. For more (the top of Chestnut Hill). Registration with the Meet at park entrance at Port Royal Ave. & Lare Street, Phila., 19128. information and to register, visit fow.org. hike leader is required: Bert G. at bert12345@ Children age 12+ with responsible adults welcome. comcast.net. Level: easy. Distance: 1 mile.

Friends of the Wissahickon • Summer 2017 19 CALENDAR OF EVENTS IN THE WISSAHICKON VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES WISSAHICKON ENVIRONMENTAL CENTER Programs are FREE unless otherwise noted. Registration strongly requested or required for most programs. Register early. WEC is located at 300 W. Northwestern Ave. THIRD SUNDAY OF EVERY MONTH Philadelphia, PA 19118. More info. At 215-685-9285 or [email protected]. Wissahickon Restoration Volunteers (WRV) lead a service project from 10 am–12 pm as part of their on-going reforestation activities. Project details and INTERNATIONAL MUD DAY CELEBRATION directions to the worksite will be posted on the WRV website at least one week THURSDAY, JUNE 29 • 3 PM - 6 PM prior to the event: wissahickonrestorationvolunteers.org. For info. and to RSVP, We will celebrate the squishy, slimy, messy world of mud on International Mud Day 2017. Make mud pies, squish the mud between your toes, and prepare to get dirty! contact WRV at 215-798-0044 or [email protected]. Come anytime between 3:00 - 5:30 pm with a towel and a change of clothes. Rain or Shine! Ages 2-6 with adult. Registration required. FREE EVERY TUESDAY & THURSDAY FIREFLY FIREWORKS Friends of the Wissahickon volunteers repair and build structures in the MONDAY, JULY 3 • 8 - 9:30 PM Wissahickon from 9am to 1pm. For more info. and to register, contact Volunteer Get started on your holiday celebration with an evening visit to our meadow and enjoy an explosive display brought to us by our state insect . . . the firefly. Also known as Coordinator Christina Anthony at [email protected] or 215-247-0417 x351. lightning bugs, these fascinating creatures light up the Andorra Meadow with bioluminescence. Bring a blanket and bug jar. We will also listen for night singing insects, EVERY WEDNESDAY and use our bat detector to identify any bats we encounter. All ages. FREE Can’t volunteer with FOW on the weekends but still want to help out? Come WINEBERRY WILD work with the Wednesday Morning Crew each week from 9am-12pm as we SATURDAY, JULY 8 • 10 AM tackle projects throughout the park. Contact Volunteer Coordinator Christina In this summer edition of Kids Explore, we will head out for a special expedition to find and eat wineberries. Wineberries are a raspberry-like fruit, which is highly invasive Anthony at [email protected] or 215-247-0417 x351. in the Wissahickon, but delicious to eat. After completing this expedition, both the kids and the Wissahickon will be healthier. Ages 5-12 with adult. Registration EVERY SATURDAY required. FREE Friends of the Wissahickon workdays in the park are held most Saturdays MOTH NIGHT WITH KRIS SOFFA from 9am-1pm, unless it is a holiday or there is inclement weather. Projects include trail maintenance, invasive weed removal, planting, and clean-ups. Visit MONDAY, JULY 24 (RAIN DATE JULY 26) • 7:30 - 9:30 PM fow.org/volunteering/upcoming-workdays for updates and info on future projects. Join us to learn about these nighttime beauties. Watch a 20 minute moth PowerPoint presentation. Learn about how to observe moths in your home garden, construct To register, contact Volunteer Coordinator Christina Anthony at [email protected] a simple moth trap, and set up UV light lures. Bring a flashlight & camera. Wear sturdy hiking shoes. Suitable for children age 10+ with a responsible adult. or 215-247-0417 x351. Registration required. FREE FIRST SATURDAY OF EVERY MONTH FAMILY FULL MOON HIKE Wissahickon Restoration Volunteers (WRV) lead a service project from 10 MONDAY, AUGUST 7 • 8 - 9:30 PM FRIENDS am–12 pm as part of their on-going reforestation activities. Project details and This program will take the adventurous into the forest at night. Hunt for animal signs, listen for nighttime sounds, and enjoy directions to the worksite will be posted on the WRV website at least one week marshmallows around a campfire. This hike is geared for families. Appropriate for children age 6+. Registration OF THE prior to the event: wissahickonrestorationvolunteers.org. For info. and to RSVP, required. FREE WISSAHICKON contact WRV at 215-798-0044 or [email protected]. WILD ABOUT WORMS (AND OTHER WIGGLY THINGS) THIRD SATURDAY OF THE MONTH SATURDAY, AUGUST 12 • 10 AM ICE CREAM SOCIAL Join Friends of Cresheim Trail to improve the trails in the Cresheim Creek area. Do you love the feeling of a worm wiggling in your hand? Learn some fun facts about worms, listen to a story, and go on a August 16 p. 3 Meet at the entrance at Lincoln Drive and Allen’s Lane at 10 am. Wear sturdy worm hunt to see how many we can find. Ages 3-12 with adult. FREE shoes, long pants, and long sleeves to protect against poison ivy. Tools and gloves provided and coffee and snacks served. For more information or to volunteer, MORNING BIRD WALKS WITH MARTIN SELZER contact Friends of Cresheim Trail at [email protected] or 215-715-9159. SUNDAY, AUGUST 27 • 8 AM Meet at Houston Playground, 900 Graykyn Lane. Since fall passerine migration starts in late August, we hope to catch an WISSAHICKON early wave of migrants. All ages. FREE VALLEY SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 17 • 8 AM RUNNING Meet at the Tree House to explore Harper’s and Andorra Meadows. Fall migration will be well underway with both WATERSHED CLUBS passerines and hawks moving south. If we are lucky, today might be a big Broad-wing Hawk flight day! All ages. FREE ASSOCIATION WVWA offers many public programs as EVERY THURSDAY part of its mission to protect the quality and Wissahickon Wanderers Trail Run. 4-5 miles. Starts 6:30 HISTORIC RITTENHOUSETOWN beauty of the Wissahickon Creek and to pm sharp at Valley Green Inn. No Fees. All runners, speeds, Historic RittenhouseTown offers classes, workshops, and events for individuals and families to learn about the enhance life in the Wissahickon Watershed. skill levels welcome! Fun food and Cash Bar afterwards craft of hand papermaking and other aspects of Colonial life at the original Rittenhouse Family Homestead. Located at 12 Morris Road in Ambler. More courtesy of the Valley Green Inn. For updates and more info Located on Lincoln Drive at Rittenhouse Street. Info. at 215-438-5711, [email protected], or info. at wvwa.org. visit wanderersrunningclub.org. www.rittenhousetown.org.

EVERY SATURDAY Shawmont Running Club. Starts at Northwestern Ave. & Andorra Rd. (north end of Forbidden Drive). From the 2nd FOR A LISTING OF MORE EVENTS, VISIT Future calendar listings for the newsletter may be placed by contacting Saturday in May through the 2nd Saturday in October, start Friends of the Wissahickon at 215-247-0417 at 7:30 a.m. FOW.ORG/EVENTS. or [email protected]. Distances are at the discretion of runners. All levels welcome. Emphasis is on fun! More info. at shawmontrunningclub.com. JOIN US ON FACEBOOK, TWITTER, The Calendar of Events in the Wissahickon may also be viewed on FOW’s website fow.org/events, which contains updates on our events, AND INSTAGRAM including cancellations. — 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,  Society of Generous Friends*  $1000  $2500  $5000  $10,000 or above our quarterly newsletter, calendar, and membership card with discounts for meals at Valley Green Inn (in the park) and FOW merchandise. *Choice of: Family members receive all benefits of Basic membership plus choice of  Hat  T-Shirt (circle size) two kids tees OR one children’s book. Contributing members and above  Good Night Wissahickon Valley Park Children: S M L ($100 or more) receive all benefits of Basic membership plus choice of hat OR T-shirt OR one children’s book.  Please keep the premium and Map (black) S M L XL use the entire membership fee for the Park. Devil’s Pool (green) S M L XL Method of Payment Name______ Check Enclosed (payable to Friends of the Wissahickon) Street______ Charge my  VISA  Mastercard  AmX  Discover City______State______Zip Code______ Auto-renew my membership annually. Phone (Home) ______(Work) ______E-mail______Card Number______I also want to help Friends of the Wissahickon with: Expiration Date______ Membership  Community Outreach  Trail Repair  Cleanup  Wildlife  Fundraising  Reforestation  Structures Repair  Education  Vine Removal Signature______Please return to: 40 W. Evergreen Ave., Suite 108, Philadelphia, PA 19118-3324 • tel 215-247-0417 • [email protected] • fow.org Contributions to 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.