River News and Activities
|
Which Potomac-watershed protected area boasts more plant species than the entire continent of Europe? Look
for the answer at www.potomac.org. |
Become
a member!
Already
a member?
Receive RiverUpdate
in your inbox!
Potomac
Conservancy
8601 Georgia Avenue
Suite 612
Silver Spring, MD 20910
p 301.608.1188
f 301.608.1144
info@potomac.org
~
Protecting the health, beauty,
and enjoyment of
the Potomac
River and
its tributaries ~
Banner
image by
Don Chernoff
Summer Fun at the River Center at Lockhouse 8! Season
Opening 10 am to 2 pm |
 |
- Capital River Relief - May 10
- Growing Native Tree Planting with Potomac Heritage Trail Association - May 12 - 13
- Potomac River Trash Cleanup at Fletcher's Boat House - May 13
- Tenfoot Island Clean-up - May 20
- Be a River Center Docent - Throughout the summer and fall
- Meet Other River Lovers! - Ongoing
- Season Opening of the River Center at Lockhouse 8 - May 6
- Birds in Migration Hike - May 6
- Patagonia's Hike It Right Session 1: Clean & Popular Hiking Workshop - May 9
- Patagonia's Hike It Right Session 2: Safety & Wildlife Hiking Workshop - May 11
- Patagonia's Hike It Right Session 3: Potomac Nature Hike - May 13
- Garden Fair at the State Arboretum of Virginia - May 13-14
- Potomac Heritage Trail Planning Session/Hike - May 20
- Potomac Heritage Trail Repair Workshop - rescheduled for July 22
- Children's Bug Walk - May 20
- Voices of the River: Washington Folklore Society - May 21
- Help Restore the Catoctin Aqueduct - May 24
- Bicycle Trip to Great Falls - May 27
- National Trails Day with Potomac Heritage Trail Association and Loudon County Dept. of Parks, Recreation, and Community Services - June 3
- Watershed Wise DC: On the River, On the Bank - June 20
- C&O Canal and Potomac River Corridor Listed as Last Chance Scenic Place
- Shenandoah Makes Endangered Rivers List
- Update on Shenandoah River Fish Kill Task Force Investigations
- Good Neighbor Tip: Removing Vines for Tree Health
- Wild Washington Book Offers Close-Up of Wildlife
"Where You Headed?" - By Tim Bugansky
| Date | Event |
Wednesday, Morning & Afternoon; Rain or shine RSVP
|
Capital
River Relief Trash Cleanup Contribute to Capital River Relief's spring cleaning! Volunteers will be removing trash from the banks of the Potomac. Participants can do a half day or full day, and will be provided T-shirts as a thank you for their time. Those wanting to participate only in the afternoon session should plan to arrive at noon. We will end the day around 4:00. We will provide gloves, garbage bags, life jackets, breakfast, lunch, and plenty of water. Please dress appropriately for the weather and wear shoes that can get wet/muddy. No experience necessary. To learn more about Capital River Relief, please visit the Capital River Relief website: http://www.capitalriverrelief.org/. For Directions to Belle Haven Marina, please click here. Contact and RSVP (required): Contact Bryan Seipp, Director of Restoration, seipp@potomac.org.
|
Fri.
& Sat. 9:30 am 'til 12:30 pm Free |
Growing
Native Tree Planting Join Potomac Conservancy, the Potomac Heritage Trail Association, and Ford in welcoming spring by planting native trees! In preparation for National Trails Day, volunteers including associates from Ford on May 12 and members from area nonprofits on May 13 will plant trees along the Potomac River. We recommend long sleeves, pants, and closed-toed shoes. Also be prepared for very little shade; sunscreen and hats are advised. Plenty of cool water will be provided. For directions, please click here. Contact: Colleen Langan, Growing Native Program Coordinator, langan@potomac.org.
|
Saturday, 9 am 'til 12 noon Rain or shine RSVP
|
Potomac
Trash Cleanup at Fletcher's Boathouse Volunteers will be collecting trash along the banks of the Potomac River at Fletcher's Boathouse. Participants of all ages are welcome and no experience is necessary. Gloves and bags will be provided. For directions, please click here. Contact and RSVP (required): Laura Glass, Site Leader, LGlass@MICROS.COM. |
Saturday, 9 am 'til 2pm Free
|
Tenfoot
Island Cleanup Come make a trail and clean up an island! Volunteers will work with Eagle Scout candidate Brandon Burn and his troop to establish a trail on Tenfoot Island, one of the islands owned and protected by Potomac Conservancy. Additionally, volunteers will clean up and improve the primitive campsite, plant a few trees, and remove any trash from the island. Volunteers will be shuttled across to the island from Algonkian Regional Park. Accommodations can be made to pick up volunteers on the Maryland side of the river as well. Contact: Bryan Seipp, Director of Restoration, seipp@potomac.org.
|
May
through Required orientation:
|
Be
a River Center Docent Do you enjoy history or nature and talking to people? Then volunteer as a docent at the Conservancy's River Center! The River Center, located in restored Lockhouse 8 along the C&O Canal, educates visitors about the Potomac River, its connection to the Chesapeake Bay, and what they can do in their own backyards to protect these resources. Docents must commit three to four hours, once a month, on weekends from May through October to greet River Center visitors and to answer their questions. Docenting offers a unique opportunity to meet and interact with visitors to the National Park while gaining a greater knowledge of the C&O Canal and Potomac River. Docents must schedule an orientation meeting. Docents must be at least 18 years old. Contact and to make an appointment: Judy Welles, River Center at Lockhouse 8 Director, welles@potomac.org or 301.608.1188 x212.
|
Ongoing
|
Meet Other River Lovers! Help Keep the Conservancy running smoothly. We need volunteers to assist with data entry, mailing preparation, filing, and other general administrative duties. The best part? The chance to meet other river lovers, including other volunteers and Potomac Conservancy staff! A minimum eight-hour commitment per month is required. Volunteers who dedicate at least 16 hours per month will get free pizza once a month! We are a short walk from the Silver Spring Metro (red line). Stop by anytime to meet us and learn more about this opportunity. Contact: Angela Preston, Office Manager, preston@potomac.org.
|
Lend Your Voice by June 15—Say No to the Private McMansion in Our National Park!
Georgetown University is proposing to build a massive new boathouse for the exclusive use of its crew teams upstream of Key Bridge in the C&O Canal National Park. While Potomac Conservancy recognizes the need for more and better river access for rowers and is an advocate for recreation on the river, the proposed structure is poorly sited and scaled.
If it is allowed to be constructed, the boathouse will impact the natural and human environment of the C&O Canal National Historical Park and Capital Crescent Trail used by wildlife, hikers, bikers, anglers, recreational boaters, and tourists. Moreover, the plan could become a model for private development in national parks.
Defenders of Potomac River Parkland, of which Potomac Conservancy is a member, is raising public awareness about the issue, including the impacts on public use of the park. In addition to suggesting alternatives to the proposed Georgetown Boathouse, Defenders of Potomac River Parkland has rallied local citizens to take action on this issue.
The National Park Service issued an Environmental Assessment (EA) of the boathouse plan on April 25. The EA is now open for public comment until June 15.
Speak out against the Georgetown Boathouse proposal. Your voice will help persuade the Park Service to prepare a full Environmental Impact Statement and consider locations outside of the C&O Canal Park. Comments may include discussion of the document's contents as well as any additional impacts on the environment--including fish and wildlife habitat; use of the park; Capital Crescent Trail; scenic views; the historic canal and towpath; riverfront floodplain; etc.
To learn more about this issue, view the EA, or submit your comments, visit www.savethecanal.org/assessment.html.
Volunteers are needed to help distribute flyers and ask for written comments along the C&O Canal towpath and Capital Crescent Trail during weekends.
Contact: Amber Jones, aljones101@juno.com or 703-525-7034; Sally Strain, seawalk@starpower.net or 202-363-4546.
Season Season Hours: Free |
River
Center at Lockhouse 8 Come join your neighbors at Potomac Conservancy's River Center! Housed in a historic lockhouse along the C&O Canal, the River Center at Lockhouse 8 offers visitors a glimpse into the history of the Canal and the future of the Potomac River. Visitors can explore the River Center to learn about the Potomac River, the C&O Canal, nearby recreational opportunities, and how they can help the Potomac Conservancy protect the health, beauty, and enjoyment of these special resources. The fully restored
Lockhouse will be open weekends
from 10 am until 2 pm through October 15, 2006. For directions
to the Lockhouse, click
here.
|
Saturday, 8 am 'til 10 am Free |
Birds
in Migration Hike Join bird experts from American Bird Conservancy for a relaxing two-mile hike along the C&O Canal during migration season. Open to all ages. Please bring your own equipment. Refreshments will be provided. Contact: Heather Montgomery, Conservation Program Assistant, montgomery@potomac.org.
|
Tuesday, 7 pm 'til 8:30 pm Free |
Patagonia's
Hike It Right Session 1: Clean & Popular Hiking
Workshop Attend the first in our series of informative workshops! Join the Potomac Conservancy and Patagonia for this Leave No Trace hiking workshop instructed by Dan Winings and an informative introduction to local hotspots for climbing, hiking, biking, kayaking, and canoeing. Participants attending Session 1 and Session 2 of Hike It Right will receive priority registration for Session 3. Contact: James Tilley, Recreation Program Coordinator, tilley@potomac.org, or Collen Langan, Growing Native Program Coordinator, langan@potomac.org. |
Thursday, 7 pm 'til 8:30 pm Free |
Patagonia's Hike
It Right Session 2: Safety & Wildlife Hiking Workshop The second in our series of informative workshops! Join the Potomac Conservancy and Patagonia for a Hiking Safety & Wildlife Workshop instructed by Andrea Ketchmark of the American Hiking Society. The workshop will offer valuable tips about being prepared and safe on the trail. After this workshop there will be a talk on local wildlife. Contact: James Tilley, Recreation Program Coordinator, tilley@potomac.org, or Colleen Langan, Growing Native Coordinator, langan@potomac.org.
|
Saturday, 9 am 'til noon Free |
Patagonia's Hike
It Right Session 3: Potomac
Nature Hike Priority will be given to participants who attend Hike It Right Sessions 1 and 2 the prior week: Clean & Popular and Safety & Wildlife, held at the Patagonia store in Washington, DC. This final session willl involve application of the skills developed in previous workshops. Contacts: Colleen Langan, Growing Native Program Coordinator , langan@potomac.org; or James Tilley, Recreation Program Coordinator, tilley@potomac.org. |
Sat. & Sun., 9 am - 4:30 pm Free |
Garden
Fair at the State Arboretum of Virginia Potomac Conservancy is participating in this year's Garden Fair, the State Arboretum's largest annual event. Potomac Conservancy will be presenting information about its Growing Native program, including how native hardwood seed collections replenish stocks at area state-run nurseries. The fair features a huge plant and garden supply sale with more than 70 vendors offering perennials, shrubs, small trees, native plants, boxwoods, garden art and architecture, and a selection of plants divided from the Arboretum grounds. For more information, including a list of vendors, please visit the Garden Fair website: http://www.virginia.edu/blandy/gfhome.html For directions, please visit: http://www.virginia.edu/blandy/map.html Contact: Colleen Langan, Growing Native Program Coordinator, langan@potomac.org |
Saturday, 10 am - 2 pm Free |
Potomac
Heritage Trail Planning Session Join Potomac Conservancy Potomac and the Heritage Trail Association (PHTA) in exploring the future route of the Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail in the Accotink Bay Wildlife Refuge at Fort Belvoir. Participants will travel over the newly-constructed trail near the Norman Cole Water Treatment Plant to Route 1. Total hike distance will be approximately 5 miles. Meet at the Lorton Town Center VRE parking lot at 10:00 am; we will shuttle from there to the beginning of the hike. Please bring water and snacks or lunch. For more information please contact Ric Francke, fbfrancke@potomactrail.org or James Tilley, tilley@potomac.org.
|
Saturday, 1 pm 'til 2 pm Free |
Children's
Bug Walk Led by naturalist and Potomac Conservancy volunteer Deborah Landau, this walk along the C&O Canal and Potomac River will give a glimpse into the lives of the smallest critters that share our environment: bugs. Suitable for all ages. Please bring water and sunscreen. Contact: Heather Montgomery, Conservation Program Assistant, montgomery@potomac.org.
|
Has been rescheduled for Sat., July 22. 9:30 'til 3 pm Free RSVP Required |
Potomac
Heritage Trail Repair Workshop Join a training workshop on trail maintenance supported by the ACME Treadway Trail Crew and the Potomac Conservancy! Learn how to construct a hiking trail from professionals. Volunteers will rebuild sections of the Potomac Heritage Trail along the scenic Potomac River. Trainers will help volunteers of all levels of experience learn the fundamentals and "zen" of trail work. An optional potluck will follow. LIMITED to 15 slots. RSVP is required. Contacts and RSVP (required): Bruce Glendening, bglendening@yahoo.com; 703-532-9093; or James Tilley, tilley@potomac.org, 301-608-1188 ext.213.
|
Sunday, 4 pm 'til 5 pm Free |
Voices
of the River: Washington Folklore Society This kick-off will feature singers from the Washington Folklore Society, who will croon river songs and other works from the 1830s (when the C&O Canal was active) to the present day. Perfect for the entire family, with plenty of opportunities to join in the music and make requests. Feel free to bring a picnic and chairs. Contact: Judy Welles, River Center at Lockhouse 8 Director, welles@potomac.org
|
Wednesday, 5 pm 'til 7 pm Free RSVP Required |
Help
Restore the Catoctin Aqueduct Join the Catoctin Aqueduct Restoration Fund and friends as they kick off their campaign to raise awareness and support for this historic treasure. The Catoctin Aqueduct Restoration Fund seeks to reconstruct the historic canal structure (built in 1832-34 at the 51.5 mile mark of the C&O Canal) as it appeared in the 19th Century). For more information about the Catoctin Aqueduct restoration project, please visit http://www.catoctinaqueduct.org. Contact and RSVP (required): George Lewis 301-834-4044 or george@catoctinstation.com
|
Saturday, 10 am 'til 2 pm Free RSVP Required |
Bicycle
Trip to Great Falls Enjoy a day of bicycling along the C&O Canal Tow Path! The trip will begin and end at the Potomac Conservancy's Lockhouse 8. This 12-mile trip to Great Falls and back will include stops at historical sites and scenic views with informative lessons covering conservation, natural history, and the history of the C&O Canal. An exciting learning experience for the entire family! Please bring your own bicycle, helmet, lunch, and water. RSVP soon due to limited space. If you do not own a bike and helmet or would like additional information please contact James Tilley. Contact and RSVP (required): James Tilley, Recreation Program Coordinator, tilley@potomac.org
|
Saturday, 11 am 'til 3 pm Free Rain or Shine |
National
Trails Day on the Potomac Heritage Trail Celebrate National Trails Day with the Grand Opening of Elizabeth Mills Riverfront Park and the Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail! Join Potomac Conservancy, the Potomac Heritage Trail Association, and Loudon County Dept. of Parks, Recreation, and Community Services in acknowledging the value of our trails! Come see the new park and newly completed four-mile stretch of the Potomac Heritage Trail. An outdoor expo will feature a park dedication, and music, nature shows, storytelling, and children's activities. Food and beverages will be offered. For more information, please visit the Potomac Heritage Trail Association's website: http://www.potomactrail.org/events/20060603.htm. Contact: Colleen Langan, Growing Native Program Coordinator langan@potomac.org; or James Tilley, tilley@potomac.org.
|
Tuesday, 9 am 'til 5 pm $25-Register
|
Watershed
Wise DC: On the River, On the Bank Professional Development Opportunity! The DC Environmental Education Consortium (DCEEC) & DC Public Schools brings this unique opportunity to learn about the environmental educational opportunities in the DC watershed, to gather resources for improving existing environmental education programs, and to network with other professionals in the field. For more information and to obtain registration materials, please visit: http://www.anacostiaws.org/PDF/Teacher Training/Watershed Wise DC.pdf Contact: Gilda
Allen,
gilda.allen@dc.gov. |
C&O Canal and Potomac River Corridor Listed as Last Chance Scenic Place
Insensitive and rampant development along the Potomac River threatens to so drastically mar the area’s natural landscape that it has been designated one of Scenic Maryland’s “Last Chance Scenic Places." The April 20th announcement came at a joint press conference along the banks of the Potomac River, sponsored by Scenic Maryland and Potomac Conservancy, which nominated the 185-mile river corridor from Cumberland, Md., to Washington, D.C. and its surrounding lands.
Shenandoah Makes Endangered Rivers List
On April 19, American Rivers announced the 10 most endangered rivers in the country for 2006. The Shenandoah River, the largest tributary of the Potomac, ranked fifth. Though the Shenandoah is not one of the nation’s most polluted rivers, it is approaching a “tipping point” for chances at restoration. Potomac Conservancy is working in cooperation with Valley Conservation Council and other Shenandoah conservation organizations to raise awareness of the threats facing the river.
Update on Shenandoah River Fish Kill Task Force Investigations
A massive fish kill along the Shenandoah River's South Fork last year prompted the creation of the Shenandoah Fish Kill Task Force, of which the Potomac Conservancy is a member.
If the Senate passes the House Bill, approximately $30,000 will be alocated to the Shenandoah River Fish Kill Task Force supporting the investigation.
Good Neighbor Tip: Removing Vines for Tree Health
According to the National Park Service, "Vines that climb up trees slowly kill the tree from the base upwards by enveloping branches and twigs, blocking sunlight, causing branch and eventual tree death. The added weight of vines also makes trees susceptible to blowing over during storms. English ivy has been confirmed as a reservoir for bacterial leaf scorch, a harmful plant pathogen that affects a wide variety of native and ornamental trees such as elms, oaks and maples."
Dangerous vines include: English ivy, kudzu, mile-a-minute, Oriental bittersweet, porcelainberry, creeping euonymus, Japanese honeysuckle, and more.
Vines climbing up trees should be cut to kill upper portions to relieve the tree canopy. Portions of vines rooted in the ground will remain alive and will need to be treated with herbicide or cut repeatedly until no regrowth occurs. A systemic herbecide like triclopyr may be applied to cut stems and leaves.
Cutting the thick vine trunks can cause many smaller trunks to emerge, and can be more difficult to remove. Kill or cut back the vine at least three feet away from the tree, apply herbicide, and don't allow the vines to reach the tree trunk. Beware of poison ivy: its vines are more hairy and reddish. Poison ivy, a native vine to this area, does not harm the trees.
All information taken from the National Park Service pamphlet, " Plant Invaders of Mid-Atlantic Natural Areas."
For the National Invasive Species Council: http://www.invasivespecies.gov
For more river-friendly tips, download a free copy of the Conservancy's Good Neighbor Handbook.
Wild Washington Book Offers Close-Up of Wildlife
If you didn’t get enough of the birds, butterflies, and four-legged critters showcased in the Potomac Conservancy’s 2005 Wild Washington calendar, now you can buy your own Wild Washington book. Thanks to author, photographer, and Conservancy member Don Chernoff, $8 of every $20 purchase will support the Conservancy’s river conservation programs!
Offering an up-close look at the wildlife that call the metropolitan DC region home, this book is the perfect addition to the budding young naturalist’s collection or to any nature lover’s library.
View photos from this full-color, soft-cover book and purchase it online while supplies last!
Potomac Reflections is a feature through which the Conservancy's supporters share personal stories about how they relate to the Potomac River.
This month, Tim Bugansky reflects on his 70-mile sojourn along the C&O Canal:
"...Last summer, I escaped a dead-end job and the worries that accompany it, threw on my dusty backpack, and trudged westward along the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal, away from frenetic and tourist-choked Washington, DC, which quickly faded into a lush corridor of water, greenery, and wildlife, of Civil War sites, secluded picnic areas, scenic boat launches, stately stone aqueducts, and ramshackle lockhouses. And while I returned to the job and the city within a few days’ time, the memory of that 70-mile sojourn sticks with me, unsettling but unshakeable...."
To submit your own story for publication, email us at info@potomac.org.
Donating Online Is Easy, Secure, and Saves Resources
The Potomac Conservancy is trying to make it as easy as possible for you to show your support of our work. You can join, renew, and make special gifts securely online.
In an effort to dedicate more of your contributions directly toward our river protection and restoration programs, we will also soon be introducing electronic renewal notices.
If you have any membership questions, please do not hesitate to contact us. We want to hear from you!
Contact: Angela Preston, Office Manager, at preston@potomac.org or 301.608.1188.
To learn about other ways you can support the Conservancy: Visit www.potomac.org.
RiverUpdate
is an e-newsletter for Potomac Conservancy supporters. It provides
information on the Conservancy's volunteer activities and river-related
events. We welcome your feedback and comments on RiverUpdate. Please email us at riverupdate@potomac.org to let us know what you think. To subscribe or unsubscribe, click here. |