Spring 1997 Newsletter - Friends of the Wissahickon

s I N G 'II'11'0 PR.IESIERVE 'II'HIE INIA'II'URAII. BEAUTY AINIID 'INRILIDINIIESS OF 'II'HIIE 'INISSAHICKOINI VAII.II.IIEY AINIID STIMUII.ATII! PUBLIC IINIT!IERIIES'II' THIIEREIINI.VOII.UME 6 • INIUMBIER. "i

e are finalizing this year's budget forpresentation to the Friends' Board inearly March. It shows how much wehave grown over the past few years and how much weare now able to provide for projects in theWissahickon.This year for the first time in our 72+ year history,our total budget for projects to be carried out in the Valley will exceed $100,000,more than 10 times what our total budget was a few short years ago! These fundscome from both our own unrestricted funds (membership dues, gifts, etc.) and fromgrants for which we have written proposals to outside agencies (governments andfoundations). We owe a great deal to many people for this success-to our membershipfor supporting our efforts, to the several dedicated members of the Friends whohave taken the time to write grant proposals, especially to Howard Kittell, our director.I cannot overstate how important this $100,000 milestone is to the Friends. Itmeans that we now have funds for a nearly full-time field coordinator to organizevolunteer groups and carry out projects in the Valley. We now have a commitment inour unrestricted budget for a half-time field coordinator, with the balance comingfrom grants. It is our intention to commit to a full-time, internally funded positionin the near future. Our greatly increased budget for field projects means that we canrepair more trails and structures, as well as plant many more trees than we ever couldbefore. We are doing exactly what we said we would do in our long-range plan of1992, namely focusing on projects that preserve the beauty and wildness of theWissahickon Valley. This is what the Friends of the Wissahickon is really all about.One reason for this increase is the efforts of the Structures Committee, under EdStainton and Alex Cook, who recently undertook the restoration of the WPA shelterat Rex Avenue. When passersbys saw this, they were so pleased that many contactedus with offers of donations for additional projects. You will soon see the results oftheir generosity. (Hint: If there is a project near to your heart, we would be happy tohear about it and to receive your donation, roo!)Unfortunately, I must announce at this time that one of our most stalwart committeechairs and vice president of conservation has decided to resign from his leadershipposition in the Friends of the Wissahickon. Joe Dlugach, one of the founders,and current chair of the Conservation Committee, and a force for tree planting,exotics removal, trash removal, and all manner of good things in the Valley, hasresigned to devote his considerable energies to another conservation organization thatwill be working in the Valley. We hope that the Friends and Joe will work together tocontinue to make the Valley a better place. A new vice president for conservation willbe named soon to car~ on and expand our many projects in the Valley. Thank you,Joe, for your tireless efforts in the Valley and good luck in your new endeavors!Tom Ryan's committee continues to consider projects in the Valley, so theFriends can be a constructive voice in the choice and execution of projects to be carriedout by Fairmount Park Commission using funds from the recently-announcedWilliam Penn Foundation grant. His committee will be reporting on their preliminaryproposals at the Friends' March board meeting. We should all realize, however,that Fairmount Park, not the Friends, has responsibility for the funds and the projectsto be carried out in the Valley under this grant. The Park Commission will certainlyask our advice, and hence our efforts to become better prepared, but we willnot control the choice of the projects nor will we have the final say on how they arecarried out.The Deer Committee, under the leadership ofToni Seymour and Bob Wallis,continues its difficult deliberations about what to do about damage to the flora of theValley by deer. The final report on "The Development of Deer ManagementRecommendations for the Wissahickon Valley," commissioned by the Friends andprepared by Natural Resources Consultants, Inc., is now completed. You will behearing more on this topic soon.Finally, Chris Palmer, who has only been with us since last Fall as FairmountPark's manager of the Wissahickon District, is a tremendous asset for the good thingswe all are trying to accomplish in the Valley. As those of you who work with himalready know so well, he is the original can-do guy. He is enthusiastic, cooperative,and pushy (in a gentle way). The fact that the Park Commission has staff people likeChris shows high quality leadership under Bill Miffiin. Thank you for joining us,Chris, and thank you, Bill!David P. Pope, PresidentThe Friends of the 'W'issahickon8708 Germantown Avenue • Philadelphia, PA 19118-2717 • (215) 247-0417Thf mission of the Friends of the Wissahickon is to represent individual citizens, users,;, and community groups who are concerned for the preservation and restoration of the Wissahickon: portion ~f Fairmo~nt Park and in its protection through balanced use. The Friends shall provideleadershzp, educatton, and coordination for their various activities on behalf of the Wissahickon,and shall develop broad community support for this unique natural asset. ·rBOARD MIIEMBIIEIRSSioux BaldwinWainwright BallardTodd BernsteinClare BillettAlexander T. CookCharles D. DilksDr. Joseph DlugachCarol FranklinJohn G. C. FullerShirley GracieDr. WilliamS. GreenfieldRobert GutowskiWilliam L Helm, Jr.Wtlliam G. HengstRobert A LukensMargaret S. McFadienNicholas PagonDavid J. PerlmanDavid P. PopeR Markoe RivinusThomas RyanAntoinette SeymourDenaSherEdward C. StaintonElla TorreyRobert VanceRobert C. WallisPatsy WalshCOMMinEIIE CHAIRSValley Green InnR Markoe RivinusElla TorreyEasementsEd StaintonMapJohn FullerMembershipDenaSherDr. Sandy Sher·:. StructuresAlex CookNewsletterWilliam G. Hengst, EditorDena Sher, Associate EditorConservationConservationSubcommitteesClean-upJoyce BreadingMajor Trail RepairJohn Vernon&forestation &RestorationClare BillettHydrologypublished by~ONTGOMERY~NEwsPAPERSWildlifeJulie Reich,Sam TuckerWissahickonStewardship ProgramClare Billett,Jason LubarOutreachJay Furman

By F Markoe Rivinusn Sunday, April27 the 76th annual procession of horses and riders and horsedrawn carriages, knownat the Wissahickon Day Parade, will travel down Forbidden Drive from Northwestern Avenue at 12noon and arrive at Valley Green about 12:30 PM.Wissahickon Day is an opportunity to catch a glimpse of what the Wissahickon once was before the automobileage (See sidebar stoty.).What many people may not realize is the parade is preceded by a horse show that takes place in the morningon the grounds ofNorthwestern Stables. Jackie Simon, president of the Riders of the Wissahickon, expectsover 100 horses participating in ten classes of events. Judging will be done before noon by experts in variousclasses and the awards will be made at the review standat Valley Green Inn.Classes will include both western and English saddle,a costume division and riding academy classes,among others. Carriages will have two and fourwheeledgroups.The horses and carriages may be seen atNorthwestern Stables before the parade, but the bestviewing spots are along Forbidden Drive-the route ofthe parade. Stop anywhere along this route and cheeras horses go past. Park and walk to the Wissahickonand allow plenty of time to get there and enjoy theprocession.The Covered Bridge will be open to walkers tocross the creek from the Chestnut Hill side. The closestparking is at Bell's Mill Road but this fills up early.Many walkers park on Wise.Mill Road and also walkdown.A free Park trolley will operate that day from 11AM until 2 PM, making continuous runs fromGermantown Avenue to Valley Green Inn, running onSpringfield Avenue to Valley Green Road and thendown to the Inn, with return trips.The awards will be made at Valley Green Innsometime after 12:30 PM, where food and beveragesmay be purchased and pony rides for children areavailable for a nominal cost. The parade will be held . ·rain or shine.For general viewing information, call the Friendsof the Wissahickon at 215-247-0417 or Riders of theWissahickon at 215-482-9303.Friends of the Wissahickon members will receive $2 off the $5 show admission to the 1997 Springside School Antiques Show held on Saturday, Aprill2 (10 AM to 5 PM)and St:i.nday, Aprill3 (I lAM to 5 PM).Proceeds from the 14th annual show, which draws ne~ly 70 dealers with a wide range of antiques, will benefit Springside School's student financial and academic programs.On Sunday, between 12 and 3 PM, Samuel Freeman, of Freeman Fine Arts of Philadelphia, will offer appraisals for a $5 per-item fee.Springside School is located at Willow Grove Avenue and Cherokee Street in Chestnut Hill. For further information, call the school at 215-247-7200.

By Chris PalmerI? the Spring of 199?, Fair~ount Park CommissionImplemented a trail users permit system for theWissahickon Valley. This system was set up toencourage proper use of the heavily used park trails.Permits are required for bicyclists and equestrians overthe age of 16 who use any trail that has been designatedfor multi-use with the exception of ForbiddenDrive and entrance routes.These trails are distinguished by a single-color trailblaze, designating which trail you are on, followed by agreen blaze which indicates that the trail is a multi-usetrail open to hikers, bicyclists, and equestrians. If thereis no green blaze, then the trail is open to hikers and.equestrians only.Permits obtained in 1996 are no longer valid.Therefore, Fairmount Park Commission now is acceptingapplications for 1997 Wissahickon trail user permits.New applications have been mailed to peoplethat received 1996 permits. Included in that mailing isa questionnaire concerning usage and asking people tovoice their opinions. This information will assist us inbetter managing the Valley.There also is an opportunity to assist us with trailupkeep by making a tax deductible donation to theWissahickon Trail Maintenance Donations willbe used for trail improvements exclusively in theWissahickonPermit applications canupweek at Memorial Hall, or at the District 3Wissahickon maintenance headquarters,Avenue, or on at Valley Greer, guardhouse. Users will be mailed their permit along with anorange wristband that is to be worn when riding onupper trails.To help clarifY the proper usage of the trails, wehave developed a trail map that will be mailed out tousers after we process their permit application. Thismap is a size that can easily be carried in your pocket,saddle bag, or fanny pack.In an attempt to clarify uses further, we are .installing· trail usage signs. These will be placed on alimited trial basis in areas where user conflicts havebeen documented. One of the first locations will bethe area bordered by Chestnut Hill Avenue, CrittendenStreet, and Bells Mill Road. The signs will be placed attrail intersections and will use international symbols toshow permitted as well as restricted usages. Installationis scheduled to start early this Spring.We would like to know your opinion on how wellthe signs work. Please feel free to contact our District 3office at 685-2575, or by mail at Fairmount ParkCommission, Memorial Hall, Box 21601,Philadelphia, Pa 19131-0901.In 1996, a total of 3469 people were issued trailusage permits. Of that number, 3150 were bicyclists,122 were equestrians, and 197 either engaged in bothsports or in some other form of recreational activity.We look forward to the continued support andparticipation of trail useF.s in the Wissahickon trail userprogram.Chris Paimer is the }dangerof Fairmount Park's 3rd DistrictWissahidmn lovers will be happy to know that the Covered Bridge at ThomasMill Road has been reopened following completion of temporary repairs to the structureA gift to the Friends by Richard and Peggy Greenawalt ofWyndmoor paid forthe temporary repairs which enabled the bridge to be reopened. The work was doneby Richard Meyers & Sons of FlourtownAlthough the bridge is now reopened and safe, major structural repairs still mustbe done to the entire roof, road bed, and possibly the beams under the road bed, allof which may require additional funding beyond Fairmount Commission's budget.The Park Commission has already-set aside $200,000 in its capital budget for majorstructural repairs to the bridge.The Friends are working with the Park towards securing cooperative funding toensure the historically correct rebuilding of the bridge. Persons interested in assisting· this effort should contact the Friends' office.Crew from Richard Meyers & Sons, of Flourtown, repairing the Covered Bridge.-photo by Ed Stainton

FairmouJoseAs a continuingfoature ofthis newspaper, we will offeroccasional profiles of members ofthe Fairmount ParkCommission. This past winter,Ed Stainton caught up withand interviewed ParkCommissioner joseph Syrnick.Q joe, tell me a bit about yourself and your workwith the City of Philadelphia's Streets Department?A. I'm a Philadelphian and graduate from DrexelUniversity and have been working in the StreetsDepartment the past 26 years. I'm the chief engineer forthe department. My job is exciting . I've recently workedon the South Broad Street improvements, the MarketStreet piece, and the West River Drive and West Park.All are, I believe, significant improvements to our city. Ihave a hard-working staff of 40 to 50 trained engineerswho make my job easier and fun.Q I understand you are to be congratulated onbeing named the 1997 Delaware Valley engineer of the year.Would you tell us more about that award?A. It's a special award to me because it usually isgiven to engineers in the private sector or academicworld. The award really recognizes that the city is on therebound and that the streets are in much, much bettershape than in the seventies and eighties. Sure, we get ourcomplaints about potholes, and such things, but if we arelucky and don't get much more ~.now this year, we'll thenbe way ahead ()flast year and can make our streets andbridges even better.Q joe, how did you get on the Fairmount ParkCommission?A. That was easy. AB chief engineer and surveyorfor the city, I'm on the Commission automatically, as anex-officio member. But that's not the important thing.The important thing is I love Fairmount Park. I grew upon the edge of the Wissahickon Valley and spent a lot ofmy youth in the Park, especially around Gorgas Lane. ABkids, we would sometimes hike through the Park to BlueBell, struggle to light a campfire in the picnic area, andthen we'd cook our can of beans and pork. We soonfound out, as you can guess, quite dramatically, that youdon't try to heat a can of beans by throwing it into thefire! I raised my three girls near the Park and spent timeshowing them the natural world there.Q Tell us what you do as a Park Commissioner?A. Being a Park Commissioner is a fun thing.Everybody loves a park. Again, I am doing something Ilove. Being an engineer and working in another departmentof the city government, I can bring a different perspectiveto Fairmount Park. One of the main things thatthe Friends of the Wissahickon is trying to work on iswater runoff into the Wissahickon Park, which is a majorand most difficult problem. Basically, the water that iscollected on the streets is the responsibility of the StreetsDepartment, until we get it into a sewer inlet. But, often,it's not that simple. Sometimes there are no close sewersCommissioner,5 ickto use and sometimes the water runoff might overloadthe sewers if we used them. And we have to realize thatwe have certain streets in the city that are the State'sresponsibility, and they have different requirementsabout runoff water. And then there is the whole problemof private property owners next to the Park whose runoffwater gets dumped from their roofs and drives into thePark.Q Any clue how this water runoff problem can besolved?A. My job is dealing with and solving problems.That's my training. With all of us working together, we'llfind the best solutions to making the Wissahickon amore enjoyable place for all.Thanks joe for spending the time with me. Now that Iknow you, I'll be able to greet you when I see you in theWtssahickon.FRIENDS'INTER LE URESERIESThe final talk in the Friends' WinterLecture Series will take place onTuesday, March 18 when Ruth Pfeffer willshare her knowledge of "Birds of theWissahickon." Pfeffer, expert birding enthusiast,veteran birdwalk leader and compiler of theMilitia Hill Hawkwatch, will give a slide talkon breeding and migratory birds of theWissahickon designed to teach elements ofbird identification by sight and sound.The lecture, which is free, will take place atthe William Jeanes Library of WhitemarshTownship, located on Joshua Road betweenFlourtown Road and Germantown Pike andwill begin at 7:30 PM.

y Howard Kittell and Edward Stainton1996 was a milestone year for the ConservationEasement Program, a partnership of the Chestnut HillHistorical Society and the Friends of the Wissahickon thatbegan in 1993. Three new easements were given to theprogram; negotiations began on seven new easementswhich should come to fruition in 1997; the program wonan award from the Preservation Alliance for GreaterPhiladelphia; and, last bur not least, the long-awaited conservationplan for the Easement Program was completedand published.The three new easements brought the totals forthe Conservation Easement Program up to 30.8 acresthat are now protected from development, representinga value of$2.6 million.The Conservation Easement Program is one ofthe more unique and state-ofthe-art in the UnitedStates. Few such programs attempt to conserve bothopen space and historic structures, few are a collaborationbetween environmental and historic interests,and ono/ a very few have a comparable comprehensiveplan to guide their programs. The Friends of theWissahickon/Chestnut Hill Historical Society easementprogram is managed by a joint committee ofboard members from each organization and directedby staff members shared by the two organizations,Martha Moffat, easementptitnne'f,and HowardKittell, executive director.The conservation plan, titled "ManagingDevelopment & Promoting Preservation," will serve manypurposes, chief of which is to identifY areas and propertieswhere easements would most effectively further the goalsof the easement program. Criteria set forth in the planhelp to identifY key open tracts of land and critical historicor architecturally significant structures which, when protectedby easements, will help to preserve and maintainthe unique character of the Wissahickon Valley, ChestnutHill and the surrounding communities. The mapsaccompanying this plan indicate larger properties withdevelopment potential and structures on GermantownAvenue which have significant architectural or historicmerit. A priority of the easement program will be toobtain conservation or facade easements on propertiessuch as these.Development and change in our urban communitiesare inevitable. However, we can be prepared to adapt toand accommodate change without losing our sense ofidentity or the nattiral and man-made qualities that haveattracted people to this area for over 300 years. Easementsprovide property owners with the tools to voluntarily protectour heritage and the incentives to manageboth development and change.The conservation plan is published inan easy-to-use folded map format and containsa substantial amount of information inan easy-to-read format. It addresses fivetopical areas. The first is an explanation ofwhy the Friends and the Historical Societyundertook an easement program as well asthe public benefits of easements. In additionto setting forth the goals of theConservation Easement Program, sectiontwo of the plan contains brief histories ofboth the Wissahickon Valley and ChestnutHill, the challenges that confront themtoday, and the importance of these"resources" to residents and the city ofPhiladelphia ..Sections three and fourare more technical. Theycontain data about existingdevelopment controls, the cri- ·teria established for receivingeasements, and the variouslegal controls on landimposed by the city ofPhiladelphia, such as zoning,the Wissahickon WatershedOrdinance, building coderequirements, and historiclandmark and district controls.The plan contains themost basic information aboutwhat an easement is (donatingunused property rights to another party), the mechanicsof an easement, and the process of how one is created.The Friends/Historical Society have moe detailed literaturefor people who are considering giving an easement ontheir land and/or buildings.The fifth section of the plan is perhaps the most funand the one which first attracts readers. This consists oftwo maps, one of the Wissahickon Watershed inPhiladelphia and the other a more detailed map ofGermantown Avenue. Both show where there are alreadyprotected lands, whether by easement or public ordinance,and where the Friends/Historical Society would like tesecure easements in the future to create a comprehensivenetwork ofprotected properties. The watershed mapshows properties of sufficient size that have unused orunder-used development rights which could be protected· by an easement. The Germantown Avenue map shows allof the properties along its length from Cresheim ValleyDrive to Chestnut Hill Avenue, categorized into prioritiesfor securing easements to protect the community character.These maps will be used as guides for targeting potentialeasements.The plan was developed and written by a collaborationof board and staff members of the Friends andHistorical Society. Its principal authors were MarthaMoffat, Peter Lapham, Edward Stainton, John Levitties,and Howard Kittell. Collectively they represent professionalexpertise in architecture, urban planning, historicpreservation, architectural history, education, political science,and American culture. Diana Woodward providedthe stunning graphic design for the plan which bothinvites the reader and pulls him through the document.Lastly, no project of this rype is possible withoutfunding. A collaboration of funders made the plan possible,including generous contributions from the Dolfinger­McMahon Foundation, National Trust for HistoricPreservation - Preservation Services Fund, the BarraFoundation, and private donors from the community.If you would like to receive a copy of the plan and/orhave questions about the easement program, please callthe office at 215-247-0417.

4. Properties that contain architecturally or historically significant buildings orconstructions that are on or eligible for the National Register of Historic Places, thePennsylvania State Register, the Philadelphia City Historical Register.change.5. Properties that buffer the above type properties from adverse development or6. Properties that are situated such that their development would obstruct ordiminish scenic views or "view corridors" into the Wissahickon or scenic settings inChestnut Hill and adjacent communities or would interfere with views across already protectedopen spaces or buildings.7. Properties that help maintain the traditional building pattern of Chestnut Hilland adjacent communities and the spaces therein."Now the Wissahickon is ofso remarkable a lovelinessthat, were it flowing in Engkmd it would be thetheme of every bard. "The Wissahickon Valley-Edgar Allen PoeVisitors to the Wissahickon have cherished its beauty for centuries. Today theWissahickon Valley, a part of Philadelphia's Fairmount Park, is one of the few remainingurban wilderness areas in the United States. In 1972 the federal government recognizedthe unique beauty of this deep, wooded gorge and stream by designating the Wissahickona National Natural Landmark, one of the first natural areas to be so honored. Comprisedof approximately 1,800 acres with 50 miles of trails, the Wissahickon is one of the mostheavily used sections of Fairmount Park and the lands bordering it some of the most highlyvalued in the city. Unfortunately, the intensity of the use of the lands both within theValley and its surrounding communities has accelerated the degradation of theWissahickon's fragile environment.The Perimeter of the Wissahickon ValleyLand bordering the Wissahickon Valley is, to a great extent, typified by large privatelyowned residential lots. This privately held land ofren is virtually indistinguishable from thepark land as the naturally landscaped grounds meld into the woodlands of theWissahickon, smoothing the transition between private and public land and making theWissahickon appear more extensive than it actually is.Over the past four decades as major land holdings have become available, some insensitivedevelopment on private land has occurred . This development has encroached deeperinto the perimeter of the Wissahickon, diminishing its wild and scenic woodland character.The unfortunate loss of the Wissahickon's naturalistic borders is most apparent alongthe west side of the Valley.In addition to smoothing the transition between the Park's wooded lands and privateproperty, low-intensity development is also of vital importance in protecting the Valleyfrom excessive storm water run-off and its accompanying problems of erosion and streamsiltation. Regrettably, the many who desire to live in dose proximity to the Valley havedeveloped the Wissahickon's watershed lands to the extent that the increase in built-upareas and the accompanying increase in impervious surfaces has resulted in a greateramount of storm water flow into the Wissahickon.What are Conservation Easements?A conservation easement is a legal agreement between a property owner and a qualifiedthird-party which conveys specific development rights from the property owner to thethird party in perpetuity. Thus, future development is restricted. Each easement's restrictionscan be tailored to the property and to the interests of the individual owner but mustmeet criteria established by the organization to which the easement is being donated.Property owners may be entitled to a charitable deduction based on the value of the interestin the property given up, provided Internal Revenue Service's standards are met.Conservation easements provide a more fine-grained degree of voluntary control overproperty than is possible under local government controls.Criteria for Acceptance of EasementsThe Friends/Historical Society have established criteria for the acceptance of easementsto fulfill their legal and ethical obligations to be sure that the land and building protectionprogram results in real public benefits, and that the obligations which they assumein perpetuity can be carried out. Each proposed easement is evaluated on its own meritsafrer careful investigation of the property and its resources.1. Properties with development potential that lie on the edge of the WissahickonValley or one of its tributaries.2. Properties that are adjacent to lands already eased for protection of theWissahickon and its tributaries.3. Properties that drain into the Wissahickon Valley or wetlands that serve theWissahickon.CONSERVATION FOCUS AREASUsing the criteria described above, the Friends/Historical Society will focus theirefforts to obtain easements in four areas:** WISSahickon Valley and its Tributaries Priority properties include those which lieon the perimeter of the Wissahickon and can be subdivided, or which are adjacent to landsalready protected by easements.**Germantown Avenue Commercial Spine A second set of priorities include historiccommercial and residential buildings and open space on Germantown Avenue betweenCresheim Valley Drive and Chestnut Hill Avenue, inclusive of Chestnut Hill's popularpedestrian-oriented, retail shopping district. Because of their strategic location or historicintegrity, many of these buildings are desirable for easements to protect historic facades, tocontrol commercial expansion into existing open areas and to prevent demolition for new,larger retail development.**Chestnut Hill Properties A third set of priority properties are those in ChestnutHill not on the Wissahickon's perimeter or one of its tributaries which have architecturallyor historically significant buildings or large lots with potential for sub-division and furtherdevelopment. Obtaining facade and/or open space easements on critical properties willprevent further erosion of the Chestnut Hill's unique physical character and preserve itsopen, natural environment.** Neighboring Properties The fourth set of priority properties include those in adjacentneighborhoods that have historic significance, large open spaces with clevelopmentpotential, particularly those visible from a public right of way. As in the case of Chestnut ·Hill, obtaining facade and/or open space easements on key properties will help to maintainand preserve the unique historic and natural character of these neighborhoods.

III''by Howard Kittell --------------------------------As announced in the last issue of this newspaper, the Friends of the Wissahickon has won a second grant fromthe Philadelphia Urban Resources Partnership (PURP) which will fund "Operation Rain Barrel," the brainchildof the Friends' volunteer coordinator Jason Lubar. Rain Barrel's intent is to inspire home-owners aroundthe rim of the Wissahickon Valley to become more environmentally sensitive gardeners.After months of planning, "Operation Rain Barrel" will be get underway in March with two community meetingsin Roxborough. The first is scheduled for Thursday, March 6 at the Leverington Presbyterian Church, Hermitage andRidge avenues. This meeting will be co-sponsored with The Central Roxborough Civic Association.A second similar meeting will be held on Thursday, March 13 at the Church of St. Alban, located at Ridge andFairthorne Avenues. This meeting will be co-sponsored with the Ridge Park Civic Associations. Both communitymeetings will begin at 7:30PM. Flyers were mailed out to members of the two civic associations as well as to Friends'volunteers and members in the neighborhood.Jason Lubar and Wayne Lee, volunteer coordinators for the Friends, are organizing these and subsequent meetingsto enroll homeowners in becoming better stewards of the Wissahickon through using new gardening and landscapetechniques on their properties. They will lead the meetings and make presentations along with environmental specialistsfrom the Pennsylvania Departments of Environmental Protection and Conservation and Natural Resources.The meetings will be educational, illustrating for property owners the severity of erosion and runoff problems in theValley. The speakers will present effective and practical techniques individual property owners can use to reduce thecumulative effects of storm water on the fragile Wissahickon Valley from standard lawn and gardenpractices-how landis sculpted around buildings, types of planting materials and ground cover use. Participants will learn steps they can taketo reduce the runoff from their own propertiesthrough alternative types of driveway, sidewalk and' ' patio surfaces."Operation Rain Barrel" is application of theaxiom "Think globally and act locally.·"Runoff from roofs of homes and commercialbuildings is one of the most problematic sources ofstorm water. It is a direct function of the size of theroofs and one not easily altered. However, throughthe use of rain barrels, rain water runoff from roofscan be collected and used in gardens and lawns, orsaved and dispersed at times when the ground is notsaturated with vast quantities of rain water.Grant funds will be used to purchase and installrain barrels on a few homes as demonstration cases.The Friends, working in partnership with expertsfrom the Morris Arboretum, will hold a contestthrough the summer of 1997 to see who can bestadapt their home landscape system to more effectivelyhold rainwater and reduce runoff into theWissahickon.Other communities have already begun tointroduce rain barrels as a means of relieving overstressedstorm sewer systems. Many garden supplystores and garden catalogues today carry rain barrelsand attachment devices for environmentally conscientioushome owners. Wayne Lee discovered anextensive program of rain barrel installation carriedout by the metropolitan government of Toronto,Ontario.Another component of "Operation RainBarrel" will be to replant portions of the GorgasLane watershed as well as other portions of theValley as part of the Friends successful reforestationprogram.For further information about "Operation RainBarrel," contact the Friends' office at215-247-0417..---------------~-----------------------------,T-ShirtHatIOrders to be picked up at office8708 Germantown Avenue.Orders mailed outI K L VSHOW IT ON YOUR£ AN RTfOrder your Friends of the WissahickonT-shirts and hat today!T-shirt is natural, undyed cotton that goes through the wash beautifully.Friends of the Wissaliickon logo on the front and watershed map ofthe Wissahickon Valley on the back in dark green.Hat is grey-green canvas with a leather strap for size adjustment.Colorful design identifies hat with the Friends of the Wissahickon.Send form and check to Friends of the Wissahickon-8708Germantown Avenue Philadelphia, PA 19118.Number Size Price TotalMedium $12 Mem.Large$14 Non-Mem.X-LargeXX-Large$14Mem.$16 Non-Mem.Total( ) Mailing $2.00( ) TotalName ____________ ~-------------------------------------------------------------------, Street _________________________________________________ ___City ______________________ State ----------Zip --------------Method of Payment ) Check ) Visa ( ) MastercardVisa or Mastercard number---------------------------------------------Expiration Date _____________________________________________________Signature _______________________________________________________ .... ~~ ~~ w.l:h!.a~~t,!> !;i~~o!:!h..:., ~s=!::: ~:: !?~ ::~~~~=;::,!,h=~p~a,;!:;_1~;! ..... ___ .JL

Iby Jason LubarThe harbingers of Spring are apparent in theWissahickon Valley. The chickadee sings its' springsong, the red maple buds are pushing out, and theflocks of the many-colored cross-countriers are migratingnorth following the snow. With the change of seasonscomes a shout from far and wide: "Spring plantingis coming, spring planting is coming!"This Spring, the Friends of the Wissahickon willbe planting o~er 1200 bare-root native canopy trees in14 different locations in the Valley, beginning theweekend of March 22nd and continuing throughSunday April20. Plantings mostly occur on weekends,but sporadically on weekdays. --Spring planting begins theweekend of March 22nd andcontinues throughApril 20th.We will be planting through the WissahickonStewardship Program (WiSP) and with the help of volunteers-individualsand groups. Much of our plantingis done through groups (See sidebar for listing of thegroups that assisted in the Wissahickon last year), andwe are always loojcing for more-community groups,fraternities and sororities, Boy and Girl Scout groups,religious organizations, businesses, etc.We plant in all kinds weather except heavy rainor snowfall. (The trees love it when it showers) Inaddition, we need volunteers to help us "dig-in" thetrees at our nursery at Andorra Natural Area.Planting is a dirty business, so please wear yourfavorite work gloves, appropriate clothing and sturdyshoes. We will trees, tools, instruction, water,and gloves, if necessary.If you or yourneed to find outis interested in helping orwhere we will be planting,_In 1997, the Friends expect to have the services oftwo college students who will work on conservationprojects in the Wissahickon during the summermonths. The students come to us through the StudentConservation Association, which recruits students towork as volunteers on environmental projects across theUnited States and provides a stipend for food andexpenses.please call Jason Lubar at 610-940-2257 during the dayor in the evenings at 215-242-2059. We look forwardto meeting and working with you.A special thanks to the Philadelphia UrbanResources Partnership for providing a grant supportingtrees and supplies purchase, and to CouncilmanMichael Nutter for his support of the program.Cresheim Valley tree planting inmemory of Phoebe Valentine will beheld on Saturddy, March 22nd If youwant to make an additional giftcall the Friends' office,247-0417.Volunteers Neededfor FriendsConservationThe Friends of the Wi.ssahickon welcomes volunteersinterested in assisting with the activities of itsConservation Committee. If you are interested, pleasethe Friends' office at 215/247-0417.Copies of 1996 Conservation Committeeare available at Friends' office.ELFTEE 5The Friends, however, are responsible for securinga place with kitchen privileges for the students to live.Anyone interested in helping with this. effort on behalfof the Park is urged to contact the Friends' office at247-0417.We are very grateful to the following organizationsthat provided volunteer work groups in the Park, princiforreforestation projects:Alpha Phi Omega (Drexel University), BatonaHiking Club, Blue Civic Association, BoyScouts of America, Troup 12, Scouts of America,Troop 334, Roxboro ugh Civic Association,ChestnutEastern Mountain""""''"'""

By "Warren Davisishing courtesy has to do with our behaviortoward fish, toward others who fish, and towardthe total environment in which we fish."Catch and release" is the current standard in fishing.This attitude assumes that we only keep those fishthat we intend to eat, and that we return the rest safelyto swim free again. This is facilitated by using singlehooks with the barbs turned down by pliers, and byavoiding treble hooks altogether. Fish which are heldgently for hook removal and returned quickly to thewater hav~ a good chance of survival.Our respect for others who fish is shown when wedo not encroach on the pool or area of stream whereanother is fishing, and by not casting or disturbing thewater in the area of another who is fishing."Carry in, carry out," is a behavior which respectsthe environment. We leave no trash or discarded articlesin the stream or on the ground. It is especiallyimportant to never leave broken lengths of fishing linein the water or at streamside. These fragments canentangle and bring harm to fish, birds and small animals.We are also careful not to trample shrubs andplants by the stream because they help to hold theearth in place, preventing unnecessary runoff of soil.Practicing these principles develops high regardfor the world in which we are privileged to live andenhances a positive attitude toward our naturill environment.Joe Frinkel, who lives in Mt. Airy, shows thatfish even 'bite in winter. Last January 5th, there wasmid-winter thaw which brought out four fishermenalong one short stretch of the Wissahickon.Joe caught several fish that day using a simple spinnerand corn; the largest was a 15-inch, two-and-ahalfto three pound rainbow which he is holdingup in the picture. He then released the fish so thatsome other fisherman could have the joy of catchinghim. Joe has spent the last 15 years fishing thecreek and enjoys winter fishing because it is morechallenging.-story and photo by Ed StaintonThe Wissahickon Valley Map, published by the Friends of theWissahickon, is available for sale at the following locations:Andorra Natural AreaBorders Book ShopBike LineEastern Mountain SportsGuy's BicyclesFranklin MapsHistoric RittenhouseTownJoseph Fox BookstoreMorris ArboretumO'Donnell's Office SuppliesPhiladelphia College of Textilesbook storePhiladelphia Ranger CorpsRecreational Equipment, Inc. (REI)Rand McNally Map StoreValley Green InnWeaver's Way Co-OpWissahickon Valley Watershed Assoc.Tree House8701 Germantown Ave.226 S. 40th St.Suburban Square, ArdmoreMontgomery Mall, North Wales, PA160 N. Gulph Road, King of Prussia4737 Concord Pike, Wilmington, DE326 E. Street Rd., Feasterville333 S. Henderson Rd. King of PrussiaWissahickon Avenue1724 Sansom St.Northwestern Ave.8355 Germantown Ave.Schoolhouse Lane & Henry Ave.Ohio House, Fairmount Park200 W. Ridge Pike, Conshohocken1650 Market St.Springfield Ave. at Wissahickon Creek559 W. Carpenter Lane12 Morris Road, AmblerCLETVOLUNTEERS ARE NEEDED TO HELPWITH A SPECIAL KEEP-THE-PARK GLEANCAMPAiGN ON THE OPENING DAY OF THEFISHING SEASON, SATURDAY, APRIL 12. IFYOU ARE INTERESTED IN HELPING FOR ANHOUR OR TWO THAT MORNING, PLEASECALL THE FRIENDS' OFFICE, AT 247-0417, TOSIGN UP.OTHER CLEAN-UP DATES IN THE WIS-SAHICKON THIS SPRING INCLUDE:Saturday, April 5Saturday, Aprill2Saturday, May 3Saturday, May 31See Calendar for details.LAST CALL FOR THEFRIENDS' PHOTOGRAPHYCONTESTA reminder that the deadline for entries to the Friends of theWissahickon photography contest is Aprill5, 1997. Photographers areinvited to submit photographs of the Wissahickon Valley, depicting thelandscape and/or Park users. The Friends are pleased to announce thatRon Tarver, award-winning photo-journalist with the PhiladelphiaInquirer has agreed to judge the entries.When entering the contest, please follow these rules:1. Submit up to six color or black and white prints (8" x 1 0" or 8"X 12").2. Contest includes two categories: (1) landscape and (2) Parkusers.3. Prizes will be awarded in each category. First place-$75 andSecond place-$40.4. All entrants and previous winners in the 1995 photography contestare eligible.5. Entries should be submitted to: Friends of the Wissahickon,8708 Germantown Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19118, Attention:Photography Contest, along with your name, address, telephone number,and a brief biography.All submissions become the property of the Friends of the WISSahickon.The Friends will retain all photos submitted and the right to use any or all ofthese photos fOr educational or promotional purposes. Contest winners willbe announced in the summer 1997 issue of the Friends' newsletter and theirwork reproduced in that or subsequent newsletters.

•IBy Steve Lawrence---------------­Birding in the Wissahickon area in the winter of'97 has hadits good moments, as always, but what I've observed also raisessome questions.As January comes to an end, it seems to me that in our area,and perhaps in the entire Philadelphia area, there have beenfewer individual birds than usual of manyspecies that are permanent or winter residents.It may seem strange for me to suggesta paucity of birds during Januarywhen I set a personal record of seeingmore species (153) than ever before. Butthat was achieved mainly by spotting 80species on a trip to Cape May on January1 and then getting out of town on a longweekend in Las Vegas to see 69 species,45 of which I hadn't seen on my NewYear's Day birdathon.During the annual Christmas counton December 21st, I saw 28 species in myterritory which covers Carpenters Woodson down to the Wissahickon alongLivesey Lane. This was exactly my averagenumber for the past 15 years, but Ihad far fewer individuals.On January 11, I covered the samearea for the annual mid-winter Philadelphia bird census. Thistime, I saw only 21 species, compared to 33 species last year onthe day before the blizzard. Single year drops for a limited areahave no scientific validity, of course, but may suggest a trend. Ihave also noted much less activity at area feeders than in the past,perhaps because of the openness of the winter so far.Further afield, the Audubon Society Christmas counts inNew Jersey and Delaware were encouragingly high. Also, theannual winter survey of bald eagles in New Jersey produced thehighest number of eagles in the area since such counts began.living waterpast theand spilled darnsto Wissahickon Creek (in Unarni,wissa means bottom fish, the catsoutlast the annual stocking ofand hickon means yellow water, itsjust past the new, rusty sky span of McCallumwhere vine choked, planted pines lose outto native tulip, sycamore, hemlock, and oak,and before the little stone W.P.A. footbridge ....How in the twisted name of fun could somecrazy run a Mustang this far down the pathbarricaded with concrete at all entrancesand rocky, narrow and gullied,and why push it over the steep bankgouging erosion in rocks, ferns, seedlingsand set it afire, and leavethis scorched husk.Downstream, where the never-paved mill roadintersects Valley Green trailat the site of the old Bechtel Paper Mill,silversides lace the shady water under a concrete slab bridge.Around the overbrowsed hillwhere deer sometimes flash flanks,the brook pauses at Devil's Pool,so deep the Lenape saythe Evil Spirit dove down and never carne up,Yells and plosions of diversleaping from a fallen tree into the dark green poolresound from rock walls,and the mostly Mro and Latin youthwring corners of soaked shitts and shortsand step gingerly barefoot around broken glass.Leaving their evil spirits in the pool's depths,a couple join hands and climb past me toward love.I• • •r I I IIs the problem a local one in particular? Despite the fact that·I've had some good birds during January-such as the pileatedwoodpecker at a tree right behind my house, a couple of yellowbelliedsapsuckers in my West Mt. Airy neighborhood and thecontinued presence of a couple of red-tailed hawks-there havenot been a lot of birds around this area. That includes some ofthe normal wintering birds, such as juncos and sparrows, as wellas residents like the white-breasted nuthatch, red-belliedwoodpecker, Carolina wren, and even the cardi­\ nal. An no blue jays at all!We do have problems in the Wissahickon forwildlife survival. To state it simplistically, it's the continuedloss of habitat. The woods around us arebeing hacked at in many ways. Undergrowth andbrush have continued to disappear-very importantfor wintering and breeding birds that are essentiallyground feeders or ground nesters, such as sparrows,wrens, and thrushes.Habitat destruction in the Wissahickon eco-systemis caused mainly by deer and humans. This areacannot support a large deer heJd and also providesecurity for birds and other wild mammals. And thewoods are used by more people than ever before.Ironically; Philadelphia continues to lose populationbut the Wissahickon continues to play host to moreand more people, not all of whom are carefUl andconstructive in their use of the Park, whether it bebikers breaking new roadways, hikers picking plantsor snapping saplings, or picknickers careless with firesand trash. We'll wear it out if we're not careful..But, let me address two other groups of people, most ofwhom are lovely and loving people, but who cause stress anddeath to wildlife by letting their dogs run at random through thewoods or by allowing their cats to wander free. Domestic dogs,for the most part, not only cause stress to wildlife, but also damagethe undergrowth by running through it repeatedly.Carpenters Woods, which is the dog watchers' delight, haslost most of its undercover mainly from the unleashed dogsConfluenceI'm descending to pick up the glitter of a canat the edge of the_ wide, shallow ·delta of strewn rock, when ...Hawk feather! Heatt song.Some windhover's perhaps intended gifrever-so-slightly arched in the stiffoutstretched quill that is almost a spanof my medium hand. Brief tuff of down at the nubresonant, complex curves up the shankwith seven mud-brown brushstrokesjagged on white washed from clouds. Here,between earth and sky, the worldpresses her great heart to mine,blood of all time becoming Nowa flick of this wild instrument of flight.wonderfully light the airy upsweep·· creamy inner barbs,of the brown lead edge· outwardltO

fCALINDAR OF EVENTS IN 1HE WISSAHICKON~TH DAY CELEBRATIONthe Sierra Club on Saturday, April 19 (raindate, 120) for its 3rd annual extravaganza in the~ssahickon Valley at the Blue Bell Meadow.Registration begins at 9 AM to participate either in1\ikes along the scenic trails, ranging from three toHght miles, or a bike tour along Forbidden Drive, orjliorter nature walks, or a beginners orienteering!:ourse. Scavenger hunt and face painting for kids.t\Ji:ernoon program includes speakers, drumming cir­~le, and a concert. Free lunch for all registered partic­Ipants.!=ost; $20 pre-registered and $25 day of event.Children 12 and under free. Team and individualprizes for raising pledges ($35 minimum for EarthPay T-shirt). For registration information andbrochures, call the Sierra Club office at 215-592-~063.~aturday, May 17 -Second Annual!Philadelphia Cares about Fairmount Park Day,!9 AM-1 PM. Volunteer projects throughout the!Park system, including the Wissahickon. Call685-10045 tor details.!ongoing Events'* Bikers interested in helping with trail ~repairs in the[Wissahickon, meet the 2nd Saturday ot each month:10 AM at Valley Green. Call first, John Vernon at'844-7987. ~i* The Sierra Club Singles sponsors dean-ups in the;Park the first Saturdav of each month. Meet at l 0:AM at Sedgwick Ga(dens Apts in Mt. Airy• (McCallum and Sedgwick Sts. Work till 3 PM, then:go out to eat. Call438-4459 for details.:Saturday, March 22j Historic Rittenhouse Town-Easter egg hum, prizes,itours. Children under 12$1.00, adults free ifaccomjpaniedby a child. Call215/438-5711 for demils.Saturday, April 5Clean-up in the Wissahickon, sponsored by theFriends of the Wissahickon, 10 AM to noon. Call610/664-1413 for location.Saturday, Aprill2Clean-up at Rittenhouse Town from 10 AM to 2PM. Call215/438-5711.Sunday, April20Sunrise walk at Andorra Natural Area. Call685-928 5 for details.Sunday, AprilWissahickon Day Parade sponsored by the Riders ofthe Wissahickon. Classes start at NorthwesternStables at 10 AM. Parade starts at noon. Call215/482-8130 for details.Saturday, May 3Clean-up in the Wissahickon. See Saturday, AprilSfor details.Saturday, May 10Registration for summer riding camp at NorthwestEquestrian Facility. 10 AM- 2PM. Call215/685-9286 for details.Thursday, May 15Trolley Tour along Forbidden drive, past historicsites, led by Sioux Baldwin, naturalist at AndorraNatural Area. l-3l~M. Fee $m Call215/685-9285for reservations.Saturday, May 31Clean-up in the Wissahickon. See Saturday, April 5for details.Wednesday, June 4Annual membership meeting of the Friends of the\'Vissahickon meets at the Chestnut Hill branch ofthe Free Library, 8711 Germantown Ave. 7:30PM.~------------------------------------------------------------------11'~I'YES, the Friends of the Wissahickon can count on me!All members receive the Friends' quarterly newspaper. Basic and above members ($35.00 or more), receive a membership card with discount privileges.irst-time basic and above members also receive a map of the Wissahickon Valley.I11 MEMBERSHIP LEvEL!f Limited Income 0 $35 Basic Membership 0 $60* 0 $100** 0 $250** 0 $500**!;1 • Choke of 0 I:at, 0 T-shirt (circle one- M L XL XXL), or Video of the Wissahickon as premium to be mailed to you with your membership card.~~~ ** Spectal Premmm that changes every year, maxtmum value $25. ~, 1 0 Please keep the premium and use the entire membership fee for the Park.I Name ____________________________________________ ~----------------------------1 Street01 ----------------------------------------~-----------------------·~ City -----------------------------'State----------'Zip Code __________I 1 Phone (Home)(Work)IIIII0 NewMember 0 RenewalMETHOD OF PAYMENT0 Check Enclosed (payable to the Friends of theWissahickon)0 Chargemy0 VISA 0 MastercardCard Number ____________ _Expiration Date ___________ _I also want to help the Friends of the Wissahickon with:0 Membership 0 Publicity 0 Trail Repair 0 Clean-Up 0 WildlifeSignature. _______________0 Hydrology 0 Reforestation 0 Wissahickon Stewardship Program (WiSP)Please return to: 8708 Germantown Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19118. tel215-247-0417L------------------------------------------------------------------~8708 GIIERMANTOW'N AVE.PHIILADIIEILPHIIIA, PA 'II 9 'II 'II 8Non-ProfitOrganizationU.S. PostagePaidPERMIT NO. 221Philadelphia, PAIIIIII