Cross Currents
August 2016
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Message from the Director
It is my pleasure to introduce the first issue of the
Perkiomen Watershed Conservancy's biannual magazine,
The Watershed.
The Conservancy is engaged in an increasing number of conservation projects, educational programs, and community events; so much so, we felt it was necessary to begin sharing all that we are doing in a clear and concise format. With this thought in mind, The Watershed was born.
The Watershed: News from the Perkiomen is designed to provide our members with information about past & future projects, programs and events at the Conservancy. This unique publication highlights the Conservancy's work through carefully crafted articles and photos generated by our staff, interns, volunteers, board members, and members. Currently, members can expect to find the first issue of The Watershed in their mailbox this August and the second issue at the end of the year. In the future, members will have the opportunity to decide whether to receive this publication as a traditional magazine or as an electronic publication to be viewed on any mobile device. If you are not a member, please consider joining the Conservancy in order to receive this magazine as a member benefit.
I hope that you enjoy the magazine, and if you have an idea for a topic or are interested in contributing, please feel free to contact me.
Lastly, a special thanks goes out to our friends at The H&K Group for printing The Watershed and doing so on recycled paper.
Thanks and see you OUTSIDE!!
Ryan Beltz
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Final Water Chestnut Workday of the Season!
This summer the Conservation Team has been working hard to remove European Water Chestnut from our watershed. From June through July we managed
seven sites across four different local waterways, removing a total of 700 bags of water chestnut!
This massive conservation effort
would not be possible without the help of our dedicated volunteers. So far, 63 volunteers have aided in the removal of this invasive. Thanks to these volunteers,
we are about to complete another successful year of management,
achieving complete removal of all plant material from each site!
We have one more workday left before we can count this year a success, and
we need your help! The final water chestnut workday will be held at Ruth Pond, our newest infestation site. This pond was by far the worst infestation site this year, but has undergone a massive makeover since June. Thanks to our volunteers, we have removed 611 bags of water chestnut from this site alone! This last workday is our chance to remove the remaining plants from this site.
Come out and help us achieve this goal!
The workday will take place on
Thursday, August 4th from 10am - 3pm at
Ruth Pond - 407 Ridge Valley Rd., Sellersville. We will be wading into the water at this site so be sure to wear clothes and shoes that can get muddy and wet - waders or rain boots are highly recommended. Please remember to bring plenty of water, sunscreen and a lunch.
For more information, contact our Conservation Coordinator,
Jessie Kemper
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We invite you to join the Perkiomen Watershed Conservancy's Facilities Team! This group of volunteers is responsible for
maintaining the proper functioning and appearance of our property and building.
We are looking for some assistance with our ever-growing list of repair and maintenance items. Beyond our group workdays, which are generally held in the spring and fall, we have a roster of volunteers we call on during the year to help out, as needs arise.
You may also join our Facilities Committee that meets occasionally to plan and implement larger projects. We would love to have your talents on the Facilities Team, particularly if you have a special interest, skill or experience (e.g. painting, carpentry, electrical, plumbing, etc.)
Show off your skills at our next
Facilities and Grounds Workday, which is set for
Thursday, September 8, from 5 - 7p.m. We will be removing invasive plants from the wildflower gardens near the Conservancy's Brownstone Barn, planting trees to improve our curb appeal and tackling a few
miscellaneous projects on the property.
Sign-up online now.
There is always something to do around the Conservancy!
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Summer Science at the Conservancy!
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Sign up for Summer Explorer camps - "Water, Water, Everywhere"! We will learn about water properties, the water cycle, where we find water, what lives in the water and more.
For children who completed 2nd or 3rd grade: August 8-12 - 2 spots open
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Celebrate the Perkiomen Watershed with a bicycle ride on the Perkiomen Trail enjoying views of the Perkiomen Creek and surrounding woods and fields. Start at Deep Creek Lake in Green Lane and finish in Collegeville Borough with food and a drink at Appalachian Brewing Company - A Point to Point Ride. Learn more and sign up!
Thank you to our sponsor:
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Come out and join us for a leisurely wildflower walk with PWC Guide Link Davis!
Saturday, August 20, 9:30am - Mill Hill, Upper Hanover
Saturday, September 17, 9:30am - Crow's Nest Preserve, Elverson
Walks are free. No preregistration required.
Learn more!
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Explore the wildflowers, trees, ferns and aquatic plants that call Montgomery County's Green Lane Reservoir "home" with Susan Mrugal, an adjunct professor at Temple University, Ambler Campus.
Learn more and sign up
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Sign-ups are now open for the fall Stream Clean-up!
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As part of the annual Benefit, the Silent Auction is one of the Perkiomen Watershed Conservancy's major fundraisers of the year. Proceeds support our stream clean-ups, stream bank restorations, environmental education classes and more.
New for 2016:
Businesses donating an item(s) with a retail value of $50 and above will get a PWC Facebook post and your business name (hyperlinked) on our PWC Partnership webpage. At $100 and above, you will receive the same and a complimentary PWC Business Membership ($100 value).
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Coming to the Perkiomen Watershed Conservancy in Spring 2017!
Pennsylvania Master Naturalist is a statewide partnership initiative that aims to
connect people with their local ecosystems through intensive natural science training and local conservation service work. It is a venture directed toward developing a local corps of "master volunteers and service providers" to offer education, outreach and service dedicated to the understanding and management of natural areas within their communities.
Pennsylvania Master Naturalist is designed to
teach adult participants about the natural history and ecology of Pennsylvania's diverse eco-regions. Initially, students will receive 55 hours of classroom and field instruction. Teaching involves outdoor activities, PowerPoint slides, suggested resources including a comprehensive training manual developed for the course, and interaction with other students and instructors. Upon graduating from training, Pennsylvania Master Naturalists are expected to
complete 30 hours of volunteer service in their first year and 20 hours annually thereafter along with annual continuing education requirements.
Be sure to watch for more information on how to register for the
PA Master Naturalist Program being held at the PWC in Spring 2017!
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Protectors of the Perkiomen
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