Wissahickon Growing Greener 
Let's Promote and Educate RESIDENTS about a Sustainable Future for OUR Area   

​News       

​Join to Delaware River Keeper Network to comment to tell the PFAS Action Team to remove PFAS from our drinking water
  • Highly toxic per- and poly-fluorinated alkyl substances (PFAS) have been discovered in high concentrations in Pennsylvania’s drinking water and environment, impacting a least 100,000 people in 22 municipalities in the region, including those living in Bucks and Montgomery Counties (https://www.montcopa.org/2587/Per--or-polyfluoroalkyl-substances-PFAS) In response, Governor Wolf formed the “PFAS Action Team” to hear from the public on this issue.  PA should be adopting a statewide safe drinking water standard for PFOA and PFOS, but the “PFAS Action Team” hasn’t even mentioned this as a goal. Please tell Governor Wolf that he must take action to locate all PFAS and require the removal of these toxic compounds from our water!
  • Submit a letter by the January 31st Deadline.​            

Become a Master Watershed Steward!
  • Did 2018's record rainfall get you thinking about stormwater management and clean water in your community? Do you want to start making a difference in your local environment? Penn State Extension's Master Watershed Steward program might be the volunteer opportunity for you! Join us for a FREE Public Information Session on January 21 to learn more about the Montgomery County program and our Basic Training Class starting in April. Walk-ins welcome, RSVP preferred. Call 610-489-4315 to let us know you're coming!  Monday, January 21, 2019 from 6:30-8:00pm.  Montgomery County 4-H Center, 1015 Bridge Road, Collegeville, PA 19426 (Session will be in the Beech Room)
  • Program applications and more information about the Master Watershed Stewards can be found on our website: https://extension.psu.edu/programs/watershed-stewards/counties/montgomery”

Applications are now being accepted for the 2019 Schuylkill River Restoration Fund.

  • Established in 2006, the fund provides grants to government agencies and non-profit organizations for projects that improve the quality & quantity of water in the river and its tributaries. The grants focus on three major sources of pollution: stormwater run-off, agricultural pollution and abandoned mine drainage. In addition, Land Transaction Assistance grants are also available to cover transaction costs for permanent land protection projects. Learn more about the Restoration Fund 

Pennypack Farm's summer 24-week CSA shares are now open for sale.
  • Beginning in late May / early June and running to mid-November, this on-farm pickup style offers choices, multiple share sizes and bonus flowers and herbs. Get your share soon to reserve your size and pickup day!Reserve your share now


Local Christmas Tree Recycling/Mulching
  • Ambler Borough
    • Christmas trees are to be placed curbside on January 8th for regular Yard Waste Pickup. Please place your tree at the curb by early in the morning.  Trees are not to be placed in plastic tree bags.
  • Lower Gwynedd
    • Seasonal- Christmas trees can be dropped off at Ingersoall Park following the holidays. The park is located at 905 Wister Avenue in Penllyn.
  • Whitpain Township
    • Scheduled Christmas tree pick up dates are January 9th and January 23rd.
    • Christmas trees must be free of any ornaments including tree bags, ornaments, tinsel etc.
    • Trees must be at the curb the night before your scheduled pick-up.
    • Does not include private communities.
  • Upper Dublin
    • January 9th (Curbside collection for houses NORTH of Susquehanna Rd) and January 30th 
    • *Please do not place your tree in a plastic bag – trees are composted by the Township. All decorations must be removed.

Three ways that you can help prevent the Spotted Lanternfly from spreading:
  1. Educate yourself and spread the word! Resources for managing spotted lanternfly can be found at Penn State’s SLF Website. Extension offices across the state receive hundreds of calls each week about SLF. Help them reach and educate Montgomery County by sharing the website via Facebook, Twitter, and other social media platforms.
  2. Check your vehicle! SLF are excellent hitchhikers, especially via their egg masses, which look like patches of dried mud. In fact, Montgomery County is within an SLF Quarantine Zone to slow the spread of this destructive pest. Learn more about how you can comply with the Quarantine, and don’t forget to Look Before You Leave when parked in a SLF-infested area.
  3. Scrape those egg masses! SLF has entered the reproductive phase of its life cycle.  The best way to control SLF through late fall and early spring is to scrape eggs masses – an egg mass can contain anywhere from 30-60 SLF eggs! Using an old credit card, or any hard, thin plastic or metal tool, scrape masses into a small plastic bag; if you aren’t squeamish, you can crush the eggs once they’re in the bag, or fill the bag with hand sanitizer, rubbing alchohol, or high-proof ethanol. 
  • Looking for more advice? Contact the SLF Hotline at 1-888-4BADFLY.


Why Should I Care About Stormwater?
We are all part of a watershed. Watersheds are land areas that drain to the nearest body of water. For example,  eastern Pennsylvania lands may ultimately drain to the Chesapeake Bay. Smaller local creeks and streams also eventually drain to a larger local water body.  Watch this video or read more below:
  • Flooding
    When excess water has nowhere to go, flooding can impact property and cause damage to land and structures. Flooding can also be a public safety issue that affects entire communities.
  • Pollution and Health Impacts
    Stormwater picks up anything that is on the ground and carries it along with it. Animal waste, chemicals, pesticides, oil, and sediment – all end up in waterways and potentially in our sources of drinking water.
  • Streambank Erosion
    Uncontrolled stormwater can cause streambank erosion, leaving bare soil and exposing tree roots. This can lead to property damage and cause issues with streambank stability.
  • Sedimentation
    Erosion and runoff, can also lead to sedimentation. Sedimentation of waterways from runoff causes changes to aquatic habitats. Undesirable plant growth increases, water becomes more turbid or cloudy, which leads to disruption of aquatic ecosystems. Sedimentation also fills in waterways, which can increase the flooding potential.
  • Impacts to Groundwater Recharge
    If stormwater isn’t sinking into the ground it can affect recharge of groundwater resources. This can affect water levels in drinking water wells as well as impacting levels in surface water.
  • Impacts to Recreational Opportunities
    Stormwater runoff can cause polluted waterways which can lead to restrictions on boating, swimming, and fishing in recreational areas.
  • Making changes to how stormwater is managed can go a long way to reduce negative impacts. Even small actions by individual homeowners like using a rain barrel, choosing permeable landscaping surfaces, or installing a rain garden can make a difference. Stormwater affects everyone!
  • If you have additional questions about stormwater, or you are just interested in learning more, you can find a full series of videos and articles in the Penn State Extension Stormwater Basics series .


Montgomery County Community College has an aquaponics lab
Aquaponics and hydroponics involve growing fish and soil-less plants in a symbiotic system.
  • The MC3 Aquaponics lab is located at West campus. The lab was created in the summer of 2016 and it boasts a teaching laboratory, which supports MCCC's interdisciplinary Environmental Studies degree program, as well as future programs in the areas such as greenhouse technology, food production, horticulture and landscape design. 
  • Students contribute in the lab by performing tasks ranging anywhere from cleaning the tanks to doing chemical and biologic assessments on the active projects.
  • Research that has been performed in the lab has been presented at local conference.The future of this site is bright and welcomes all students with interests in sustainability and aquaculture.learn more: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5PzuL_FugqE&feature=youtu.be

Recycle Styrofoam locally:
  • Polystyrene (#6) packaging (not food containers or peanuts) to recycle:
  • Northeast Foam Recycling, 1370 Welsh Rd, North Wales PA 19554
  • Drop off M-F 10-5 in their lobby.

Weavers Way in Ambler has a TerraCycle collection bin which was made out of recycled pallets by co-op members.  You can also drop off plastic bags for recycling.
  • TerraCycle approved recyclables are below.
    • Beauty and Health Packaging:
      • manual toothbrushes
      • toothpaste tubes
      • dental floss containers
      • Colgate wisps
      • plastic shampoo, conditioner and hair gel bottles
      • plastic face and body cream bottles
      • plastic make-up containers ( lipstick, mascara, foundation, blush)
      • plastic and glass vitamin and supplement bottles
    • Food Packaging:
      • snack bags ( popcorn, chip and pretzel bags)
      • foil-wrapped granola, protein and energy bars
      • cereal and cake box plastic bags
      • Brita filters and pitchers ( No Pur filters please)
    • Dog Food Packaging:
      • Wellness brand pet food bags only
Nike Reuse-a-Shoe
  • ​Worn out athletic shoes of any brand can be brought to a Nike Store and then they are ground up and go into sport surfaces.  Remember, donate WORN OUT shoes, not shoes that still have some life in them


Wissahickon Valley Watershed Association Receives Funding for Clean Water Protection

  • The Wissahickon Valley Watershed Association is one of 65 nonprofit organizations who have recently been awarded grant funding to protect clean water in the Delaware River Basin as part of the Delaware River Watershed Initiative (DRWI).  The William Penn Foundation announced $42 million in new funding for the DRWI, which is among the country’s largest non-governmental conservation efforts to protect and restore clean water. This additional $42 million will fund phase two of a three-year investment (2018-2021), which builds on initial successes to protect and restore over 43,000 additional acres and continue science-driven, data-informed efforts to secure clean, abundant water in the basin.  read more...
What is Ready for 100? 
  • ReadyFor100 is a movement of your neighbors working to create a vision of a healthier community powered by 100% clean energy. Together we are calling on our local elected officials to commit to a long-term, ambitious 100% clean energy goal, and then back it up with measurable plans and near-term actions. PA cities and towns are hubs for innovation and have been leading the way on climate, through the Mayor’s Climate Compact and local sustainability plans. We know that 100% clean energy is the new standard for local climate protection. We are asking township supervisors, mayors, CEOs, pastors, principals, civic and community leaders, parents and students to commit to solutions that help us achieve 100% clean, renewable energy across Pennsylvania by the year 2050. http://www.ReadyFor100.org/montcopa​

The Ambler EAC is looking for families and individuals to care-for-a-tree in an Ambler park.
  • Ambler EAC plants trees in public spaces twice a year. We need families to care for the trees for two-years by watering them when it doesn't rain.  It's a great opportunity for families and individuals to volunteer (on their own time).  Any one who is interested can read more at our Ambler EAC website or can email AmblerEAC@gmail.com

What to do if you see a spotted Lanternfly on your property
  • This insect is considered a threat to some crops and many people are working to try to prevent it from spreading.  The invasive spotted lanternfly has been found in southeastern counties in Pennsylvania. We are trying to eradicate this potential pest. There is a quarantine order in place that prohibits movement of any living life stage of this insect to areas outside of the quarantine area. To find information about identifying the spotted lanternfly, current information about where it is known to exist, quarantine order, and compliance go to the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture's Spotted Lanternfly page.  Read more here.
Back to Earth Compost
  • Have you thought about composting your food waste but just don't have the space or time? Want to put a plan in place for making your workplace greener?  We specialize in assisting individuals, businesses, restaurants & breweries with customized food waste pick-up services in the Suburban Philadelphia Area. Learn more about us at www.backtoearthcompost.com 

Recyclebank tip:
  • You do not need to remove labels from glass bottles and jars before you put them in the recycle bin — unless your hauler specifically requests it.  This is true for plastic bottles as well. 

Fairmount Waterworks tour dates for 2018 have been released
  • The Historic Fairmount Water Works: Inside & Out (Free) - Tour this National Historic Landmark, Civil Engineering Landmark, and National Mechanical Engineering Landmark, beginning outdoors. More...​
  • A Walk Along the Parkway (Free) - Start at the Fairmount Water Works, where wheels once pumped the City's drinking water, then embark on a mile-long stroll down the picturesque path to Logan Square and back again. Ideal for history buffs, cultural connoisseurs and architectural mavens. More...
  • Along the Garden Path: Fountains Revived & Gardens Restored (Free) - Join us as we explore gardens and fountains lost and restored, and enjoy the beauty of the banks of the Schuylkill River. More...
  • We Drink the River! (Free) - On this special bus tour of PWD's drinking water system, learn how it's connected to our rivers, including past and present-day infrastructure that brings us clean and safe drinking water every day. Enjoy a special tasting afterwards! More...
  • River Reimagined: A Land & Water Tour ($22) - After a brief tour of the Water Works, take a 1.5-mile walk along the Schuylkill Banks to the Walnut Street dock to board a boat for a 1-hour narrated cruise. More...
Free Street Tree Program Continuing in Whitpain Township
  • The Shade Tree Commission is continuing its Free Street Tree Program this year. Through this program, a limited number of property owners will be able to obtain a free street tree, 2 inches to 2.5 inches caliper, for their property if they meet certain criteria. This program is limited and only one street tree will be provided to the first qualifying candidates.  
  • ​Click here for the Street Tree Program  application 

Getting ready for a vegetable garden?
The 2018 Schuylkill River Restoration Fund Grant Round is Now Open
  •  Applications are now being accepted for the 2018 Schuylkill River Restoration Fund. Established in 2006, the fund provides grants to government agencies and non-profit organizations for projects that improve the quality & quantity of water in the river and its tributaries. The grants focus on three major sources of pollution: stormwater run-off, agricultural pollution and abandoned mine drainage. In addition, Land Transaction Assistance grants are also available to cover transaction costs for permanent land protection projects. Learn more about the Restoration Fund. 
Access the Penn State Water Resources Webinar series, over 90 recorded webinars:https://extension.psu.edu/shopby/webinars?cat=445

The Montgomery County hazardous Waste Recycling dates have been announced Register for the Pennsylvania Master Naturalist (PMN) program 
  • The Spring 2018 course will be held at the Perkiomen Watershed Conservancy beginning Wednesday, March 14 and continuing weekly with Wednesday evening classroom sessions and several Saturday field sessions through June 13. In addition to the 55 hours of core training, participants are expected to complete 30 hours of approved volunteer service and 8 hours of advanced training or continuing education within their first year in the program.  Annual requirements for subsequent years include 20 hours of approved volunteer service and 12 hours of advanced training or continuing education. 
Have you seen a site in the Perkiomen watershed area
where trash has been piling up?
  • The Perkiomen Watershed Conservancy has taken a giant leap forward in the fight against stream pollution! Combat the trash in our watershed by using Trash Spot!  Trash Spot is the Conservancy's new smartphone app designed to give you the power to report trash sites and pollution within the 362 square miles of the Perkiomen Watershed. Simply type www.perkiomenwatershed.org/trashspot into your smartphone's browser then follow the prompts to report the trash. Trash Spot is designed to use your phone's geo-location software to accurately report your position to the Conservancy. The information you provide is compiled into our database and used to develop our Stream Clean-Up project site plan. We appreciate your help!


FREE BIKE SHARE PROGRAM
  • The Partnership TMA operates a free bike-share program in several locations throughout Montgomery County.  Bikes are placed at a variety of businesses and agencies so residents are able to move about the community without the use of an automobile.  The cruiser-style bikes (and trikes) are even equipped with bells and have baskets available for added safety and convenience.  While there is no charge to use the bikes, The Partnership TMA does require users to show a valid state-issued photo ID and sign a waiver stating they will wear a helmet and obey the rules of the road at all times.  Adult and toddler helmets are available for a deeply discounted $13.00.  http://www.ptma-mc.org/programs/free-bike-share-program/ has a list of pick-up stations.

Crossways Bridge & Trail Lower Gwynedd and Whitpain Townships Crossways Bridge & Trail received an award for innovative planning, environmentally sensitive design, and extensive collaboration. This successful multiuse trail, which connects people and nature by providing opportunities for walking, running, bicycling, and horseback riding, is a critical link to the regional trail system. The project created a 1.3-mile, 8-foot-wide paved multipurpose trail that connects Lower Gwynedd’s Penllyn Woods Park, the Wissahickon Valley Watershed Association’s Crossways Preserve, and the Montgomery County Community College to the county’s Green Ribbon Trail. The wooded trail navigates diverse habitats and different trail surfaces, including an elevated boardwalk. This appealing and inviting community asset is an excellent example of how collaborative efforts can result in an enhanced public amenity that is certain to be a regional treasure. www.montcopa.org/ArchiveCenter/ViewFile/Item/4074#winners

PECO Energy Assessment
  1. For just $25, a specially trained PECO energy advisor will visit your home, identify energy-saving opportunities and provide you with a personalized report.   Schedule Assessment

What You Need To Know About Invasive Spotted Lanternflies—And How To Get Rid Of Them
  • As of August 2017 the spotted lanternfly had been positively identified in many areas of Berks, Bucks, Chester, Lehigh, and Montgomery Counties in eastern Pennsylvania.  Read more...

Good article on how to mulch properly.
  • The right way to mulch.  If you don't read it, remember this " Casey Trees, the nonprofit organization founded to help restore and maintain the District’s urban forest, uses a mantra of “three-three-three,” said its executive director, Mark Buscaino. That is, a mulch circle that is three feet in diameter, three inches thick and three inches away from the trunk. "

Philly constructs rain gardens to alleviate storm water issues.
  • Philadelphia has a combined storm-water system, so in a large rain event all water going into streets and storm drains ends up at one of three treatment plants that can become overwhelmed. When that happens, dirty water has nowhere to go other than directly into the Schuylkill and Delaware River.  This story talks about Philly's rain gardens and their attempt to remove large stretches of I-95 from the problem.  Read More

Battery Recycling

  • Ambler Borough, working with the Environmental Advisory Council, has set up an environmentally efficient battery recycling drop-off site in the Ambler Borough Hall Lobby. View the list of accepted materials.  KNOW BEFORE YOU GO: Both ends of ALL batteries need to be taped.

Learn how to save seeds from your garden to plant next year.
​
PECO will pay you to recycle your old refrigerator.
  • If your working refrigerator or freezer is more than 10 years old, it could be using four times the electricity of new energy-efficient models. Let PECO recycle it, and you'll get:
  • •A $50 rebate*
  • •Free removal and recycling
  • •$150 annual energy savings**
  • Plus, a $10 rebate if you recycle an old working room A/C unit at the same time.
  • ►Schedule today, learn more at peco.com/recycling or call us at 1‑888‑5‑PECO‑SAVE (1‑888‑573‑2672) and mention code Recycling4.
  • *Offer good for PECO residential electric customers only. You must own the appliances, and they must be in working condition. Refrigerators/freezers must be between 10 to 30 cubic feet in size, empty and defrosted. Room A/C unit must be picked up at the same time. Appliances must be within one flight of stairs with clear, safe access. Limit two appliances per year, per account holder. Pickup truck not permitted to enter driveways. Offer valid 4/1/17–12/31/17.

Grow These Native Plants So Your Backyard Birds Can Feast
  • Birds and native plants are made for each other. By cultivating the right plants you can attract specific species to your yard. Here's a quick guide on selecting the native plants that common backyard birds depend on. Read more

Concerned about the lack of PA Electronics Recycling Programs????
  • Although PA state law requires electronics manufacturers to offer recycling opportunities for TVs and computers, those manufacturers are no longer sponsoring county recycling collections in the Southeastern Pennsylvania region. Concern about the lack of disposal options for TV's and computers should be directed to the appropriate State Representative and Senator. An amendment to the state electronics recycling law, called the Covered Device Recycling Act, is needed to ensure the availability of recycling outlets. For an overview of the Covered Device Recycling Act please click here.   See Electronics links for drop-offs of computers, televisions and commercial vendors.
 ​
Donate unwanted househld items with GiveBackBox.com
  • Donating items to Goodwill couldn't get any easier!  Via the Give Back Box program, you reuse empty shipping boxes by filling them with clothes, accessories and other items you want to donate.  Then you go to GiveBackBox.com to print a free shipping label. The box can be dropped off at the post office or UPS or picked up.  Donations go to the closest Goodwill participating in the Give Back Box program.


Philadelphia keeps stormwater out of sewers to protect rivers
Montco Starts Its Bike-Rental Program at Two Park Locations
Systemic Pesticides and Food Health
  • Instead of being sprayed on a growing crop, "systemic pesticides are absorbed into the plant’s tissue, usually via the roots. They are highly water soluble, which means that a plant simply drinks up the pesticide-laden water, and the chemical is transported through the plant’s vascular system. If a bug attempts to nibble any part of this plant, it will soon die.Some pesticides are now being applied to seeds, here by growing in the food we eat."  Read about this in Eartheasy's article.  

Tip from the Wissahickon Valley Watershed Authority:  Manage your Stormwater at Home
  • Consider installing a rain barrel or rain garden at your home to be part of the stormwater solution! Rain gardens and barrels help to filter, evaporate or re-use stormwater to prevent flash flooding in urban and suburban areas with high impervious cover. Keep your stormwater out of the storm drain and use it on your land instead.

EWG'S SEAFOOD CALCULATOR
  • Eat healthy fish and shellfish that are high in omega-3 fatty acids and low in mercury. EWG's Best Bets are also from sustainable sources.  Use EWG’s Seafood Calculator to get your custom seafood list – based on your age weight, gender, age and more.


Tip from the Wissahickon Valley Watershed Authority: Protect & Restore Natural Stream Buffers
  • Stream buffers are the trees, shrubs and vegetation that line a stream, and they are the Wissahickon Creek’s last defense in slowing down and filtering stormwater that flows to the creek. Make sure stream buffers are intact and healthy by letting them grow naturally.

Tip from the Wissahickon Valley Watershed Authority: Grow a More Natural Lawn and Garden
  • Native plants are adapted to local conditions and often don’t require extra watering, fertilizers, or pesticides to thrive. Take advantage of local flora by consulting the WVWA and reduce or eliminate your pesticides and fertilizer use. Think about replacing part, or all, of your lawn with a natural meadow or rain garden for a native landscape that the local birds and butterflies will thank you for. 

Tip from the Wissahickon Valley Watershed Authority: Be Aware of the Storm Drains
  • Anything that washes into storm drains during a rain event flows directly to the Wissahickon Creek and its tributaries without being filtered! This water, known as stormwater, brings everything that is happening on the land into the creek during rain events including litter, pet waste, detergent from washing your car, household chemicals, and yard clippings or leaves. These are easily swept into the Wissahickon, increasing bacteria, debris, and algae blooms from increased nutrients in the Creek. Help the Wissahickon by composting yard clippings, washing your car at a car wash, always picking up after your pets, carrying out everything you bring into parks, and disposing of used car oil and household cleaners properly.  Read the entire Currents magazine here.

Resource: iRecycle
  • FIND LOCAL RECYCLING FAST.  iRecycle can tell you how, where and when to recycle just about anything. Using your current location, ZIP code, address or city, get access to vital details for collection points, such as website, phone number, directions, hours of operation and other materials collected.  iPhone/apple device- click here.  Android device- click here. 

Med-Return Box Available at Whitpain Township Building.  Keep prescription medications out of landfills and water supplies.

  • This Med-Return Unit is a secure box that has been installed in the Police Department lobby. This box will allow anyone to dispose of unwanted drugs at their convenience. There are certain restrictions as to what can be placed in the return box. Use the Med-Return box but please observe these guidelines.
  • Accepted Items: * Prescription Medication, * Prescription Patches, * Prescription Ointment, * Over-The-Counter Medications, * Samples, * Medications for Pets
  • Not Accepted: * Needles, * Hydrogen Peroxide, * Inhalers , * Aerosol Cans, * Medications from businesses or clinics, * Ointments, lotions, liquids, * Thermometers
“What: Penn State Extension Master Watershed Steward Program Information Session
When: Monday, January 21, 2019 from 6:30-8:00pm
Where: Montgomery County 4-H Center, 1015 Bridge Road, Collegeville, PA 19426 (Session will be in the Beech Room)
 
Did 2018's record rainfall get you thinking about stormwater management and clean water in your community? Do you want to start making a difference in your local environment? Penn State Extension's Master Watershed Steward program might be the volunteer opportunity for you! Join us for a FREE Public Information Session on January 21 to learn more about the Montgomery County program and our Basic Training Class starting in April. Walk-ins welcome, RSVP preferred. Call 610-489-4315 to let us know you're coming!
 
Program applications and more information about the Master Watershed Stewards can be found on our website: https://extension.psu.edu/programs/watershed-stewards/counties/montgomery”