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The FORCE is strong with this one

A long time ago (2005), in a watershed very close to home, Washington DC's water quality experts recognized the need for a new voice. This new voice would speak for one of the Washington DC area's most revered resources - Rock Creek.

Founded in 2006, Friends of Rock Creek's Environment, also known as FORCE, aims to "promote a healthy and sustainable Rock Creek watershed through conservation, education and restoration" [source]. What are they up against? An urbanized area of 500,000 people would put a strain on any watershed; but don't bet against the FORCE.

The Watershed

Rock Creek watershed facts and figures:

500,000 citizens live within the watershed boundaries 77.4 square mile plot of landCreek itself runs 33 milesFed by more than 30 tributaries prior to reaching the Potomac River. Rock Creek Park, a National Park Service property, protects just 16% of the watershed in the DistrictDevelopment in the watershed is heaviest in DC and lower Montgomery County. Water quality in these sections is rated as fair to poor.

Rock Creek is like any watershed: heavy development without effective water management means unhealthy waterways.

Reducing Your Watershed Footprint

Most land within the Rock Creek watershed is privately-owned. FORCE acknowledges this fact and has focused on outreach and education initiatives that enable private citizens to make a positive difference.

Resource for Information: The FORCE website provides resources to help you reduce your home's watershed footprint.RiverSmart Homes Demonstration Projects: FORCE worked with the District to turn ten different DC properties into watershed winners. Check out their work at the Chevy Chase Community Center (5601 Connecticut Ave. NW, Washington, DC).Volunteering

Like many environmental organizations, FORCE relies on a network of volunteers to help carry out their mission. Volunteer initiative number one is to recruit a dream team of "Stream Teams."

Stream Teams: Each section of Rock Creek and its tributaries will have a dedicated "Stream Team." Stream Team leaders serve as the eyes and ears of the waterway. If you're interested, contact Eric Durland.

Getting your hands dirty is usually, but not always, a requirement in volunteering with FORCE.

Public Outreach: Represent FORCE at local events.Administrative: Help FORCE with their organizational needs.

Cleanup Projects

The biggest push for volunteer support comes in April. The Potomac River Watershed Cleanup, scheduled for Saturday, April 10th, attracts thousands of volunteers to the banks of the Potomac and its many tributaries (including Rock Creek). With support from FORCE, Trail Voice will be hosting one such cleanup on the corner of P St. and 23rd St. in the District. Click here to sign-up.

We are not alone in our dedication - FORCE will be supporting approximately 50 cleanup events in the Rock Creek watershed. Check out their map for additional locations.

In the battle between good (healthy watersheds) versus evil (impervious pavement, sewer overflows, and plastic bags), Friends of Rock Creek's Environment is making headway in its quest to protect this DC area treasure. To accomplish their objectives, citizens like yourself need to take action.

May the FORCE be with you.

Membership: Join Friends of Rock Creek's EnvironmentSocial Media: Rock Creek Blog

Trail Voice and the Sierra Club agree: getting people outdoors is the first step. The Maryland Chapter's Mattawoman Creek paddle outings continue this Saturday (May 8).Protecting the Bay is just the beginning...

What if John Muir, the Sierra Club's legendary founder, had dedicated his passions to the Chesapeake Bay instead of Yosemite? Could the Chesapeake have been saved from its current state of infirmity?

We will never know if one man could have turned the proverbial tides of the Chesapeake, but the focus now is on the future. Following in Muir's footsteps and working for a brighter, cleaner future, is the Maryland Chapter of the Sierra Club.

Key Initiatives for 2010

Mattawoman Creek

As Paint Branch and other ICC threatened watersheds brace for an uncertain future, environmentalists are suiting up for yet another "Outer Beltway" brawl. Just twenty miles south of Washington DC (near Indian Head, Maryland), Mattawoman Creek empties into the Potomac. The creek encompasses a 95 square mile watershed which enjoys a luxury not often afforded to DC area watersheds: less than 10% of its surface is impervious. That's not the only thing the Mattawoman has going for it:

Approximately 67% forest cover - compare to 30% for the Anacostia River watershedThe most productive spawning nursery in the Chesapeake for migratory fish including the largemouth bassKey nesting area for endangered birds like the wood duck, black duck, and the bald eagleHome of a vibrant tidal freshwater marsh - among the last of its kind on the east coast

But will any of that matter if the Cross-County Connector, which would span Mattawoman Creek, becomes a reality? Can unchecked suburban sprawl be avoided? Not if history is any indication, and that's why the Maryland Chapter of the Sierra Club needs you to take action now. Write to Governor O'Malley and support this invaluable natural resource.

Transmission Lines with Coal-Fired Power

The Maryland Chapter is fighting against the MAPP and the PATH, two different transmission line proposals that would extend across the state. The Sierra Club takes issue with what's on the other end of the lines - coal-fired power. The proposals are a giant leap in the wrong direction for emPower Maryland, a state initiative to reduce the state's energy consumption 15% by 2015.

In the summer of 2009, the Sierra Club and other environmental organizations dug their heels into the Chesapeake soil in opposition of the proposals. Now they're busy mobilizing the troops for a Clean Energy Rally. Can Maryland change its course and take the lead in a clean energy future?

Join and Volunteer with the Maryland Chapter

The nation's largest and oldest grassroots environmental organization is successful for a reason: the passion of its members. Maryland residents who join the Sierra Club become part of the Maryland Chapter and can connect with a Maryland local group. Local groups include:

Montgomery County GroupPrince George's County GroupHoward County GroupAnne Arundel GroupCatoctin Group

The Maryland Chapter invites you to join committees like Political, Legislative, and Outings. It's an opportunity to volunteer your time, talent, and passion as you "explore, enjoy, and protect" Maryland.

Membership: Join the Sierra ClubParticipate: Maryland Chapter OutingsStewardship: Maryland Chapter Stewardship

- Image credit: B Tal- Image Credit: The Sierra Club