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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

This Arlington organization, a standby of the Washinton D.C. area environmental community for over thirty years, is sponsoring a Potomac River Watershed Cleanup site in the highly-visible (and hiker-trafficked) Chain Bridge section of the Potomac River. Not to take anything away from the other 300-plus cleanup site sponsors, but without a doubt, ACE is uniquely qualified for such a task. In its thirty year history (founded in 1978), a lot has changed (including its original affiliations). What hasn't changed is ACE's commitment to "local environmental issues including green living, litter, and invasive plants, with additional programs in the areas of watershed resources and schoolyard education" (source). Last month's annual meeting highlighted successful initiatives from past years that will be continued (e.g. the Green Living Challenge), as well as new projects like the Tree Canopy Fund. With its experienced leadership team, dedicated volunteer community, and active business/government partnerships, it's clear ACE intends to be a key environmental voice in the community for another thirty years.