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Alice's Legacy Lives On

For close to thirty years, from 1922 to 1951, Alice and Henry Ferguson enjoyed life at their southern Maryland retreat. They entertained friends at their "Theater in the Woods," explored the Potomac shoreline in search of Native American artifacts, and delighted in exquisite views of Mount Vernon. But most importantly, Alice and Henry worked to advance their true passions: education and the environment.

Today, the Alice Ferguson Foundation (AFF), created in 1954, is a multi-faceted non-profit and a stalwart of the DC environmental community. Through a variety of programs and initiatives, the Foundation stays true to the passions of its namesake.

View the Alice Ferguson Foundation Slideshow on Flickr

Hard Bargain Farm Environmental Center

Like most farms, a Hard Bargain day starts with the rooster's crow. Soon after the not-so-subtle wake-up, chickens, cows, goats, and pigs stir as they eagerly anticipate breakfast. But unlike your typical farm, by mid-morning, thirty 5th graders, freed from the confines of the classroom, have been unleashed on the Hard Bargain grounds - all in the name of hands-on educational experience.

The 330-acre Hard Bargain Farm is part of AFF headquarters in Accoceek, Maryland. It's a working farm, staffed by trained naturalists, but the focus is education. During a visit to the farm, local Maryland students (including many at-risk youth) take hikes, help with farm chores, and paddle canoes. For many kids who have only seen a chicken on a dinner plate, it's an experience with a lasting impression.

Hard Bargain Amphitheater

During the summer months, the Alice Ferguson Foundation entertains the local community with music and theater in its very own amphitheater. As spring turns to summer, check the Foundation website for updated schedules.

Bridging the Watershed

What happens when you take 20 urban high school students, drop them off at a national park, and direct them to the nearest stream for a macro-invertebrate critter count? A transformation - that's what.

The Bridging the Watershed (BTW) program abides by a simple concept - to re-connect youth with the natural world, they must first be introduced to it. As BTW leaders will tell you, a three hour visit to a national park has the potential to change fear of the natural world into appreciation.

Parents - don't be jealous, but through BTW your middle school or high school student has an opportunity to:

Hike the Taylor Farm Trail in Prince William Forest Park to identify and classify invasive plants.Wade into Turkey Run, a Potomac tributary, to collect and count macro-invertabrates - data that is then used by the National Park Service for resource management (see video).Experience an eye-opening first-hand account of the Potomac trash problem from the shores of Oxon Cove Park.Collect and test water samples from Greenbelt Park's Still Creek in order to measure the Water Quality Index.

Are you a local educator? The Foundation will train both teachers and rangers/volunteers to help create actionable curriculum combining classroom activities with hands-on experience. Ninth grade Biology just got a lot more interesting...

Trash Free Potomac Watershed Initiative and Cleanup

When the Ferguson's bought their riverfront property in 1922, Gatorade bottles littering the Potomac shoreline were probably not a problem. Seventy-seven years later, in 1989, they were. The Alice Ferguson Foundation hosted their first river cleanup that year. Three million tons of trash and 50,000 volunteer participants later, support for the Trash Free Potomac Watershed Initiative, and the affiliated Cleanup event, is stronger than ever.

As a Trail Voice reader, you may already be familiar with the Cleanup (scheduled for Saturday, April 10th - register here). The Trash Free Potomac Watershed Initiative takes the concept of the Cleanup, adds governmental and non-profit partners, and attaches attainable goals for the watershed. As is usually the case with environmental initiatives, nothing can be accomplished without citizen awareness and participation. Have you made the pledge to do your part for a Trash Free Potomac by 2013?

The Foundation offers unique experiences catering to a variety of audiences, but the overlying mission is a constant: to build upon our progress and develop the next-generation of environmental stewards. That's Alice's legacy.

Membership: Join the Alice Ferguson FoundationSocial Media: Hard Bargain Farm Blog; Bridging the Watershed Blog; Facebook; Twitter

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

The FAcC team is starting their annual round of cleanups in conjunction with the Potomac River Watershed Cleanup. Pick your weekend and join them for the fun.The Accotink Creek watershed, the second largest watershed in Fairfax County, covers 51 square miles of heavily-populated Northern Virginia suburbs. Like many Washington DC area streams and rivers plagued by extensive development, Accotink Creek has changed dramatically (by naturalist standards) in the past several decades. Recognizing the need for a dedicated environmental voice for the watershed, Friends of Accotink Creek (FAcC) stepped in to fill the void.

Although this all-volunteer organization may lack the power to stop the dreaded "d-word" (i.e. development), Friends of Accotink Creek manages to make its impact through education, advocacy, and community involvement. Their mission, "...protecting, promoting and restoring the water quality, natural habitat, and ecological well-being of the Accotink Creek watershed" (source), is no small task in a watershed with 30% impervious surface area. Yes, 30% is a significant number for a watershed.

FAcC reaches out for members and volunteers with events and initiatives like quarterly stream monitoring, invasive plant removal, storm drain marking, and stream cleanup events (like the Potomac River Watershed Cleanup). They work directly with Fairfax County (and sometimes disagree with their decisions) to encourage residents, organizations, and agencies to make key environmental changes. The future of Accotink Creek (and in turn, the Potomac River and the Chesapeake Bay) depends on it.

Organization Type: 501(c)(3) non-profit; affiliated with Trout Unlimited, Northern Virginia ChapterMembership: http://www.accotink.org/MembershipForm.htmDonate: Network for Good

- Image courtesy Flickr user (and Accotink extraordinaire): derAmialtebloede

Now for your dose of Potomac River reality. The river view from afar may be lovely, but when you look up close, she has her flaws. Unfortunately, there is no Jessica Simpson-endorsed Proactiv solution to clear up the blemishes, but organizations like Potomac Riverkeeper are fighting back, one pimple (or rather, pollutant) at a time.

Potomac Riverkeeper (PRK) is one of several Potomac River conservation organizations, but their reputation as legal muscle is unique to the region. The organization protects the Potomac River by enforcing the rule of law - or more specifically, the Clean Water Act in association with the pollution permit system officially known as the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES). Working in partnership with both environmental organizations and legal institutions, the PRK will notify offending organizations and file an "intent to sue." Yeah that's right - you don't want to mess with them.

At this point, you may be asking, "I'm not a lawyer. What could I do for this organization?" Policing the vast Potomac River watershed is no easy task so Potomac Riverkeeper relies on you to be their eyes and ears. Paddlers, hikers, and bikers have joined the ranks of PRK as "Riverwatchers" and "Get the Dirt Out" volunteers. PRK member or not, all individuals are encouraged to report pollution concerns to the following hotline: 301-POTOMAC. Everybody appreciates having a lawyer-friend - the Potomac River, and the millions of citizens who enjoy its splendors, included.

Organization Type: 501(c)(3) non-profit Membership and Donations: https://secure.groundspring.org/dn/index.php?aid=24584 or Network for Good

- Image courtesy Potomac Riverkeeper

The question begs to be asked: in 1989, did the founding members of the Anacocostia Watershed Society have any idea what they were getting themselves into? Back then, the Anacostia River was an embarrassment to this proud city - a flowing pile of trash and environmental neglect.

Fast-forward to the year 2000.

Interest spikes as D.C. Mayor Anthony Williams announces the Anacostia Waterfront Initiative. Thanks to its years of dedication and hard work, AWS is uniquely positioned at the time as the undisputed local non-profit environmental leader. Currently, offering education (Watershed Explorers), public outreach (Stormdrain Stenciling), recreation (Paddling Clinics), and river cleanup events (just to name a few), the AWS has transformed into a multi-faceted environmental force of nature! "Forgotten" river? The AWS does not forget...

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.