Did you know that when you shop at smile.amazon.com you can generate AmazonSmile donations for Muddy Branch Alliance Inc? Check it out! We appreciate your support!

We have worked with the City of Gaithersburg and several scout troops, to get approval and install informational kiosks along the Muddy Branch. One of these is in Malcolm King Park, and the other is in the Lakelands. At this time we are looking for input on what information could be made available. We believe maps, and information about the stream’s health is important. Are there other things?

We welcome the three new Directors that were elected to our board during our April 27 Annual Meeting. The new Directors are Mary Hlavinka, Olivia Ryder, and Steven Paul (in photo below).

In addition, several board members extended their terms on the Board. To view the full list of current Board members, you may find them on the About Us tab on our website.

A student from Gaithersburg High School created this wonderful map of the Muddy Branch Watershed, including the location of the Muddy Branch Trail, both within the City of Gaithersburg and to the Potomac through the County Park Land. Have you visited the trail today? Now’s your chance! Click here to download the map to your computer or device.

Please take note of this important planning process in the City of Gaithersburg.

Gaithersburg, as an incorporated city, is subject to the Land Use Article of the Annotated Code of Maryland. Land Use Division 1, §3-301(a) Plan Revisions requires the City’s comprehensive master plan to be reviewed and if necessary revised and amended at least once every 10 years. Land Use Division I, §3-102(a)(1)(i) Elements-Municipal Corporations requires the City to include a Community Facilities Element into the comprehensive plan.

Parks, Recreation & Culture is the second element of the 2018 Master Plan Update to be reviewed. This Element is an amendment to the 2003 Community Facilities Element. Parks, Recreation & Culture will present recommendations for the City’s continued parks, recreation, and cultural arts programming while being consistent with the State and City visions. The Element addresses City’s mission, as defined in the Annual Strategic Plan, by providing recommendations for future development, programs, and actions within the City in a sustainable manner that will meet the leisure, fitness, cultural, and other quality-of-life needs of Gaithersburg residents. Public comment is invited prior to and during the joint public hearing on the Parks, Recreation & Culture Element.

Process Status
The City has been receiving comments on the plan from those interested in Parks and land use in the City. A Joint Public Hearing for MP-1-19 is scheduled for Monday, May 6, 2019. Testimony will be taken during this public hearing. Comments may be submitted in writing while the Planning Commission and City Council records remain open either in person at City Hall, emailed to [email protected], or mailed to this address: City of Gaithersburg Planning Department, 31 South Summit Avenue, Gaithersburg, MD 20877.

• Index of Memoranda
• Exhibit 1 – Public Hearing Draft Element
• Exhibits 2 – 5

This little redbud tree was one of the 350 bare-root native trees we gave away last spring.  It may not look like much yet, but in a few years it will be beautiful. Bare-root trees if planted and protected will thrive and over time out perform larger, root-bound trees grown in pots.  (See photo of mature redbuds.)

We have 350 native trees to give away — up to 10 trees per household with a preference for residents living in the Muddy Branch or Seneca Creek watersheds.  Trees will be available sometime in March or April, with the exact date determined by the weather.  If you want to be informed when the trees become available, email [email protected].  
Since trees are bare root, they must be planted as soon as possible after being picked up — ideally that day. Trees will also need deer protection. We generally receive 50 each of seven different tree species.  These are the trees requested for this spring: 50 buttonbush, 50 baldcypress, 50 river birch, 50 loblolly pine, 50 gray dogwood, 50 serviceberry, 50 white oak.  We cannot promise we’ll get the above trees as usually there are at least a few substitutions of species based on what grew best over the past year.
This year Bonnie Bell (our beaver speaker at last month’s MBA meeting) will help by distributing some of the tree seedlings from Seneca State Park for those who live closer to that location than to Merikay’s home at 14909 Spring Meadows Drive, Darnestown. Merikay attempts to give all the trees away in one or two days after she gets them to optimize their being fresh and successfully transplanted to your garden.
This is the 5th year Merikay Smith has led the native tree give away.  In that time approximately 1,700 native trees have been planted through this program in our watershed area, providing habitat, cleaner water and reduced flooding.  With trees given away before then and also those planted along the Muddy Branch trail, more than 2,000 native trees benefiting the Muddy Branch and Seneca Creek watersheds have been planted by people like you.  Thank you!

In the spirit of resolving to make positive changes in the new year, we polled our Muddy Branch Alliance board members and partners to gather our 2019 Top Ten New Year’s Resolution.  If we all make just a few of these changes, we will help improve water quality and/or improve the quality of our local watersheds. Join us!

#1) BYOM – “Bring Your Own Mug”! Bring your own coffee mug to Starbucks (Get $.50 back), and use reusable water bottles, instead of using paper coffee cups and single-use water bottles.

#2) Lend a hand and get connected! We host several trail work and “Weed Warrior” events each year. Our special focus in 2019: Work with the City and County to expand our park system and increase accessibility. For example, expand and connect existing paths and recreation areas, such as Fallen Oaks and Conservation Lane to improve the trail and make it possible to walk or bike from RT 28 to the Rio and back.

#3) Get covered! Use covered recycling bins – or trade your smaller bins for the larger, covered bin – to prevent wind from blowing your recyclables down the streets and into the drains and streams.

#4) Trim as you go! Take a hike (or run) along our trails and trim overgrown vines as you go. 

#5) Go Native! Plant native plants and trees on your property, or work with your property management to request they plant native trees near your home, if possible. Muddy Branch Alliance gives away free native trees each spring — check our website in March for details.

#6) Reduce run-off! Reduce the amount of lawn on your property and replace it with native plants or permeable hardscape.  Make a rain garden filled with native perennials and trees and get rid of all that grass!

#7) Post the beauty!  Share images of Muddy Branch trail and surrounding wildlife with others by posting photos each time you visit, using our Facebook or Instagram account (Details coming soon!).

#8) Educate and energize youth! Take your kids (if you do not have any, borrow some) on a short road trip or hike and SHOW them what a Watershed is first-hand (rather than just showing it on the map) to increase the WOW factor. All of our trail events are family-friendly, and students earn SSL hours!

#9) Pick it up! In the spirit of John Stokke, a local hero, if you see trash and you’re able, pick it up. Wondering what to give friends and family who have everything? Give the gift of a pick-up stick with instructions and opportunities for use.

#10) Give thanks! Remember, acknowledge, and support the good work of our volunteers by making a donation or becoming a member of the Muddy Branch Alliance (Or support the Watts Branch Watershed Alliance, Seneca Creek Watershed Partners or Clean Water Management group of your choice). Thank you!

Announcing the Muddy Branch and Seneca Creek Garden Tour!

This self guided tour showcases a variety of gardens and landscaping features that
support butterflies, birds and other wildlife while also helping to manage stormwater by
slowing and filtering the water before it flows into our area streams.

 

The tour is on October 6th, 2018 from 9 AM-Noon with opening remarks at Constitution Park. Each location will have a representative on site to answer questions about the gardens and how their installation. Each location except the private home is open to the public and can be viewed year round. You may want to revisit these sites another time to see them during a different season and observe how they change through the year.

Click on the link to download the directions and information about the tour.  We hope you can attend!    Butterfly, Bird and Bay Friendly Garden Tour Stops

Muddy Branch Alliance to Lead “Lands Green, Waters Clean” Initiative
Local Nonprofit Taking Over Izaak Walton League Program
To Improve Water Quality in Montgomery County

Gaithersburg, MD – Our country has made great progress improving water quality in local
streams and rivers. However, our pollution problems have not been solved – they have evolved.
The greatest threat to clean water today is polluted runoff from farm fields, parking lots,
industrial sites, and backyards across the state. The Muddy Branch Alliance is tackling water
pollution in Montgomery County by launching the next generation of the “Lands Green, Waters
Clean” initiative.

“Lands Green, Waters Clean” focuses on helping homeowners reduce runoff from their yards,
driveways, and houses. Homeowners can take simple steps to treat the rain and snow melt
running off their property and reduce the amount of pesticides, fertilizers, and pet waste that
enter our waterways, which protects water quality, improves habitat for birds and fish, and
makes streams safer for families. A common approach – known as conservation landscaping –
is to remove small areas of turf grass, which does not effectively absorb water during heavy
rains, and replace it with more permeable soil and native plants, shrubs, and trees. These
projects can make yards beautiful and help the environment.

The Izaak Walton League of America launched “Lands Green, Waters Clean” in
2012 to address the everyday pollution most people don’t recognize: runoff from
yards and other residential areas. Through this initiative, the League
evaluated 67 yards and installed conservation landscaping at more than
20 homes, transforming a combined 20 acres of turf grass into water-retaining
landscapes. And the homeowners are working to educate their neighbors about
clean water in the community The Muddy Branch Alliance is now taking leadership of the “Lands Green, Waters Clean” initiative, continuing the work started by the League. “The Muddy Branch Alliance has been a partner in this effort since the very beginning and is well-positioned to lead it going forward,” says Scott Kovarovics, Izaak Walton League Executive Director. “The Alliance is a proven leader on projects that improve water quality, address invasive plants, and enhance outdoor
recreation opportunities throughout the Muddy Branch watershed.”

“The Muddy Branch Alliance is committed to improving local water quality, which affects drinking
water sources and the health of the Chesapeake Bay,” says Tracy Rouleau, Muddy Branch
Alliance Board President. “We are excited to expand the footprint of this program and help
homeowners establish gardens that attract birds and butterflies and keep our waters safe and
clean. Homeowners can also save money on their tax bills through credits and rebates – a winwin
for homeowners and the environment!”

“The League is proud to have developed and led this initiative, and we are equally excited to
transition leadership to the Muddy Branch Alliance,” Kovarovics says. “Homeowners can play a
critical part in improving water quality. And it doesn’t hurt that these solutions look great too!”
For more information about the “Lands Green, Waters Clean” initiative and efforts to keep
Montgomery County streams safe and clean, visit https://muddybranch.org/get-involved/lands-green-water-clean or contact Tracy Rouleau, Muddy Branch Alliance Board President, at
[email protected]

Press Release downloadable pdf.  LGWC press release_final

Spring cleaning takes on new meaning during this year’s community-wide Green Up Day. Join hundreds of volunteers as they make a difference throughout the community by cleaning up and beautifying local streams, schools, parks, and homeowner association common areas during Community Green Up Day. The City is looking for volunteers for this event. Students can also earn student service learning credits.  To find more information on these, and other events in the area, go to: http://trashnetwork.fergusonfoundation.org/map/

April 08, 2018, 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM [already happened]

Whetstone Run tributary cleanup at Kelley Park
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April 14, 2018, 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM [Most Events this Date]

Central Avenue – Gaithersburg

Directions: From the intersection of 355 (Frederick Avenue) and Shady Grove Road: Drive north on 355, passing through two lights. Turn right on Central Avenue. Meet at 200 Central Avenue, which will be on the right side of the road.

Kentlands Lakes

Directions: Arrive at:  Kentlands Clubhouse to get pickup sticks and bags. Restrooms available as well as SSL hours!  485 Tschiffely Square Rd, Gaithersburg, MD 20878

Lakelands – Gaithersburg

Directions: From the intersection of Great Seneca Highway and Muddy Branch Road, drive weston Great Seneca Highway. Turn left on Lakelands Drive. Turn right on Market Street East. Turn right on Main Street. The Lakelands Clubhouse will be straight ahead.  960 Main Street, Gaithersburg, MD 20878

Long Draft Branch at Rabbitt Road

Directions: On MapQuest.com, enter address 428 Rabbitt Rd, Gaithersburg 20878 near the edge of Robertson Park, Gaithersburg. Long Draft Branch crosses under Rabbitt Road in the bottom of the valley.  OR  From the intersection of Quince Orchard Road and Clopper Road: Take Clopper Road West. At first traffic light turn left on Firstfield. Immediately bear right on Quince Orchard Blvd. Go past swimming pool on right and turn right on Rabbitt Road. Robertson Park is on the left.

Muddy Branch – Dufief tributary

Directions: Meet at the parking area near the trailhead of the Muddy Branch trail, off Darnestown Road (Route 28), just west of Dufief Drive. Park at the trailhead parking area or on Dufief Drive.

Washingtonian Woods – Gaithersburg

Directions: Volunteers should meet at the Washingtonian Woods Playground. From the corner of Great Seneca Highway and Muddy Branch Road, drive south on Muddy Branch Road. Turn right on Midsummer Drive. Turn right on Upshire Circle. Washingtonian Woods Playground is on the right.  Washingtonian Woods Playground – 341 Upshire Circle, Gaithersburg, MD, 20878

Watkins Mill Town Center – Gaithersburg

Directions: From the intersection of Quince Orchard Road and Clopper Road:  Drive west on Clopper Road (MD 117). Turn right on West Watkins Mill Road. Drive to the end of the road and turn right on Parkview Avenue. The Community Clubhouse will be located on the right.  209 Parkview Avenue, Gaithersburg, MD, 20878.

Woods at Muddy Branch – Gaithersburg

Directions: From the corner of MD-28 and Muddy Branch Road, drive west on MD-28. Turn right on Alderwood Drive. Volunteers should meet at the top of the hill by the stormwater pond.

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April 21, 2018, 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM 

Asbury Methodist Village

Directions: I-270 and take Exit 11, Montgomery Village Avenue/Route 124. Turn left onto Montgomery Village Avenue. Continue through light at Route 355 (North Frederick Avenue), and take the first right onto Russell Avenue. At the second traffic light, turn left onto Odendhal Avenue. At the first traffic light, turn right into the Main Entrance gate for Asbury Methodist Village. Associates are available at the Gatehouse 24 hours a day.  Look for parking signs when you enter the campus.