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

We are excited to announce the election of two new board members, Karl Van Neste and Bridget Ryder for their two-year terms. Officially, Muddy Branch Alliance has now reached 11 board members in total. We are also excited to announce the new Officers of the Muddy Branch Alliance with Tracey Rouleau and Frank Webert continuing their positions as President and Treasurer. Our new Vice President and Secretary will now be Bridget Ryder and Pete Darmody. We also are saying farewell to Meredith Strider and Jennie Howland who will be stepping down from the board this year. Thank you to both, and you will be missed.

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.

Sunday, April 8, 9:00 – 12:00 Join Your Neighbors and Local Watershed Group for a Stream Cleanup of Whetstone Run tributary at Kelley Park, Located in the Saybrooke Community, Gaithersburg.  More information click to download the flyer:  Kelley Park Whetstone Run Cleanup 2018

Saturday, April 14, 9-1pm  Seneca Landing on Riley’s Lock Road.  Groups of volunteers will work from   boats to pickup trash from Seneca Creek and the Potomac River.  Land based volunteers also welcome.  More information click to download the flyer: 2018_Potomac_Cleanup_at_Seneca_Landing

Saturday, April 21,  9:00 – 12:00  Asbury invites you to participate in their first Potomac Watershed Cleanup.  Meet at 9:00 am at the Asbury Gatehouse at 301 Odenthal Ave, and follow the signs. More information click to download the flyer: Watershed Cleanup 2018 

Sunday, April 22nd,  9:00 – 12:00  EARTH DAY TRASH BASH & CLOPPER MILL VISIT.
We are pleased to be partnering again with the Izaak Walton League of America -Rockville
Chapter, to clean accumulated trash from near the ruins of Seneca’s own Clopper Mill. This is a
unique opportunity to SAFELY hike (and bushwhack) to the mill ruins from the IWLA parking
area off Clopper Road. The Ikes will provide lunch from the grill after the event. Everyone iis invited to stay for lunch afterwards.  WHERE: 12087 Clopper Road, Gaithersburg. More information click to download the flyer: Clopper Mill Trash Bash

Ready to plant your own native trees? Board Director Merikay Smith is again coordinating the distribution of 300+ native tree seedlings from the Maryland Department of Natural Resources. You are welcome to take up to 10 seedlings per person as part of this Muddy Branch and Seneca Creek watershed project on a first come, first served basis. Seven different species, including White Pine, Willow Oak, Eastern Redbud, Redosier Dogwoods and Southern Magnolias are available for pick up.

Please contact Merikay directly (See details below) or email the Muddy Branch Alliance to let us know you’re interested in picking up trees. Not in town, but still interested? Email us, and you’ll have first dibs on leftovers. Happy planting!

Pick Up Details
Friday, March 30th 9 -11 am, and
Saturday, March 31st 10 – 12 and 2 – 4 pm.

Please email Merikay Smith
Address for pick-up: 14909 Spring Meadows Drive
Home phone:  301-926-9774
Note: These small bare root seedlings are 1’ – 2’ tall, and should be planted as soon as possible after pickup. As long as the ground is not frozen, it’s a good time to plant the trees, as they’ll have more time to get established before summer heat arrives.  Bring a bucket or plastic bags and newspaper to wrap the trees for transport.

50- Hazel Alder (Alnus serrulata)
A shrub to small tree, hazel alder grow in clumps in wet areas and along the banks of
ponds and rivers. It usually grows 10 to 20 feet tall. Full sun to light shade. Yellow and
orange fall color.

50-Eastern redbud (Cercis canadensis)
Can grow 15 to 35 feet tall and spreads 15 to 25 feet. It is a member of the pea family
which means it adds nitrogen to the soil. The flowers are pink to reddish purple and
usually bloom mid to late April. Provides food for a variety of wildlife and insects.
Prefers moist, rich, well-drained soil in partial shade or full sun. Cannot tolerate
persistently wet sites (standing water).

50-Redosier dogwood (Cornus stolonifera) or (Cornus sericea)
Is a fast growing shrub, 10 to 20 feet tall and spread to10 feet, often forming dense
thickets. Prefers moderate to full sunlight. Prefers rich, moist, poorly drained soils.
Provides cover for birds and other small wildlife. Important food source for a variety of
mammals.

50- White pine (Pinus strobus) – not powerline compatible
This evergreen averages 80 to 100 feet tall at maturity and has a crown spread between
30 and 50 feet. It has a tall straight stem up to 4 feet in diameter with branches commonly
in whorls. This fast growing native prefers fertile well-drained soils and full sun, but
young trees will tolerate light shade.

50-Swamp white oak (Quercus bicolor) – not powerline compatible
A medium sized native tree averaging 50 to 80 feet tall and 50 to 60 feet wide, swamp
white oak tolerates poorly drained sites. It is drought tolerant, prefers part shade to full
sun, and has a copper to red color in the fall. The acorns are eaten by a wide variety of
wildlife.

50-Willow oak (Quercus phellos) – not powerline compatible
Willow oak grows to 100 feet tall with a crown width of 30 to 50 feet. This native has a
rapid growth rate, prefers moist, well-drained soils, full sun, and is drought and urban
tolerant. You can expect to see the leaves change to a yellow to bronzy-red color in the
fall. Its acorns provide a valuable food source for wildlife.

50-Southern Magnolia (Magnolia grandiflora)
A broad leaf evergreen that can reach between 60 and 80 feet. They grow in various soil
types and do well in full sun or partial shade. They produce large white fragrant flowers
in spring.

We were excited to see mention of Pam Sonneville’s work in a national magazine.  She is involved with planting natives at the Woodland Hills HOA.  This is a project which the Muddy Branch Alliance has supported for several years with demonstration project funding.  Congrats Pam!

The article by Nancy Lawson is in the January/February 2018 Edition of “AllAnimals”, a publication of the Humane Society.  It is titled “Beyond the Backyard – How you can reclaim unused spaces – even small ones – for wildlife”

Land Preservation and Recreation Survey Now Open

February 8, 2018

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources invites residents and nonresidents to share their thoughts on land acquisition, conservation and recreation in the state by completing the Maryland Land Preservation and Recreation Plan Survey.

Individuals who complete the 3-5 minute online survey will be entered into a random drawing to win Maryland Park Service day-use passes.

The survey, which includes questions on outdoor activities, amenities and services like camping, fishing and hunting, helps guide the department’s decision-making, investments and programming.

Results will be incorporated into the Land Preservation and Recreation Plan, which is required to receive federal funding from the National Park Service’s Land and Water Conservation Fund.

“Taking the pulse of our customers, guests and users is essential to our strategic development, planning and prioritization goals and needs,” Maryland Natural Resources Secretary Mark Belton said. “Are we meeting our customers’ expectations by providing them exceptional outdoor recreation opportunities? Are we shortchanging an evolving customer base or meeting their need? Are we spending too much on trail construction and maintenance over historical interpretation and programming? These are but a few of the questions we need your help in answering.”

The survey – a combination of multiple choice and open-ended questions – seeks to clarify how people access and utilize public lands, including state forests, parks and wildlife management areas, and if the department is meeting demands and needs.

In addition to the online survey, the department has partnered with a contractor to reach potential respondents by telephone.

January 2018

We were fortunate to have several generous donations from board members, to allow us to update our website to this more secure platform.  The website is now easier to view from all types of computers, or cell phones.  It allows us to add Facebook postings to the website, has advanced mapping features, and allows us to share a calendar of events with our sister watershed, Watts Branch and Seneca Creek.  We will be learning how to take advantage of the features of the site and hope that you like it!