Our community’s world of streams and nature expanded in 2014 with the restoration and reconstruction of Broad Branch and Linnean streams. We have a new place to commune with nature, walk our dogs, and let our children romp. Now the question is: How to maintain the streams’ beauty and accessibility?
Alex Sanders, the head of Appalachian Trail Club’s volunteer effort to maintain Rock Creek Park trails, also works with Rock Creek Conservancy. He emailed me about the Conservancy’s Stream Team program, which coordinates volunteer efforts to “maintain streams and sections of the park by cleaning up trash, removing invasive species (with training), and advocate for its protection, among other opportunities.”
Sanders says the Conservancy would be delighted to work with neighborhood volunteers who wish to do this for the Linnean and Broad Branch streams. Please email him at alexsanders0925@gmail.com to sign up.
Forest Hills Connection will announce future cleanups (including one this weekend). Also, you can always walk the streams with a bag to pick up trash along the way. We are the caretakers now.