Pope Branch stream and watershed restoration

Great MLK Jr. Day 2012 Clean-Up Event

2012-01-18T10:17:00.000-08:00

Irv Sheffey of the DC Sierra Club sent out this message as a summary of the great work and spirit on January 16th, 2012 at the 6th Annual Pope Branch Park & Stream Clean-Up event:

I want to thank everyone who supported and participated in yesterday’s 6th Annual MLK Day Clean-Up of Pope Branch Park in Ward 7. Eighty-two volunteers from all around the neighborhood, city and region came together to remove trash and debris from in and around the park, the creek (a tributary to the Anacostia) and surrounding neighborhoods. Each year we see more and more improvement in the cleanliness of the park and I attribute it to the quality of care demonstrated at this event and one we hold in the spring. Yesterday we removed 6,000 pounds of trash and debris from the streets and park. The community and the river are the direct beneficiaries of that effort; not a simple accomplishment.

I’m always amazed at the volunteers who come out, typically in very cold weather, to help in polishing this little gem of a park in southeast. These are people, some coming from afar, who could have chosen to be home, spending time with their families, watching TV and generally keeping warm. They chose to be out in our community making a difference in the spirit of Dr. King, proving his legacy lives on.

Thank you each and everyone.

Irv Sheffey

Pope Branch 2012 MLK, Jr. Day Clean-Up

2012-01-09T11:06:00.000-08:00

After 5 years of successful clean-ups we have removed lots of historical dumping sites along the stream and reduced the amount of litter in and near the park. Work still remains and we have some clean-up work left to do. The park is in much better shape than 6 years ago when we first started these annual clean-up days but work still remains.

On January 16th, 2012 from 10am until 1pm we are asking you to once again come out and help us clean-up Pope Branch Park and the surrounding areas. To register for the project just go to the SERVE DC website or follow this link and sign-in up for the Pope Branch Park Clean-Up: http://app.cncs.dc.gov/mlkday/viewprojects.asp

For specific event details or questions please email Irv Sheffey at irv.sheffey@sierraclub.org.

As Dr. King said "everybody can be great because everybody can serve." Please come and serve with us!

SIGN UP for the 5th Annual Clean Up - Jan. 17, 2011

2010-12-10T08:29:00.000-08:00

Unclogging the Fairlawn Ave. culvert. Rain gardens maintenance.

Pope Branch Park Restoration Alliance
In conjunction with

Groundwork Anacostia River ● Earth Conservation Corps ● Wholeness for Humanity ● Sierra Club ● Casey Trees
Ward 8 Environmental Council ● Clean Water Action ● Surfrider Foundation ● Greater DC Cares ● Anacostia Watershed Society
Advisory Neighborhood Commission 7A ● Cooperative Extension Service/University System of the District of Columbia ● Serve DC
DC Office of the Clean City ● DC Department of the Environment ● DC Department of Transportation ● DC Department of Parks and Recreation
DC Department of Public Works ● DC Water

Invites you to join us at our

5th Annual Pope Branch Park
Clean-up Event
in honor of the
Martin Luther King Jr.
Day of National Service
January 17, 2011
9:00 am to 1:00 pm
(on site registration begins at 8:30 am)

This Community Service Project celebrates Dr. King and the memory of the late Joseph Glover, Founder & Chair of the Pope Branch Park Restoration Alliance to restore and beautify the Pope Branch tributary of the Anacostia River

We will gather as a community to remove trash and invasive plant species from along the creek.
Meet us at Fairlawn Avenue & M Place, SE
We will have a shuttle service courtesy of the Earth Conservation Corps meeting volunteers at the Potomac Metro stop (Orange & Blue lines) from 8:30 am to 9:30 am to Pope Branch. Volunteers will be shuttled back at the end of the event. )
You can use http://www.wmata.com/rider_tools/tripplanner/tripplanner_form_solo.cfm for Metro information
The A31, U2, V7, V8 & V9 buses stop at Minnesota Avenue & Lyndale Place one block from Pope Branch Park
If arriving by car you can use http://www.mapquest.com/ to plan your route

For additional information and to RSVP please contact:
Irv Sheffey
Sierra Club / Pope Branch Park Restoration Alliance / Groundwork Anacostia River DC
(202) 299-6503 ● irv.sheffey@sierraclub.org
http://popebranch.blogspot.com/

A Community FYI

2010-12-10T08:27:00.000-08:00

When asked what river runs through the nation’s capitol, people often reply “the Potomac” and they would be correct; but there is another, the Anacostia. The Anacostia, frequently called the “forgotten river”, was once a key source for commercial trade from Bladensburg to the greater Chesapeake region but was neglected over the last 100 years resulting in it becoming one of the most polluted rivers in the nation. The river literally became a cesspool, with untreated sewage entering it with every rainfall of an inch or more. Deforestation upriver, due to development, led to forty feet of silt settling along its bottom not only making the river unnavigable but forming a trap for chemicals from run-off and illegal dumping thus creating a toxic soup. The river was no longer fishable or swimmable as it once was, becoming an eyesore and health hazard for all the communities that lie along its shores

In the last few years the District, federal and regional governments along with environmental organizations and citizens interested in restoring this great river have begun to make a difference. No longer is the Anacostia on the list of the top ten polluted rivers. The river has begun a turnaround. Laws have been passed against illegal dumping, enforcement of those laws has increased and plans are in development to prevent untreated sewage from entering the river. Hundreds of trees have been planted along with new wetlands to mitigate the effects of stormwater run-off. People have taken personal actions to clean up the waterway removing trash and debris and beautifying our neighborhoods; but more is needed.

Pope Branch Creek is one of the major tributaries of the Anacostia east of the river; others include Watts Branch and Nash Run in northern Ward 7. This little creek runs to the west, more or less parallel with M Place, from Ft. Davis Drive, under Fairlawn Avenue and I-295 eventually entering the river at its shores in Anacostia Park. Several years ago, Joseph Glover, Ward 7 community resident and activist began a simple initiative; he and his family walked along the creek picking up bottles, cans, plastic bags and other trash in an effort to reclaim this little gem of a park. He would eventually form an advocacy group, the Pope Branch Park Restoration Alliance (PBPRA) to speak on behalf of the creek and its surrounding park. Sadly, Mr. Glover passed away last year after suffering an illness, but we continue in his memory and spirit. One result of his efforts is a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between the DC Water, the District Department of the Environment (DDOE) and the District’s Department of Parks and Recreation to realign sewer lines that crisscross the stream, install anti-erosion measures along its shores and create hiking trails further connecting the community to the overall park. Construction along the entire creek is tentatively scheduled for this spring. DDOE and DC Water will update the community in the near future about those activities and their impact upon the affected neighborhoods (Twining Dupont Park and Penn-Branch). Another initiative is an annual clean-up of the park on Martin Luther King Day of National Service, the 5th such event taking place this forthcoming January 17th,

At this event we hope to have over 150 volunteers from around the District and this neighborhood join us in removing invasive plants and shrubs that choke the creeks and picking up trash and debris from around the park. We will gather at M Place and Fairlawn Avenue SE at 9:00 am (on-site registration begins at 8:30 am) and we will complete at 1:00 pm. Coffee, tea, hot chocolate and other refreshments will be served.

This event is being organized by the Pope Branch Park Restoration Alliance and Groundwork Anacostia River DC in conjunction with the Earth Conservation Corps, Wholeness for Humanity, Sierra Club, Surfrider Foundation, Ward 8 Environmental Council, Clean Water Action, Greater DC Cares, DC Water, DC Office of the Clean City, DC Department of the Environment, DC Department of Transportation and the DC Department of Public Works.

For more information, contact Irv Sheffey at 202-299-6503 or irv.sheffey@sierraclub.org
http://popebranch.blogspot.com/

Preliminary Stream Designs

2010-04-06T05:38:00.000-07:00

The preliminary stream designs are moving along with rough sketches presently available. Please contact Josh Burch at DDOE for more information: (202) 535-2247 or josh.burch@dc.gov

Homegoing of a Friend and Leader

2010-02-22T10:28:00.000-08:00

Joseph A. Glover, Founder and Chair of the Pope Branch Park Restoration Alliance died on January 26th, 2010. Mr. Glover lived on the border of the Park and loved it and the stream dearly. He spent numerous hours over the years cleaning the park, organizing residents to become stewards of it and to pressure government to make improvements to it. He was a leader and an inspiration to those of us who have worked in the park and along the stream. Although he is gone his spirit still remains and it inspires all of us to action.

Stream Designs Coming Soon!!!

2010-02-22T09:40:00.000-08:00

Preliminary stream designs will be ready in early March and meetings with community residents will be set up so that residents in the Pope Branch watershed can provide feedback to the proposal for how the stream will look. The first time for public viewing of the preliminary stream designs will be on March 9th, 2010 at 7pm at the PennBranch Citizens Civic Association meeting at Pennsylvania Ave. Baptist Church (3000 Pennsylvania Ave. SE).

For more information contact Josh Burch at the District Department of the Environment at josh.burch@dc.gov or (202) 535-2247.

MLK Jr. Day: Pope Branch Park in Action

2010-01-20T09:22:00.000-08:00

Pope Branch Park volunteers in action on MLK's Day of Service.

A favorable day with some beautiful people and trash. Thank you all for participating. Stay tuned for a message from our sponsors...

TRASH CLEANUP, TREE PLANTING, INVASIVE PLANT REMOVING, & STORM DRAIN MARKING -- What FUN!!

2009-12-23T14:10:00.000-08:00

Happy holidays everyone!

As we enter this season of good cheer I want to suggest that you start racking up “good deeds” for the year to come – you never know when Santa starts putting his list together. As you begin planning 2010 please place this event on your calendar and come out and help in putting a bit of shine on your community. We will be out rain or snow on MLK Day unless we encounter a blizzard similar to the one we just experienced. Even though its winter time, I can assure you that once we get started you’ll warm up. We will be clearing trash and debris from the park and the surrounding neighborhood, removing invasive plants that choke out native trees and shrubs, inventorying where street trees are needed, planting ten trees in the park and marking drains with plaques indicating that they lead to the Anacostia River and to not dump into them.. This event will qualify for DC Public School service credits so if you know a student, let them know about this opportunity. We’ll have donuts and hot coffee to warm you up throughout the day. We look forward to seeing you on January 18th. Contact me by email or at the numbers below and please pass the word.

Take care

Irv

tel: 202-575-1469
cell: 202-299-6503

e-mail: irv.sheffey@ sierraclub. org

4th Annual MLK Jr's Day of National Service CLEAN UP EVENT

2009-12-23T14:01:00.000-08:00

The Pope Branch Park Restoration Alliance
In conjunction with

● Groundwork Anacostia River
● Earth Conservation Corps
● Wholeness for Humanity
● Sierra Club
● Ward 8 Environmental Council
● River East Emerging Leaders
● Greater DC Cares
● Advisory Neighborhood Commission 7A
● DC Office of the Clean City
● DC Department of the Environment
● DC Department of Transportation DC Department of Parks and Recreation
● DC Department of Public Works

Invites you to join us at our

4th Annual Pope Branch Park Clean-up Event in honor of the
Martin Luther King Jr.
Day of National Service
January 18, 2009
9:00 am to 1:00 pm

This Community Service Project celebrates Dr. King and the continuing efforts of Joseph Glover, Founder & Chair of the Pope Branch Park Restoration Alliance to restore and beautify the Pope Branch Creek tributary of the Anacostia River

We will gather as a community to remove trash and invasive plant species from along the creek.
Meet us at Fairlawn Avenue & M Street, SE
For additional information and to register as an individual or as a group, please contact Irv Sheffey; Sierra Club / Pope Branch Park Restoration Alliance
(202) 299-6503 ● irv.sheffey@sierraclub.org

Volunteerism pics

2009-01-22T07:46:00.000-08:00

"Everybody can be great because anybody can serve. You don't have to have a college degree to serve. You don't have to make your subject and your verb agree to serve. You only need a heart full of grace, a soul generated by love." Martin Luther King Jr.

Remember, change happens when "IT STARTS WITH US". Thanks, again, to our volunteers the service well done.

Photos taken by Zandra Chestnut.

Cheers to the MLK Jr. volunteers!

2009-01-21T06:35:00.000-08:00

Whether the volunteers were climbing the steep slippery cliff picking up trash and removing invasive English ivy or ice skating across the Pope Branch stream to pick up that debris, we all had fun! One of the best things about this job is getting to work with such nice dedicated people. Kudos to Irv Sheffey and Dennis Chestnut and ECC!

On behalf of the Pope Branch Park Restoration Alliance, I would like to thank the volunteers from the Baptist Church down the street, the Charles County Public School youth, ECC, DPR and DDOE for a job well done! Stay tuned for more photos and testimonials from hauling a 30" TV to saving a trees!

3rd Annual MLK Clean up, see you there!

2009-01-18T09:11:00.000-08:00

Pope Branch Park
Restoration Alliance

In conjunction with the

Groundwork Anacostia River ● Earth Conservation Corps ● Casey Trees Endowment ● Sierra Club

DC Department of Parks & Recreation ● DC Department of the Environment

Invites you to join us at our

3^rd Annual Pope Branch Park Clean-up Event

in honor of the

Martin Luther King Jr.

Day of National Service

January 19, 2009

9:00 am to 1:00 pm

This Community Service Project celebrates Dr. King and the Presidential Inauguration of President-Elect Barack Obama in the spirit that change happens when

“It Starts With Us”

To restore and beautify the Pope Branch Creek tributary of the Anacostia River

We will gather as a community to remove trash and invasive plant species from along the creek.

Meet us at Fairlawn Avenue & M Street, SE

For additional information and to register as an individual or as a group, please contact

Irv Sheffey

Sierra Club / Pope Branch Park Restoration Alliance

(202) 299-6503 ● irv.sheffey@sierraclub.org

Anacostia Watershed Summit II

2008-03-21T07:56:00.000-07:00

Yup, the 2nd annual Anacostia Summit is here.

When? Saturday, March 22, 2008. 8:30am - 4:00pm

Where? University of Maryland, Stamp Student Union in the Prince George's Room

Why? To discuss effective stormwater management and steam restoration for restoring the Anacostia watershed.

Here's the agenda:

8:30 Registration and Continental Breakfast

9:00 Welcome – Mary Barber, Emcee (AWCAC Chair) and Dana Minerva, Executive Director (AWRP)

9:10 Summit Goals, Objectives and Ground Rules - Phil Favero (Summit Facilitator)

9:20 Issues for the Day• Benjamin Grumbles, Assistant Administrator for Water (US EPA)• The Honorable, Jim Rosapepe, MD Senate, District 21, Prince George’s County

9:45 Controlling Stormwater Runoff in Urban Watersheds - Tom Schueler, CSN

10:15 Advocating for Stormwater Progress – Katherine Baer, Director, (American Rivers)

10:35 Break

10:50 Panel on Anacostia Stormwater Management Approaches, Techniques and Costs• Ben Belton, Capitol Projects, Project Manager (PGDER)• Steve Shofar, Watershed Management Division Chief (MCDEP)• Sarah Murphy, Greenroof Designer

11:35 Question and Answer Session

11:45 (Transition to next panel)

11:50 Panel on Channel Erosion, Sedimentation and Stream Restoration –• Sean Smith, Geologist, Ecosystem Restoration Services (MDDNR)• Cherie Miller, Stream Water-Quality Studies Section Chief & Water-Quality Specialist (USGS)• Dan Harper, Manager, Watershed Restoration Program (MCDEP)

12:30 Question and Answer Session

12:40 Lunch

1:10 Lessons Learned from Summit 2007 & Subwatershed Success Stories from the Past Year

1:25 Guest Speaker, Meosotis Curtis, Montgomery County’s Rainscapes Demonstration Project (MCDEP)

1:45 Questions and Answer Session

2:10 Moderated Roundtable Discussion #1 – “What Do We Want To Achieve Next Year?” Top Priorities, Issues of Concern, Needs and Possible Next Steps at the Subwatershedubwatershedubwatershed Level

3:10 Moderated Roundtable Discussion #2 – “What Do We Want To Achieve Next Year?” Top Priorities, Issues of Concern, Needs and Possible Next Steps at the Watershedatershed Level

3:50 Wrap Up – Mary Barber, Dan Smith, and Phil Favero

4:00 Adjourn

You must register at www.anacostia.net/workshops/summit2.html

Sponsored by: Anacositia Watershed Citizens Advisory Committee and The Summit Fund of Washington

See you all there!!

Free watershed outreach workshop!!

2008-02-14T12:39:00.000-08:00

Public Outreach 101 for Watershed Groups

Saturday, March 8, 1:30 pm – 4:00 pm
Takoma Park Middle School
(Cafeteria #180)

Stuck with e-mail lists of interested parties, and core activists? Despite great intentions and enthusiasm, even the best watershed groups are plagued with lack of time and strategies to keep the ball rolling with active participation on watershed protection actions. To be effective at the never-ending work of protecting local water quality, it takes awareness, education and behavior change among a broad range of citizens.

This workshop will help you develop a strategic approach to public outreach on watershed topics including identifying target audiences, crafting messages, figuring out appropriate formats and distribution techniques. Learn how to think like a social marketer and use marketing techniques for messages and themes relevant to Montgomery County. Plan for initial projects that get support and recognition, and learn how to build up momentum step–by–step.
The workshop will be conducted by the Department of Environmental Protection’s Public Outreach Manager and will offer a mixture of presentations, small work group exercises, and discussion.

All Potomac and Anacostia watershed groups are invited and encouraged to attend!
Pre-registration is encouraged because space and materials are limited. Please register by February 29, 2008. (Registration form is attached)

Registration Form
Public Outreach 101 for Watershed Groups
Saturday, March 8, 1:30 pm – 4:00 pm

Takoma Park Middle School
7611 Piney Branch Rd
Silver Spring, MD 20910
Name: ____________________________________________________
Address:___________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
Affiliation:________________________________________________
Home Watershed:__________________________________________
(optional)
Phone: ____________________________
E-mail:

Please fill out this registration form and send it to:
Ansu John
Department of Environmental Protection
255 Rockville Pike, #120,
Rockville, MD
Fax: 240-777-7773
Or, e-mail the information:
To: askdep@montgomerycountymd.gov and
Cc: outreach@fosc.org

Plan to attend The New Stormwater Mgt Act Workshop

2008-02-04T09:26:00.000-08:00

Stormwater Regulations Workshop -
The 2007 Maryland Stormwater Management Act
When: Saturday, February 23, 2008
8:30 AM - 12:30 PM

Where:
Fairland Regional Park - Stormwater Management Pavilion
13950 Old Gunpowder Road
Laurel, MD 20707

The goals of the workshop are to:

Ø Discuss the opportunity for the Anacostia that the 2007 legislation presents,
Ø Formulate a response to the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) regarding implementation of the 2007 Stormwater Act and
Ø Inform the Maryland Legislature of our response.

**REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED**
Seating capacity is limited. Please contact
Phong Trieu at ptrieu@mwcog.org to register.
For more information, see flyer or visit
http://www.anacostia.net/

AGENDA:

8:30 Registration

9:00 Welcome, Agenda, GoalsTopics: What will the 2007 Stormwater Act and new regulationsdo for the Anacostia? What can citizens do to make it better?

9:10 Panel on the 2007 Law and the Developing Regulations

10:00 Panel on Anacostia Stormwater Perspectives

11:00 Break

11:15 Facilitated Discussion - Strengthening the Model Ordinance,Regulations and Manual.

12:00 Open Discussion - Next Steps for Implementation/Considerationby AWCAC, Stormwater Consortium, and Watershed Groups (Advocacy)

12:30 Adjourn

12:30-1:00 Optional On-site Stormwater BMP Tour (Weather permitting)

Feb. 7.PBPRA Meeting. Be there!

2008-02-04T09:22:00.000-08:00

Greeting: Pope Branch Park Restoration Alliance (PBPRA) Members and Friends

Subject: February Meeting of the (PBPRA)

Meeting Date: Thursday February 07, 2008

Meeting Time: 6:00 – 7:30 p.m.

Meeting Place: Pennsylvania Avenue Baptist Church – 3000 Pa. Ave. SE, Washington, DC 20020

Distribution list: PBPRA Team Members & Friends

THIS IS A FRIENDLY REMINDER!!!!

Our Next Scheduled Meeting of the Alliance is Thursday February 07, 2008 from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. The meeting will be held at our usual location "The Pennsylvania Avenue Baptist Church located at 3000 Pa. Ave., SE Washington, DC 20020".

We have reached a very critical point in the Pope Branch Park Restoration Project(s). On October 2, 2007, the Design Team of Black and Veatch (B&V) submitted the design Alternative technical memorandum to DCWASA, DDOE, & DDPR the projects three MOU Agencies. Since that time they have been in consultation and have reached logical conclusions on ways to proceed. We look forward to discussing & learning more about the design directions. It is necessary that best practice is employed in the design and execution of the project forward.

We have good news regarding Certificate of appreciation for the Anacostia Senior High School Students that assisted in planting the two Rain Gardens in our park. We are awaiting the schools decision regarding when to present them to the students. Also, we need to move forward with plans for a formal dedication of the Rain Gardens this spring.

DDOT is invited to present their plans to repair the culvert between M Street and M Place SE located just west of Branch Avenue.

Refreshments will be available at the meeting.

If you have questions or would like to communicate on issues regarding these project; please contact Joseph Glover at the email address jagbfree@comcast.net or call on 202-581-1214 H/O or 202-997-9927 Mobile.

Blessings to all,

Joseph A. Glover, Chair PBPRA

A message from Chairman Joseph Glover

2008-02-02T21:21:00.000-08:00

Good Evening PBPRA Members and Friends:

We are very excited and elated; we are EXCITED that our project is moving forward toward a better result. We ask you to save the date and join us at our February Regular Meeting. See attachment for details. We are ELATED over the results of our 2nd Annual MLK, Jr. National Day of Service that took place on Monday January 21, 2008 in Pope Branch Park. It is exciting that our project was chosen by the Mayor as the Ward 7 signature site. With this designation came an entitlement of official 2008 MLK, Jr. Day of Service - Serve DC - Shirts. These shirts were distributed to volunteers during the day of service. Also Official Serve DC Banners were placed at our Project Site, and media/public officials were notified.

Please see our official thank you that follows. It was crafted by Mr. Irv Sheffey, Sierra Club & PBPRA Member. We thank him for the message.

Best regards and love to all,
Joseph A. Glover, City Leader & Founder and Chair Pope Branch Park Restoration Alliance (We're in our 41st year of service)

A Huge Thank You to all the Volunteers! -Irv-

2008-01-25T09:14:00.000-08:00

Thanks….. it could not have been done without you!

What do 58 large bags of trash, two lawnmowers, a fence, the remains of a metal utility shed, three mattresses, several automobile tires, hubcaps and assorted miscellaneous debris have in common? They all were among the items cleared from along the creek as part of the 2nd Annual Pope Branch Park Clean-up Event in honor of the Martin Luther King Jr. Day of National Service held yesterday, January 21st, 2008

This could not have been accomplished without the support of the members and staff of the Earth Conservation Corps, Casey Trees, the DC Department of the Environment, DC Department of Parks and Recreation, DC Department of Public Works and the 100 plus volunteers from east and west of the river who braved the cold to be of service. The event was truly an expression of Dr. King’s vision of people of diverse backgrounds coming together, making a difference for all of the community.

On behalf of the Pope Branch Park Restoration Alliance (PBPRA), I want to thank all who participated. If you are interested in the on-going efforts of the PBPRA, to restore and revitalize this little community gem and the tributary that runs through it, into the Anacostia River, please come to our monthly meeting. That meeting is held on the first Thursday of each month, from 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm at the Pennsylvania Avenue Baptist Church, 3000 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE, Washington DC 20020. For more information you can contact Joseph Glover, founder and chair, PBPRA by calling (202) 581-1214 or by email: jagbfree@comcast.net

The next meeting is scheduled for February 7th, 2008.

Irv

2nd Annual Pope Branch Park Clean-Up Event

2008-01-15T09:11:00.000-08:00

Pope Branch Park
Restoration Alliance
In conjunction with the

Earth Conservation Corps ● Casey Trees Endowment ● DC Department of Parks & Recreation
DC Department of the Environment ● Sierra Club

Invites you to join us at our

2nd Annual Pope Branch Park Clean-up Event
in honor of the
Martin Luther King Jr.
Day of National Service
January 21, 2008
9:00 am to 1:00 pm

A Community Service Project
To restore and beautify the Pope Branch Creek tributary of the Anacostia River

We will gather as a community to remove trash and invasive plant species from along the creek.
Meet us at Fairlawn Avenue & M Street, SE
For additional information and to register as an individual or as a group, please contact

Joseph Glover, Chair
Pope Branch Park Restoration Alliance
(202) 581-1214 ● jagbfree@aol.com

DDOE Director Hawkins "preaching green"

2007-12-13T13:10:00.000-08:00

More pictures from Nov. 16th - photos by joe morcos

2007-12-13T12:58:00.001-08:00

Trinh Doan and Gilda Allen getting it done.

Gilda eyes her new retirement vehicle.

Students and coaching staff from Anacostia High School in SE DC came out to help with the event. Many hands made light work.

Pictures from Nov. 16th, 2007

2007-12-13T12:52:00.000-08:00

Joseph Glover (chair, PBPRA), Pete Hill, and Irv Sheffey (Sierra Club) showing pride in a job welldone.

The biocells will need to be watered every two weeks for the first year.
Once the plants are established they will tolerate the regular rainfall
conditions and survive on their own.
The Raingarden at Fairlawn Ave and M Place SE just before
planting.

Another view of the M Place/30th St. Biocell/raingarden and the stabilized hillside (filtrex blanket)

Pictures from planting event

2007-12-13T12:50:00.001-08:00

nov. 16h planting pictures

2007-12-06T12:57:00.001-08:00

RAIN GARDEN PLANTING

2007-12-06T12:50:00.000-08:00

On November 16th, staff from PBPRA, DDOE, and DPR worked with students from the Anacostia High School to plant the 4 bioretention cells along M Place SE. The planting went forward despite the chilly tempatures. Thanks to all who came out to help or just observe the commotion.

November 1st meeting

2007-10-29T14:22:00.000-07:00

same place, same time. hope to see some new faces at this meeting.
6-7:30 at Penn Ave Baptist Church

October Meeting Minutes

2007-10-25T07:55:00.000-07:00

Pope Branch Park Restoration Alliance
October 4, 2007 Meeting Minutes
6:00 to 7:30 PM
Pennsylvania Avenue Baptist Church
3000 Pennsylvania Ave., SE
Washington, DC 20020

Attendance
Joseph Glover, Chair jagbfree@comcast.net
Irv Sheffey, Sierra Club irv.sheffey@sierraclub.org
Julie Rones jrones_2000@yahoo.com
Jesse Rounds, DPR jesse.rounds@dc.gov
Peter Hill, DPR peter.hill@dc.gov
Mike Thorstenson, DCWASA michael.thorstenson@dcwasa.com

Introductions
Approval of October Agenda – Passed
Approval of September Minutes – Passed
Stream Restoration & Sewer Rehabilitation Pope Branch Project
Design Alternative Technical Memorandum submitted by Black & Veatch
i. Distributed amongst DCWASA, DPR and DDOE on 10-3-07
ii. Currently being reviewed by DCWASA, DPR and DDOE
iii. Provides concept level designs for stream restoration and sewer rehab components – no details
iv. Outlines opinion of probable construction cost (OPCC) for both sewer and stream restoration
Schedule Update
i. Black & Veatch is on hold pending agreement from the MOU agencies as to direction / approach following DATM
ii. Assuming Black & Veatch is provided direction in 30 days, Final Designs expected April 2007
iii. DATM raised ancillary issues that may extend design time

Issues
i. Initial OPCC by Black & Veatch greater than anticipated

1. Questions regarding estimate computation

2. Cost saving options being explored

a. Expected with this submittal (DATM)
ii. Stream Restoration Details
1. DATM was vague regarding certain details and being clarified week of Oct 8th
Involvement
i. Public involvement limited to this point, anticipate greater role as design proceeds past this stage
ii. J. Glover requesting electronic copy of documents previously supplied by WASA
Rain Gardens – DDOE / DPR
Schedule proceeding in permitting stages
i. DDOE agreed to provide and pay for a water source that will be used to maintain the rain gardens on M Place
After DDOE receives signed plans from DPR, it will organize a kick-off planting event to recognize the crucial partnership established amongst the agencies and PBPRA
Branch Ave. Culvert Repair – DDOT (not present)
Copy of Final Designs provided to J. Glover
i. DCWASA & design team previously provided information to assist in design
Culvert project already advertised (not certain on bid date)
Culvert project will have completed or nearing completion when stream restoration project is starting
Public Outreach – Irv Sheffey, Sierra Club
Having trouble getting people involved, key questions to answer
i. Why is it important? How does this affect them?
ii. What’s involved? What needs to be done?

2 Options
i. Go to other agency/ ANC meetings and present / recruit?
ii. Advertise and get people to attend this meeting?
iii. Consensus for better result is to go to the other meetings.
Example of good outreach: Watershed Summit
i. Presentation by Irv Sheffey highlighting Pope Branch
Requesting any photos available from any MOU agency & Black & Veatch
i. WASA will request that photos be supplied to addresses provided (Irv Sheffey, Joseph Glover)
Next Meeting – November 1, 2007 at 6pm at same location

Minutes taken by Mr. Mike Thorstenson, DCWASA

We thank Mr. Thorstenson for a fine job.

If you have questions or concerns; please E-mail them to Joseph A. Glover, Chair PBPRA.

Joseph A. Glover, Chair Pope Branch Park Restoration Alliance (PBPRA)

October 4th monthly meeting REMINDER

2007-10-01T11:13:00.000-07:00

Hello all residents of, friends of, associates of the Pope Branch watershed. We will be meeting at our regular time - that's THURSDAY 10/4/07 AT 18:00 HRS.. OR 6:00pm in the Penn Ave. Baptist Church basement.
Agenda items will include the rain garden kickoff event, news on the stream restoration designs, and general updates from all of the stakeholders. Hope you can make it.

Sept Meeting

2007-09-22T10:31:00.000-07:00

Pope Branch Park Restoration Alliance
September 6, 2007 Meeting minutes

In attendance:
Joseph Glover, chair 202-581-1214 jagbfree@comcast.net
Irv Sheffey, Sierra Club irv.sheffey@sierraclub.org
Gail Benjamin, DPR gail.benjamin@dc.gov
Trinh Doan, DDOE 202-535-1653 patricia.doan@dc.gov
Tom Arrasmith, AWCAC thomas.arrasmith@verizon.net
Barry Lucas, DWASA blucas@dcwasa.com
Julie Rones, jrones_2000@yahoo.com
Dennis Chestnut, Marvin Gaye Park dchestn@msn.com

Action Items/Agenda:
(1) Agency Reports
(2) Outreach – recruitment for governance maintenance on Pope Branch Park.
(3) Watts Branch interests

Agency Status Reports
DDOE: (T. Doan)
- Contractor, Black & Vetch (B&V) is on schedule for designing alternative technical memo. There may be one or two months turn around on DATM approval of alternative.

DCWASA: (B. Lucas)
- B&V is performing the necessary background information. They have found that there are erosion along the stream bank. B&V will develop a topo map to evaluate the slope. , surveying, geological mapping, and WASA record drawing search to identify potential design alternatives for both the stream restoration and the sewer rehabilitation.
September 27, B&V is when the design alternate memorandum plan will be submitted from B&V. The MOU will have a public meeting.
- On March 2008, the design will be up for bids. It will be sent to full board of directors. Public meetings. Three agencies will view and approve or reject the project. There will be a press release by end of October on the design.

DDPR: (G. Benjamin)
- The MOU for installing a rain garden signed, and the project is ready to proceed.
No updates on the walking trail of Pope Branch. (Refer to Jesse Rounds)

DDOT: DDOT has monthly meetings with Anacostia Watershed Initiatives, with various agencies and contactrators to focus on the waterfront restorations.

Outreach and Education for Pope Branch areas: (I. Sheffey)
- As part of the publicity & outreach efforts, PBPRA would like to conduct a “virtual brainstorming” session. An e-mail will come out with a list of ideas. An individual will “reply all” with more ideas. Irv Sheffy I. Sheffey will oversee the flow of emails and will compile all the suggestions into a master list. Some suggested ideas already are: (1) go door to door to homes along the creek; ask neighbors what they would like to see happen in and around Pope Branch Park. (2) Conduct a poll. (3) Ask neighbors to adopt-a-spot with the park to keep clean and free of invasive plants. (4) Host a community cook out; celebrate the park. (5) Post signs along the edges of the park informing the community that “we all live in a watershed”; create ownership. ect…
Watts Branch interest: (D. Chestnut)
- Watts Branch has a grant from DDOE to work on bank restoration, just like Pope Branch Park, but much larger.
- The fund uses to replace to old bridge to build a new pedestrian bridge on 42nd Street and Hunt Place, NE.
- The trail on Watts Branch Park will be completed in Jan. 08. DSWASA and DDOT are building and supporting the trail project. Other restoration projects include to develop a pervious surface parking lot, rain gardens and a river crossing for alignment. Watts needs an MOU from WASA to continue. PBPRA advise Watts Branch to seek partnership with DPR in install rain gardens and LID practices.

Announcements: (all)
- Correction from last minute: Casey Trees’ “Project Slurp” is an educational service on stormwater runoff. DDOE (Trinh) provides supplies and assistance on the Storm Drain Marker installation project.
- Allison Fisher, coordinator of the Greater Washington Interfaith Power and Light is seeking a part-time internship, $12/hr. Please recommend.
- Brendan Shane, formerly with Anacostia Waterfront Corporation is now working for District Dept. of the Environment as a financial advisor for the DDOE director.
- Anacostia Waterfront Citizens Advisory advises DC to increase stream stewardship by installing floating docks. In MD, National Capital of Public & Planning with AWS, installed a floating dock by the US Arboretum. DDOE approved the project with collaboration from various organizations. T. Arrasmith advises the organizations to build constituencies for budgeting competitiveness, convince congressional delegation to save the environment.
- DC License Tag initiative: ““No taxation without representation” or “Save the Anacostia”. Concilmember Jim Graham is heavy on green cars. MD has adopted CA car standards, DC should follow.
- October 22, 2007: Councilmen hearing on green business development.
- Ward 7 has a new green high school, TC William HS that is obtaining an LEED grade for underground water system. An initiative calls for all new DC buildings will be LEED building.

Next meeting: Thursday – October 4, 2007. 6:30- 7:30 P.M.

A Friendly Reminder

2007-09-06T14:39:00.000-07:00

THIS IS A FRIENDLY REMINDER!!!!

Our Scheduled September Meeting of the Alliance is Thursday September 06, 2007 from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. The meeting will be held at our usual location "The Pennsylvania Avenue Baptist Church located at 3000 Pa. Ave., SE Washington, DC 20020".

The Design Team of Black and Veatch (B&V) continue to be present in and around Pope Branch Park in pursuit of designing the project.

PBPRA request September reports from the following agency representatives:

- Mr. Berry Lucas and or Mr. Michael Thorstenson, DCWASA – Please provide your written monthly report on the status of the Pope Branch Park Restoration Project for September.

- Ms. Gale Benjamin, DDPR – Please provide a written update on the Status of the Draft agreement between DDPR and the PBPRA to maintain rain gardens in Pope Branch Park

- Mr. Jesse Rounds, DDPR - please provide a written update on the Trails Project in the Pope Branch Park.

- Mr. Ali Shakeri, DDOT - Please provide a written report on the culvert repair project in Pope Branch Park. Also, provide a copy of the MOU, Task Order and Project Design.

- Mr. Peter Hill and or Trinh Doan, DDOE – Please provide a written report on the Pope Branch Park Restoration Project from your prospective.

Thanks to each of you in advance for your assistance. We look forward to receiving your reports and to seeing you on Thursday evening (9/6/07).

If you have questions or would like to communicate on issues regarding this project, please contact Joseph Glover at the following email address jagbfree@comcast.net.
Blessings to all,

Joseph A. Glover, Chair PBPRA

September meeting

2007-08-27T08:18:00.000-07:00

Hello all,
the september meeting will be held at the regular time and regular date (first thursday of the month). That's Sept 6th at 6pm and the Penn Ave baptist church basement..

see you there...

Outreach ideas, Irv Sheffey

2007-08-25T07:44:00.000-07:00

Dear Alliance Member,

As part of our publicity and outreach efforts to people who live around Pope Branch Park, we are conducting a “virtual brainstorming” session. Following is a list of a few ideas on how we can conduct reach out to the community and enroll them into the activities of the Pope Branch Park Restoration Alliance. Consider these ideas as simply being “seeds” to get the conversation started. I’ve included a few basic rules that apply to brainstorming to guide us. Keep in mind that the sky is the limit, so brainstorm away. Add an idea or two or three (or more) to the existing list and reply to all so that others can see what you’ve generated. Review the postings by others from time to time and continue to add again and again, each time “replying to all” to keep the ball rolling. I will compile all the suggestions into a master list and publish it after the Alliance’s next meeting.

Following are some rules related to brainstorming:
We are attempting to collect as many ideas as possible from all participants with no criticisms or judgments made while ideas are being generated.
All ideas are welcome no matter how silly or far out they seem. Be creative. The more ideas the better because at this point you don't know what might work.
All ideas are equally valid at this point.
Build on others' ideas.
Don’t limit yourself

Some ideas:
1. go door to door to homes along the creek, ask neighbors what they would like to see happen in and around Pope Branch Park
2. conduct a poll
3. ask neighbors to adopt-a-spot within the park to keep clean and free of invasive plants
4. host a community cook out; celebrate the park
5. post signs along the edges of the park informing the community that “we all live in a watershed”; create ownership
6. drain stenciling
7. sponsor an art show; painting and drawings of the park by local children & adults (possibly with local schools and/or churches)
8. poetry contest; peoples reflections of the park and nature
9. art contest to design a logo for the Alliance
10. Encourage local Civic Associations (Dupont Park, Penn Branch Citizens/Civic Association and Fort Davis) to assist us in getting the word out and recruiting new members.
11. 11. Encourage local churches to assist us in getting the word out and recruiting new members.
12. 12. Plan cleanup(s) and invite community residents along the park, as well as non residential groups. Plan an incentive for local residents to turn out.

August Meeting minutes

2007-08-03T09:50:00.000-07:00

Pope Branch Park Restoration Alliance
August 2, 2007 Meeting minutes

In attendance:
Joseph Glover, chair, jagbfree@comcast.net
Irv Sheffey irv.sheffey@sierraclub.org
Gail Benjamin, gail.benjamin@dc.gov
Trinh Doan, patricia.doan@dc.gov

Action items/ Agenda:
(1) Execution of the Pope Branch Task Order – we need DC WASA to give us the updates.
(2) Outreach – recruitment for governance maintenance on Pope Branch Park.
(3) Trail construction partnership with DPR and REI.
(4) Anacostia Watershed Citizens’ Summit report.

Agency Status Reports
DDOE: (T. Doan)
• DDOE encourage Minnesota – Fairlawn residents to volunteer ~1.5 hr. to maintain governance, i.e. trash pick up, plant maintenance. Would like to put in action this Spring ’07 when we get recruitment.
• Contractor, Black & Vetch (B&V) is on schedule for designing alternative technical memo. The memorandum will be submitted on August 26, 2007, expected date is end of September. There may be one or two months turn around on DATM approval of alternative

DCWASA: (e-mail correspondence from Mike Thorstenson)
• B&V is performing the necessary background information, surveying, geological mapping, and WASA record drawing search to identify potential design alternatives for both the stream restoration and the sewer rehabilitation.
• B&V is expected to give initial cost estimates to be included in the recommended alternative. If there are multiple viable options, then they would be identified at this time as well. There are no complications at this time. September 26 is when the plan will be submitted from B&V.
• B&V has been scouting Pope Branch neighborhoods for markings. Good progress.

DDPR: (G. Benjamin)
• The MOU for installing a rain garden at the church is in a draft form and soon needed a signature from director of DPR. PBPRA has agreed to maintain the rain garden. From the MOU, the maintenance include: mulching, removal of debris, trimming, trash pick up, watering, staking the shrubs/trees, treating diseased trees.
• I. Sheffey suggested we need trainings on the maintenance of rain gardens before we take the responsibilities. DC Greenworks has maintained many greenroofing, rain barrels, and young tree. We could consult these people. Steve Coleman of Watts Branch has Washington Parks and People to maintain their gardens. We may want to explore this option.
• No updates on the walking trail of Pope Branch. (Refer to Jesse Rounds)

DDOT: (no updates)

Outreach and Education for Pope Branch areas: (I. Sheffey)
• Service projects for students in W7 schools (Kimball ES, Randall HS, ect) on installing Storm Drain Makers. Casey Trees has a program called: Project Slurp about storm drain stenciling. DDOE has all the supplies for the storm drain marker installing.
• Prince Georges, Montgomery Counties and Virginia have an “Anti-littering Campaign” addressing responsible actions. Irv Sheffey has an idea of forming an “I Care” campaign for DC to promote awareness of clean/ trash free environments.
• As part of the publicity & outreach efforts, PBPRA would like to conduct a “virtual brainstorming” session. An e-mail will come out with a list of ideas. An individual will “reply all” with more ideas. I. Sheffey will oversee the flow of emails and will compile all the suggestions into a master list. Some suggested ideas already are: (1) go door to door to homes along the creek; ask neighbors what they would like to see happen in and around Pope Branch Park. (2) Conduct a poll. (3) Ask neighbors to adopt-a-spot with the park to keep clean and free of invasive plants. (4) Host a community cook out; celebrate the park. (5) Post signs along the edges of the park informing the community that “we all live in a watershed”; create ownership. ect….

Announcements: (all)
- M. Thorstenson (DWASA) has moved to Chicago with his wife. However, Mike is planning to see this subwatershed plan get through.
- Josh Burch (ECC) has resigned.
- DC is proposing a couple of new car licenses. Sam Jordan of W7 suggests “save the Anacostia” plate. Another suggestion is “No taxation without representation”. Carol Schwartz in 2000 proposed the license plates, but the bill did not pass.

Next meeting: Thursday – September 6, 2007. 6:30- 7:30 P.M.

August 2nd Meeting, Today!

2007-08-02T07:16:00.000-07:00

Hope to see everyone from each department. We will discuss status of the Task Order, and we'll talk about watershed events for kids.

The meeting location will be at The Pennsylvania Avenue Baptist Church, 3000 Pa. Ave., SE Washington, DC 20020.

More to come. Stay tuned.

July meeting postponed

2007-07-03T13:31:00.000-07:00

hello All, the PBPRA will postpone meeting until August - thanks and stay tuned.

Next monthly meeting

2007-06-19T09:38:00.000-07:00

Hello All,
the next monthly meeting will be at the standard date, time and location - July 5th, 6:00 pm at the Penn. Ave. Baptist Church. We will be keeping tabs on the progress of the stream/sewer project as well as developing ideas for new involvement of community members. see you there,

Next meeting - June 7th

2007-06-04T12:57:00.001-07:00

Hello all,
the next monthly meeting will be held at the same time/location. 6-7:30 at the penn ave. baptist church basement. see you there

Next meeting: May 3rd, 2007, 6:00 PM

2007-04-24T12:13:00.000-07:00

This will be our 1st alliance meeting since DCWASA executed the task order. The contract execution represents a significant milestone and should clear the way for smooth sailing? We are looking forward to meeting the project design team Black and Veatch.

A second important agenda item follow: We look forward to a workable plan / agreement, before meeting time, with DC Department of Parks and Recreation, DC Department of the Environment and the Alliance to install rain gardens in Pope Branch Park this spring.

Usual location: The Pennsylvania Avenue Baptist Church, located at 3000 Pa. Ave., SE Washington, DC 20020.

Good News: the Task Order has been executed

2007-04-24T12:04:00.000-07:00

DCWASA has executed the Pope Branch Park Project Task Order!! The stream restoration and sanitary sewer rehabilitation/replacement projects will be inititated and will be moving forward. Our scope of work and deliverables are drawn out. We are extremely excited about the execution. Thanks to all the PBPRA citizens for pushing the effort, for being persistence, and for taking the lead to get the Task Order underway. Whoo hoo!! Cheers to the power of the citizens!!

April Minutes

2007-04-24T11:56:00.000-07:00

Pope Branch Park Restoration Alliance
April 5, 2007 Meeting minutes

Action Items/Agenda:
(1) Execution of the Pope Branch Task Order – we need DC WASA to give us the updates.
(2) Outreach – recruitment for governance maintenance on Pope Branch Park.
(3) Trail construction partnership with DPR and REI.
(4) Anacostia Watershed Citizens’ Summit report.

Agency Status Reports
DDOE: (P. Hill and T. Doan)
• DDOE encourage Minnesota – Fairlawn residents to volunteer ~1.5 hr. to maintain governance, i.e. trash pick up, plant maintenance. Would like to put in action this Spring ’07 if we get recruitment.
• LID status in Pope Branch watershed: (1) M Place: the design system at the end of M Place/Fairlawn Ave is now day lighting, with rip-rap erosion protection into the floodplain on DPR property. The final processing from DC Permitting Office and DPR maintenance responsibility will kick off the project. (2) DC Therapeutic Center: the design was revised this fall. DC Permitting Office/Public Space will take the final processing with DPW assuming maintenance. DDOT will review the project after permitting is completed. (3) Penn. Ave First Baptist Church: Resurfacing parking lot using BaySavers in lieu of bioretention. DDOE suggest a construction of a rain garden to address storm water runoff near the Church Office. Construction is completed.

DCWASA: (e-mail correspondence to DCWASA general manager)
• J. Glover e-mailed a request on the status of the Execution of the Pope Branch Task Order to Mr. Jerry Johnson, WASA Finance General Manager.
• Pope Branch Alliance would like a written progress report on the execution of the Task Order, at least what the execution date is likely to be if the Task Force has not been executed.
• J. Glover waits for an e-reply or anything. T. Arrasmith and Commissioner P. Hammond express support for the Pope Branch Park Restoration Alliance.
• Once Task Force order is executed, Black and Vetch, our contractor will join PBPRA monthly meeting.

DDPR: (Jesse Rounds’ email update)
• DPR is exploring to include Pope Branch into partnership with REI’s (outdoor retailer) trail construction program. The program involves youths from Ward 7 and 8 recreation centers working with experts from REI and DPR to construct the trails.
• An update of the planning stage and trail alignment will be presented next month’s meeting.
DDOT: (no updates)

Anacostia Citizens’ Summit Report: (J. Glover)
- Pope Branch Restoration Alliance attended the 1st Annual Anacostia Watershed Citizens’ Summit on Saturday March 24, 2007 the include nine (9) organizations expressing major concerns, restoration priorities, sharing greatest success to date, restoration recommendations and sharing organizational needs for the efforts in restoring the Anacostia Watershed.
- The goal is the have 30 organizational groups by 2010 so that we can better clean the People’s River.
- The common concern in all organizations is education and outreach. We need to educate the youths and have AWC take ownership for the park and improvements.
- Read report of the Summit at: http://popebranch.blogspot.com.

Next meeting: Thursday -- May 3, 2007. 6:30- 7:30 P.M.

Next Meeting: April 5, 2007

2007-03-27T13:36:00.000-07:00

Hola, the next meeting will be held on the normal date (first Thursday of the month) at the regular location (Penn. Ave. Baptist church 1st floor) at 6:30PM. Hope to see you there. April 5, 2007.

Update (4/2/07): This just in --

Our Scheduled April Meeting of the Alliance is Thursday April 05, 2007 from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. The meeting will be held at our usual location "The Pennsylvania Avenue Baptist Church located at 3000 Pa. Ave., SE Washington, DC 20020".

Please note the 6:00 start time. We need to encourage and help all that are willing to participate. There have been some that can meet early and some that need a later time. I feel we can accommodate all by starting at 6 and ending at 7:30. The results of this change will extend the end time by ½ hour, but it accommodates all starting time requests so far. We can discuss this issue at this month's meeting.

Reporting from the Citizen's Summit, by Joseph Glover

2007-03-26T12:58:00.000-07:00

On Saturday March 24, 2007 we attended the 1st Annual Anacostia Watershed Citizens' Summit from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the University of Maryland Stamp Student Union Prince George's Room. The Pope Branch Restoration Alliance was represented by Joseph A. Glover, Founder and Chairman; Mr. Irv Sheffey, Sierra Club; Mr. Charles Mason, Mr. Kwame Brown's Office (At-Large DC City Councilmember) and Ms. Trinh Doan, DDOE. We thank all of the attendees and offer a special thanks to Mr. Kwame Brown for participating. Also, we thank Mr. Irv Sheffey for producing out Power Point Presentation (PPP). We were extremely blessed to have such an illustrious group representing our Sub-Watershed - The Pope Branch Park Restoration Alliance.

At the summit each Sub-watershed were allowed to make a five minute presentation. Most had a PPP. I presented for Pope Branch Alliance Sub-Watershed. It was my 1st experience with a PPP, but I think it went pretty well. Some of the other Sub-Watersheds are very well organized and seeing their displays and presentations was a learning experience for me. I plan to put to practice what I learned. I have already provided additional data for improving our power point presentation.
The Summit included two panels with members of the Sub-Water Sheds making up the panels. I represented the Pope Branch Park Restoration Alliance group on the 2nd panel. They wanted to know our successes, and that was easy for me. Since we were the only Sub-Watershed group with a fully funded restoration plan with an approved and signed MOU and projected plans that should lead to the restoration of one of the two Anacostia River Sub-Watersheds in the city. Also, we were the only group that had representation from an elected official. We feel Washington, DC and Ward 7 were well represented by us.

We were very impressed with every aspect of the summit and hope it becomes an annual occurrence. In my opinion it is these types of affairs that will speed up the day when the Anacostia River will become appealing for its cleanliness and beauty. It will then take its rightful place with other grand and important rivers of the world.

If you questions, please address them to Joseph A. Glover at my Email address jagbfree@comcast.net or by phoning 202-581-1214.

Sincerely,

Joseph A. Glover, Pope Branch Park Restoration Alliance Founder and Chairman

Annacostia Watershed Citzen's Summit

2007-03-23T17:03:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow is the First Annual Anacostia Watershed Citizen's Summit.
Time: 8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Place: University of Maryland Stamp Student Union
Join with members of citizen subwatershed groups across the Anacostia watershed for this opportunity to learn, network and collaborate! Registration is required. Our keynote speaker will be the Honorable Tom Dernoga, Prince Georges Co.'s council member. Pope Branch Park Restoration Alliance has been invited to be on the panel on organizational issues. We will discuss the our subwatershed's top priorities, issues of concern and needs. More importantly, the panels will talk about what works and what doesn't work. Joseph Glover will lead the Pope Branch Park discussion with Trinh Doan, Irv Sheffey and Albertta Paul.

The Pope Branch Park Restoration Alliance would like to (1) work to ensure "Pope Branch Park Sewer & Stream Restoration Project" is accomplished within a reasonable time frame, (2) outreach in building membership and educating the public, (3) trash & erosion control & removal of trash and invasive non-native plants, (4) incorporate and become a 501(c)3 to more efficiently supply the park's needs.

Our restoration priorities include: (1) public education and outreach, (2) water quality monitoring, and (3) use native plants to help stabilize stream bank. Pope Branch's greatest successes to date comprise of (1) more than 39 years of care and advocating for Pope Branch Park & related areas, (2) advocated for a community & mulit-agency Alliance to fund & develop the "Pope Branch Sewer and Stream Restoration Project" with the DDOE, DDPR & DCWASA, (3) 2007 MLK, Jr. National Day of Service event in west Pope Branch Park with more than 120 volunteers representing more than a dozen organizations and groups that cleaned and removed invasive non-native plants. The preliminary restoration recommendations along our subwatershed is to see the Project to its successful completion, to remove and/or control invasive (non-native) plants, and to work with community and government to accomplish the needs of the park.

Pope Branch Park's main source of organizational needs include (1) outreach, (2) a maintenance plan that consists of community folks, federal and local government representatives working cooperatively as partners, and (30 a plan to control mosquitoes that carry the West Nile Virus.

Come join us in our discussion of the Anacostia Watershed restoration efforts. Groups that are invited to the summit are: Friends of Sligo Creek, Neighbors fo the Northwest Branch, Eyes of Paint Branch, Citizens to Conserve and Restore Indian Creek, Beaverdam Creek Watershed Watch Group, Friends of Still Creek, Friends of Lower Beaverdam Creek, and Watts Branch Community Alliance. We will have continental breakfast and provide lunch. Everyone is welcomed so long there is room at the Stamp Student Union conference room.

2007-02-22T08:45:00.000-08:00

2007-02-22T08:42:00.000-08:00

2007-02-22T08:38:00.000-08:00

2007-02-22T08:32:00.000-08:00

From the 2003 DDOE/Watershed Protection Division's Pope Branch Watershed Implementation Plan

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Located in southeast Washington, DC, Pope Branch is a 1.6-mile first-order tributary of the Anacostia River. The entire stream lies within DC city boundaries, originating downstream of Fort Davis Drive and flowing in a northwesterly direction towards the Anacostia. A portion of this stream (1,700 linear feet or 20%) is piped beginning at the CSX railroad and ending at an outlet to the Anacostia (COG, 2003). The Pope Branch subwatershed encompasses a 248.5-acre area and is roughly bounded by Alabama Avenue to the east, Pennsylvania Avenue to the south, and Massachusetts Avenue to the north.

The heavily urbanized character of the Pope Branch watershed, and its consequent imperviousness, produce conditions for flashy and intense stream channel flows, even during the most moderate of storm events. The resulting hydrologic alterations to natural stream equilibrium have deteriorated the water quality of Pope Branch, and degraded natural habitat. As watershed analysis has revealed, the erosion of its stream banks during storm events is the primary cause of sedimentation within Pope Branch.

There are several other current threats to both water quality and the health of the riparian buffer in the Pope Branch watershed. These include nonpoint source water pollution from stormwater runoff, a failing sewer line that traverses segments of Pope Branch, and lack of riparian cover along portions of the stream. As a result of this, Pope Branch does not support swimmable or secondary contact recreation uses. The potential for sewage line leaks into Pope Branch has produced a human health risk as well. In addition to the degraded water quality, the lower part of Pope Branch is piped, serving as a barrier to fish passage upstream and preventing potential recreational and aesthetic enjoyment of the riparian habitat.
In order to achieve the vision of restoring the habitat, water quality and aesthetics of Pope Branch, three interconnected primary activities are envisioned for the Pope Branch watershed: Stormwater Runoff Reduction, Targeted Outreach and Development of Community Watershed Stewards, and Stream Restoration.

Next meeting/ New time

2007-02-22T07:29:00.000-08:00

Hello, the next meeting will be held on the normal date (Thrusday March 1st) at the regular location (Penn. Ave. Baptist church 1st floor) but will be held at 6:30PM. Hope to see you there.

Next community/alliance meeting

2007-01-19T14:23:00.000-08:00

The next meeting is schedule for February 1st, 2007 at 6:00 pm at the Penn. Ave. Baptist chuch (lower level) in SE DC. This is our regularly scheduled time (first Thursday of the month) at the regular location...hope to see you there.

King Day of Service

2007-01-16T10:50:00.000-08:00

For the first time, service projects were scheduled in all 50 states and the District of Columbia, with nearly 1,500 projects for volunteers to sign up. In Washington, DC, about 6,000 volunteers, including several government employees, showed up for service. The DC Jewish Community Center sponsored a clean up of homeless shelters; Cardozo High School had a beautification project and the AmeriCorps members serving with the Earth Conservation Corps had a successful clean up of the Pope Branch Stream (a tributary of the Anacostia River).

PeteHillDDOE, Steve Saari, Sheila Besse and I were impressed towards the success of the Pope Branch clean-up. More than 120 volunteers came out along the stream pulling invasive plant species, clipping dead tree branches and picking up trash – lots of trash. Thoughtful volunteers spent time filtering out recyclables. One of the unusual items found was a vintage bicycle handlebar wrapped in duct tape. The other weird item found was a coconut shell. Last time I checked, coconuts don't grow in DC. One volunteer was mad pulling English ivy vines and had a vision that she had powers to control the movements of the vines and that it was wicked cool to tie up her nemesis with the vines just by the command of her voice. Or maybe the hallucination was that the creeping invasive were trying to attack her, I forget.

The volunteers worked very hard picking up the massive amounts of garbage found along Pope Branch stream. Volunteers clipped vines and removed invasive plant species that include, English Ivy and Japanese knotweed. Donations helped reward the volunteers for their hard work and effort, and were very much appreciated. The snacks and drinks served throughout the morning were gratefully devoured and the enthusiasm from the volunteers was priceless.

Many thanks go out to ECC staffs, Josh Burch, Tim Critchfield, et. al for the set up and the encouragement.

We still need your help!! More garbage is being washed off the city streets, parking lots and yards into the storm drains and rivers and to the Chesapeake Bay. This clean-up event can happen more than once a year and will happen. Any individuals or groups are welcome to the next clean up.

Thank you again to the residents from along the Pope Branch tributary, ECC, DDOE, the DC Sierra Club and The Pope Branch Alliance volunteers for helping to make the Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of National Service clean up a success! Woo hoo!!

"Everybody can be great because anybody can serve. You don't have to have a college degree to serve. You don't have to make your subject and verb agree to serve. You only need a heart full of grace. A soul generated by love." -Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

2006-12-08T12:28:00.000-08:00

Earth Conservation Corps members on a Pope Branch stream walk. the corps members braved poison ivy, 15 foot high eroded banks, and a few unwelcome spiders.

RAINGARDENS/BIORETENTION CELLS IN POPE

2006-12-08T11:27:00.000-08:00

As part of a separate project, DDOE/WPD has issued a grant to DC Greenworks to install raingardens (or Low Impact Development retrofits - LID) in the Pope Branch watershed. These raingardens detain water for a period of time and remove sediment, nutrients, and other pollutants from stormwater. They are designed to hold water for no longer than 24 hours and thus are not a breeding ground for mosquitos. They are planted with attractive native plants and are considered an aesthetic benefit. ECOSITE will install 4 raingardens in the watershed (2 will go in along the parkside of M Place SE). Construction is expected in spring of 2007. The picture posted (the Capitol Hill raingarden on 1st st. & C St. NE) is an example of what the M Place raingardens might look like - however without the stone.

2006-12-08T10:57:00.000-08:00

a sign from previous work on the park

2006-12-08T10:55:00.000-08:00

holy kudzoly!!! word on the street is you can eat this stuff.. bring hungry volunteers for the Jan. 15 invasvie removal/trash clean up event

2006-12-08T10:54:00.000-08:00

fallen tree in the lower portion of pope branch park

2006-12-08T10:10:00.000-08:00

Pope branch meanderings....

trash seen here in the creek comes primarily from street litter that is washed down the stormdrains.

December meeting

2006-12-08T09:46:00.000-08:00

The Pope Branch Alliance - is this our official working title?- met on Dec. 7th at the Pennsylvania Ave. Baptist Church where we all checked in. Some new faces were Pope Branch watershed resident Sinuel Hill and DDOT rep. Reggie Arno. Alliance chair Joseph Glover asked for updates from all participants. From the WASA/DDOE/DPR end, we reported that we are very close to issuing the design contract for the stream restoration and sewer line replacement/repair. With the MOU wrangling behind us we can now get to the fun stuff. The general mood of the alliance was satisfaction and happiness with seeing progress in the contracting side of things - thanks in large part to Mike Thorstenson.

Josh Burch and Tim Critchfield of ECC reported that they have begun taking some water samples - Lucretia Brown of DDOE, Water Quality Division has agreed to act as a technical advisor to their sampling efforts and will likely attend the next meeting. ECC also is setting up a clean up event/service day on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day - January 15th (time yet to be decided). ECC will put all volunteers to work on invasive removal and trash clean up. Irv Sheffey from the Sierra Club stressed the importance of getting local residents and kids out to participate given that all trash in the stream is generated locally. Keep posted for event details and let residents know of the upcoming service day.

Trinh Doan reported that a few members went on a stream walk on Nov. 18th. The streamwalkers found patches of Kudzu, lots of English Ivy, and Japanese Knotweed. They also found some downed trees and were impressed by the condition of the trees that had been planted by Casey trees roughly 2 years ago. Pictures from this streamwalk will be posted.

Next meeting was scheduled for January 11th 6-7:30 at the same location (penn ave baptist church. PA ave. @ SE and 30th St. SE). Our usual meeting time will be the 1st thurs of the month, however due to holidays we pushed January's meeting back one week.

Streamwalk minutes fun

2006-11-19T14:24:00.000-08:00

In attendance: Joseph Glover, Trinh Doan, Pat Bailey, Tom Arrasmith

Tour start time was 8:30 AM at the intersection of Fairlawn Ave and M St.

(1) Brief Introduction/Background of Pope Branch Subwatershed: Pope Branch is a federal park and a tributary to the Anacostia River. It starts downstream from Fort Davis Drive and flows NW for 1.5 miles. The stream flows underneath Branch and Minnesota Avenues and the CSX rail line area by piped sections. Boundaries include Penn Branch to the south, Fort Dupont Park to the north and Section E of Anacostia Park to the west. Nearby schools include Anne Beers ES, Randall Highlands ES, Sousa MS, Kramer MS and Anacostia HS.

(2) Problems found during the walk: bank erosion, lots of meanderings of stream due to sediment build up – needs some realignment, one large fallen tree over the streambank – too many small fallen trees, invasive plants (Kudzu, Japanese knotweed and English ivy), trash, one collapsed culvert under M Street, aging sewer lines and bank slumping.

(3) Positive observations found during the walk: healthy young trees put in by Casey Trees, many healthy mature trees, sections at the headwaters of Pope Branch are forested, great vegetation coverage in most banks and nice weather for the walk, especially at this time because the poison ivy are dormant.

(4) Project Ideas discussed during the walk:

- Outreach effort to support Pope Branch: finding nearby schools/teachers to involve in plant stewardship and eventual planting of trees along the streambank as part of the restoration work. These efforts include invasive removal, tree planting and school activities.

- Revitalize the Pope Branch Park and Creek Annual Clean up event that will happen sometimes in May 2007.

- Rebuild the collapsed culvert.

Next Tour will be in the Spring 2007