Spring Stream Monitoring

(rescheduled from April 6)

Discover what creek critters live in the Little Falls Branch

LFWA monitors the Little Falls Branch four times a year - doing a biological census of the macro-invertebrates that live on the bottom of the creek. This count of benthic organisms - numbers of individuals and diversity - gives us a picture of the health of our creek. By mapping the data over the years, we have good assessment of how well our stream is surviving in our dense urban area. Our monitoring is done in partnership with Nature Forward (nee Audubon Naturalist Society).

This event is primarily for trained monitors. Before going into the field, new monitors should have a basic knowledge of macroinvertebrate identification and stream ecology, either from previous training or by attending the Nature Forward water quality training sessions. Please contact Sarah Morse, stormwater@LFWA.org, for information about the Nature Forward courses and volunteering.

Willard Avenue Neighborhood Park
4915 River Road, Chevy Chase, MD
Meet at the small playground by the foot bridge. The hike will follow the creek upstream to Wisconsin Avenue.

Did you know Friendship Heights is home to hidden streams and green spaces? Join the LFWA and the Friendship Heights Alliance for a guided stream tour along the Little Falls Branch to explore the area’s natural history and Friendship Heights’ waterways.

This gentle walk will highlight the past, present, and future of local streams, with insights from environmental advocates and historians. Along the way, we’ll stop for reflections and photos to capture these hidden spaces. The route is suitable for beginners with relatively flat trails, but be sure to wear sturdy, mud-friendly shoes or boots as we will be crossing a stream.

We will hike from the Willard Avenue Neighborhood Park upstream along the creek to Wisconsin Avenue. Participants can choose to return by back tracking or to travel up Wisconsin Avenue to Willard and return to the park via the street. The total one way trip is about a mile and a quarter on hard and soft trails. There are two creek crossings, but hikers can choose to leave the hike at Page Park if they are not comfortable with stepping stones.

Inclement Weather Plans: We post on the our website by 9:00 am the day of the hike if it looks we need to cancel because of rain or dangerous conditions for hiking. Please check the website Saturday morning if you have any questions about the weather.

Spring Stream Monitoring

Rescheduled to April 26 due to weather
Discover what creek critters live in the Little Falls Branch

LFWA monitors the Little Falls Branch four times a year - doing a biological census of the macro-invertebrates that live on the bottom of the creek. This count of benthic organisms - numbers of individuals and diversity - gives us a picture of the health of our creek. By mapping the data over the years, we have good assessment of how well our stream is surviving in our dense urban area. Our monitoring is done in partnership with Nature Forward (nee Audubon Naturalist Society).

This event is primarily for trained monitors. Before going into the field, new monitors should have a basic knowledge of macroinvertebrate identification and stream ecology, either from previous training or by attending the Nature Forward water quality training sessions. Please contact Sarah Morse, stormwater@LFWA.org, for information about the Nature Forward courses and volunteering.

Little Falls Park - Capital Crescent Trail
Brookeway Entrance along the Capital Crescent Trail
Bethesda, MD

Join us to free native trees and other plants from strangling and smothering non-native invasives using hand tools. No experience necessary!

The entrance to the Park is via a path at the end of the cul-de-sac of Brookeway Drive.  You can plug in 4900 Brookeway Drive, Bethesda, into your GPS.  Brookeway Drive intersects with Fort Sumner Drive.  There is parking on the street.  Walk up the path to the first bench; we will meet there.

If you are late, look for our sign and tools. Call 301-325-5301 if you can't find us.

Bring gloves or clippers or use ours. Dress protectively. Bring water to drink. Please join us for any portion of 1-3pm.

Pre-approved for MCPS SSL hours. Students under 14 years must be accompanied by a responsible adult.

Weather policy: We usually hold pulls as long as the weather is not too dangerous for outside work. We will post messages on the LFWA website by 9:00 that morning if we need to cancel.

Westmoreland Church Social Hall
One Westmoreland Circle
Bethesda, MD
Entrance to the Social Hall is from Massachusetts Ave.
You have given us so much, now it’s time to for us to celebrate YOU.
FREE, but presents will not be turned down.
Make a donations in honor of our birthday HERE.

Program:

6:00 to 6:30: Gathering, food, and music by Pete Papageorge, singer/song writer extraordinaire
6:30 program starts:

• Marc Korman, MD State Delegate for District 16 will talk to us about what to look for in Annapolis this session.

• Volunteer Recognition - come give a shout out to Emily Cordas, Colette Cowey, Averill Simone, Julie Steinberg, and Sally Winthrop who are being recognized for their many hours of stewardship.

Parking:

In the Church Parking Lot or on Massachusetts Avenue. Entrance to the Social Hall is from Mass Ave. Do NOT use the main entrance to the church or you will wander around for hours looking for the social hall (which is downstairs). Look for signs if you are confused.

Winter Stream Monitoring

Discover what Macro-organisms Live in the Little Falls Branch

LFWA monitors the Little Falls Branch four times a year - doing a biological census of the macroinvertebrates that live on the bottom of the creek. This count of organisms - numbers of individuals and diversity - gives us a picture of the health of our creek. By mapping the data over the years, we have good assessment of how well our stream is surviving in our dense urban area.

Our stream monitoring team members are trained by Nature Forward (nee Audubon Naturalist Society). Please contact Sarah Morse, stormwater@LFWA.org, for information about the NF training.

Learn more about our program at www.LFWA.org/macroinvertebrates