Streamlines - Green Valleys · 2016. 2. 24. · Streamlines Volume 43, Issue 3 Summer 2008 from...

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S treamlines Volume 43, Issue 3 Summer 2008 from Green Valleys Association Healthy Watersheds Lead to Healthy Living GVA Qualifies for “Green Office Certification” by Lyla Kaplan Based on a survey provided by Greenline Paper Company, headquartered in York, PA, GVA can claim Green Office Certifi- cation with a high score of 89%. The survey measures energy use, recycling practices, use of recycled products and other actions that minimize impact on the environment. This certification supports the significant steps GVA and Welkinweir have taken over the years in implement- ing greener practices to reduce our envi- ronmental footprint. (See list on page 12.) Can you taste the difference? Thinking outside the bottle Part 3 in a series on bottled water, by Catharine Swan “Can you taste the difference betwteen bottled and tap water?” That’s the challenge we put to visitors at the 6th Annual Envirofest. This quickly became the “talk of the day” at GVA’s Water Tasting Contest. Participants were given three water samples to taste: Sample A — Bottled Poland Springs water; Sample B – filtered public tap water from Uwchlan Township; Sample C — unfiltered public tap water from the same source. A total of 159 people took the challenge. Most were surprised to learn their preference: Public Tap Water 59 Tap Water Filtered 45 Bottled Water 55 The same test was carried out with a group of 11 Girl Scouts earning their Thinking Badge. Surpris- ingly, this group showed an even stronger prefer- ence for tap water. The public water (filtered and unfiltered) was from Uwchlan Township. The bottled water was Acadia Natural Spring Water. Public Tap Water 8 Tap Water Filtered 2 Bottled Water 1 The reaction of many who participated in the taste test was, “Don’t buy bottled water any more honey!” Inside the Water Tent at Envirofest. These empty plas- tic jugs represent how much water each American uses on the average day. See page 2. See “Certification” on page 6. NEW! Membership Services Online Please visit our website – renew your memberships and encourage others to become a member now with a simple click. You may also now make donations through our secure website. www.greenvalleys.org On Saturday, May 10 th 2008, over 50 volunteers removed an esti- mated 3,100 pounds of trash from Green Valley Association’s five watersheds in northern Chester County – Stony Run, French, Pickering, Pigeon and Valley Creeks. Green Valleys Asso- ciation’s 12 th Annual StreamDay cleanup was made possible through the volunteering of in- dividuals, organizations such as StreamDay effort turns up lots of trash GVA helps unveil “Buffers 100” Trash recovered from our five watersheds is loaded on trucks for proper disposal. See “Cleanup” on page 3. See “Buffers” on page 5. by John Hoekstra by John Hoekstra On June 18, The Pennsylvania Campaign for Clean Water Partnership, backed by Pennsylvania state legislators and a coali- tion of more than 100 organizations – including GVA – formally unveiled the Buffers 100 proposal in Harrisburg, call- ing on the Dept. of Environmental Pro- tection (DEP) to support a proposal man- dating a minimum 100-foot forested

Transcript of Streamlines - Green Valleys · 2016. 2. 24. · Streamlines Volume 43, Issue 3 Summer 2008 from...

  • StreamlinesVolume 43, Issue 3Summer 2008 from Green Valleys Association

    Healthy Watersheds Lead to Healthy Living

    GVA Qualifies for“Green OfficeCertification”by Lyla Kaplan

    Based on a survey provided by GreenlinePaper Company, headquartered in York,PA, GVA can claim Green Office Certifi-cation with a high score of 89%. Thesurvey measures energy use, recyclingpractices, use of recycled products andother actions that minimize impact on theenvironment. This certification supportsthe significant steps GVA and Welkinweirhave taken over the years in implement-ing greener practices to reduce our envi-ronmental footprint. (See list on page 12.)

    Can you taste the difference?Thinking outside the bottle

    Part 3 in a series on bottled water, by Catharine Swan

    “Can you taste the difference betwteen bottled and tap water?” That’s the challengewe put to visitors at the 6th Annual Envirofest. This quickly became the “talk of theday” at GVA’s Water Tasting Contest. Participants were given three water samplesto taste: Sample A — Bottled Poland Springswater; Sample B – filtered public tap water fromUwchlan Township; Sample C — unfiltered publictap water from the same source. A total of 159 peopletook the challenge. Most were surprised to learn theirpreference:

    Public Tap Water 59Tap Water Filtered 45Bottled Water 55

    The same test was carried out with a group of 11Girl Scouts earning their Thinking Badge. Surpris-ingly, this group showed an even stronger prefer-ence for tap water. The public water (filtered andunfiltered) was from Uwchlan Township. Thebottled water was Acadia Natural Spring Water.

    Public Tap Water 8Tap Water Filtered 2Bottled Water 1

    The reaction of many who participated in the tastetest was, “Don’t buy bottled water any more honey!”

    Inside the Water Tent atEnvirofest. These empty plas-tic jugs represent how muchwater each American uses onthe average day. See page 2.

    See “Certification” on page 6.

    NEW!

    Membership Services Online

    Please visit our website – renew yourmemberships and encourage others tobecome a member now with a simpleclick. You may also now make donationsthrough our secure website.www.greenvalleys.org

    On Saturday, May 10th 2008, over50 volunteers removed an esti-mated 3,100 pounds of trash fromGreen Valley Association’s fivewatersheds in northern ChesterCounty – Stony Run, French,Pickering, Pigeon and ValleyCreeks. Green Valleys Asso-ciation’s 12th Annual StreamDaycleanup was made possiblethrough the volunteering of in-dividuals, organizations such as

    StreamDay effort turns up lots of trash

    GVA helps unveil“Buffers 100”

    Trash recovered from our five watersheds is loadedon trucks for proper disposal.

    See “Cleanup” on page 3.

    See “Buffers” on page 5.

    by John Hoekstra

    by John Hoekstra

    On June 18, The Pennsylvania Campaignfor Clean Water Partnership, backed byPennsylvania state legislators and a coali-tion of more than 100 organizations –including GVA – formally unveiled theBuffers 100 proposal in Harrisburg, call-ing on the Dept. of Environmental Pro-tection (DEP) to support a proposal man-dating a minimum 100-foot forested

  • “Healthy Watersheds Lead to Healthy Living”

    bits & pieces

    Page 2

    GVA MissionStatement

    Protectthe lands and waters of thenorthern Chester County region

    Educatethe community onenvironmental issues

    Advocateenvironmental guidelinesthat will preserve the water-sheds of our region

    GREEN VALLEYS ASSOCIATIONOF SOUTHEASTERN PA

    1368 Prizer RoadPottstown, PA 19465

    Phone: (610) 469-4900Fax: (610) 469-4990E-mail: [email protected]: http://www.greenvalleys.org

    OFFICERS

    President — Harriet StoneVice Presidents — Debbie Eddingerand Chris Orzechoski

    Treasurer — Donald W. Hans, Jr.Secretary —Elaine FitzSimons

    STAFFExecutive Director—Catharine SwanDirector of Watershed Advocacy —John Hoekstra

    Director of Welkinweir — VictoriaLaubach

    Director of Education — Dawn WhiteAccountant — Mary WeaverOffice Manager/ProgramCoordinator— Lyla Kaplan

    Webmaster — Virtual Farm CreativeNewsletter — Pamela Baxter

    Streamlines, our quarterly newsletter,highlights local and regional activitiesfocusing on water resource conserva-tion and preservation. If there are waterresource issues you would like to learnmore about through our newsletter,contact Catharine Swan, ExecutiveDirector, at 610-469-4610.

    Envirofest 2008 —Solutions forSustainable Living

    Despite cold, gray weather, and competition from other events in the area on May3rd, attendance at the 2008 Envirofest was tremendous, drawing well over 1,000 peopleand exceeding last year’s turnout. The 5K Water Hero Walk/Run saw a record num-ber of entrants (125). (See results on page 12.)

    With more than 70 local environmental organizations and businesses represented atthe event, the collective expertise in sustainable living products and services wassubstantial, informative and helpful. Other highlights included the new Family BikeTour that we look forward to making a regular feature, the How-To Clinics, WaterTent and Water Tasting, and the popular family fishing.

    The Water Tent theme was “What Can I Do?” Here, visitors learned about howindividual actions at home, at work, and in the community impact the health of ourwatersheds. Interactive displays “brought home” the opportunities for and importanceof water conservation in our homes and daily habits. Each display answered thequestion “What Can I Do?” and provided concrete suggestions on the following:

    • how to reduce water use• how to reuse water (gray water)• how to protect our waterways and water supplies• how to be more “waterwise” in managing stormwater runoff

    The options? Purchasing a rain barrel or a low-flow shower faucet to conserve water,creating a rain garden, planting native plants along stream banks to reduce erosionand sediment build-up, and drinking tap water – it is safer than bottled water, costspennies in comparison and does not tax our limited oil resources or add to the solidwaste stream.

    “Water Wise” Facts from the Water Tent

    • Since the inception of indoor plumbing, water usage in the U.S. hasincreased from 5 gallons per person a day to over 70 gallons perperson a day.

    • Americans use twice as much water as residents in other industrialcountries

    • 20% of pollutants in streams come from dog waste

    • A 1-liter plastic water bottle takes 5 liters of water to manufacture

    • 25% of samples taken from over 100 brands of bottled water contained contami-nants high enough to violate state and industrial standards (note: tap water is regu-lated by EPA; bottled water by the FDA. However, the FDA does not regulate waterbottled and sold in the United States, which represents 60% of bottled water.)

    • Low water tables are due to over-consumption and decreased ability to absorb raindue to increased run-off.

    • Pollution decreases the quantity of quality drinking water.

    • Over one billion people (1 out of 6 people) lack access to clean water and less than1% of the world’s fresh water is readily accessible for direct human use.

    • 40% of the world’s population will be living in water-scarce regions by 2025.

    • In the U.S., at least 36 states anticipate water shortages within the next 10 years.

    by Catharine Swan

  • Visit our Website: www.greenvalleys.org

    stewardship

    Page 3

    from John Hoekstra, Director of Watershed Advocacy

    PA Turnpike Design RoundtableAs an invited member of PA Turnpike Commission’s (PTC) Design Roundtable, GVAattended a May 15, 2008 meeting to begin to discuss the future widening of the turn-

    pike between mileposts 320-326. (Valley Forge Interchange &Atwater Slip Ramp) As reported in the Summer 2007 Stream-lines, the current plan’s stormwater load exceeds the capacityof the proposed recharge basins; this would cause the basins toultimately fail. The result would be increased flooding due tono stormwater being managed, a decrease in water quality andlower flows in Valley Creek under normal conditions.

    Valley Creek, one of GVA's five watersheds, had recovered froma severely degraded state in the early 1970's, to improve in water

    quality and ultimately be designated as an Exceptional Value stream in 1993. Sincethat time, however, the rapid urbanization within this watershed has led to highstormwater runoff threatening to once again degrade this popular native trout streamas well as putting George Washington's Headquarters in Valley Forge NationalHistoric Park in harms way.

    In this first meeting, the project need, history and overview of the project werepresented along with a proposed timeline. Given the fast approaching summer vaca-tion period it is not anticipated that the members will be meeting again until after thefuture public outreach which would then make the next meeting around September ofthis year. Additionally, plans were announced that the project team were to meet withlocal legislators following this meeting.

    The project team consists of the PA Turnpike Commission, Urban Engineers, STV,

    Remembering “Dusz”A tribute to Carl “Dusz” Dusinberre

    On the morning of June 5, 2008, ChesterCounty lost a special individual who wasan environmental champion for theValley Creek watershed. Carl Dusinberre,past president of the Valley Forge Chap-ter of Trout Unlimited, slipped off to hisfavorite fishing hole for some muchneeded and earned rest.

    For those of you who had the goodfortune to be acquainted with Carl, youknow that he had a unique style all hisown, a true gift. Besides being an excel-lent artist, he also was a great orator –somewhat of a cross between Mark Twainand Will Rogers. He liked to quote both.

    At this time, I’m trying to think of whatpearl of a story or perfect quote Carl wouldoffer up with a twinkle in his eye. Wouldit be something like, “We are all here fora spell, get all the good laughs you can?”Or would it be something more inspira-tional such as, “Even if you’re on the righttrack, you’ll get run over if you just sitthere.” (Both of these are quotes of WillRogers.) Whatever Dusz might say, Iknow it would serve us all well in remind-ing us not to wallow in our loss but wouldrather seek to inspire us to continue ourfight to preserve and protect the environ-ment. In this, Dusz excelled.

    Mark Twain once said, “Twenty yearsfrom now you will be more disappointedby the things you didn’t do than by theones you did do. So throw off the bow-lines. Sail away from safe harbor. Catchthe trade winds in your sails. Explore.Dream. Discover.” Somewhere in all thesequotes is a small portion of CarlDusinberre. He will be missed.

    Trout Unlimited (Valley Forge Chapter), Camphill Soltane and The FACE of thePickering, South Coventry and East Coventry Townships, as well as corporatecommunity groups from Weston Solutions and XL Insurance. Some of the collectedtrash was able to be recycled; the majority was picked up for proper disposal byPennDOT and East Whiteland and East Vincent Townships. The breakdown of theindividual cleanup results are as follows:

    Watershed lbs. of trash

    1. French Creek 4752. Pickering Creek 45 plus (May 21st, 2nd cleanup)3. Pigeon Creek 11004. Stony Run 500 (more to be removed from dump)5. Valley Creek 8506. Schuylkill 100

    Volunteers made a couple surprise discoveries. These included a private dump alongthe Stony Run which has been reported to the respective township for further action,an old cigarette vending machine stuck in the banks of Valley Creek, and some oldpolitical campaign signs. On the good side, volunteers also got to discover the rich,scenic splendor of our waterways. They marveled at some of the wildlife they cameacross, such as a spotted sandpiper and the always majestic Great Blue Heron.

    Overall, everyone had a great experience. New volunteers learned more about ourwonderful watersheds and future visitors will find our stream systems that much cleaner.Over the 12 years of this program an estimated 13 tons of trash have been removedfrom the watersheds in northern Chester County. Thanks to all who came out to help.

    “Cleanup,” from page 1

    Inc., HMMH, Inc., KCI Technologies,Inc., Legislative Roundtable, DesignRoundtable. For detailed information onthe project go to www.paturnpike.comClick on Major Design/ConstructionProjects - Click on Letter H – Milepost320-326A.

  • Page 4

    Join GVA or Renew Your Membership Today! *ONLINE MEMBERSHIP now available!

    Name ____________________________________

    _________________________________________

    Address __________________________________

    City__________________________ State ______

    ZIP ________ Phone ______________________

    Township ________________________________

    Watershed ________________________________

    Email ____________________________________

    I would like to volunteer time to GVA.

    Dues and contributions are tax-deductible. Green ValleysAssociation is a registered charitable organization. A copyof the registration and financial information is availableby calling 1-800-732-0999. Registration does not implyendorsement.

    Make checks payable to Green Valleys Associationand mail with Membership Form to

    1368 Prizer Road, Pottstown, PA 19465. Visa/MasterCard accepted—please call office.

    BASIC MEMBERSHIPS Check if this is a gift membershipBasic Membership includes quarterly newsletter, notice of events andprograms, access to Welkinweir grounds, reduced rate to special programs(including summer environmental camp) and fishing with a GVA permit.

    Family Membership $50.00 Individual Membership $35.00

    (Individual Membership and higher, save $5 and renew for two years.)

    Sr./Student Membership $25.00

    SPECIAL MEMBERSHIPS

    Naturalist .......................................................................... $100.00Includes basic membership, plus hummingbird feeder*

    Environmentalist ............................................................. $250.00Includes all benefits of Naturalist, plus bluebird house*

    Protector ............................................................................. $500.00Includes all benefits above plus bluebird feeder*

    Steward ........................................................................... $1,000.00Includes all of the above benefits plus a “tribute tree” planted onthe Welkinweir property in your name*

    * Check here if you wish to receive the added benefit.

    members & supportFoundation SupportWilliam Penn Foundation - $30,000Commonwealth of PA –DEP - $15,424

    Corporate, Public andOrganizational SupportSiemen’s Medical Solutions - $500Penn Liberty Bank - $250Ludwig’s Corner & Riding & DrivingClub - $100

    Corporate Sponsors -EnvirofestSee list of Sponsors on page 10.

    Welcome New Members!Ms. Jennifer Basile Ms. Jil Castanon Mr. and Mrs. Janet & Jack Chidester Mr. David Coyne Ms. Lauren James Mr. & Mrs. Gene & Julia KrumenakerMr. & Mrs. Dan & Karen KraneMr. Paul KuperMr. & Mrs. Peter & Heather LevinMr. Matt LohrMr. Michael LongMs. Cassandra MabinLen, Pam & Amanda MartinMr. & Mrs. Frank & Pat MastMs. Lisa McBrideMr. & Mrs. Jamie & Cheryl McVickarMr. & Mrs. Todd & Missi MeisterMr. James MorganMr. & Mrs. Bryce & Grace MurrayMs. Joell OswaldMr. & Mrs. Paul & Darlene PennypackerMr. & Mrs. Vinnie & Holly PiturroMs. Michelle PollockMr. Wayne PriceMr. & Mrs. Kirk & Christy Putt

    Ms. Meredith ReardonMr. & Mrs. Bill & Karen SaundersMr. Walt ScheelMr. & Mrs. Spencer & Sara ScottMr. & Mrs. Marc & Kristine SimmonsMr. J Eric SmithMs. Kimberle SolnoskyMs. Cathy StevensonMs. Maritsa SullivantMr. & Mrs. Gerald & Michele TennityMrs. Martha ThomoeMs. Amy ThompsonMr. Kyle TyraMs. Anne WilliamsMr. & Mrs. Steven & Christine WittlingerMr. & Mrs. Tyler & Tildy WrenMs. Allison YackelMr. & Mrs. John & Lisa Zaums

    Sponsorship opportunities are now available for our Annual Dinner.This event is a unique opportunity to meet prominent political, communityand business leaders, and to develop partnerships and networks. Show thatyour business supports the important work of GVA and become a sponsortoday! For information, contact Executive Director, Catharine Swan, at 610-469-4610 by August 21, 2008.

  • EnvirofestacknowledgmentsGVA has so many people to thank for their in-kind contri-butions to this year’s Envirofest : Studioeec for design-ing the map of the grounds, Conestoga Rovers Associ-ates for creating the run map, Kimberton Whole Foodsfor supplying oranges, Dutch Village Soft Pretzels,Taylor Rental for tent coverage, Owen J. Roberts SchoolDistrict for lending tables, PA-American Water Companyfor providing the water tank, JNDesign for the Run Bro-chure design, Clif Bars for their protein bars, SomersetNursery for their plants, Lloyd Casey from Casey’s For-estry Concepts, Wegmans, Yellow Springs Farm,Ludwig’s Village Market for the food and ShackamaxonCatering for providing food for the Wine & Cheese re-ception. And thanks to Kim Pavia for coordinating the BikeTour, and Janet Garges and Colleen Spiess for coordi-nating and planning the 5K Water Hero Run.

    Siilent Auction In-Kind Contributors:

    Barlett Trees, Bikesport, Bonefish Grill, Casey’s ForestryConcepts, Cob Studio, Commerce Bank, Cooking for Real,Dick’s Sporting Goods, Downingtown Country Club,Downingtown Running Company, John Eldridge, HCRineer & Sons, EMS, French Creek Ridge Vineyard,French Creek Outfitters, Gardner’s Nursery, GeneralWarren Inn, Joan Baker, Kimberton Inn, Lionville YMCALionville, Marcal Products, Marchwood Dental Associates,Natural Home Magazine, New Age Air, REI, PhiladelphiaZoo, Seven Stars Inn, Springhouse Education, Sun andEarth Products, The Body Shop, The Organic MechanicsSoil Company, and artist Meryl Joblin.

    Thanks to Virtual Farm Creative for their graphic designexpertise.

    Finally, special thanks to the Envirofest Committee fortheir tremendous dedication, talents, and unflagging teamspirit:

    Drew Brandt - CertainTeedKaren Colistra – XL InsuranceDon Cook - Horseshoe Trail ClubLinda Hall – XL InsuranceMark Highland – The Organic MechanicsJennifer Hohenberger – Coldwell Banker PreferredRichard Koster – GVA Board MemberLyla Kaplan – GVA StaffSteve Oehlert – Oehlert BrothersJody Segal Reinbold – GVA VolunteerKathy Taylor – GVA Volunteer

    Our annual Mother’s Day Tea at Welkinweir, which highlights thepeak bloom of Azalea Lane, continues to grow. One multi-yearparticipant declared the event “their official start to spring.” Thesuccess of the Tea is due to the many volunteers who plan andwork on the event, to the many participants who return year afteryear and help to spread the word, and to our sponsor, HarleysvilleNational Bank, for their financial support.

    Help us save resourcesYou can help GVA save natural resources and expenseby signing up to receive your issues of Streamlines online. An added benefit is that you’ll get to see all the fabu-lous photos in color! To be placed on the email distribu-tion list, email Lyla Kaplan at [email protected]. SOLUTIONS FOR SUSTAINABLE

    “Buffers,” from page 1stream buffer along both sides of all streams throughout PA asa protection against pollution. It further recommends an addi-tional 150’ in headwater streams (1st and 2nd order streams),and another 200 feet for High Quality and Exceptional Valuestreams.

    In addition to the endorsement by 110 organizations, businessesand municipalities, more than 25 legislators from both partiesand both chambers of the General Assembly endorse Buffers100. It is perhaps the single most important initiative DEP couldenact to protect the health of our waterways and of our com-munities.

    Joined in partnership, many distinguished legislators were inHarrisburg to endorse the incorporation of the Buffers 100 rec-ommendations into the Chapter 102 regulations to DEP Secre-tary McGinty including Legislative speakers Rep. Camille“Bud” George 74th Dist.(Chairman House Environmental Re-sources and Energy Committee), Rep Kate Harper 61st Dist.,Senator John Rafferty 19th Dist., Senator Andrew Dinninman19th Dist., Rep. Robert Freeman 136th Dist., and Rep. CaroleRubley 157th Dist.

    See “Buffers,” page 11

    Page 5Visit our Website: www.greenvalleys.org

  • “Certification,” from page 1 This doesn’t mean we’re finished! This survey, of course, repre-sents just one form of measurement of green practices. And just likemost people, we are still learning how to make more informed,conscientious decisions about our daily practices and what products webuy and use.

    A recent initiative in support of our “greener” commitment is to purchase the majorityof our office products from Greenline Paper Company. This includes:

    • 100% post-consumer recycled chlorine-free paper (Forest Steward Council –FSC-certified, exceeding EPA standards) *

    • Trash bags made from recycled plastic

    • Biodegradable and compostable dinnerware products made out of bagasse, a by-product of the sugar-making process that would otherwise be trashed

    *Note: Most recycled paper products in regular office stores contain very little post-consumer waste (PCW) paper. When shopping, always look for FSC-certified paper

    and other wood products to help fight deforesta-tion and reduce landfill waste.

    Finally, if you are a business owner, you can findout how your own organization rates by going towww.greenlinepaper.com. It takes about 10minutes to complete the 24-question survey.

    Smart car washingWashing your car on your lawn maycause a raised eyebrow or two, but it’sbetter for the environment than washingit on your driveway.

    Why? Most people wash their cars in thedriveway, street or parking lot. Theresult is that the cars end up clean, but

    the dirty run-off — including whatevercleaner was used — most likely will runinto a storm drain and from there into thenearest creek — home to fish and otherwildlife, and ultimately the source ofdrinking water for many residents. If youchoose to wash your car at home, selecta site where the water can soak into grassto allow the wash water to filter throughthe vegetation and soil instead of flow-ing directly into a storm drain.

    How does grass help? By washing yourcar on the lawn, you are providing afilter for the dirtywater. Grassand otherplants absorbthe contami-nants andreduce theamount ofpollutants that would otherwise eventu-ally end up in the nearest stream. That’spart of the equation. Conserving wateris important also. To conserve water, usea bucket rather than a hose for washing,and turn off the hose in between uses.

    greener livingfrom Catharine Swan, Executive Director

    Grow a “green” yardReduce Runoff and Trap Pollutants with a Healthy Yard

    If you care about the health of the environment, as well as the health of children andpets, do what we do: forget about using herbicides and pesticides on your lawn andgo natural. You’ll save labor and money, and end up with less maintenance from yearto year. Here’s how:

    • Cut the grass at 3" to 4" to encourage deeper roots, retain moisture and discourageweeds.

    • Cut off no more than 1/3 the height of the grass when you mow, i.e., don’t waituntil the grass gets too tall and then scalp your lawn.

    • Mulch and leave the grass clippings on your lawn as natural fertilizer.

    • Got weeds? Hire kids to pull out them out.

    • To combat grubs, consider beneficial nematodes or milky spore. Apply these natu-ral measures and let nature take its course! If you must water your lawn, do it earlyin the morning to reduce evaporation; don’t water at night as this could make thegrass susceptible to disease.

    • A weekly watering of 1” promotes deeper root growth and is better for the lawnthan frequent, light watering.

    • Make sure the water goes on the grass and not on paved surfaces – driveway, streetor sidewalk.

    Summer Tip #2 - At community carwashing fund-raisers it’s best to do-nate the money directly to the char-ity rather than to have them washyour car. If you know anyone orga-nizing a car wash in a parking lot,please help spread the word of the“dos and don’ts” of car washing.

    Summer Tip #3 - Use water from arain barrel to wash your car, to helpthe environment even more.

    Summer Tip #1 - If you areresponsible for bringingwater to your children’ssporting events, bring a jugof water and paper cups!

    “Healthy Watersheds Lead to Healthy Living”Page 6

  • Page 7Visit our Website: www.greenvalleys.org

    from Victoria Laubach, Director of Welkinweirwelkinweir

    2008 Horticultural InternsOur 2008 Horticultural Interns Austin Deputy and Eve Mahoney, both horticulturemajors from Temple’s Ambler campus, began work in May. Now in its second year,our horticultural intern program offers a broad range of practical work experiences toindividuals interested in a career in ornamental horticulture. The interns work duringthe summer with the Welkinweir Director and with volunteers in gardening, plantpropagation, educational programs and special events. Interns share in the arboretum’smanagerial endeavors and gain valuable first-hand experience in the operation of anarboretum. They also have continuing education opportunities as well as the chanceto visit private and public gardens and meet other professionals in the area.

    This program is made possible throughfunding from the Pennsylvania Histori-cal and Museum Commission ($5,000),the Pennsylvania Higher EducationAssistance Authority ($7,200), andprivate donations from individuals andgroups. We appreciate the support for thisprogram and look forward to manysuccessful years.

    In the photo at right, Welkinweir horticul-tural interns Austin Deputy and EveMahoney visit Dr. Fred Winter at hisgarden in North Coventry Township. Thisbeautiful garden features rhododendrons,many bred by Dr. Winter. We appreciate hisgiving us a personal tour of his gardens attheir peak of bloom.

    Partnership with Camphill SoltaneWelkinweir is partnering with neighbor Camphill Soltane, a life-sharing communityserving adults with disabilities, to provide a volunteer work opportunity on the arbore-

    tum grounds for student Matthew Shumaker.Matthew volunteers on Tuesday and Fridayafternoons, learning and carrying out a numberof jobs to help maintain the grounds. His jobcoach, Jim Colbert, says Matthew loves the workhe does here at Welkinweir and this opportunitywill help Matthew gain real world job experience,skills, and establish good references. When asked,Matthew says, "its very nice at Welkinweir, but Ireally have to get back to work now. . ." We ap-preciate the enthusiasm Mathtew brings to the joband his willingness to work hard. We will missMathew when he returns home to California thissummer after graduation and wish him the bestof luck in his future endeavors. Many thanks toMary Weaver for facilitating this partnership.

    Longwood GraduateProfessionalOutreach ProgramGraduate students in the LongwoodGraduate Program in Public Horticulturehave selected Welkinweir for the “Profes-sional Outreach” component of theircurriculum. This partnership will give thegraduate students an exceptional, real-world learning experience. Their topic willbe “collections” – the living plants thatcreate the arboretum.

    Under a Museum Assessment Programgrant we received, consultant A. WilliamGraham created a Collections AssessmentReport. Working with the Longwoodstudents, Welkinweir will now be able tobegin implementating the report’s recom-mendations, and allow the horticultureprogram here to expand in new ways.

    Thanks to volunteers Estelle Cremers,Win Howe and Debbie Litzenburg fortheir help with the grant proposal.

    Grant AwardedWelkinweir has been awarded a $2,500capital grant from the Chester CountyConference and Visitors Bureau for direc-tional signage to enable visitors to moreeasily find our location. We appreciate thecontinued support of the Chester CountyConference and Visitors Bureau.

    Volunteer Matthew Shumaker oper-ates a leaf blower, one of his duties atWelkinweir.

    Horticultural interns visit local garden

    Tribute TreesWelkinweir has been the recipient of anumber of tribute trees this spring, whichwill enhance the arboretum’s collections.Three native oaks were planted to memo-rialize three of our GVA members, and twoornamental trees were planted to celebrateweddings held at the estate. If you’re look-ing to celebrate an anniversary, wedding,birthday, or other special event, or tomemorialize a loved one, please considerplanting a special tree in the arboretum.Contact Victoria Laubach at 610-469-7543.

    SUMMER HOURS for the Welkinweir grounds areMon - Fri 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Weekends for GVAmembers only. For information call 610-469-7543.

  • Page 8 “Healthy Watersheds Lead to Healthy Living”

    educationfrom Dawn White, Director of Education

    Earth Day atVincent ElementaryFor the second year in a row, Green Val-leys Association participated in VincentElementary School’s celebration of EarthDay. This school-wide event engagesstudents in activities that incorporatevarious areas of study – from science tocreative art – and involves variouscommunity members and organizations.

    GVA donated 600 native White Pine treeseedlings to the school, one for everystudent to plant in their own yards.

    In addition, Director of Education DawnWhite presented a “Healthy Habitats”program. Over 150 students learnedabout the characteristics of healthy habi-tats, assembled food chains, and playeda “Losing Your Habitat” game in whichstudents discovered what happens tonatural resources when pollution, devel-opment, or other negative events occur.They then made suggestions as to whatthey and their parents can do to help.

    Gini Carl, GVA educator, demonstrates the effects ofpollution on a watershed to 2nd graders at UwchlanHills Elementary.

    School Programs develop environmental stewards

    Phoenixville Eco-Action Club members get dirtywhile taking apart the marsh area in the courtyard.

    Under GVA’s grant-funded Environmen-tal School Program, GVA works withfour target schools to instill appreciationfor nature and foster stewardship of theenvironment. Three of the schools haveafter-school clubs and the fourth,Uwchlan Hills Elementary School, hasuniquely formed, under GVA grant funds,a parent group that initiates and imple-ments initiatives to move the school tobe more environmentally responsible.

    The parents’ group serves as an exten-sion of GVA, working closely with theteachers, principal, and management staffto introduce classroom lessons and fieldtrips, reduce waste, create a schoolyardhabitat, and a “No Idle” zone. One of ourgoals is for the other three schools toeventually adopt the Uwchlan Hillsparents group model and for Uwchlan tohave and after school club.

    Below are spring highlights from the par-ticipating schools:

    At Vincent Elementary School, the after-school Nature Explorers Club created

    and tested weather instruments, learnedabout water pollution and its effects onwildlife and people, created an ediblegroundwater experiment, and learnedabout nature in their own backyard by

    exploring the woodlands andfields throughout the schoolproperty.

    At Uwchlan Hills ElementarySchool, GVA worked withthe teachers, students andScout groups to identifyareas of support to create a“greener” school. Accom-plishments included 1) en-hancing the “outdoor class-room” habitat gardens,2) working with the Down-ingtown Area School DistrictRecycling Committee toidentify ways to reducewaste, 3) launching a BatteryRecycling Program that re-sulted in families recycling 2,300 batter-ies in 6 months, 4) examining land man-agement practices on school grounds,and 5) displaying the school’s green prac-tices at GVA’s 2008 Envirofest.

    At Phoenixville Area Middle School,following up a visit to the wastewatertreatment plant, the after-school Eco-

    Action Club took a field tripto the water purification plantin Phoenixville. The Clubalso visited the high school’swetland study area createdwith GVA grant-funds 5 yearsago, to guide them as they re-design their interior courtyardand install new bird feedersand berry plants to attractbirds and butterflies.

    As our new partner,Pottstown Middle School’sEnvironmental Science Clubhad a table at GVA’sEnvirofest to promote thework of the Club and GVAwithin the school.

    During spring 2008, under this program,GVA delivered 10 programs to more than900 students. Next school year theseprograms will expand, with additionalfocus in the Owen J. Roberts SchoolDistrict.

    Slideshows and video on Envirofest,Mother’s Day Tea and Stream DayCleanup are now available on ourwebsite! www.greenvalleys.org

  • Page 9Visit our Website: www.greenvalleys.org

    Summer Nature Camp Kinder Nature Club

    educationfrom Dawn White, Director of Education

    There are limited spaces left in Green Valleys Summer Nature Camp. Contact DawnWhite at 610-469-3277 to check on the remaining availability of programs. Registra-

    tion forms can be downloadedfrom the Camp page of ourwebsite (www.greenvalleys.org).

    This popular program attracted recordnumbers this spring as we expanded thispre-school program to include 2-year-olds.

    The children and their parents

    • learned about the music nature createsthrough birds, water and insects

    • made binoculars; went birdwatching

    • tasted honey whilelearning about bees

    • enjoyed puppets andstories about spring-time happenings and noc-turnal animals

    • searched for worms and learned aboutthe important job they do in nature

    • discovered tadpoles, frogs, and insectbabies in the pond, stream and wetlands

    Kinder Nature Club will be held againin the fall, starting in October. Each week,children and their parents discovernature through hands-on activities,stories, games, crafts and nature hikes.Please see the enclosed GVA Calendarfor the fall schedule and details.

    Environmental Education PaidInternship AvailableThis spring, we were fortunate to hire our first education intern, Beth Miner. Beth dida fantastic job with our Kinder Nature Club program, led Scout and family programs,and put together the impressive Water Tent displays for Envirofest.

    In order to sustain such a wide variety of quality nature programs, GVA is continuingthe seasonal internship program. We are seeking a college student or graduate who isinterested in learning to teach hands-on environmental education programs tochildren in this non-formal education setting. Responsibilities include developingthe activities and teaching Kinder Nature Club classes, monthly family programs,and workshops for visiting school and Scout groups.

    This paid internship is for 10 weeks in the fall and/or the following spring. For thefull position description visit www.greenvalleys.org or contact Director of EducationDawn White at 610-469-8646.

    Support neededfor scholarshipsWe need your help! Over theyears, GVA has typically beenable to offer 5-7 scholarships tofamilies who cannot afford tosend their child to summer naturecamp. The scholarship fund issupported by generous peoplelike you, who recognize both the

    need to help these families and also the importance of having nature in their lives. Sofar, we have received only enough funding to send 1 child to camp on a scholarshipthis summer, leaving 5 children on the waiting list. Just $170 provides the opportu-nity for one child to attend camp, but you can contribute any amount toward our goalof $850. Please help us help these children!

    Thanks to Mars Corporation for the assistance from five of its employees tohelp trim vegetation from trails and set up the canopies for Green ValleysSummer Nature Day Camp on June 6th.

    Wildlife Walks

    Reminder — Wildlife Walks will nottake place during the summer, but willstart up again in the fall, beginningSeptember 13, 9:00-10:30 a.m.

    New Family NaturePrograms plannedfor fallLook for new programs for families ofall ages on our website later this sum-mer, and in our fall newsletter.

    A creek exploration turns into an opportunity to play“Soak the Camp Counselor!”

  • Page 10

  • calendarSeptemberSeptemberSeptemberSeptemberSeptember

    OctoberOctoberOctoberOctoberOctober

    Sat., Sept. 13 Wildlife Walk; 9:00 - 10:30 a.m.;FREE; meet at GVA educationbuilding.

    Sat., Sept. 20 Henrietta Hankin Library Program:2:00 – 3:00 p.m.; FREE; Held at thelibrary; Please call the library toregister, 610-321-1724. Space islimited.

    Sat., Oct. 4 Family Nature at Night Program: BatWalk and Campfire;

    Tue., Oct. 7 Annual Dinner: Keynote Speaker, BernSweeny with Stroud Research Center,from 5:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. at TheDesmond Hotel, Malvern.

    Sat., Oct. 11 Phoenixville Library Program: 2:00 –3:00 p.m.; FREE, Held at the Library;Please call the Library for information,610-933-3013. Space is limited.

    Sat., Oct. 11 Severe weather date for ‘Bat Walkand Campfire.’

    Sat., Oct. 11 Wildlife Walk; 9:00 - 10:30 a.m.;FREE; meet at GVA education building.

    Sat., Oct. 18 Henrietta Hankin Library Program:2:00 – 3:00 p.m.; FREE; Held at thelibrary; Please call the library toregister, 610-321-1724. Space islimited.

    Sat., Oct. 18 Wildlife Walk; 9:00 - 10:30 a.m.; FREE;meet at GVA education building.

    Kinder Nature Club Schedule

    Tue., Oct. 7 “Wonderful Wetlands”; 12:30 –2:00 p.m.; 3 - 5 year olds; at GVAeducation building;

    Wed., Oct. 8 “Wonderful Wetlands”; 10:00 –11:00 a.m.; 2 - 4 year olds.

    Tue., Oct. 14 “Feathered Friends”; 12:30 –2:00 p.m.; 3 – 5 year olds.

    Wed., Oct. 15 “Feathered Friends”; 10:00 –11:00 a.m.; 2 – 4 year olds.

    Tue., Oct. 21 “Bats!”; 12:30 – 2:00 p.m.; 3 - 5year olds.

    Wed., Oct. 22 “Bats!”; 10:00 – 11:00 a.m.; 2 – 4year olds.

    Tue., Oct. 28 “Itsy Bitsy Spiders”; 12:30 – 2:00p.m.; 3 – 5 year olds.

    Wed., Oct. 29 “Itsy Bitsy Spiders”; 10:00 – 11:00a.m.; 2 – 4 year olds.

    Pre-registration with payment required. Fees (per child,per class): $10 members, $12 nonmembers, adultsand siblings are FREE.

    Southeastern PA, especially Chester County, was well repre-sented by our local legislators: Rep. Curt Schroder and Rep.Barabara McIlvaine Smith. Senators Rafferty and Dinnimanpublicly recognized Green Valleys Association to the media onall levels of watershed protection, noting their support of Buff-ers 100. Andy Paravis, vice chair of the Federation of North-ern Chester County Communities and supervisor of NorthCoventry Township, lent his voice to this strong and impres-sive showing of the support for the Buffers 100 proposal.

    “Buffers,” from page 5

    SAVE THE DATE!!GVA’s Annual Dinner

    Tuesday, Oct 7, 20085:30 – 7pm Cocktails, 7– 9:00pm Dinner

    at The Desmond Hotel, Malvern

    Keynote Speaker: Bern Sweeny, PhD - Director,President and Senior Research Scientist at Stroud WaterResearch Center, and Adjunct Professor of Biology atthe University of Pennsylvania

    Rep. George presents the Buffers 100 proposal to PA DEP, withmembers of the PA Campaign for Clean Water partnership.(GVA's Director of Advocacy, John Hoekstra, is at the left.)

    Visit our Website: www.greenvalleys.org Page 11

  • Summer, 2008

    Nonprofit Org.U.S. Postage

    PAIDBirchrunville, PA

    Address Service Requested

    Green Valleys Association1368 Prizer RoadPottstown, PA 19465

    Printed on recycled paper

    “Healthy Watersheds Lead to Healthy Living”

    Visit our website: www.greenvalleys.org

    SAVE THE DATE!!GVA’s Annual Dinner

    Tuesday, October 7, 20085:30 – 7pm Cocktails

    7 – 9:00pm DinnerThe Desmond Hotel, Malvern

    In qualifiying for Green Office Certifica-tion (see page 1) GVA was recognized fortaking the following actions to minimizeour footprint:

    • Solar PV panels on the estate house• PECO wind energy• Compost yard waste• Use of non-toxic natural cleaning prod-

    ucts• Energy star computer and appliance

    upgrades• Use as few lights as possible (which are

    all CFLs)• Computers turned off before leaving the

    office• Natural ventilation and low energy

    consumption fans for cooling• Setback thermostats for the heating

    system that automatically reduce thetemperature when the building is notoccupied

    • 30% and sometimes 100% post-consumer recycled paper

    • Recycle all office and rental eventmaterials in accordance with WasteRecycling service.

    If you have more suggestions or want toassist in the greening process, we welcomeyour input!

    Green OfficeCertification

    “Water Heroes” run for the environmentIn the 5K Water Hero Run atEnvirofest, the fastest male andoverall runner was SteveNoone, with a winning time of19.09. The fastest femalerunner was Susan Landry, witha time of 22.16 minutes.

    In the 13-15 age group, KevinAlloway finished in the amaz-ing time of 21.03 minutes!Thanks to these three and allthe other participants forbeing Water Heroes!

    GVA makes saving resources easyGet stainless steel water bottles, grocery bags and more from GVA

    When you come to GVA, you can now purchase GVA stainless steel water bottles andreusable shopping bags. Prices: Reusable shopping bags $2.00, stainless steel waterbottles $8.00, and canvas bags $12.00.

    When you buy these products, you not only decrease your consumption of plastic, butyou also to help support GVA! In addition, you may also be protecting your health.Many reusable water bottles are made of polycarbonate (No. 7 plastic), whichcontains Bisphenol A. According to the Natural Resources Defense Council,Bisphenol A (also known as BPA) has been linked to breast and prostate cancer,reproductive problems, diabetes and alteration of brain chemistry and behavioralchanges. In addition to hard plastic sports bottles, BPA is used in many householdproducts, including plastic baby bottles, and metal food cans, which are often linedwith plastic to prevent a metallic taste in food.