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Home2024-03-17T20:33:52-04:00

What FOSC does

Friends of Sligo Creek (FOSC) offers events year round in support and appreciation of Sligo Creek and adjacent parkland. Litter clean-up and invasive plant clear-out events are among the most popular FOSC activities in the spring, summer and fall. FOSC also sponsors guided outdoor explorations of different aspects of Sligo Creek flora and fauna. A wide variety of other programs throughout the year educate neighbors and users of the park about Sligo Creek’s strengths and challenges. FOSC also monitors the creek, advocating for civic policies that will support a healthier Sligo.

FOSC invites you to visit the creek, volunteer at an upcoming event, attend a program, advocate for the Creek, and join FOSC.

St. Patrick’s Day Events:

Litter Hotspot Cleanup on Long Branch – new meetup spot
Sun, March 17, 1:00pm – 3:00pm
at Long Branch-Arliss Park, near the creek bank at the end of at the Long Branch library parking lot. The address of the library is 8800 Garland Ave. See the Calendar of Events page for details.

Weed Warrior Event in Long Branch
Sun, March 17, 1:00pm -3:00pm

at Long Branch at the foot of Houston Ave.
Requires sign up. See the Calendar of Events page for details.

Walk Into Sligo’s Past

Sun, March 24 at 1:00pm
Meet at the picnic pavilion near Flower and Garland Avenues, across from Sligo Creek Parkway
Walk by FOSC naturalist Bruce Sidwell
Come walk through the historic Takoma section of Sligo Park as Bruce talks about the attempts from 1890 until 1930 to exploit the beauty and other resources of Sligo Creek. See the Calendar of Events page for details.

Sligo Trail Improvements in upper Sligo Creek

Tuesday, March 26, 2024, from 7 – 8:30 p.m.
Virtual community meeting on Zoom at this link.

An opportunity to learn about and discuss the proposed improvements to Colt Terrace Neighborhood Park. See article under News and Updates.

QR code for March 26 meeting on planned Sligo Trail Improvements in upper Sligo.Street map showing Colt Terrace Neighborhood Park in Silver Spring, MD.

News & Updates

President’s Day Sweeps pulled a huge amount of litter from Sligo

Mini-sweeps at 3 trash hot spots yielded an impressive amount of trash from the creeks over the President's Day weekend. Altogether, 101 volunteers hauled 118 bags of trash, [...]

Faring well? Sligo and Long Branch in a warming climate

Faring well? Sligo and Long Branch in a warming climate How healthy are Sligo, Long Branch and NW Branch? The Water Quality Committee of FOSC invites you [...]

Join FOSC

FOSC logo

Sligo Creek connects us. Please join FOSC and help protect and restore the Creek for everyone in our community. It’s simple to do and can be free if you wish. Membership gives you early notice of events and the FOSC newsletter.

You can make a donation too, either online (simple and secure) or by check to FOSC, P.O. Box 11572, Takoma Park, MD 20913. Thank you!

FOSC Action Hub

Sligo Creek Water WatchDog mascot

Report water pollution ASAP!
Send an email to:

[email protected]

You play an important role protecting Sligo. Please report any pollution you see in the creek or heading into a storm drain ASAP, with photos, which help County investigators find and fine the pollutors.

Winter 2024 Top Invasives

 Invasive: Italian Arum

Italian Arum is back in force around Sligo Creek and Long Branch. One of the EDRR (Early Detection, Rapid Response) invasive species, it has many little “daughter” corms attached to its main corm which makes it difficult to remove completely. Dig it out carefully. Screen the loosened soil for small “daughter” corms. There is some evidence that spraying with glyphosate is effective at killing all its corms.

FOSC Videos

See many more on the FOSC Youtube Channel

 FOSC on iNaturalist

Pine Siskins at Wheaton Branch Ponds by Stephen Davies

Heard about FOSC on iNaturalist.org but uncertain how to navigate the site or contribute your own observations? Expert birder and iNaturalist… Read more

FOSC on YouTube

Support FOSC

Donate to Friends of Sligo Creek

FOSC on Facebook

Get Involved

  • Participate in your community
  • Meet your neighbors
  • Improve your surroundings
  • Enhance your skill set
  • Advocate for the Creek
  • Arrange a group activity for your club or group
  • Receive the monthly eNewsletter
  • Get early notice of events and special opportunities
  • Have your name forwarded to your Section Steward for hands-on events
  • Contribute to special projects
  • Fund outdoor events, expert talks, equipment for invasive plant/litter removal, the kiosks in the park, water quality testing, and more
  • Support FOSC’s outreach to schools, civic groups, and all communities
  • Tell us about your experience at a FOSC event
  • Suggest an activity
  • Voice your concern about an environmental issue
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