Friends of Sligo Creek Lending Library

FRIENDS OF SLIGO CREEK has acquired basic guidebooks on invertebrates, fish, herps and birds, and is also obtaining videos, bulletins, pamphlets, and other miscellaneous materials. We are also accumulating tools and other work materials, which are available to all members.

Sally Gagne has gathered great numbers of Sligo photos on CDs that would be suitable for websites, presentations, etc. Each photo is identified by creek section and date.

To request a book or tool, click here. Titles circulate for up to a month, and may be obtained at general meetings or by other arrangement. Book contributions are always welcome on any subject likely to be of interest to FRIENDS. The use of these books and tools is free. Prices only show the cost of a lost item.

TOOLS AND SUPPLIES

 Members are encouraged to use all the following tools and to provide feedback on their usefulness to guide future purchases.
Pruning Shears (Clippers), 10 pairs
Loppers for cutting vines and shrubs
Nifty Nabber tongs for picking up litter
Posthole digger for tree-planting holes
Portable easel-type sign for display near work areas, 2' high. Reads "Cleanup and care in progress by...Friends of Sligo Creek"
Larger portable easel-type sign about 3' high, with acrylic board for writing a message. Waterproof, erasable pens are provided.
Fish net - 12" square frame, netting in ovals about 1/4" x 1/2;" sturdy full length handle.
Trash Hook Tools - with telescopic handles, for reaching trash in the water. One tool has an screw-on hook, for easy transporting. $10. These are modified paint rollers. Contribution of Ed Murtagh.
Gloves, for plant work, mostly leather, 5 pairs
Neoprene and latex gloves for litter pickup
Gloves - for trash pickups - recommended for frequent litter pick-uppers: tear and puncture resistant, and resistant to many chemicals. Large size is $4 at Home Depot, 2003. Extra Large, $7. Contribution of Ed Murtagh. A helpful label lists about 100 chemicals and how resistant gloves made of latex rubber, neoprene, nitrile, and vinyl are to each. Ed's gloves are made of neoprene. Spontex Professional, Technic 420 Pro. Chemical resistant. Neoprene. Heavy weight protection. Lined with cotton.
Cotton gloves and plastic leaf bags for group work.
Sturdy Trash Bags - Puncture- and tear-resistant, so good for broken glass, jagged metal, and carrying through woods with thorny plants. We expect to buy a set of 40 or so for use on serious group litter pick-ups. Contractor (on Construction) 3-ply heavy bags. $15

CLASSES, WALKS
Up to date USDA Graduate School class listings
Recent Audubon Newsletters with trip offerings
Recent Sierra Club Newsletters

BOOKS and VISUALS

SLIGO CREEK PARK
Flora and Fauna of Sligo Creek Stream Valley Park
Natural Resources Management Program, Univ. of Maryland Class Project, 1993

Tina Schneider from the Parks Department discovered and made copies of this booklet for Friends of Sligo Creek in 2006, thirteen years after the booklet appeared. It reports on surveys made of herps, birds, mammals, dominant trees in selected areas, and invasive plants, all in the area between Flora Lane and University Blvd. A.5-year Park Management Plan was devised. References concerning Sligo appear particularly useful; as a few were unknown to us. The project was undertaken just as work on the Wheaton Tributary dams and stream restoration was completed.

Students made maps were made of soils, elevation, hydrology, vernal pools (two), forested areas, exotic vegetation, and water sample pH. At this writing the maps are missing. Lists of fauna were made.

STREAM WATER
Urban Subwatershed Restoration Manuals
This series of manuals was written by the Center for Watershed Protection to organize the enormous amount of information needed to restore small urban watersheds into a format that can easily be accessed by watershed groups, municipal staff, environmental consultants and other users. Each manual is packed with color photographs and is sure to become an invaluable reference for your restoration efforts.
Stream Corridor Restoration: Principles, Processes, and Practices
By The Federal Interagency Stream Restoration Working Group (FISRWG), 15 agencies. 2 volumes. GPO 0120-A. October 1998; rev. Aug 2001. Downloaded from www.usda.gov/stream_restoration and donated by Ed Murtagh. Discusses fully the physics and engineering aspects of stream analysis, including sections on chemical and biological monitoring, though this reader did not find them helpful. Written in government style - detailed, and understandable if you apply yourself, but includes occasional extra information such as that the temperature of water must be checked at the stream, not later in a lab.
Watershed Management Plan
Arlington County, Virginia; Jan. 2001. 98 pp.
Water Pollution Phone Numbers
Twenty or so illegal dumping problems, with agency and telephone number to call. Areas of state responsibility and who to call, also. One page. Available in quantity.
Friends of Sligo Creek Sections Map of Sligo
One page map, also on web. Available in quantity.
Detailed Contour Maps of Sligo Creek
Produced by Maryland National Capital Park and Planning Commission. 1 inch to 50 foot scale maps that are printed from the ArcView computer application.
Large Maps of Sligo Creek for General Meetings
The maps, produced by Council of Governments or Maryland National Capital Park and Planning Commission, show either nearby residences, litter areas surveyed, or simply the park itself. The maps may be borrowed if you pass the test for being careful!
Volunteer Biological Monitoring: Can It Accurately Assess the Ecological Condition of Streams?
Engel and Voshell. In American Entomologist, Fall 2002. 13 pp. The best explanation around of what biological monitoring is, how it's done, and in what way the results are valuable.
The Countywide Stream Protection Strategy, 2003 Update by DEP
Link to a PDF file which discusses the stream conditions of Sligo Creek and explains the strategy to improve the stream condition from poor to fair in the Upper Sligo Creek.
A Guide to Common Freshwater Invertebrates of North America
Reese J. Voshell. McDonald and Woodward Publ. Co., Blacksburg, Virgina; 2002. $29.95 + shipping. Identification and information on the invertebrates likely to be collected in biological monitoring.

HISTORY
North Hills of Sligo Creek: History, People and Surroundings.
by Sally Gagné Available from the author, Sally Gagne, 301-588-2071. 193 pp. $22 for book and accompanying CD with 300+ photographs. This book focuses on the history of two subdivisions, with chapters on land transfer, residents, and architecture. It also includes a chapter on geology - information not readily found - and a chapter on Sligo Park between Colesville and Forest Glen, including the Dennis Avenue holding ponds. Anecdotes from interviews frequently mention Sligo.
Walking the Dinky Line
Leaflet for Walking Tours, printed by Historic Takoma, Inc. Contains twelve photographs, from the 1900-1920 era.

STORMWATER
Porous Asphalt Pavements
Design, construction and maintenance guide for asphalt surfaces that are not impervious. 16pp.
National Asphalt Paving Association
Better Backyard
A Citizens' Resource Guide to Beneficial Landscaping and Habitat Restoration in the Chesapeake Bay Watershed. 56 pp. EPA 903-B-99-002. November 2001. Chesapeake Bay Program; printed by EPA. Background material, how-to, outside resources. Everyone working with stormwater outreach should be aware of this manual.
Rainwater Harvesting, from your roof to your yard
Falls Church City Streams Task Force. Dave Eckert, 703 532 0884. Leaflet, available in quantity. Very helpful; all you could ask for, including a purchasing company, places to visit, and websites. Describes rainwater tanks; good educational guide for the public. Good for stormwater outreach.

TRASH, LITTER
Sligo Creek Trash Reduction Plan
Galli and Guillozet. Council of Governments, Jan. 2000. The problem in the Anacostia River, and well thought-out strategies for reducing trash. A must-see on this subject.

NATURAL HISTORY
Field Guide to Native Oak Species of Eastern North America
J. Stein, D. Binlon, R. Acciavatti. US Department of Agriculture, Forest Service. 2003. 161 pp. Spiralbound paperback. No price given. Gift from botanist Stanwyn Shetler and Laura Mol. This is a handsome identification guide to about fifty species of oaks, a difficult group. It includes color photos, drawings and maps for each species, plus keys and other reference material.
Montgomery County Forest Conservation Strategy
Link to a PDF File - A Task Force Report Requested by the County Executive
Box Turtles: Can We Save Them Before It's Too Late?
Three articles in the Audubon Naturalist, March 2005, Vol. 31 No. 2. The lead article is by Friends member Chris Swarth. An approximate count of box turtles in Sligo has not been made, and these articles show how it could be done. This would make an excellent on-going project, and is also one that might be useful as Science Fair material. Chris Swarth will advise and work with anyone who contacts him through the Webmaster.
Department of Environmental Protections CSPS Update 11/03
Significant Progress in Sligo Creek Restoration: Sensitive Species Discovered
Eastern Birds' Nests
Hal H. Harrison. Houghton Mifflin, New York, 1975. Peterson Guide Series. Color photos of eggs in nests, for some 250 birds. Paperback.
Montgomery Deer Management Program Annual Reports & Recommendations
Link to PDF files. Reports discuss damage to natural vegetation in parks.
Monitor's Guide to Aquatic Macroinvertebrates
Loren Larkin Kellogg. Izaak Walton League of America. A 60-page booklet describing invertebrate organisms typically seen in streams and how to monitor. Includes survey forms.
A Birder's Guide to Montgomery County, Maryland
The Montgomery County Chapter of the Maryland Ornithological Society. Second printing, 2002. 216 pp. Description of major birding sites and "Little Treasures," where Sligo is included. $16.
Naturalist
Edward O. Wilson. Warner Books, Island Press, 1994.380 pp. Wilson describes his remarkable "lifelong passion" appreciating nature. Using only one eye after a childhood fishing accident, Wilson went on to study ants, write on evolution, and become "morally commited to the preservation of biological diversity." A good read. $1
Amphibians and Reptiles of the Carolinas and Virgina
Martof, Palmer, Bailey, and Harrison. Photographs by Jack Dermid. Univ. of North Carolina Press, Chapel Hill, NC, 1980. 264 pp. Identification guide with basic life history information. Especially useful because it narrows identification choices down to local possibilities. Good photos. $18.95
A Field Guide to the Birds East of the Rockies
Roger Tory Peterson. Houghton Mifflin, 1980, 4th edition. 384 pp. For the person who has set up a bird feeder or who in other ways is new to birding, a basic identification guide. $18
Reptiles and Amphibians
Herbert Zim, ed. Golden Nature Guide. Golden Press, 1956. This is a small, 5-inch high or so book with common representatives of frogs, snakes, and turtles. Helpful for beginners, and often appealing to children. $6
Coyotes
Washington Post Magazine, April 16, 2006, by Mary Battiata. Outstanding coverage on coyotes moving into metropolitan suburbs, with photos.
Freshwater Fishes of the Carolinas, Virginia, Maryland, & Delaware
Rohde, Arndt, Lindquist and Parnell. Univ. of North Carolina Press, Chapel Hill, 1994. 222 pp. An identification guide, with descriptions of life history. Color plates, including all the Sligo fish. $22.50
A Guide to Common Freshwater Invertebrates of North America
See STREAM WATER
Register of Champion Trees. Montgomery County, Maryland
Montgomery County Forest Conservancy District Board, April 2003. 8 pp. Record-setting trees for nearly all species in the county, with directions for nominating a new champ. Produced by local resident Joe Howard. Includes color photos of about fifteen trees. Two record-holders are in Sligo: a Yellow Buckeye, Aesculus octandra, near Brunett; and a Yellowwood, Cladrastis lutea, near Wayne. $1
A Field Guide to the animals of Vernal Pools
Leo P. Kenney and Matthew R. Burne. Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife.A guide to amphibians of Massachusetts wetlands which fill annually from precipitation, runoff and rising groundwater.

BICYCLING
Maryland Bicycle Map
Maryland Dept. of Transportation. 1998. Also available free from the State Highway Administration, 1-800-252-8776

INVASIVE PLANTS
Native Alternatives to Invasive Plants
C. Colston Burrell. Brooklyn Botnic Garden, 2006. Color photos of suggested native plant replacements for invasive garden plants. Ex: Canada wild ginger or wild sarsaprilla for Bishop's Weed.
The Once and Future Forest
Leslie Jones Sauer. Andropogon Associates, Island Press, 1998. A marvelous, readable textbook on restoring a forest. Chapters on succession, invasive plants, wildlife, soil as a living system, North Woods of Central Park, more.
American University Restoration Site, Records
American University Graduate Conservation Biology Course, Spring 2005. Restoration at Riggs Road and East-West Highway, directed by Susan Solarz. Gives details for anyone to follow up on the first work.
Invasive Species: Cooperation and Coordination Are Important for Effective Management of Invasive Weeds.
Government Accountability Office. Feb. 2005. Among the many interviews was one with Carole Bergmann. 94 pp.
Invasive Plants of Asian Origin Established in the United States and Their Natural Enemies
Vol. 1. US Forest Service, USDA. FHTET 2004-05. Sept. 2004. Sligo has about fourteen of the forty species described here. The purpose of this technical bulletin, by authors with mainly Chinese names, is to describe where an invasive species, and other species in the genus, exist in China, and to list all arthropods and fungi known to attack the plant in China. Photos not particularly helpful for identification. Ray Gagne points out that while each species can be expected to have a gall midge, no gall midges are mentioned because they are as yet unknown; such is the state of hopes for biological control. With thanks to Ross Campbell for the donation.
Invasive Plants
Jil Swearingen et al (Natl Pk Service, F&W, etc.) Color photos of most invasive plants in Sligo Creek Park, the majority of good quality. Text describes the plant and general methods of ridding it. The methods are less than helpful because they tend to be the same: hand-pull or carefully use herbicide.
Plant Invaders of Mid-Atlantic Natural Areas
National Park Service and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 2002. 82 pp $5, paperback. Each of 49 species is described under the headings of Origin, Background (how introduced), Distribution and Ecological Threat, Description and Biology, and Prevention and Control. The control measures for most are to pull by hand or use Round-up or Rodeo, with a note that no biological control agents are currently available. http://www.nps.gov/plants/alien
Rock Creek Park Invasive Non-Native Plant Mitigation Program, Final Report
Susan Salmons. National Park Service, Washington, DC; 2000. 26 pp. Updated versions can be downloaded from http://www.nps.gov/rocr/natural/final.htm The results of spraying test plots in D.C. near 16th Street in Silver Spring. Helpful information for those interested in discussion of spraying technique.
Differences in earthworm densities and nitrogen dynamics in soils under exotic and native plant species
Kourtev, Huang and Ehrenfeld. In Biological Invasions 1:237-245, 1999. 9 pp. An academic paper. The article leaves one with the realization that soil characteristics are changed for stands of at least two invasives, stilt grass and barberry in New Jersey. Is soil changing in Sligo under stands of multiflora, English ivy, or dense honeysuckle? An excellent science project could be designed using soil in Sligo Creek Park, testing for any of about five soil characteristics. Both theoretical and practical applications for us.
Cutting Vines on Highly Threatened Trees
Sally Gagne, March 2002. 3 pp. A paper for those new to cutting vines or those organizing groups for work events. Approved by Carole Bergmann.

NATIVE PLANTS
The Once and Future Forest
Leslie Jones Sauer. Andropogon Associates, Island Press, 1998. A marvelous, readable textbook on restoring a forest. Chapters on succession, invasive plants, wildlife, soil as a living system, North Woods of Central Park, more.
Manual of Woody Landscape Plants: Their Identification, Ornamental Characteristics, Culture, Propagation and Uses.
Michael A. Dirr. Stipes Publishing, Champaign, Illinois. 1975; rev. 1998, 5th ed. A major source of information on trees and shrubs used by professional horticulturalists. The book gives identification characteristics, notes on planting; native habitat, landscape value, propagation, diseases and insects, and a list of cultivars for many trees we have in Sligo. Helpful in deciding what tree species should be used where. On indefinite loan to Friends by Sally Gagne.
Native Plants for Wildlife Habitat and Conservation Landscaping, Chesapeake Bay Watershed
U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, 2003. 84 pp. Very comprehensive, with useful thumbnail pictures of flowers that are as helpful as any single photo can be. Categories include plants for bog gardens, woodland plantings, slopes, groundcovers, evergreens, and deer resistant plants. A description of habitat, plant characteristics, light and soil conditions needed, and value to wildlife is given. Assembled by a group of recognized experts in the Washington area. Appears likely to be the best book on this subject for some time.
The Plants of Sligo Creek Park
Dorothy C. Salisbury. M-NCPPC, 1970-71, first revision. A nearly lost work by an amateur botanist who lived near Piney Branch, requested and encouraged by a group that included resident Joe Howard. Over 400 species are listed, included park ornamentals and some, though not all, of the invasives species in the Park today. Invaluable for suggesting plants that were in Sligo in the past, and useful for replanting efforts.
Sligo Creek Flowers
Jacqueline Burge. Photograph Album, 1994. About 200 photos of plants, mostly in flower, taken in Sligo between Colesville Road and Forest Glen. View the list of the plants represented. The album could be a useful record of plants that once existed in the section. It includes lesser celandine, a first record of the plant in Sligo.
A Pocket List of Flora
Dr. H. Daivd Hammond. M-NCPPC, 1968. A list of plant species collected in nearby parks: Wheaton Regional, Upper Rock Creek, Northwest Branch, Paint Branch, and Long Branch. The author taught botany at Howard University.

GREEN PRACTICES AT HOME
Lawn Care and the Creek (PDF)
A PDF file from the Friends of Sligo Creek explaining that when it comes to your lawn less is often more.
Water-Efficient Landscaping (PDF)
A PDF file from the EPA describing techniques for landscaping that reduce the need for water.
Household Habits for Clean Water (PDF)
A PDF file from the EPA describing techniques to be used by homeowners to keep pollutants out of stormwater.
Trees Need Your Care (PDF)
A PDF file by Catherine Tunis on caring for your trees.
Do You Really Need That Pesticide? (PDF)
A PDF file by Catherine Tunis on alternatives to pesticides.
Mosquito Habitat Control (PDF)
A PDF file on reducing mosquito habitat as a technique for combatting mosquitoes.
Good Neighbor Handbook (PDF)
This book is filled with simple practices individuals can adopt to ensure a healthier and more natural Sligo Creek.
Better Backyard (PDF)
A Citizens' Resource Guide to Beneficial Landscaping and Habitat Restoration in the Chesapeake Bay watershed
Nitrogen Input from Residential Lawn Care Practices in Suburban Watersheds in Baltimore County, MD (2MB PDF)
A residential lawn care survey was conducted as part of the Baltimore Ecosystem Study, a Long-term Ecological Research project funded by the National Science Foundation and collaborating agencies, to estimate the nitrogen input to urban watersheds from lawn care practices.
The Chemical-Free Lawn
The Newest Varieties and Techniques to Grow Lush, Hardy Grass. No Pesticies, No Herbicides, No Chemical Fertilizers. Warren Schultz. Rodale Press,1989. 194 pp. An older book, but one which seems to have all the basics. Chapters include information on which grass you should grow, seeding, feeding the lawn, the art of mowing, and getting the bugs out.

LAND USE IN THE SLIGO WATERSHED
Web Page Montgomery County Stream Protection Strategy Homepage

These materials are essential for any of us looking into land use in the Sligo watershed. The Master Plans are from Dominic Quattrocchi in the Planning Office.

Master Plan for Takoma Park, Dec. 2000
Master Plan for The Communities of Kensington-Wheaton, May 1989
Master Plan for Four Corners, Dec. 1996
Master Plan for North & West Silver Spring, August 2000
Master Plan for East Silver Spring, December 2000

How to participate effectively in the subdivision process in Montgomery County, Maryland
Office of the People's Counsel, M-NCPPC. Brochure. Martin Klauber, The People's Counsel, spoke at one of our meetings in fall 2002.

VIDEOS
Four Mile Run: Reviving an Urban Stream
Produced and directed by Dave Eckert, 2002. A model of how to produce a fascinating video on a stream - history, people, changes. 60 minutes. Also available from the producer in digital. 703 532 0884. $25.
Sligo Creek Autumn
A magnificent five-minute video of whirlpools, leaves, and waterfalls taken in Sligo Creek on November 4, 2001 by Richard Hall.
Aquatic Invaders
Exotic Weeds
Stormwater
A series of three 30 min. or so videos filmed or otherwise worked on by one-time Friends member Bob Russo. Made c2001-2. At least one has been shown on TV. The videos of alien plants and water animals taking over new areas contain many examples, making the videos helpful to anyone unfamiliar with the extent of the problem all over the Earth. Stormwater illustrates the basic problems of drainage design in the US, and looks at projects designed to control water currents. Videos contributed by Bob Russo.

INSURANCE INFORMATION
Series of booklets on Insurance
Alliance of Nonprofits for Insurance. These give tips on reducing insurance risks in connection with volunteers, managing a group, etc. Practical information all Board members should be aware of.
www.InsuranceforNonprofits.org

PRESENTATIONS
The 800 Pound Gorilla in our Backyards
Suburban lawns and their impact on watersheds. PowerPoint presentation from ICPRB (Interstate Commission on the Potomac River Basin)

SALLY GAGNE'S BASEMENT
Plastic Box 1
Masking Tape
2 bags Business cards for FoSC, one with my name on them - or look in box 2.
String
Magic Markers
Laminating pouches to label "grape - save"
Papers: Sing in sheets, yellow arrows sheets, folders
Sheet protectors
Brochures for FoSC
Plastic Box 2
1 First Aid kit; more first aid materials
2 bottles of Off
2 bags business cards for FoSC, one with my name on them - or look in box 1
Fluid to erase special magic marker pen
Herbicide Materials
Pail with gloves, herbicide
Wire frames, 150+
Yellow pesticide signs
stapler kit and a few stakes - kit is with deer box
Heavy hamer for stakes - also prob with deer box
5 Friends of Sligo Creek at Work signs
Gloves
1 box gray leather-like type
1 box mostly unused lightwt cotton
1 box used lightwt cotton
Post cards - English ivy, Garlic Mustard
Tools
1 box Clippers - a lot, maybe 50 or so
1 box tools that contains 2 loppers, 5 Coronoa long saws and 8 folding saws and 100+ orange flags on wire stems
Protective Eyewear - 12 goggles in colorful cases
Deer Exclosure Materials
Netting, scissors, string, deer ties, spikes, white metal sleeves
Miscellaneous Outdoor
2 screw drivers for prying Eng. Ivy
1 trowel
5 rolls flagging tape
(100+ orange flags on wire stems - prob with tools)
2 paint brushes (for first display box)
5 resealable storge bags, 10.5 x 11", 20 bags in each
2 researable freezer storage bags, similar to above
9 clipboards
1 looseleaf used by section 1
Clair's sign for putting in the ground, which takes special marking pens, in Box 1
3-4 plastic sheets to cover a table in rain
Garlic Mustard Materials
Contractor bags, 14 boxes with 32 bags each
Gloves, post cards
A folder with leftover passes and laminated photos of GM and look-alike