Sweep the Creek Spring 2008
Section 1, led by Robin Foland at Hillwood Manor Park, had a super turnout with 46 volunteers collecting 50 bags of trash plus a tire and rim, dishwasher, fire extinguisher, boom box, rubber mat and mattress pad. Gwynne Brick brought about 20 sixth-grade girls and their moms and the report was that they were all inspired by the experience! This section really needed the attention!
Section 2 near Flower Ave. in Takoma Park, led by Marty Ittner and her dog Megan, had the most volunteers100--and 55 bags.
Section 3 at Kennebec led by Clair Garman pulled in 43 volunteers and 35 bags, with a tire, bike wheel, hardware, and spine of a deer.
Section 4, Wayne Ave. to Piney Branch, led by Jennifer Kefer, had 40 volunteers who filled 30 bags.
Section 5 at Colesville, led by Jim Anderson and Terry Anderson, had 30 helpers and they pulled a lot of garlic mustard in addition to trash to fill 40 bags.
Section 6, south of Forest Glen, led by Ross Campbell, had 30 people and 27 bags, mostly of garlic mustard. Thanks go to Luke Warren who brought 8 enthusiastic ArtStream volunteers to help.
FOSC President Bruce Sidwell worked with children at the Eastern Elementary School who were having an Earth Day envirorama there. Thirteen kids filled about 21 bags.
Section 7, from Forest Glen to Dennis, led by Kathy Gaudet and Dave West, had 31 people and about 21 bags. Dave found a beer keg.
Section 8 from Dennis to University, led by Jane Barrett, had some Northwood High School students and a total of 32 volunteers and 25 bags, plus an iPod, hubcaps, vacuum cleaner, and cast iron pot were found. Beth Rowe also worked with 20 outstanding students from Washington Quaker Workcamps at the Sligo Middle School and Dennis Ave. stormwater ponds. They were really thrilled to put their environmental studies at the Norwood school into context. The girls and Beth filled 17 bags.
Section 9, north of University, led by Ed Murtagh and Kathy Michels, boasted 35 volunteers with 30 bags, about that garlic mustard, and 50 pounds of recyclable bottles and cans. University of Maryland students were among the volunteers.
Section 10 in Long Branch led by Chris Victoria had about 12 volunteers filling 17 bags, and they also hauled out a shopping cart.
Glen Haven Park up in Wheaton, led by Mike Smith, got some needed attention from 15 volunteers, including Bear Scouts from Pack 480!
Many thanks to all the section leaders who lead their sections Sweep twice a year and to the tablers helping out with FOSC info. FOSCs Outreach committee is a big part of the success of the Sweep. We are grateful to our favorite Lynn Vismara from Park and Planning for supplies and Todd Johnson for maintenance. We appreciated the t-shirts from Anacostia Watershed Society and their support and publicity as well as that of Alice Ferguson Foundation. Of course, a big thanks to all the volunteer groups and individuals and families. We loved seeing you!
Wendi Schnaufer
FOSC Litter Chair