PhillyWatersheds.org

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Earth Day Exhibit Reveals Philly's Trash Problem

Apr 21, 2015

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Artist Bradley Maule works on his "One Man's Trash" exhibit. Fairmount Water Works photo.

Anyone who’s taken the time to enjoy the many scenic opportunities afforded by Philly’s waterways has had that moment—you’re soaking in the green and sunshine, marveling at the natural beauty of a river or stream cutting through the urban landscape. And then, some ugly piece of litter breaks the mirage, reminding you that you are, indeed, still in a very big city. One with a trash problem.

Bradley Maule, a Pennsylvania native and Philly transplant, has had that moment more times than he cares to count. Like many nature lovers, he often had the impulse to pick up litter someone else carelessly dropped while hiking along one of his favorite haunts, the Wissahickon Creek in the city’s Northwest. His distaste for the pervasive trash, though, soon morphed into a sort of obsession. Out of this obsession was born “One Man’s Trash,” the latest exhibit at our Fairmount Water Works, which opens (quite appropriately) for today’s Earth Day festivities.

The first in a series of “Culture and Conversation” events that celebrate the Water Works’ 200th anniversary, “One Man’s Trash” is the culmination of a year’s worth of trash collected by Maule during weekly walks in Wissahickon Valley Park, an 1,800-acre wooded gem with the Wissahickon Creek at its heart. The Mt. Airy resident and artist laid out his plans for the project on his website, Philly Skyline, and described his yearlong effort for readers:

Each week, once a week, for all of 2014, I went on 2-3 hour hikes, picking up all the litter I encountered. If something was too big to haul out, I made a note of it on my phone’s text app and made arrangements to remove it with Philadelphia Parks and Recreation and Friends of the Wissahickon, the official partners on this project.

Luckily for us, Maule drew the line at picking up “organic litter”—a distinction that means we don’t have to look at a display of rotting apple cores or bags of dog waste!

The Water Works will unveil Maule’s work, which includes infographics reflecting his meticulous tally of collected litter, during a 5:30 p.m. opening reception. The exhibit will be on display through June 26, after which all the junk he’s collected will be recycled, donated and otherwise disposed of.

"A timely exhibit for Earth Day, ‘One Man's Trash’ brings to the forefront the amount of litter accrued on land, and provides an insightful look into how our behavior truly affects our water supply," says Karen Young, executive director of Fairmount Water Works.

When asked what he wants people to take away from the exhibit, Maule says he wants to inspire “…deeper consideration for the waste we each generate” and to foster awareness “that we need to treat our parks better.” In addition to compiling all the trash, he took time to look at the broader waste tied to a specific trail-side menace: the plastic water bottle.

"One of the most common objects I encountered over the course of the year was plastic water bottles—255 of them (with 43 brand names)," Maule told us. Maule also says his focus on the Wissahickon underscored a troubling connection between littering in parks and fouling up our waterways. "Almost all of Philly's big parks — Fairmount, Wissahickon, Pennypack, Cobbs, Tacony, Poquessing—exist where they do because of watersheds," notes Maule. "Unless it's picked up and properly disposed of, litter ultimately ends up in our waterways, whether directly in a place like the Wissahickon, or after a journey from city streets through gutters and sewers."

Click here to register for the “One Man’s Trash exhibit. The event is free, but space is limited.

Good Conversations, Good Community, Good Water: Big SandBox Lands Knight Grant

Apr 20, 2015

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A handsome Knight Cities grant is helping The Big Sandbox foster a civic movement around greening Philadelphia’s Schoolyards.

Our green infrastructure projects are nothing without coordinated partnerships and a healthy dose of organic community input to help them take shape and grow. Now, thanks to a John S. and James L. Knight Foundation Knight Cities Challenge grant*, The Big SandBox, one of our green school program partners, will have the means ($149,000 of it!) to make that happen at four Philadelphia schools. The Big Sandbox, a non-profit that “encourage[s] citizens, residents and students to participate in the planning, design and construction of their communities,” does fantastic work. We wholeheartedly congratulate them on receiving this award.

In order to make sure schoolyard improvements reflect the voices of the communities served by these schools, The Big SandBox is using the funds from Knight to launch a grassroots campaign called DIG Philly to create a true civic movement. Their efforts will use digital tools like social media alongside neighborhood organizing to create a consensus around fundraising, design, and construction at the schools as projects take shape over the next several years. DIG Philly was one of 32 projects selected by Knight (along with 6 others from Philadelphia) from a pool of more than 7,000 applicants!

We have to admit, we feel a bit like winners too, since the funding will support projects at four schools that we’re involved with: Horatio B. Hackett School, William D. Kelley, William McKinley and George W. Nebinger schools. All are targeted for renovations and improvements that include innovative green stormwater management as a part of our Green City, Clean Waters program and are aligned with The Big SandBox’s work to make schoolyards dynamic urban meeting spaces. Last year our work transformed an uninviting playground blacktop at Queen Village’s Nebinger School into a water-absorbing green space. The Big SandBox is currently working with community partners and the school to fundraise for additional playground improvements at the site. You’re invited to see and celebrate this transformational project at a special Earth Day ribbon-cutting on April 22.

Working with a partner like The Big SandBox allows Philadelphia Water to be a part of a more holistic change in schoolyards, one that not only helps the environment, but benefits the larger community as well. While public schools represent just two percent of impermeable pavement in the city, targeting them for Green City, Clean Waters improvements can yield an exponential value because of the audience – students and families. Managing stormwater at schoolyards doesn’t just make schools greener, calmer places; it has also been shown to improve student performance. And one of our favorite things about working at schools? These innovative installations provide a built-in educational tool that helps us teach our youngest citizens the importance of the goals central to Green City, Clean Waters.

For more on The Big SandBox’s DIG Philly effort, visit www.thebigsandbox.org, follow them on Twitter at @greatbigsandbox or like at Facebook.com/thebigsandbox

* Knight's community and national initiatives program invests in civic innovators who help cities attract and keep talented people, expand economic opportunity and create a culture of engagement. The foundation believes that designing places to achieve these goals is crucial to city success.

Schuylkill River Spree Under Way, Includes All-New SRT Ale!

Apr 17, 2015

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View of the Schuylkill Banks section of the Schuylkill Trail from the South Street Bridge.
The Schuylkill River Trail, photo courtesy of Montgomery County Planning Commission.

One of the greatest uses humankind has devised for water is brewing that wonderful elixir known as beer (and ale, pilsner, lager, stout, porter or whatever whets your whistle on a Friday!). And one of PWD’s most important missions is safeguarding our beer water supply by acting in collaboration with other communities and groups as stewards of our wonderful Schuylkill and Delaware Rivers.

To call attention to the importance of our Schuylkill River and its value to the whole region, Sly Fox Brewery, with locations in Pottstown and Phoenixville, in collaboration with the Schuylkill River Heritage Area, will release SRT Ale on Earth Day (April 22). SRT Ale celebrates the Schuylkill River Trail (SRT), and a portion of the proceeds of the hoppy, gold-hued brew's sales will benefit the trail. The 5-day buildup to the official release begins TODAY as they kick off the SRT Spree. Sly Fox describes the journey from Pottstown to Schuylkill Banks in Philly well on their website:

Reminiscent of Lewis & Clark, the SRT Spree includes a two-man-team representing Sly Fox Brewing Company. This is not an organized group excursion although fans of Sly Fox beer and the Schuylkill River Trail are welcome to travel along any segment of the journey or the entire trip.

The Schuylkill River Heritage Area provides even more details about this awesome journey:

The team will travel by kayaks, road bicycles, trail bikes, horseback, recumbent trikes and on foot to advance the giant can to the final destination. Each day the Spree will stop along the trail for an organized trail cleanup and recognition of a local beer purveyor that will introduce SRT Ale to the public.

You can volunteer to participate in the SRT Spree and help out with one of several trail cleanups planned for today through Wednesday. They are still very much in need of volunteers for tomorrow morning, in Kernsville from 8-10 a.m. if you can make the trek out to a community upstream!

Use this link to sign up for one of the clean-ups.

And get this… Trail Cleanup volunteers aged 21 and older will be given one free voucher to taste the new beer! SRT Ale tappings will be held each evening at licensed establishments located near the cleanup sites. Cheers!

Good Economy Challenge to Candidates Features Green City, Clean Waters

Apr 10, 2015

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The Sustainable Business Network of Greater Philadelphia (SBN) has stepped into the fray of this year’s city elections to offer up the “Good Economy Challenge” to all of the candidates for mayor and City Council. Highlighting the importance of a sustainable economy, they focus on five policy priorities: small business, procure local, solar homes, social enterprise and... Green City, Clean Waters!

In a recent newsletter SBN wrote “Green City, Clean Waters is bringing many economic, environmental, and social benefits to the city, and is positioning Philadelphia as a national leader in urban stormwater management. Our next Mayor/Council Members should drive Green City, Clean Waters forward in a unified way, so that the program can continue to positively influence Philadelphia’s competitiveness, local and regional economy, environment, and quality of life.” (We're blushing over here!) And in their policy paper, SBN outlines three specific recommendations asking candidates to pledge their commitment to Green City, Clean Waters, to improve coordination across city departments to better support the program and to continue making Philadelphia a green infrastructure industry and innovation hub for the nation. You can check all of their recommendations here.

Perhaps most importantly, SBN is hosting the Good Economy Candidates Forum, giving you a chance to hear directly from mayoral candidates on Saturday, April 25, 6:30-9pm. The forum takes place at Temple’s Fox School of Business, Alter Hall Auditorium, 1801 Liacouras Walk, Philadelphia, PA. You can register for the forum using this link.

And they didn’t just stop at issuing the challenge and organizing a forum! To keep up the social pressure, SBN has provided all kinds of easy-to-use tools for people to spread the message of this challenge. They’ve provided suggested Twitter and Facebook language (we’re partial to this one) so YOU can be part of the effort to put these policies in front of the mayoral and council candidates—scroll to the bottom of this page here for more examples.

We appreciate that SBN has been such a strong advocate for Green City, Clean Waters and included it in this challenge. If you agree that Green City, Clean Waters, and sustainable, local business is an important topic for our new leaders, then make sure you attend the Forum, spread the word and get involved!

PWD Commissioner Howard Neukrug Receives 2015 Arbor Day Award!

Apr 7, 2015

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Green City, Clean Water Trees and Howard Neukrug
Green City, Clean Waters stormwater trees (left) and PWD Commissioner Howard Neukrug (right)

We are delighted to announce that PWD Commissioner Howard Neukrug is the recipient of a 2015 Arbor Day Award from the Arbor Day Foundation in honor of his outstanding contribution to tree planting, conservation and stewardship!

Since 1972, the Arbor Day Foundation has recognized the inspiring work of leading environmental stewards and tree planters with their annual Arbor Day Awards. This year Commissioner Neukrug is one of 13 individuals, organizations and companies being recognized. He is the recipient of the Excellence in Urban Forestry Leadership Award for his role in helping to create, oversee and implement Green City, Clean Waters.

Green City, Clean Waters uses trees and other plants in its green stormwater infrastructure (GSI) systems to help soak up and capture rainwater where it falls. By capturing the water where it falls, the volume of runoff is reduced in Philadelphia’s combined sewer system, which improves the health of the surrounding creeks and rivers. In the last fiscal year, 1,252 trees were planted through the Green City, Clean Waters program!

Green City, Clean Waters is the single largest green stormwater infrastructure program in the nation…. But the realization of the program – and its daily implementation – is achieved through the passion and dedication of Philadelphia Water's own Office of Watersheds, and the strong partnership and leadership provided by our sister agencies – Philadelphia's Parks & Recreation and Office of Sustainability. It is a pleasure and honor to have such steadfast support
--Howard Neukrug

The Green Streets component of Green City, Clean Waters is helping transform Philadelphia into a greener city with tree-lined streets. Trees planted through Green City, Clean Waters not only manage stormwater water but enhance the air quality, improve property values and beautify neighborhoods. Green City, Clean Waters also boosts the sustainability and greening goals of Philadelphia’s Greenworks Plan, which aims to make Philadelphia the greenest city in the nation.

A ceremony for Arbor Day award recipients will be held at the Arbor Day Farm in Nebraska City, Nebraska, on Saturday, April 25 and we can’t wait to attend!

Earth Day Ribbon Cutting at Nebinger School

Apr 3, 2015

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Join Mayor Michael Nutter, US EPA Regional Administrator Shawn M. Garvin, Councilman Mark Squilla, School District of Philadelphia Superintendent, Dr. William R. Hite Jr., Partnership for the Delaware Estuary Executive Director Jennifer Adkins, Water Commissioner Howard Neukrug and Public Officials as we celebrate a national model for stormwater management and educational programming at George W. Nebinger School.

US EPA, Partnership for the Delaware Estuary, PWD and other public and community partners have teamed up with the School District of Philadelphia on a project where Green Stormwater Infrastructure (GSI) is used as a tool in the classroom, field, and laboratory, serving as a demonstration opportunity for students and the community.

The GSI systems featured at Nebinger include a rain garden, bioswale, a porous play surface, porous pavers, a below-ground basin and a landscaped border. These green tools beautify the space while helping to improve water quality and the health of our rivers.

Join us!
Date: Earth Day, Wednesday, April 22, 2015
Time: 10:30 AM
Location: George W. Nebinger School, 601 Carpenter St, Philadelphia, PA 19147

To RSVP or for more information, please email Laura.Copeland@phila.gov or call 215-685-4902

RainCheck Goes Citywide

Apr 1, 2015

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Depaved yard A residential yard depaved through the RainCheck program.

Good news! We made some exciting changes to our Rain Check program. Working together with the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society (PHS) and Sustainable Business Network (SBN) we've expanded our reach, streamlined our process and increased our team of qualified contractors.

What has changed? First – the program is now open to residents in the entire City. Prior to April 1st, downspout planters, rain gardens and masonry projects were only available to residents who lived in the Combined Sewer Area of Philadelphia. As of today, any resident can sign up.

Second – we’re merging all of our Stormwater Tools (rain barrels, downspout planters, rain gardens and porous pavement) into one program, called Rain Check. Don't worry, rain barrels are still free! Now you can explore all of these Stormwater Tools by attending a free Rain Check Workshop.

Lastly – we’re offering Rain Check Workshops more frequently and in more Philadelphia neighborhoods. Everyone who participates in the program is required to attend a workshop. As we expand the program, we’re looking for hosts for our Rain Check workshops. If you think your community would be a good place for a workshop, contact Guina Hammond (ghammond@pennhort.org) at PHS.

Through Rain Check, PWD provides free rain barrels and helps pay for downspout planters, rain gardens, de-paving and porous pavements. Sign up here: archive.phillywatersheds.org/raincheck or call PHS Information Services (215) 988-1698.

We Won! Green City, Clean Waters Wins the National APA Planning Excellence Award

Mar 31, 2015

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Back in October we announced that Green City, Clean Waters was awarded the American Planning Association (APA) Pennsylvania Chapter's Planning Excellence Award in Implementation. We are now thrilled to announce that we won the APA 2015 National Planning Excellence Award for Implementation! This award recognizes a project that demonstrates positive changes as a result of planning efforts. The award emphasizes long-term, measurable results that have been in continuous effect for a minimum of three years.

Now in our fourth year of Green City, Clean Waters, we have worked to implement green stormwater infrastructure citywide:

Projects complete: 113
Projects in design or under construction: 187
Private property technical assistance requests: 450
Grant funding for retrofitting existing properties with green infrastructure: $14 million.

And some positive spin-off effects of these projects have already been documented, like the recent study linking our green stormwater projects to drops in certain kinds of crimes. Learn more about why we were granted the award by checking out the APA web page featuring Green City, Clean Waters.

green infrastructure graphic

The APA Awards Jury Chair, W. Shedrick Coleman, lauded Green City, Clean Waters for setting “the benchmark for meeting state and federal water quality mandates through solely green interventions” and “changing the face of the city.” Pretty high praise!

Green City, Clean Waters and the other APA award recipients will be honored at the 2015 National Planning Awards luncheon on April 20, 2015, in Seattle. Our plan will also be featured in the April 2015 issue of Planning magazine (we will be happy to autograph your copy)!

Thanks to the American Planning Association for this great recognition. But as much as we love getting awards, there’s still plenty of work to be done. Green City, Clean Waters is a 25-year plan to improve water quality in Philadelphia and create a healthier, more sustainable city through green stormwater infrastructure. We’ll be changing the face of the city—in a good way—for another two decades! Plenty more good news to come!