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Home2023-09-24T12:24:48-04:00

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.

Sweep the Creek is almost here -

New Date: Sat Sept 30 and Sun Oct 1

Due to the storm, we postponed Sweep the Creek to the Sept. 30/Oct. 1 weekend.

The NEW times and locations for FOSC volunteer check-in and supply tables are available on the Sweep the Creek page. All are welcome! Grab some friends and neighbors and spend some time cleaning up the creek and park for people and critters.

Summer Water Quality testing – Have you taken the training already for summer water quality testing? There are open slots for testing through the end of September. For more info and to sign up for a test date, please email [email protected].

News & Updates

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.

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.

Running Bamboo is a problem invasive species in Sligo Creek park. HB 0090, Control of Running Bamboo, was reworked to become Chapter 517, Section 1–1318 of the Annotated Code of Maryland. Signed by Governor Moore on May 8, 2023, it allows counties or municipalities to regulate by ordinance the sale, planting, and growing of aggressive bamboo, including bamboo in the genus Phyllostachys. Counties and municipalities are also empowered to include enforcement measures through civil fines and requirements to mitigate bamboo damage.

The original state-wide proposal would have required nurseries to label two species of NNI bamboo as tier 2 invasives without limiting their sale.

Autumn forest of tall trees with leaves turning yellow, orange, and brown.FOSC Advocacy has been an active partner with the MoCo Forest Conservation Coalition to craft a bill to strengthen protection of MoCo’s remaining forests. The full Council voted unanimously to pass the Forest Conservation Bill.

Graphic of proposed downtown Silver Spring redesign of Ellsworth DriveStill pending! Find out why FOSC opposes synthetic turf on Ellsworth Drive in DTSS. Write the County Executive to oppose abandonment of Ellsworth Drive unless healthy alternatives are used. Write to Marc Elrich, Montgomery County Executive.

Recent Videos

See many more on the FOSC Youtube Channel

Summer 2023 Top Invasives

    1. Bush Honeysuckle
    2. Porcelainberry
    3. Multiflora Rose
    4. English Ivy
    5. Emerging invasives Italian Arum and Incised Fumewort

Emerging Invasive: Italian Arum

Italian Arum is one of the new 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 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

FOSC on Facebook

Support FOSC

Donate to Friends of Sligo Creek

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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