Tomorrow night!
Thursday, March 20 at 7:30pm – 8:30pm
Microplastics in Sligo Creek
A talk with Dr. Jason Davison of Catholic University
via Zoom – Here is the Zoom Link
Dr. Davison is at the forefront of creating ways to predict where microplastic pollution ends up in a stream or river.
Microplastics are small bits of plastic, up to 5 mm, that are used in manufacturing or break down from larger plastics, clothing, toothpaste, cosmetics, and many other items. They release toxic chemicals into the environment through water, soil and air and can be ingested by wildlife and humans.
Through his research in Sligo Creek and elsewhere, Dr. Davison has developed innovative methods (such as 3D object detection for counting and classifying trash, particle tracking software, and underwater footage) to eventually give waterway managers the tools to identify plastic waste hotspots and prioritize sites for cleanup.
Sunday March 23 from 1:00pm – 3:00pm
Litter Hotspot Cleanup at Hillwood Manor Park
Join Litter Cleanup leaders Nick and Ed to tackle litter in this park along Sligo Creek. Please bring gloves if you have them. We will provide the trash and the recycling bags. All are welcome, but please register on the Parks volunteer page. SSL hours available.
Sunday March 30 from 1:00pm – 3:00pm
Litter Hotspot Cleanup at Long Branch-Garland Park
Meet at the Long Branch Community Center, 8700 Piney Branch Rd., Silver Spring, 20901
The whirlwind duo, Nick and Ed, will be leading this cleanup. Please bring gloves if you have them. We will meet at the Long Branch Community Center where there is ample parking, then walk across Piney Branch and down the trail to Long Branch-Garland Neighborhood Park. We will provide the trash and the recycling bags. All are welcome, but please register on the Parks volunteer page. SSL hours available.
Sat, April 12 and Sun, April 13
Sweep the Creek Litter Cleanup
- No preregistration needed, just sign in when you get there.
- We will provide trash/recycling bags and gloves.
- Students can earn SSL hours – bring your form with you.
- Students age 13-17 must bring this waiver form signed by a parent or guardian.
News & Updates
FOSC in the News
Bring Your Own Bag Bill
Update: the County Council passed the Bring Your Own Bag Bill (Bill 24-24) on Feb 11th. The bill will go into effect Jan 1, 2026. FOSC had testified in favor of the bill and encouraged President Stewart to sign it.
FOSC’s efforts to support the plastic bag ban at the County Council hearing last Tuesday were noted in Bethesda Magazine’s Jan. 14th article, Supporters turn out for proposed plastic bag ban, citing environmental impact. Several members of the FOSC Advocacy committee testified in favor of the ban. Similar bans in Prince George’s and other nearby counties have been successfully implemented with little drama.
Winter scenes from Sligo and Long Branch
(Photos by Lenore Boulet – From footbridge over Sligo, Nathalie Peter – Long Branch near Becca Lilly park, and Susan DeFord – Snow on native coneflowers)
The FOSC Salt Monitoring Program measured extremely high salt levels throughout Sligo Creek, Wheaton Branch, Long Branch, and Takoma Branch starting with our first snow storm and continuing to date. We are collating the data as of Feb. 16, 2025. The initial report is available on the Salt Monitoring Initiatives page under the Water Quality Monitoring programs tab.
Email the Water Quality committee at [email protected] to learn more and become a tester.
FOSC Listservs on
Friends of Sligo Creek – Main Listserv
FOSC Advocacy Listserv
FOSC-Stewards Listserv (for Section Stewards only)
FOSC-WeedWarriors Listserv (for Weed Warriors only)
Join FOSC
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!
Support Friends of Sligo Creek and help the creeks thrive in 2025!
Your support is key to our success.
-Weed Warrior work sessions to remove non-native invasive plants threatening the parklands
-Sweep the Creek and Litter Hotspot clean-ups to reduce pollution
-Salt, E. coli, and other testing to understand threats to water quality in the watershed
-Advocacy work on many issues to protect the creeks
-Water WatchDogs pollution reporting as you see it occurring
-Natural history posters for the kiosks
-Outreach to neighbors in English, Spanish and Amharic
FOSC Action Hub
Winter 2025 Top Invasives
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- Porcelainberry
- English Ivy
- Bush honeysuckle
- Mulitflora rose
- Porcelainberry
- English Ivy
- Bush honeysuckle
- Mulitflora rose
Invasive: Italian Arum
Italian Arum is back in force around Sligo Creek and Long Branch. It has spread from nearby yards. 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 on iNaturalist
Heard about FOSC on iNaturalist.org but uncertain how to navigate the site or contribute your own observations? Expert birder and iNaturalist… Read more