Bird Walk – Identifying Sligo’s Birds in Spring FOSC will host a bird walk on Sat April 15th, 8:00 – 10:00am. Experienced birders Mary Singer and David Blockstein will lead the walk. See the Calendar of Events page for more info and to RSVP. The number of participants is limited.
News & Updates
MOCO forests need your help by Tuesday
Council to Vote this Tuesday March 21 on the Forest Conservation Bill
FOSC and many other non-profits have been working to strengthen Montgomery County’s existing Forest Conservation Law. A proposed update to the existing law would […]
WooHoo! Successful Challenge to Royal Farms Proposal
WOOHOO!
Successful Appeal of […]
Introducing the Sligo Garden Program
Sorry, the program sold out fast! Stay tuned for opportunities for stormwater garden tours, and more kits and consults in 2024.
In the meantime, be […]
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.
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 Listservs on
Friends of Sligo Creek Main Listserv
FOSC-Stewards Listserv (for Section Stewards only)
FOSC Action Hub
A new Bill in Annapolis, HB 0090, Control of Running Bamboo, would require property owners to keep running bamboo from spreading to adjoining properties or a public right-of-way. Violations would carry a fine of up to $50 for a first offense, and up to $200 for a second offense. Maximum fines could not exceed $3,000 under the bill.
Bamboo is legal to sell in Maryland. The proposed legislation would require nurseries to label two species of NNI bamboo as tier 2 invasive though they could still be sold. If passed, this legislation would be a first step in addressing the sale of NNI plants in MD. Please tell your state delegate to support this bill.
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. Now, the full Council will consider the bill Tuesday, March 21. Please write to the full County Council expressing your support of the bill before the 21st.
For more information about the issue and the bill, and to get more information to write your own testimony, go to the Nature Forward (Audubon Naturalist Society) blog. You can use FOSC’s own written testimony as a guide for yours.
Still 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.
Winter 2023 Top Invasives
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
Heard about FOSC on iNaturalist.org but uncertain how to navigate the site or contribute your own observations? Expert birder and iNaturalist… Read more