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Watershed Department Bids Farewell to Drexel Co-ops

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Co-ops participating in fish electroshocking research with the Academy of Natural Sciences and Willistown Conservation Trust this summer.

Willistown Conservation Trust (WCT) is proud to participate in Drexel University’s Co-op program. Each year, from April to September, students join our Watershed Department to gain hands on field experience and learn from each of the different departments at the Trust. When Zack and Jules Smith joined the watershed team this spring, the Trust was already in lockdown. The whole team (Lauren, Evan, Zack and Jules) was not able to get together in person, so we met digitally, hoping that each week that we met via Zoom would be the last. Despite the many adjustments that set this co-op cycle apart from previous co-op  experiences, Zack and Jules showed that they had the adaptability of any great field researchers and were able to quickly join in the conversation and meaningfully contribute to the progress of the Watershed Protection Program.

Jules Smith

Jules:

When my co-op at Willistown Conservation Trust began at the beginning of April, I had no idea what to expect but the past few months have been nothing short of spectacular. One of my favorite parts of my co-op was participating in journal club discussions with the watershed team. Each time one of us presented a new topic connected to the work that is done at the Trust. I was continually learning new things, both from the papers we read and from Lauren, Zack, and Evan. Everyone’s willingness and eagerness to discuss such a wide range of science gave me new perspectives that I will carry with me long after my time at the Trust has ended.

The field work I was able to participate in allowed me to develop a deeper appreciation for land conservation and understand the importance of proper preserve maintenance. Tree planting and stewardship days were especially impactful as I gained hands-on experience in caring for native plants. I loved being able to lend a hand in keeping the preserves beautiful for everyone who comes to enjoy them.

Zack Smith

Zack:

Coming into my co-op at WCT I was expecting an experience that was mainly field work based and required working in close proximity to other people, but as the Coronavirus pandemic settled in it was apparent that was no longer going to be the case. This change was confusing at first but ultimately provided a unique co-op experience. The past 6 months have emphasized the importance of flexibility. Though I was eager to start working in person I had to remind myself that times have changed, and I need to be able to adapt to the situation.

This theme carried throughout my time at WCT. The remote work that we did was pretty refreshing and educational. I really enjoyed searching for a report of the week and reading all about a genus or species only to change my mind a few hours later and do it all over again. Our long and meaningful discussions about diversity, equity, inclusion and justice have provided a much different experience than I was expecting. I feel like I have learned a lot about myself, society, and others through these conversations and I am grateful for the safe space we had.

Lastly, the weekly field days in the latter half of the co-op were such a treat and an even better break. Going in and getting that person-to-person interaction while doing physical work on the preserves was rewarding in many ways. Though the co-op didn’t look like I expected, at the end of the day it was an invaluable opportunity that provided many different experiences necessary to growing as a person and a scientist.

Although this summer did not go as anyone on the Watershed Team planned, it was a rich and wonderful experience to be joined by such dedicated and passionate researchers.  The contributions of Zack and Jules have made a strong impact on the department, and all of us at the Trust are excited to see what amazing things are in store for the co-op class of 2020!

How to Safely Pick Up Plastic Litter

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It is that time of year again – Plastic Free July!  In case you missed our previous blog posts on this topic, you can see them here!

We recognize that trying to reduce our plastic consumption during this period in history is tough – Americans are producing 30% more trash this year than the same period last year, and it seems like everything at the grocery store is wrapped in additional layers of plastic.  There is growing concern that the increase in plastic consumption is translating to a rise in plastic litter, particularly in single use masks and gloves being discarded in parking lots.  This leads to the question:

What can be done about the litter?

If you are interested in picking up litter along a stream bank, road, or around your neighborhood, there are some precautions you need to take to be sure that litter is the only thing you are picking up.

1)            Practice social distancing. If you are participating in a clean-up effort with people outside of your immediate family bubble, than be sure to remain at least six feet apart. If you are going to be in an area that has potential hazards, like along a waterway, be sure that you do go with a partner and stay safe six feet apart!

2)            Wear bright colors. Florescent colors and reflectors will help people to see you doing the important work of cleaning up litter, especially near high risk areas like roads. If you have extra gloves, you can invite them to join you in your efforts!

3)            Wear a mask. If you are in an area where other people might be around, please wear a mask.

Wear bright colors, a mask and gloves.

4)            Wear gloves.  You should always wear gloves when picking up litter!  A pair of disposable nitrile gloves ensures that anything that is transferred from the litter does not collect on your skin. Be sure to practice good glove etiquette and DO NOT TOUCH your face, clothes, exposed skin or water bottle with gloves that have been in contact with unknown litter (here is guide for teaching good glove technique!). It is very important that your gloves are non-permeable and disposable – unfortunately it means generating some waste in order to help reduce waste in our environment.  Your personal safety is the most important thing!

5)            Use trash pickers. If you have access to an extended grabber/reaching tool (like this one), you can use this to pick up garbage and reduce the contact with the potentially contaminated trash. We purchased the grabbers that we are using at the Trust from the Dollar store.  Be sure to sanitize your grabber after using it with hot soapy water or Clorox wipes.

6)            Keep an eye on your surroundings. While you are out cleaning up litter, stay alert and pay attention to your surroundings. This will keep you safe and you may notice beautiful details in your environment, like chicory or other native flowering plants.

Chicory at Ashbridge Preserve.

7)            Wash your hands. As soon as your gloves come off and are properly disposed of in your garbage bag, use hand sanitizer or wash your hands in hot, soapy water.

Evan Hunt and Lauren McGrath social distanced and ready to clean up the stream!

8)            Properly dispose of your collected litter. Check with your local municipality’s recycling and hazardous waste ordinances.

9)            Celebrate your efforts! Every clean-up effort should be celebrated with pictures, a hearty snack and a delicious cold drink to rehydrate after working hard in the July weather!

As always, when you are in the outdoors, remember to check the weather for any rain or excessive heat warning and plan accordingly (you might want to plan on going out in the cooler mornings or evenings), be mindful of boundaries and do not trespass, and drink plenty of water!

Have you picked up garbage during the pandemic? Send your pictures and tips to land@wctrust.org.

Plastic Free July Tips

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Welcome to another year of Plastic Free July! To say that this year is a little unusual would be an understatement, but even with all of the world events taking place, single use plastic remains a major threat to the health of our world.  Even though things are a little different than last year, there are still a number of ways that we can work to reduce our single use plastic consumption!

A good first step is to pick something small to focus on – trying to solve the world’s plastic crisis all at once will feel overwhelming so try to identify single use items that you can replace with reusable options. 

For example, switching single use surgical masks for fabric masks that can be washed and reused is a great way to not only reduce our waste, but to make sure that the front line workers have the equipment they need.  If you are crafty, you can make your own masks, and personalize them to showcase your personality.

If your grocery store does not allow any reusable bags to be used in the store, you can ask that items be placed back into your basket or cart rather than in bags, and you can place your purchased items in bags back at your car. This way, you can ensure the safety of the staff while still reducing the number of plastic bags that are used during your shopping trip.

Cutting back on eating out is a good way to reduce the amount of plastic that is being consumed.  Did you know that food delivery companies like GrubHub saw huge jumps in revenue this year? While I personally loved being able to get my favorite food delivered to my door, I did notice the big increase in non-recyclable plastics in my garbage can. Currently, eating at restaurants is not much better, with the the Center for Disease Control (CDC ) recommending all restaurants to use disposable plates, cups, utensils and even single use condiment packets. This produces far more waste than pre-pandemic dining out, but is considered necessary to reduce the chance of restaurant staff coming into contact with contaminated surfaces.  Set a goal to cook from home more often – maybe even try making your favorite restaurant’s signature dish!

Use reusable water bottles. Switching to a reusable water bottle can save thousands of single use plastic bottles from entering our waterways each year, and it reduces the amount of plastic that you are consuming.  Reusable containers like water bottles or coffee mugs are easy to sterilize and safe to use, with a recent study showing that the coronavirus survives for longer periods of time on plastics than on glass. Hot water and soap are enough to sterilize reusable bottles, so be sure to practice good hygiene and to wash your containers (and your hands) frequently!

Most importantly, remember that every action makes a difference. How are you focusing on reducing your single use plastic? Send us an email and let us know!

Learn more about the Plastic Free July Movement here: Plasticfreejuly.org

WATCH Benefits of Composting and Living a Low Waste Lifestyle

As Plastic Free July wraps up we invite you to reflect on the lessons, experiences, and efforts to go “low waste” during Plastic Free July. Lauren McGrath, Watershed Program Director, will be joined by guest expert Gwenn Nolan of Mother Compost (www.mothercompost.com) to share information about how composting provides environmental benefits, tips for composting at home and waste solutions.

Volunteers Plant 300 Trees To Improve Ridley Creek Watershed

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As the sun rose over the meadow that was formerly Ashbridge Lake on October 4, the first of our three days of tree planting, I stood and surveyed the planting area that was soon to be home to 300 trees and shrubs and felt a sense of excitement (and some stress) for the event that was about to take place.  Months of effort and planning had gone into making sure the next three days were to go smoothly.  Now, as I stand at the edge of the meadow and gaze at all of the beautifully planted and caged trees I have only one feeling: gratitude.   I was recently taught my first Lenape word: Wanishi (“Wah-ni’-shee”), which is a profession of gratefulness. Used to start every meeting, it feels appropriate to start this post of appreciation for all of the effort that went into this project.

Thank you to each and every volunteer who came out over the course of the summer to help prepare the planting site –from weedwacking and digging holes,  to planting, caging and watering the trees.  A major thank you to Mother Nature, who was thoughtful enough to break the drought with a gentle rain the day before the planting was due to take place, which made life much easier for the group of hunters who had volunteered to assist yours truly in digging holes for the trees. 

Each planting day was cool, clear, and perfect for all of the labor that took place.  Over 60 incredible volunteers came out over the course of three planting days – families, individual volunteers, friends, coworkers – each day was filled with laugher as friends, old and new, bonded over planting new life into the meadow.  Our fabulous Watershed team was reunited, as past interns and Drexel co-op students returned with friends; enthusiastic freshmen in the Drexel University Biodiversity, Earth and Environmental Sciences (BEES) program came out with their fearless leader and professor Dr. Marie Kurz; a local scout family came to work hard; Tree Tenders from Goshen and elsewhere leant their expertise and guidance. Two teachers from Kennett Square school district came out – neither of which knew the other had signed up!  Rain began to fall as the final cages were being placed around the trees, saving us from hauling buckets of water to our new plants.

We could not have done this vital work without the hard work of every single volunteer. Your effort is helping to improve the habitat both on the stream banks and in the channel.  As the roots of each tree grow into the soil, they will stabilize the sediment and slow the rate of erosion.  Over the coming years, the canopy will spread and begin to shade the stream and keep the water cool.  The impact of each tree will improve the water quality in our watershed, and we are excited to monitor the changes that take place over the next several decades.  Already, I am starting to see an improvement to the ecological value of this meadow (before it was filled with invasive canary reed grass and mile-a-minute vine and inhabited by a stunning number of non-native Chinese praying mantis). In the areas that we have cleared since the spring, we are seeing native sedges begin to appear and an increase of butterflies using the area.  I have been observing the wildlife starting to use the space – birds now move in each morning, hopping from tree to tree and exploring the new habitat.  As the birds learn, so do the deer, but the cages that were placed around the trees by volunteers should help to keep them safe from the curious white tails.

The next time you’re talking a walk through Ashbridge Preserve, please take a moment to pause in the planting site.  I hope you feel the same way I do as you look at trees growing in the meadow. We’re already planning the next round of planting, so please watch for announcements if you want to join us!  Also, take a look at the time lapse video we shot over the tree days.

Of course, none of this would have been possible without the generous funding provided by the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and TreeVitalize. A special thank-you goes to REI.  As if the joy of planting trees was not enough, they donated amazing door prizes to raffle off to a lucky volunteer each day! 

Refill Your Water Bottle

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Human reliance on commercially bottled water is one of the single largest contributors to plastic pollution. At Willistown Conservation Trust, we collect carelessly discarded plastic bottles from Ashbridge Preserve every week! 

Americans buy more than 29 billion bottles of water each year. And out of every 6 purchased, only 1 is recycled. A single bottle will need 1,000 years to disintegrate, all the while leeching toxins. 

So, pick up a few nice reusable bottles, filter your tap water at home using one of several commercially available water filtration systems and skip the disposable bottle. Take the #PlasticFreeJuly challenge at https://www.plasticfreejuly.org/ and say no to plastic water bottles (and more)!