Since its inception it has written bylaws, attained nonprofit status, commenced visual assessments of all major Township streams, provided input for plans to install and improve various stormwater controls, advocated best management practices (BMPs), and engaged in the production of a video to spread its message, generate more interest, and recruit additional members. The SWA has recently participated in several municipal events including Earth Day, and Southampton Days. And, it is currently reaching out to partner with other associations that are both upstream and downstream; as well as planning a Fall project that will include marking all stormwater inlets, either by stenciling or by attaching a metal plate, with a warning not to dump undesirable materials into them.
Southampton Watershed Association (SWA): Premiere Video Screening SWA is announcing the completion of its latest project: an educational video centered entirely on Upper Southampton's watersheds. Included in the video are descriptions of the watersheds' historical usage such as those related to the evolution of the steamboat, and the manufacturing industry. And, as the video progresses there is discussion of how the waterways are now viewed, and what can be done to protect and restore their value. The video is 25 minutes in length and scripted with some supervisory help from the Stroud Water Research Center and from the Consortium for Scientific Assistance to Watersheds (C-SAW). The project was funded by grants from the PA DEP, and the League of Women Voters. A "Premier Presentation" for the production was held on October 9. Watershed Tips
In the autumn, most of us have lots of leaves that we want to get rid of. If we have a stream running by or through our property it may be tempting to dump the leaves there (or grass clippings, brush, etc.) but there are many reasons why this is harmful to the environment. Three of the most important are:
The main thing to remember is that streams, creeks and other watercourses are not dumping areas, but are part of the whole system of nature that we must cherish in order to maintain the quality of life that we all want. Other Information
Site design by DiAnn Ohama. |
On April 26, 2003, the Upper Southampton Township Park & Recreation Department celebrated Earth Day with a project designed to further beautify Tamanend Park. Some of the tasks assigned to volunteers on Earth Day included weeding, undergrowth clearing, wood chip spreading, and tree pruning. Also, during the event the Southampton Watershed Association (SWA) planted 150 trees which were obtained from the National Tree Trust's Community Tree Planting Program. This photo shows Hans Peters of the SWA planting a Red Maple in a field that receives and filters runoff from Second Street Pike. A follow-up site inspection by Hans Peters on September 10 was described as "very encouraging" with 2/3 of the trees having survived. (
The first meeting of the Southampton Watershed Association was held in September. Approximately 50 township residents attended the meeting and discussed the new organization's responsibilities. This picture shows guest speaker Ann Smith, director of watershed programs for the Pennsylvania Environmental Council, stating that the association could play an important role in instructing homeowners, especially those living near streams, on how to reduce water and sedimentation runoff from their properties. "How much of their back yards do homeowners really use?" Smith asked the audience. "They should grow native plants and shrubs that hold the water, rather than mow their lawns up to the edge of the stream," she said. The Southampton Watershed Association continues to meet on a regular basis — the 2nd Monday of each month at 7 PM in the meeting room located in the rear of the Tax Collector's Office.