Volume 15 No. 1 wrv.info@rhd.org 215.951.0330 ex.

2101 Winter/Spring 2011

The Volunteer
WRV in the Off Season | WRV 2012 is Off and Running The WRV Steering Committee is Looking for New Volunteers WRV os Seeking an Assistant Event Coordinator Intern

WRV in the Off Season

Well, really there is no off-season. Late fall and wintertime is WRVs season for planning the coming years restoration program, and taking some time to re-think our overall approach to natural restoration. In November we continued our EPA-funded EcoRestoration Leadership classes, geared toward developing our homegrown crew leaders and active volunteers. Part One of the program focused on assessment of restoration sites and the design of site-specific restoration plans, using Falk, Palmer, and Zedlers Foundations in Restoration Ecology as a framework. The session centered on a visit to the Pachella Field area of the Wissahickon, where WRV has been carrying out a restoration Sarah Low and Scott Quitel leading a discussion at WRVs ERLP. program for many years. WRV leaders Jerry Fagliano and Steve Jones led the session, starting with participation alongside volunteers on a defensive restoration workday in a mesophytic area near Henry Ave. We then took our notebooks (and lunch) farther into the forest to study a riparian habitat and a dry rocky slope habitat, examining how we could use a close study of habitat types and features of invasive plants to assess sites and select from available techniques that are suited to a specific site. Part Two of the leadership program took place at the Schuylkill Center for Environmental Education on November 19. Active WRV members participated in discussions (and a field visit) which gave us a chance to examine our practices. Phil Ranly, a WRV Steering Committee member, introduced the days activities. Scott Quitel, an ecologist with Applied Ecological Services, then led us through a thorough classroom examination of often-unexamined ecological concepts. Applied Ecological Services is a nation-wide restoration design firm, and Scott linked his observation of WRVs work with his extensive experience as restoration professional. A good example of a concept we were invited to re-examine is restoration, one that WRV leaders struggle with constantly. Scott encouraged us to consider the point to which we plan to restore a disturbed site.

Another concept in Scotts talk was invasion. Rather than considering invasive species separate from the relationships among native species, we were invited to think about what invasives do in their interactions with native species. By understanding more about the specific mechanisms that invasive plant species employ in their ecological interactions (gross feeding, massive seed production), we may be able to design restoration programs that are more effective. Participants were also treated to a talk by Sarah Low, founder of Strategic Nature, a local ecological consulting firm. Sarah is very familiar with WRVs work, and helped us consider ways to sharpen our restoration planning. We can think about the restoration of ecosystem functions and services, rather than only thinking about restoring a site. Because of practical limitations of time and resources, restoring sites to an ideal, undisturbed state is not feasible, and we can think about the trajectory of a forest or site in terms of its ability to produce ecosystem functions. If we can help key plant species to begin to germinate, or get soil organisms on a site moving in the direction of producing soil that can support native species, we are promoting restoration of functions. Both speakers gently encouraged participants re-consider our ideas about natural restoration. We were asked to think about whether pulling stuff is a universally beneficial restoration technique. When we weigh the harm that exotic species may be doing compared the soil disturbance that a removal program represents, we might choose to focus on another goal. What would we have to do to remove lesser celandine from a streamside? Would it be worth it? We benefit from considering the strategic reasons for a program of invasive removal, such as protecting plantings, rather than simply acting on the get out the bad guys impulse. If we learn more about the life cycle of invasives, we may be able to develop control techniques that are more effective and cause less disturbance. In the area of re-introduction of native species, both speakers also urged us to study stable sites for ideas. For instance, a natural edge area can give us ideas about early succession species that succeed in our local forest. Can we take advantage of native species in the suppression of problem exotics? After the classroom portion of the day, participants were led on a tour of the Penns Woods section of the Schuylkill Center, led by Joanne Donohue, Restoration Manager. Here we saw successes and continuing challenges to design of a natural restoration program on a large disturbed woodland site. As we clomped through the landscape, participants eagerly exchanged ideas about the application of the earlier talks on the ground. As the WRV Steering Committee did its winter-time planning for 2012, the suggestions and challenges brought forward in the ERLP session were still in our minds. This springs restoration program already feels like it is on a more effective trajectory.

Participants enjoying WRVs ERLP session at SCEE

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WTC 2012 is Off and Running

WRV leaders are busy planning this summers Wissahickon Trail Classic, our organizations main fund-raising event, which will take place on Saturday, June 2. WRVs Arionna Brasche is the WTC Event Coordinator. The Classic has become one of the premier events in the regions running world. Participants run a challenging 10K course through the Wissahickon Valley foot trails and along Forbidden Drive. We have also recently added a 5K nature hike which follows a separate route and is designed for those who prefer a more leisurely experience. What can you do to support and enjoy the WTC? The Classic provides important operating funds for WRV each year, and we appreciate help from all members in making it a success. Runners and hikers can register for the race at www. wissahickontrailclassic.org. Member or friends who have a business that is able to donate prizes for runners are particularly appreciated.
Phil Ranly starts last years Wissahickon Trail Classic

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The WRV Steering Committee is Looking for New Volunteers

WRVs Steering Committee sets the policies for our organization and makes the plans for our natural restoration program. We are looking for people who are interested in joining the Steering Committee, and becoming part of a collaborative, ecologically-minded action group. Participating on the Steering Committee is a real opportunity for someone who has experience as a volunteer would like to try out a leadership position. We especially appreciate the expertise of people who have worked in landscaping, field biology, botany, civil engineering, and non-profit management. The Steering Committee meets monthly, during the evening, at our Midvale Ave. office in East Falls. We schedule field visits in the Wissahickon Valley during the warm weather to explore new possible sites for restoration. If you are interested in discussing the possibility of joining, please contact Steve Jones at stjones18@gmail.com.

Joanne Donohue leading ERLP participants on a tour of Penns Woods at SCEE

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WRV is seeking an Assistant Event Coordinator Intern

for WRVs largest fundraiser, the 7th Annual Wissahickon Trail Classic (WTC), to be held on June 2nd ,2012. The Intern will report to the WTC Event Coordinator. This position is unpaid. About Us: The Wissahickon Restoration Volunteers (WRV) is a small non-profit environmental organization. Our office is located in the East Falls section of Philadelphia. WRV coordinates and leads volunteers to carry out forest restoration in the beloved Wissahickon Valley Park in Philadelphia. Restoration work includes removing invasive plants, tree maintenance, and the planting of native trees and shrubs. WRV consists of a Steering Committee, Field Director, and Program Assistant who administer the program and we rely heavily upon the hands-on support of talented Interns and dedicated Volunteers to help implement the restoration activities. Requirements for the Assistant Event Coordinator Intern: Must be able to perform 5-8 hours of work per week and work at the WRV office once a week and attend occasional Wed. night meetings. Responsibilities: General assistance on a range of tasks associated with the WTC Providing assistance on the day of WTC race: Sat, June 2nd, 2012 Event promotion and the acquisition of sponsors Contacting vendors, sponsors, and partners to coordinate event logistics Follow up with sponsors and partners in the weeks following the event Qualifications: An interest in non-profits, environmental work, event planning, running/ race planning and/or fundraising Self-motivated, detail-oriented, energetic and engaging personality with an interest in coordinating details Excellent verbal and written communication skills Ability to complete tasks with minimal supervision, yet work effectively on a team Computer skills, including Microsoft Office, and ability to perform internet research Previous experience with non-profits and/or event coordination a plus Drivers license and own transportation necessary The Internship will last approximately three months, starting the first week of April and continuing until the end of June. To Apply: Please send a resume and cover letter to wrv.info@rhd.org with WTC Intern in the subject line. For more information about WRV, please see our website wissahickonrestorationvolunteers.org.

Environmental students from Community College of Philadelphia kick of this years work at Hermit Lane

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