Summer Macroinvertebrate Count Shows Creek in Poor Health

Our summer macroinvertebrate survey of the Little Falls Creek discovered only 8 species which gives the creek a poor rating for its biological health. The Summer macroinvertebrate count is part of our water quality monitoring program. We survey the creek 4 times a year to learn about its biological health.

Two-Lined Salamander and More: Spring Stream Monitoring

Our stream monitoring team was thrilled to find a two-lined salamander at their spring monitoring session, April 21! This little salamander lays her eggs in the creek on the rocks and pebbles. While they are native to the area, we don’t see many in the creek because their habitat is frequently buried in the silt caused by eroding banks.

Yes, We have Virginia Bluebells!

It’s spring in the Green Acres Restoration Project and we are happy to report that the Virginia Bluebells (Mertensia virginica) we planted last fall are up and starting to bloom and more were planted just last week. Virginia bluebells are native to the eastern part of North America and occur in riparian forests, which are wooded areas growing on river and lake banks or in wetland areas. The blue flowers in the spring make a stunning display and when they spread, carpet the area in blue.

February Salt Testing Shows the Effect of a "Non-Snow" Event

Salt testing in February clearly shows what happens to the creek when the storm fails to materialize. Although forecasters were predicting snow for Friday, February 16, the weather had its own ideas; the temperatures were above freezing, and no snow fell in the Little Falls watershed.  However, in anticipation of the storm, huge quantities of salt were spread on sidewalks in the Bethesda Chevy Chase area by Thursday afternoon.