Storm Drain stickers help alert people to where drains exit

It's important to inform and educate the public about storm drains. Many of us do not know that around 70% of all storm drains lead directly into open waterways, without any treatment.

That is certainly true of the storm drains on Three Oaks Drive. Our storm drains run directly into Sligo Creek.  Street pollutants, silt, pet wastes, pesticides, asphalt granules from our roofs: These all run into our open storm drains, and these items damage the creek's water quality. 

And since Sligo Creek runs into the Anacostia and from there into the Potomac and the Chesapeake Bay, the health of every waterway affects the next part of the water system -- all the way to the ocean. 

A drain marker provides a visual "warning sign" to help inform and educate people that anything that is poured/dropped into the drain will go into waterways untreated.

Montgomery County supports individuals, groups, and communities that want to install drain markers on their storm drains. Go to the links below to learn how to help and to get your free materials. It's a great project for a family, a scout troop, a classroom, or a church group. 





Please go to these links: 

• Volunteer to help our County streams.

• Join the Montgomery County storm drain marking program.  

Telling families at the park & playground about our Conservation Landscape project

The Three Oaks Association and Friends of Sligo Creek are getting closer to the installation of the Conservation Landscape project.

In October, we spent some time in the Seven Oaks Park and Playground. The park is busy with children and families who play here, as well as numerous joggers, dog walkers, and bike riders who are passing through, enjoying the fall weather.

Maya, Stella, and Aubrey represent the 'hood
 in learning about capturing stormwater.

We are telling people about the upcoming construction, what the purpose is, what it will look like, and how it will benefit them and our environment.

"Think about where you're walking so you don't
hurt the new plants," says Nina 

Nina is showing friends where the new landscape will be, and how children should walk around the new plants as they are getting established.

More presentations to Three Oaks Association homeowners

The Storm Water Grant Team held another information session with HOA owners.

It was a great chance to hear how Montgomery County and the Chesapeake Bay Trust are working with property owners to control stormwater and help get it back into the ground instead of running into storm drains.  Every effort to divert rain water into the ground helps reduce pollution in Sligo Creek.

The question of the evening was how to divert rain water from our parking lot and street into the new Conservation Landscaping. 


A speed bump is one way to divert water across a road. 


But on our street, there's a steep uphill curve. 

When you have to navigate snow and ice in the winter,  a speed bump that forces you to slow down at the crest of hill can be treacherous. 

We talked about the pros and cons of installing a trench drain instead. 

The main downside is the cost: 
A trench drain costs more than three times as much as an asphalt speed bump. 

There were several questions. 

How will the Conservation Landscaping be maintained?
Answer: The weeding and mulching will be added to the 3OA annual landscaping contract. 

How would you keep a  trench drain clear of leaves and debris?
Answer: 3OA currently cleans out our drainage system once a year. The trench drain could be added to that contract. 



Our owners are enthusiastic and they have lots of ideas!

Information Sessions for Homeowners

Presentations to our Three Oaks Association Owners

Our Three Oaks Association Storm Water Grant Team held several information sessions with the HOA owners and renters.



First we gave background information on what storm water is, why it can be a problem in our neighborhood, and what we can do about it.

We have some terrific presentation posters to illustrate all of those points.



Second, we handed out material that shows what our Grant budget looks like, including how much is matched by our HOA reserve funds and by "in-kind" donations from our neighbors.



We also offered drawings that illustrate the current property area and the concept of the Conservation Landscape as it will be constructed in November 2018.

Owners like to see the detailed plant illustrations, which give them ideas of what native plants will flourish in their personal yards. 

 

Prior to Construction: Perc Test completed!

We needed a perc test!

As we get closer to the construction of our Conservation Landscape (CL), a Three Oaks Association owner (Katherine) enlisted the help of her grandchildren to dig a hole and check if the water would drain according to CL rules.
This drainage check is commonly called a "perc test," where you see if the water percolates quickly enough into the soil to allow proper drainage. If the soil does not "perc" quickly enough, then the rainwater will simply run downhill and pool at the lowest point.

Children can help dig and measure a for a perc test!

This test is ideal for eager hands and a strong shovel. You also need a measuring tape to make the hole the proper depth.

After digging the hole, you fill it with water. After waiting 24 hours, check the hole. If the water has all drained and the hole is empty, the perc test is successful.  Some standards ask for a repeat.

While doing this test, be sure to cover the hole or fence it off so no one will hurt themselves. And then fill the hole when the test is completed.

Here's a great pdf that gives easy illustrations for doing a perc test:   https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/DEP/Resources/Files/downloads/rainscapes/How-To-Do-a-Perc-Test.pdf

Free light bulb swap!

At one of the 5 Books and Bulbs events in Montgomery County, MD 

October is Energy Action Month!  Montgomery County is celebrating with programs and events that can help residents and businesses save energy and money.

Books and Bulbs are free events where County residents bring their old, inefficient light bulbs and trade them for free for up to 3 LED bulbs, a kids’ activity book, and a reusable bag. 

• Wed, Oct 10 from 3-5pm at Connie Morella Library in Bethesda
• Sat, Oct 13 from 10:30am-12:30pm at Damascus Library
• Mon, Oct 15 from 4-6pm at Maggie Nightingale Library in Poolesville
• Thurs, Oct 18 from 5-7pm at Marilyn J. Praisner Library in Burtonsville
• Sat, Oct 27 from 12-2pm at the White Oak Library

More information on Montgomery County's Energy Events
https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/green/energy/index.html

The Power of Volunteers

A crew of volunteers were out this weekend picking up trash near Long Branch Library . They had Orange M-NCPPC County Park trash bags, and everything they picked up kept it out of the nearby storm drain, which flows into Long Branch.  A great demonstration of the power of volunteers.