Get Involved: PAST EVENTS & ACTIVITIES
To promote the health and beauty of the Cabin John Creek Watershed, FoCJC has pursued a variety of activities, including annual trash removal days, a Weed Warriors program to remove invasive exotic weeds; quarterly monitoring, and commenting on Montgomery County Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Cabin John Creek Watershed Restoration Study.
New activities are under development, so subscribe to our free newsletter or check back here to stay up to date!
Past Events
Dress warmly and in layers
Long pants, Hat, Shoes that can get wet, Waders if you have them
Bring: Work Gloves, Drinking Water
Provided: Trash Bags
Volunteers under age 12 should be accompanied by an adult
Clean-Up will proceed unless there's heavy rain,
Check the FoCJC homepage for updates if the forecast is rainy
Annual Creek Clean-Ups
We have scheduled several Clean-Up Events throughout the watershed, and you are invited to join any or all of them! A Creek Clean-Up is a wonderful way to explore new segments of the creek, or give a boost to old favorites. To find out why litter is a concern for the Cabin John Creek ecosystem, go to the Creek Clean-Up page. SSL hours are available.
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Clothing:
Equipment:
Kids:
Rain Date:
Saturday, April1 9 am - 1 pm Goya Drive
This event will focus on the Upper Mainstem of Cabin John Creek.
Meet-Up Location:
Activity Leader:
Southeast End of Goya Drive, Rockville
Mike Northridge, FoCJC Vice President, mikenorthridge@msn.com
Sunday, April 23 8 am - Noon Bradley Boulevard
This event will focus on the Central Mainstem of Cabin John Creek.
Bradley Blvd @ Cabin John Creek, Bethesda, MD 20817
There is limited parking at the cleanup site. You can also park at Seven Locks Elementary and walk down Bradley to the site.
Mike Northridge, FoCJC Vice President, mikenorthridge@msn.com
Meet-Up Location:
Activity Leader:
Saturday, May 6 1 pm - 3 pm Cabin John Bridge - CANCELLED DUE TO WEATHER
This event will focus on the Central Mainstem of Cabin John Creek.
Meet-Up Location:
Activity Leader:
Clara Barton Center Tennis Courts Parking Lot
7400 block of MacArthur Boulevard
Entrance immediately northwest of Cabin John Bridge
Burr Gray, FoCJC President, burrgray@aol.com
MLK Day of Service with FoCJC
Monday, January 16, 10 am - 2 pm
Locust Grove Nature Center
7777 Democracy Blvd, Bethesda, MD
In honor of the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Friends of Cabin John Creek invites you to our 2017 MLK Day of Service Watershed Stewardship Event.
Join us at the Locust Grove Nature Center, where we will be working on projects that improve the watershed and its inhabitants, such as cleaning up the area around the creek, pulling invasive plants, or building pollinator nest.
Date: Monday, January 16
(Check cabinjohncreek.org if the weather looks questionable.)
Time: 10 am - 2 pm
Place: Locust Grove Nature Center,
7777 Democracy Blvd., Bethesda, MD 20817
Sign Up: Pre-registration is appreciated (so we know
how many volunteers to expect), but drop-ins
are welcome so please sign up in advance.
January can be chilly, so please dress warmly and in layers, with long sleeves and pants, and wear sturdy closed-toe shoes. It’s a good idea to bring a thin pair of gloves to wear under work gloves for extra warmth.
All tools and supplies will be provided. SSL hours will be available. Volunteers under 14 must be accompanied by an adult.
Thank you in advance for your participation!
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Take a Hike! 2016
Saturday, June 4
FoCJC is joining in the American Hiking Society’s National Trails Day® (NTD), and we invite you to get outside and explore nature in your own watershed. Be part of the nationwide community that celebrates the wild and wonderful treasures of our country. Whether it's your first visit to the creek or a daily habit, there's something for everyone!
Plan your own self-guided adventure!
The Cabin John Trail is an 8.8-mile-long, natural surface trail that follows Cabin John Creek's mainstem from just north of the Potomac River in Cabin John to just south of Montrose Road in Potomac/Rockville. Part of it, the Cabin John Stream Valley Park from MacArthur Boulevard to the Capital Beltway, has been designated a "Best Natural Area" for its diversity of flora, fauna, and geology. The trail is maintained as part of the Cabin John Regional Park by Montgomery Parks, who have developed a great Trail Guide.. As you will see, there are multiple access points, so you can choose the length and type of adventure that suits you. There are even sections for mountain biking.
Send us a photo!
We'd love to see you, your family, and friends enjoying your adventure on Cabin John Creek. Go to our flickr page and post some pictures, with the names of the subjects and the photographer, the time/date of the photos, and your location on the trail.
Lead a hike!
FoCJC is always looking for event leaders who want to share their love of the Creek with their neighbors. If you would like to lead a hike, please let us know by emailing tina@cabinjohncreek.org.
Do More 24.
One Day to Click and Donate to FoCJC
Thursday, June 2
FoCJC is gearing up for the nationwide Do More 24 Campaign on Thursday, June 2nd. Do More 24 is a 24-hour online fundraiser for local non-profits like FoCJC, powered by United Way of the National Capital Area. It brings together hundreds of non-profits from our region on one donation platform. Last year, 11,000 Do More 24 donors contributed more than $1.4 million, which helped participating nonprofits launch new programs, buy equipment, expand services, hire staff, and fill budget gaps.
This is our first year participating with the campaign, and we hope that you will help us make it a great success. Our goal for this year is to generate enough support to provide a stipend for a summer intern, allowing us to teach and support a future environmental advocate. The intern will help with our Stormwater Solutions program, installing rain barrels and helping plan summer and fall events.
Here’s what we need you to do:
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Mark your calendar for Thursday, June 2nd.
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Bookmark this giving link.
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Spread the word about our campaign to all your friends, family, and discussion groups -- put our link up on Facebook, send a tweet!
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Click and donate on Thursday, June 2nd.
Thanks for your continued support!
Annual Creek Clean-Ups
We have scheduled several Clean-Up Events throughout the watershed, and you are invited to join any or all of them! A Creek Clean-Up is a wonderful way to explore new segments of the creek, or give a boost to old favorites. To find out why litter is a concern for the Cabin John Creek ecosystem, go to the Creek Clean-Up page. You can also download a flyer with all the date, time, and location information.
Clothing:
Equipment:
Kids:
Rain Date:
Dress warmly and in layers
Long pants, Hat, Shoes that can get wet, Waders if you have them
Bring: Work Gloves, Drinking Water
Provided: Trash Bags
Volunteers under age 12 should be accompanied by an adult
Clean-Up will proceed unless there's heavy rain,
Check the FoCJC homepage for updates if the forecast is rainy
Clothing:
Equipment:
Kids:
Rain Date:
Dress warmly and in layers
Long pants, Hat, Shoes that can get wet, Waders if you have them
Bring: Work Gloves, Drinking Water
Provided: Trash Bags
Volunteers under age 12 should be accompanied by an adult
Clean-Up will proceed unless there's heavy rain,
Check the FoCJC homepage for updates if the forecast is rainy
Dress warmly and in layers
Long pants, Hat, Shoes that can get wet, Waders if you have them
Bring: Work Gloves, Drinking Water
Provided: Trash Bags
Volunteers under age 12 should be accompanied by an adult
Clean-Up will proceed unless there's heavy rain,
Check the FoCJC homepage for updates if the forecast is rainy
Clothing:
Equipment:
Kids:
Rain Date:
Sunday, April 10 10 am - Noon Potomac Community Center
This event is co-sponsored by Congregation B’Nai Tzedek.
Meet-Up Location:
Activity Leader:
11315 Falls Rd., Potomac, MD 20854
Mike Northridge, FoCJC Vice President, mikenorthridge@msn.com
Saturday, April 16 9 am - Noon Cabin John Regional Park
This event is co-sponsored by the Alice Ferguson Foundation.
Meet-Up Location:
Activity Leader:
Cabin John Regional Park Picnic Area
7400 Tuckerman Lane, Bethesda, MD 20817
Mike Northridge, FoCJC Vice President, mikenorthridge@msn.com
Saturday, April 16 9 am - Noon Ritchie Parkway
This event is co-sponsored by the Alice Ferguson Foundation.
Meet-Up Location:
Activity Leader:
Saturday, April 16 12:30 - 1:30 pm Behind Ivymount School
This event will focus on the Upper Snakeden Branch of the Cabin John Creek, behind the Ivymont School.
Meet-Up Location:
Activity Leader:
Behind Ivymount School
11614 Seven Locks Rd, Potomac, MD 20854
Mike Northridge, FoCJC Vice President, mikenorthridge@msn.com
Saturday, April 16 2 pm - 3 pm Across from Scotland AME Zion Church
This event will focus on the Lower Snakeden Branch of the Cabin John Creek, across from the Scotland AME Zion Church.
Meet-Up Location:
Activity Leader:
Across Seven Locks Road from Scotland AME Zion Church
11614 Seven Locks Rd, Potomac, MD 20854
Mike Northridge, FoCJC Vice President, mikenorthridge@msn.com
Saturday, April 23 10 am - Noon Tilden Woods Park
This event will focus on the Lower Old Farm Branch of the Cabin John Creek.
Tilden Woods Park Parking Lot
6800 Tilden Lane, Potomac, MD 20852
Mike Northridge, FoCJC Vice President, mikenorthridge@msn.com
Meet-Up Location:
Activity Leader:
Stormwater Solutions & RainScapes Community Meeting
For Residents of West Bradley
Sunday, April 17 4 - 5:30 pm
Seven Locks Elementary School
9500 Seven Locks Rd., Bethesda, MD 20817
Does rainwater form ponds on your property? Does it erode the soil or flood your basement?
At this meeting, you’ll learn how to slow down and soak up stormwater and why doing so will improve the health of Cabin John Creek, the Potomac River, and the Chesapeake Bay.
Experts from Montgomery County’s RainScapes Rewards Program will give a brief presentation about the impacts of stormwater runoff, why the county is working with homeowners to address them, what homeowners can do, and how the RainScapes rebate system works. They’ll also describe the services available to residents of Cabin John, Cabin John Gardens, and Riverhill, under a program being run by Friends of Cabin John Creek. You can learn about specific opportunities the county has already identified in these neighborhoods.
County rebates are available for qualified RainScapes projects on private property. You’ll have an opportunity to sign up for a free professional site assessment, which will identify problems and solutions specific to your property and provide you with the information required to apply for RainScapes Rewards rebates.
This flyer has all the details.
RSVPs are appreciated, but not required.
Stormwater Solutions & RainScapes Community Meeting
For Residents of West Bradley
Sunday, April 17 4 - 5:30 pm
Seven Locks Elementary School
9500 Seven Locks Rd., Bethesda, MD 20817
Does rainwater form ponds on your property? Does it erode the soil or flood your basement?
At this meeting, you’ll learn how to slow down and soak up stormwater and why doing so will improve the health of Cabin John Creek, the Potomac River, and the Chesapeake Bay.
Experts from Montgomery County’s RainScapes Rewards Program will give a brief presentation about the impacts of stormwater runoff, why the county is working with homeowners to address them, what homeowners can do, and how the RainScapes rebate system works. They’ll also describe the services available to residents of Cabin John, Cabin John Gardens, and Riverhill, under a program being run by Friends of Cabin John Creek. You can learn about specific opportunities the county has already identified in these neighborhoods.
County rebates are available for qualified RainScapes projects on private property. You’ll have an opportunity to sign up for a free professional site assessment, which will identify problems and solutions specific to your property and provide you with the information required to apply for RainScapes Rewards rebates.
This flyer has all the details.
RSVPs are appreciated, but not required.
Stormwater Solutions & RainScapes Community Meeting
For Residents of Cabin John, Cabin John Gardens, and Riverhill
Sunday, February 28 4 - 6 pm
Local residents learned how to slow down and soak up stormwater and how this improves the health of Cabin John Creek. An expert from Montgomery County’s RainScapes Rewards Program gave a brief presentation about the impacts of stormwater runoff, what homeowners can do, and how the rebate system works. Attendees also signed up for free professional site assessments.
Stormwater Solutions & RainScapes Community Meeting
For Residents of Cabin John, Cabin John Gardens, and Riverhill
Sunday, February 28 4 - 6 pm
Local residents learned how to slow down and soak up stormwater and how this improves the health of Cabin John Creek. An expert from Montgomery County’s RainScapes Rewards Program gave a brief presentation about the impacts of stormwater runoff, what homeowners can do, and how the rebate system works. Attendees also signed up for free professional site assessments.
EcoMovie 2016: Water Blues Green Solutions
February 21 4 - 6 pm
Community members joined us at a screening of the inspirational documentary Water Blues Green Solutions., a 60-minute film that explores the nexus of stormwater management and green design. The film focuses on how cities like Philadelphia, Portland, San Antonio, and the Bronx are using natural systems to clean, absorb, and help manage water.
EcoMovie 2016: Water Blues Green Solutions
February 21 4 - 6 pm
Community members joined us at a screening of the inspirational documentary Water Blues Green Solutions., a 60-minute film that explores the nexus of stormwater management and green design. The film focuses on how cities like Philadelphia, Portland, San Antonio, and the Bronx are using natural systems to clean, absorb, and help manage water.
MLK Day of Service @ Locust Grove Nature Center
January 18, 2016 9 - 11 am
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., was a pioneer in his efforts to ensure environmental and social justice for all people. Friends of Cabin John Creek partnered with Montgomery County's Locust Grove Nature Center to build on his legacy at our 2016 MLK Day of Service event.
MLK Day of Service @ Locust Grove Nature Center
January 18, 2016 9 - 11 am
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., was a pioneer in his efforts to ensure environmental and social justice for all people. Friends of Cabin John Creek partnered with Montgomery County's Locust Grove Nature Center to build on his legacy at our 2016 MLK Day of Service event.