Four Corners Park Community Stroll

October 15, 2011, Hosted by Carol Ann Barth

The Four Corners neighborhoods in Silver Spring are near the bustling Beltway and major intersections and a transportation and commercial hub.  But venturing into the side streets you will find mature tree canopy and an extremely desirable community near the Northwest Branch of the Anacostia River.  Thanks to hosts Carol Ann Barth and Jim Zepp, Strollers learned about the natural features of this community and the threats to open space in the area.   Ms. Barth, First Vice President of the Montgomery County Civic Federation,  led the walk and discussion.  She is with the Northwood Four Corners Civic Association and has been advocating for open space and tree protection in the area for 9 years.  A volunteer feature of the stroll was a neighborhood trash pickup and cleanup of a section of the Northwest Branch. Several students along on the stroll earned Student Service Learning (SSL) hours for their community service. Below are photos from the October stroll. And find a Silver Spring Voice story that explains the threat to the park and green space in this area at this link.

 

Above, right, Carol Ann Barth provides background to introduce the stroll to participants beginning at the North Four Corners Park Community Center. The center building across the park stands closed and unused.

Above, left, Barth in purple speaks to strollers. At right, participants hear about the fate of Rachel Carson Meadow.

Peaceful Rachel Carson Meadow. At right is a 180-year-old black walnut tree in the meadow.

Above: entrance to the path along the Northwest Branch for the stroll. Neighbors have made a home-made receptacle for pet waste. Right: A view along the watershed.

Cleaning up along the way. Two MCPS middle school students earn SSL hours on the stroll.

Plugged into nature: Strollers climb down toward the stream bed to pick up litter from the Northwest Branch.