Haverford News Spring 2023

JOHN BYRNE

and Clay Wagner Team

CONTENTS:

Township Directory.................................4

Environmentally Responsible.............6-8

Narberth Ambulance .............................10

Speak UP! Assess Your Stress ............12

Health & Wellness .................................14

Pet Health & Well-being........................18

Injury Prevention & Recovery ..............20

Willows Park Preserve..........................22

Landscaping & Gardening ...................24

Bird Population Declining ....................26

Golf Etiquette.........................................30

This publication is an effort to keep the community informed with what is actually happening in your area. For future editions, I welcome your thoughts on topics that affect the community. I'd be happy to publish your opinions on any relevant topics. Do you have an event that you'd like to publicize? Let me know , and I'll do my best to incorporate your event into the newsletter. This is your community. This is your home. Use this publication to share your thoughts and ideas with your neighbors. Are you ready to get involved in your community?

TOWNSHIP DIRECTORY

TOWNSHIP ADMINISTRATION

BUILDING

1014 Darby Road

Havertown PA 19083

www.haverfordtownship.org

610-446-1000

Mon - Fri 8 am to 4 pm

Township Manager ....................x2232

Human Resources ......................x2233

Code Enforcement-

Permit & Contractor License......x2252

Code Enforcement-Rentals.........x2256

Residental Use & Occupancy......x2210

Finance Office-Director..............x2240

Finance - Business & Real Estate

Tax Coordinator ......................x2242

Finance - Accounting Clerk ........x2243

Finance - Accounts Payable .......x2244

Finance - Accounting Coordinator/Payroll.................x2246

Health Department....................x2501

Planning Department................x2254

Public Works Department..........x2264

Zoning Department ...................x2253

Asst. Twp. Mgr, Haverford Reserve/Recreation Dept. .....................................610-446-9397

FIRE DEPARTMENTS

Emergency Phone: 9-1-1

Bon Air Fire Company

541 Royal Avenue

Havertown, PA 19083

610-446-6008

Brookline Fire Company

1315 Darby Road

Havertown, PA 19083

610-446-9955

Llanerch Fire Company

107 West Chester Pike

Havertown, PA 19083

610-446-9870

Manoa Fire Company

115 S. Eagle Road

Havertown, PA 19083

610-446-0744

Oakmont Fire Company 23 W. Benedict Avenue

Havertown, PA 19083

610-446-9837

Grange Estate

143 Myrtle Avenue

Havertown, PA 19083

610-446-4958

www.thegrangeestate.org

HAVERFORD TOWNSHIP

FREE LIBRARY

1601 Darby Road

Havertown, PA 19083

610-446-3082

www.haverfordlibrary.org

HAVERFORD TOWNSHIP

SCHOOL DISTRICT

50 East Eagle Road

Havertown, PA 19083

610-853-5900

www.haverford.k12.pa.us

MAIN LINE ART CENTER

746 Panmure Road

Havertford, PA 19041

610-525-0272

www.mainlineart.org

David Amsterdam · franklinmaps@aol.com

Now In Effect!

Zero Waste and Composting Food Waste

Recycling Workshop

PASSED — April 2022

Enforcement began January 2nd, 2023.

Why Was This Ordinance Proposed?

Single-use waste, like plastic bags and straws, are harmful to the environment and costly to taxpayers. Regulation minimizes litter, environmental impacts, and waste management costs. Over 48,000 lbs. of trash was removed in area Darby/Cobbs Creek cleanups in 2021. Recent PA DOT and DEP research indicates that “plastic film” is the largest component of litter in the environment. The ordinance would curb unnecessary distribution of these materials in our community. In a momentous effort to curb these wasteful practices, nine states and over 500 U.S. municipalities have adopted similar laws. Almost a third of Americans live in areas with single-use laws, a number sure to grow as more attention is drawn to global waste issues, and the ease of compliance is better understood. Local communities with single-use plastic ordinances include Narberth, Philadelphia, West Goshen and West Chester. Other local communities actively working on similar ordinances including Lower Merion, Ambler, Radnor, Easttown, and Tredyffrin.

Where Can I Read The Ordinance?

Ordinances passed are available online on the Township web site under buildings and codes.

Who Would Be Getting The 10-Cent Fee Per Paper Bag?

Businesses would keep the 10 cent minimum fee that must be charged for every point of sale bag and shown on receipts. You can explain to customers that this is the law for all retailers.

Who Do I Contact If I Have More Questions?

An FAQ is available to support retailer preparation for this transition, please email your commissioner

E-waste & Terracycle public drop off bins. There are two public bins for specific small E-waste recycling available for drop off 24/7. Two E-waste bins are located at the Township building on the lower parking lot between Wawa and the Police station. There is now an additional E-waste bin located at the Community Recreation and Environmental Center (CREC). Two Recycling Beyond the Blue Bin bins (Oral Care and Personal Care only) are located at the Township building — located on the upper lot near the front doors. Contact Havswitch@gmail.com for a PDF about recycling “beyond the blue bin” through our volunteer based Terracycle programs. Please follow directions on what is accepted in each program. Make sure packaging is as clean and dry as possible! We have drop off locations for brita filters, food pouches and caps, foil lined chip bags, writing utensils, scrap metal and more! Thanks for keeping these items out of our trash stream, local landfills and incinerators.

Composting Workshop

Contact Havcompost@gmail.com for information about live and asynchronous videos. What it is, why it helps and how you can try it at home. Learn about wasting less, fighting climate change and making free organic fertilizer! Learn how some towns offer Discount Compost Bins or 2 months free compositing pick up service for residents.

Compsot webinar date: May 8th, 7-8pm. Questions or can't make the workshop Contact Havcompost@gmail.com

Two months free Composting Service

th March 20 & 27 , 7-8pm at Haverford High School through the Haverford Township Adult School (HTAS). Learn how to properly recycle in Haverford's single stream curbside collection; and how to go above and beyond by recycling Beyond the Blue Bin. EAC members will explain what is accepted and not, how to clean, and introduce you to our opt-in program to recycle items not accepted in your blue bin. FREE, registration required! Register at Haverford Township Adult School website.

Yard Clean Up Reminders!

Reminder — Brush Collections are to be on the curb loose in a container (just like single stream recycling pick up). Brown bags and bundles are NO LONGER

ACCEPTED!

Pro Tip: Shred leaves for excellent garden mulch (mow pile, shredder, mulching vacuum, weed wacker in can of leaves). Mow leaves right into lawn for excellent organic fertilizer. Ask your landscaper, it might be cheaper!

Harvest Your Stormwater!

Learn how rain gardens, downspout planters and the Streamsmart Stormwater Housecall Program can help you harvest your stormwater, reduce runoff and the resulting pollution associated with stormwater and reduce downstream flooding. The native plants used also create habitat for pollinators. Go to https://www.dcva.org/ to find out more.

EARTH DAY 2023

April 22nd, 9am-12pm:

Earth Day Activities

9000 Parkview Drive, Haverford

April 23rd, 7-8pm: Climate Adaptation Discussion for Haverford TownshipÊ[virtual] The weather is more extreme with large storms. There are forecasts for longer heat events over the next 10 years. We need to adapt. Members of the EAC lead a discussion on what you can do.

Free: Registration Required! Register at Haverford Parks and Rec's online registration system.

ENVIRONMENTALLY RESPONSIBLE

Ready to Stop Climate Change? Get it Done!

Battle climate change and get pay back in both cash and the satisfaction of knowing that you and thousands of your neighbors, businesses and Towns throughout the Delaware Valley are getting the job done! Some steps require no investment and some do. ALL can save you money. Web sites like https://haverfordclimateaction.org/ provide a one-stop shop for information on things you can do, upcoming webinars, videos and more.

Solar the Easy Way

Solar PV Tax Credits Supercharged

Home solar tax credits went up to 30% for 2023 and beyond making solar payback even better. Non-profits can now also benefit and get a direct 30% federal rebate for systems turned on in 2023. Deadline to sign up for 2023 is Sept. 30, 2023.

Solarize DelCo Group Pricing

Residents and businesses in Delaware County Email us at solarizedelco@gmail.com with name, address and phone number and we can help you assess whether the Solarize Delco program with vetted vendors and a significant discount over market rates is right for you.

New Low Income Grants and Leasing Options

Income qualified homeowners can apply for a $5,000 grant while funds last or take advantage of our new partnership with a vetted leasing firm that can reduce monthly bills by a combination of Solar PV and weatherization. Solarize Delco can help you decide what is best for you.

Who are we?

Your neighbors, an all volunteer non-profit providing education, unbiased information and an easier path to putting solar on your home, business or house of worship. We can help Houses of Worship and other nonprofits find sources of funding as well.

More info at www.solarizedelco.org

Search Solarize Philly and Solarize SE PA for programs outside of DelCo.

Ready to Solarize Now?

In Delaware County, PA - fill out a form on www.solarizedelco.org or Email us at solarizedelco@gmail.com with your name, address and phone number and we can help you assess whether the Solarize Delco program with a selected vendor and a significant discount over market rates is right for you. In Bucks, Chester, and Montgomery County - Email solarizesepa@gmail.com.

Climate Webinar Series Videos

Watch these informative recorded Climate Action Workshops on Solar Home, adapting to Electric Vehicle use, Purchasing Renewable Energy, and others at https://www.youtube.com/channel/ UCwISP41eRhD0SUyHxGpY9xQ

The Clean Energy Co-Op can help businesses and nonprofits go solar through education and solar development with the capital of local Co-op members. Contact info@cleanenergy.coop to learn more.

HEALTH & WELLNESS

Colorectal cancer is almost entirely preventable with a colorectal cancer screening. The American Cancer Society recommends that adults begin colorectal cancer screening at age 45. Your doctor may recommend beginning screening earlier if you're at increased risk for colorectal cancer based on factors such as your personal and family history of colorectal cancer or colon polyps that can become cancer

Several screening tests can be used to find polyps or colorectal cancer

While the gold standard is colonoscopy, home-based screenings are also an option for some people at average risk. If you're hesitant about having a colonoscopy, a home-based test is better than no test at all. It's important to talk to your doctor about which test is right for you and how often you should be screened. A positive result on a home colorectal cancer test will be followed up with colonoscopy. So, what do you need to know about at-home tests? Read on for answers to the most frequently asked questions.

What home colorectal cancer test options are available?

Home stool-based tests look for signs of cancer in a person's stool. There are three types of tests:

A guaiac fecal occult blood test (gFOBT) checks for hidden blood in the stool with a chemical called guaiac.

A fecal immunochemical test (FIT) uses antibodies to check for hidden blood in the stool.

A FIT-DNA stool test (e.g., Cologuard®) combines the FIT with a test that checks DNA in stool cells for genetic changes that may be a sign of colorectal cancer.

How accurate are these home colorectal cancer tests?

FIT tests are generally more accurate than gFOBT tests, and FIT-DNA tests are the most accurate, at around 92%. Still, all can produce false-negative results, meaning they do not detect cancer when it's there, or false-positive results, meaning they detect cancer when none is there. Any positive result will be followed up with a colonoscopy.

How do you collect a sample?

With a gFOBT test, you receive a test kit from your health care provider. At home, you use a stick or brush to obtain a small amount of stool, which you place on a special card and return to a doctor or

laboratory for testing. You'll have some dietary restrictions and will collect stool samples for three consecutive days.

With a FIT test, you receive a test kit from your health care provider. At home, you use a stick or brush to obtain a small amount of stool, which is placed in a special collection tube or on special cards and returned to a doctor or laboratory for testing. There are no dietary restrictions, and you'll need only one sample.

With a FIT-DNA test, you receive a test kit from your health care provider. At home, you collect an entire bowel movement and send it to a lab, where it's checked for altered DNA and for the presence of blood. There are no dietary restrictions, and you'll need only one sample.

How often should you do a home test? FIT and gFOBT tests should be repeated every year. FIT-DNA tests should be repeated every three years.

Comparatively, a colonoscopy screening can be every 10 years or more frequently depending on what is found and the patient's risk factors.

What are the benefits and drawbacks of home tests?

Stool-based screenings require people to collect samples directly from their feces, which may be unpleasant for some, but the test is quick and noninvasive and can be done at home, and no bowel preparation is needed. Stool-based testing is most beneficial when done over time.

Stool-based tests are not as accurate as colonoscopy, and any positive results on stool-based screening tests require follow-

up with colonoscopy. While there are many types of colorectal cancer screening tests, colonoscopy is the only test that can find precancerous polyps and remove them before they become cancerous.

Do I need a prescription from my doctor? Yes, you will need a prescription from your primary care provider or gastroenterologist for any at-home test. Colonoscopies are performed by a gastroenterologist or colorectal surgeon.

Is colorectal cancer screening covered by insurance?

All colorectal cancer screening is generally covered by insurance at regular intervals, but it's best to check with your insurance provider to be sure.

Main Line Health Cancer Care provides compassionate care through all stages of cancer treatment, from diagnosis through survivorship, for patients throughout the Philadelphia region and beyond. To discuss colorectal cancer screening options or to schedule an appointment with a Main Line Health colorectal or gastroenterology specialist, call 1.866.CALL.MLH (225.5654)

Everything you always wanted to know about home colorectal cancer tests but were afraid to ask!

PET HEALTH & WELL-BEING

Could my pet possibly have allergies?

Karen Farver, DVM, DACVD

Does your pet look like this?

chance of a drug eruption. It is important that you do not let your pet ingest the topicals.

Food allergy is not as common as environmental allergy as a cause of foot licking but can be present if the symptoms have always been non seasonal. This is especially true in younger or older patients or patients that also are showing GI signs. In these cases, talk to your veterinarian about a strict food trial with a novel protein diet or hydrolyzed diet trial or considering a novel protein home cook diet balanced for complete nutrition to assess if this causes resolution of symptoms.

What happens if these treatments do not work?

It is a similar test to the skin test a human allergist performs for human allergies. This will test the local allergic reaction in the skin to the pollen. This is the preferred test typically due to the benefits of testing the physiologic reaction of the skin. However, this is a sedated test.

Paw licking is a frequent symptom of allergies in both dogs and cats!

What could it mean if my pet licks their paws?

Paw licking can be a symptom of many things including:

Airborne allergies

Food allergies

Bacterial infection

Yeast infection

Mites (sarcoptes or demodex)

Autoimmune disease

Nailbed problems, etc.

What can I use at home to treat paw licking?

It may be helpful to wipe your pet's paws once to twice daily with baby wipes or an over-the-counter chlorhexidine product or chlorhexidine/azole product. — or a bacterial infection, you may try applying over the counter Neosporin* to the paws twice daily with no licking after application.

For a yeast infection, you may try applying over the counter miconazole cream* or spray to the paws. These can be combined with an overthe-counter hydrocortisone cream once daily for 7 days. *For all topicalsespecially steroids — it is important to stop if the skin worsens and contact your veterinarian. With all topicals there is a

If these treatments do not work, it may be that your pet is suffering from allergies or has a more severe infection. In either of these cases, a trip to the dermatologist may indicated to diagnose and treat the problem.

How would a veterinary dermatologist treat allergies in my pet?

For environmental allergies, first, we would need to test your pet to identify which allergens he or she is reacting to. There are two different tests that are commonly used to identify these allergens: intradermal skin testing (IDAT) and IgE blood testing. There are advantages and disadvantages to both tests and sometimes your dermatologist will recommend both tests to maximize results. Factors veterinary dermatologists consider in selecting the test include the condition of the skin, the overall health of the pet, the ability to withdraw certain medications, the age of the pet, how long the pet has had allergies, the species of the pet and the overall accuracy of the test.

Intradermal skin testing (IDAT) is typically only offered by a veterinary dermatologist or allergist. This test is typically considered the “gold standard” of allergy testing.

Serum allergy testing is a blood test that measures the levels of IgE antibodies in the pet's blood. These antibodies are produced by the immune system in response to allergens in some pets. The main disadvantages of this allergy test are many companies offer this assay, these companies will all perform the test differently which can result in varying accuracy between labs. There is also concern that some pets have not developed circulating IgE in the blood to allergens that are causing their itch and inflammation. This test can be helpful when there are respiratory signs of allergy or if a pet's health is a concern for sedation.

Dermatologist never recommend in-home allergy test kits. There is no evidence to support the claims that hair and saliva tests for dog allergies are accurate. The results of studies evaluating at home testing showed that it was no better than guessing and that the results were not consistent.

What happens after allergy testing?

Based on the results of the testing, a vaccine will be formulated that is specifically tailored to your pet! The goal of the vaccine is to gradually lessen their reactions to the allergens. This allows many pets to discontinue oral and topical medications that they have needed to control their allergies.

What is carpal tunnel syndrome?

Carpal tunnel syndrome is a common condition that causes pain, numbness, and tingling in the hand and arm. The condition occurs when one of the major nerves to the handthe median nerve is squeezed or compressed as it travels through the wrist.

In addition to numbness and tingling, carpal tunnel syndrome can cause swelling, weakness, and night time pain. Patients sometimes describe dropping things unexpectedly and may have difficulty with buttoning shirts, tying shoelaces, or handling loose change.

What causes carpal tunnel syndrome?

Carpal tunnel syndrome is frequently seen in individuals who develop swelling or inflammation in their hands. People who smoke, as well as those with connective tissue diseases, diabetes mellitus, and hypothyroidism, may be at greater risk. Repetitive work activities can also cause carpal tunnel syndrome.

The median nerve acts as an electrical wire between the spinal cord and the hand. The nerve passes through the carpal tunnel in the wrist along with nine tendons that bend the fingers. When the tendons in the

wrist become swollen and inflamed, the median nerve can become compressed by the transverse carpal ligament (see figure), leading to carpal tunnel symptoms.

Early on, symptoms commonly occur during sleeping hours. In more advanced cases, the symptoms can become problematic during waking hours. Many sufferers describe symptoms with benign activities, like reading the newspaper or driving a car.

What can a hand surgeon do to help?

A hand surgeon can order special nerve tests to verify the extent of the problem. Custom wrist splints are helpful for early stages of carpal tunnel syndrome. These splints are worn at nighttime to relieve pressure on the median nerve and to prevent the wrists from bending during sleep.

Cortisone injections often provide excellent relief from symptoms. Unfortunately, symptomatic relief is only temporary, and most people experience a recurrence of symptoms after 3-4 months.

For chronic or more advanced cases, carpal tunnel surgery is often recommended as the best course of treatment.

What can I expect from surgery? Surgery provides more space for the median nerve and relieves pressure on the median nerve and tendons. This procedure is typically done under light sedation and local anesthesia and usually takes only minutes to complete.

While there are several different approaches to performing carpal tunnel surgery, usually a 1/2 inch incision is made near the wrist and use of a camera to release the tunnel under direct visualization. This minimally invasive approach minimizes discomfort following surgery and allows patients to return to activities more quickly. Over 95 percent of patients improve dramatically following surgical intervention, with most returning to daily activities within days. Many patients can resume heavier job-related activities after 2-4 weeks.

Contact us at 1-610-768-5959 to schedule an appointment with one of our providers.

14 Offices in Pennsylvania & New Jersey including:

King of Prussia · Havertown

Paoli · Langhorne · Limerick

Center City Philadelphia

South Philadelphia

Willow Grove · Lansdale

Rockledge · Glen Mills

Cape May Court House

Cherry Hill

Hammonton

It's hard to imagine spending time at The Willows, Radnor Township's most beautiful park, and not feeling better than you felt before you arrived. The Willows Park, with its rolling hills, stately trees, and pictureperfect pond, is a soul-soothing, spiritlifting place regardless of the time of year, but it is especially so in early spring after a damp, dreary winter with too much gray and too little green. Spring is a time of renewal, of rebirth, of restoration, a time to abandon the stuffy confines of home or the crowded aisles of CVS, tissues and cold remedies in hand, and venture outdoors where the air is fresh and bracing and we begin to recall that we have hearts that beat, lungs that breathe and limbs that move!

Spring encourages us to shake off our winter torpor and resume the healthy habits and exercise routines so many of us abandoned as the days grew shorter and the temperatures dropped. Spring exhorts us to be well, in mind, body and spirit (or, as the Romans might say, “Mens sana in corpore sano”). Spring does what she can (longer days, warmer weather) to make it easy for us to do so.

But sometimes even Spring needs a little assist loosening the remote control from our grasp and nudging us out the door to a nearby park or gym. Recognizing this need, the Willows Park Preserve is busy making plans for hosting its second annual, daylong Wellness at the Willows event on April 23, 2023 (rain date April 30). The Willows Park Preserve is a nonprofit organization that was formed by a group of local residents to restore the longshuttered, rapidly deteriorating Willows Mansion, once the jewel of the Willows Park, and open it up for public and private events, community programming and simple, passive enjoyment.

The inaugural Wellness at the Willows event was held last April and, by all accounts and measures, was a huge success. The 2022 event featured, among other things, classes on yoga, mindfulness, stretching and exercise; lectures and demonstrations on healthy eating and nutrition; display tables with educational materials; a nature hike along the Skunk Hollow Trail; and a tour of the adjacent Skunk Hollow Community where Radnor residents can grow their own vegetables, herbs and flowers in a pesticide-free environment. This year's event will be similar but with some new features and new lecture topics to keep the event fresh and timely. And, as was true of last year's event, the 2023 event will be free of charge and accessible to all members of the community.

Opportunities to hold a class, deliver a lecture, lead a workshop or to set up a table or booth with health and wellnessoriented materials and displays are still

available. Sponsorship opportunities are also available. Sponsorships are a win-win, as they help the Willows Park Preserve fund the event but also give local businesses a chance to engage with the community and let the community know that “we are there for you!”

This year's Wellness at the Willows event will take place at the Willows Mansion, both indoors and outdoors in the courtyard, on the terrace, under the tent or, most appropriately, in the “wishing well” circle. Yes, the Willows Park Preserve wishes you well and looks forward to seeing you at this year's event.

For more information or if you are interested in sponsorship, leading a class or workshop or setting up a display and information table, please email the WPP at: info@willowsparkpreserve.org.

If you would like to host your next event at the WPP, register for a program, learn about volunteer opportunities, provide financial support, or simply want to learn more about the WPP, please visit our website: www.willowsparkpreserve.org or email us at: info@willowsparkpreserve.org

NATIVE PLANT LANDSCAPING

Why Do My Native Plants Keep Dying?

by Alex Morrison

Why Do My Native Plants Keep Dying?

Alex Morrison

Those of us who make concerted efforts to use native plants in our landscapes inevitably experience trials and errors. Some of our selections spread gloriously all over the place, some die within weeks, and some just sit there — sort of in stasis.

Unfortunately, the Burning Bushes and Knock Out Roses of the horticultural world have trained many of us to believe you can put any plant in any old place and it will thrive. But the fact is, those horticultural varieties are the product of years of research and genetic modification. Native plants evolve in the wild to perform specific ecological functions, and can behave unpredictably in home gardens. There are 2 major reasons why:

1. Not every site is suitable for every plant.

2. Not all native plants are native to you

One of the biggest factors in a native species' life-or-death is what ecologists call “site conditions.” This classification includes multiple components (from soil pH to mycorrhizal activity). But the paramount variable is soil moisture.

For example, Monarda fistulosa (Wild bergamot) will grow in sandy soil and full sun, but will never survive in a floodplain. Conversely, you'll never find Lobelia cardinalis (Cardinal flower) from a streamside growing in a sandy plain. This is because native plants need specific soil moisture regimes that will neither rot their

roots, nor desiccate them. Remember, these species weren't grown in labs; they evolved under specialized conditions in the wild!

Our job as good land stewards is to understand what kind of environment is appropriate for each plant, and then place it in an area with equivalent conditions in our yards. In other words, if your lawn gets baked with sun and dries to a crisp every summer, try looking for native plants that would be found naturally in sandy meadows or rocky outcrops. And if your lawn floods or stays wet over the winter, look for plants that would be native to wetlands or riparian areas.

Even if you get your site conditions just right, you'll still need to find a native plant that is native to you.

Many “native” plants you can buy in the store are sourced from states or even time zones away. It's not uncommon to purchase a packet of native wildflower seeds, only to find out that those seeds are

indigenous to Texas, not Pennsylvania. It's certainly not a crime to plant Tetraneuris scaposa (Four-nerve daisy) in your PA yard, but you'll lose the benefits of having a native plant there like feeding local pollinators and supporting important birds. It's best to check your plant's native range before you buy! (You can find a map of county-specific native ranges for your species in the USDA's PLANTS database, USDA Plants Database.)

Truly, gardening with native plants is a commitment we make out of love. Love for our waterways, love for our local insects and wildlife, and love for our futures. However, building native landscapes comes with a learning curve. Start by making sure your site conditions can support the plants you want, and that they're actually indigenous to your area. Then the rest should come easily. For everything else, you can consult local experts like WildLawn.

WildLawn is an ecological restoration company that specializes in converting traditional turf grass lawns into authentic native habitats. If you have questions about how to get started, or want to learn more about native ecology, you can reach us at www.wildlawn.com, or follow us

WOODLAND CONSERVATION & BIRDS

The Importance of Woodland Conservation to our Birds

by Dr. Jonathan Wilson, Haverford College Department of Environmental Studies, Philip

Vice President

PA

Township trees, both at individual scale and in larger woodlands, enhance our environment in many ways, from landscape shade in the summer to absorbing carbon dioxide through photosynthesis. Many articles have focused on the importance of preserving our woodlands and tree canopy

because of their vital role in reducing flooding and stormwater runoff and in sequestering greenhouse gases and moderating climate extremes. 70% of the woodlands in Pennsylvania and the overwhelming majority of woodlands in your Township are on private property, and their conservation is crucial for these, and other, environmental reasons. One of the less-appreciated roles that our trees play is habitat; they are home to a diverse range of animals, including birds. Many bird species have experienced a steep population decline in recent decades, up to 60%, or greater, in the last 50 years. Therefore, in addition to the many other roles they play in your Township as part of our natural landscape and stormwater management “green infrastructure”, preserving Township woodlands is important to stemming the further loss of birds.

Local habitat conservation can play a vital role in supporting diverse and abundant bird populations. Although deforestation of tropical forests in overwintering sites is a factor largely beyond our control, research has shown that forest-dwelling tropical migrant birds (vireos, warblers, tanagers, thrushes, and flycatchers) that visit our area in the summer, have declined much more sharply in areas of forest fragmentation than in areas of continuous forest. This decline is because forest fragments and smaller, less connected woodland areas have more “edge” per unit area, which allows for increased predation and parasitism. For example, more

frequent cowbird parasitism of bird nests and increased predation of eggs occur because nests and eggs are not protected by a larger woodland buffer Although some birds have evolved responses to these challenges (robins and cardinals recognize and remove cowbird eggs from their nests), many birds have not. Therefore, the more fragmentation and reduction of our local woodlands takes place, the greater the loss of birds, and we have already observed populations in decline in our area. For example, the Cornell Lab of Ornithology has recorded a 34% decline in wood thrush, frequently heard in the woodlands of the Trout Creek watershed, 34% from 2007-2021 in the western Pennsylvania suburbs, with other songbirds such as orioles, chickadees, and tanagers recording similar losses. This ongoing loss of birds has cascading effects on our local ecosystems and gardens. For example, each individual songbird consumes up to a thousand caterpillars a day (Leslie Jones Sauer, Once and Future Forest). With fewer birds, our environment loses an important form of insect predation control.

Reducing the number and density of trees in our wooded areas also has negative effects on the environment and bird populations in other ways. First, the close proximity of woodland trees to each other acts as a stabilizing influence on soils and trees, allowing trees to intertwine their roots to support each other during storms. According to Doug Tallamy (The Nature of Oaks), thinning out trees in a woodland does not protect them, but rather decreases their resiliency from winds during storms, increasing tree fall and further loss of habitat. Second, clearing of trees and disturbance of the forest floor leaf litter increases the spreading of invasive plant and animal species, which thrive on sunlight and disturbed soil. Many of these woodland invaders are now supplanting natural regeneration of forests

and hindering regrowth of native shrubs and wildflowers, which play an essential role in supporting our birds and other wildlife.

There is much that we can do to preserve these interconnected populations of birds and trees in our area. Property owners who are fortunate enough to have woodlands or woodland borders on their land can help preserve our bird population through action and vigilance, including the following:

...reducing the amount of any woodland disturbance on their properties; keeping woodland patches intact and connected, wherever possible.

...directing arborists to leave the dead snags of trees to provide habitat for woodpeckers and other birds.

...avoiding compaction of tree roots from heavy equipment and mowing.

...promptly pruning any broken branches on trees.

...leaving woodland floor leaf litter wherever possible; and,

...where tree removal is necessary, replanting canopy trees with shade tree species native to our woodlands and protecting volunteer seedlings from deer browse.

Any or all of these actions will contribute to greater forest health and stronger bird populations in our area.

Pugh Road Wooded Property;

Photo By Jennifer Cox

Witmer,

Bird Town

Wood Thursh; Photo By Bonnie Witmer

ART & CREATIVITY

The Fine Art of Looking

By Laurie Lamont Murray

In this column we've talked about art from many directions: Where to see artists at work, how to collect, hang and display art, where to take classes, artists giving back. But we haven't really addressed the Mword. Right—Museums! Undoubtedly, some of our readers serve on museum boards and love helping them thrive, not to mention enjoying the perks: attending parties, lectures and openings. Others of you may have an arsenal of excuses: Museums are expensive, elitist, boring, and it would take all day to see one properly.

Let's start with some of those fallback positions. Did you know that many museums have free or pay-what-you-like days? And museums everywhere are bending over backwards to offer content that is fun and appealing. Fashion, furniture and interactive elements based on technology are a few new twists which add excitement to exhibits and make them an integral part of 2023. Some of these features borrow from science museums; others seem to have originated in children's museums and programs designed to appeal to families with children.

We could dismiss changes like these as dummying down the purpose of museums.

And wonder whether museums are pandering to entertainment-seekers to increase revenue? After all, they need to function as businesses as well as cultural institutions. Or we could pause to observe the wide-eyed excitement and the opening of little minds when an exhibit is appealing. Why wouldn't museums want to reawaken those feelings for the child in all of us?

Bear with me, purists, I feel your pain. As much as it is educational and cultural, museum-going is also entertainment. Now more than ever, people need happy, interesting diversions and there is a world of competition for where and how that happens. For many of us there is no substitute for the peace and joy that comes with quietly contemplating a truly breathtaking work of art. But — you've seen it — there is always someone poised to just take a selfie and move on, with that little certificate of art appreciation tucked back into their pocket. We can try to take a deep breath and hope that they'll come back another time to really look at the art.

You might be thinking that there are all kinds of museums out there for people who aren't really interested in Fine Art. Consider: A hip hop museum in the Bronx, a pizza museum in Philadelphia, a museum of bad art in Boston, The International Clown Hall of Fame in Wisconsin — the list goes on and on.

The traveling Van Gogh immersive exhibits offer an interesting perspective: it is safe to say that curiosity drove most people to visit these innovative pop ups. For art lovers, the experience was novel, and hopefully fun. For others — the many people who may never have visited a museum, much less seen a Van Gogh — the immersive concept was a beginning!

If you've decided that giant fields of Van Gogh flowers projected on the walls around you and choreographed to music is more stimulation than you need most of the time, you're probably ready for a “real” museum.

Start by recognizing that many of the best museums are too large to see in a single visit. Are you passionate about environmental issues? Indigenous artifacts? All things equestrian? You can find listings for special exhibits that might

match your specific interests, and read more about what you might see there. Or just go with an open mind and see what captures your attention. Go for whatever time you can spare, maybe just an hour or two for starters.

If you begin with the idea that you can always come back, you're less likely to be overwhelmed. You may want to eliminate whole centuries or categories of art just to make your visit more manageable. You're in charge, so relax and see what speaks to you. You can read the wall plaques, listen to an audio tour, join up with a docent's talk, ask the knowledgeable guards a few questions. And give yourself enough time to just look.

You'll find that you connect with some artworks more than others and you might learn some things about yourself when you ponder just what is it about this artwork that captivates you. You may love the vibrant colors in an abstract piece, and be equally intrigued by the quiet moody shadows of a landscape. Maybe figurative paintings and portraits will be your stand out favorites. As you move closer, you are amazed by the intricate brushstrokes. Then you step back and the composition suddenly makes perfect sense. Who knew your capacity for art appreciation was so complex and diverse? You might also be surprised to find that there are actually health benefits to your visit! Research shows that looking at art boosts confidence, lowers anxiety, and helps us feel more empathetic and tolerant. Best of all, seeing something we find to be beautiful releases dopamine into the brain, which is the same thing that happens when we fall in love!

If you come to a museum with friends, you might want to make a plan to go your separate ways and meet up later. With children, as always, you'll need to adjust your expectations to accommodate their energy and attention spans. But small doses of art do sink in over time! (I grew up in a family of artists and art lovers but my brother and I were much happier climbing on the huge stone animals outside the museum than in seeing what was inside. My mother had the wisdom to point out a few artworks in fun ways that would interest us, and then call it a day.)

To supplement their often vast permanent collections, most museums create outstanding exhibits throughout the year, accompanied by lectures, films, classes, music, receptions and other special opening events. If you decide that you'd like to support the arts and that joining a museum will get you there more often, there are multiple levels and benefits for members — not to mention discounts at their first-rate restaurants and gift shops! Whatever you do, enjoy yourself!

GOLF ETIQUETTE Golf and the Environment

Few sports rely more heavily on nature than golf. However, environmentally friendly golf can sound like an oxymoron.

Environmentalists argue that golf courses disregard how their water requirements wreak havoc with watersheds, their synthetic chemicals decimate pollinators, their landscapes incorporate non-native species, and their golf carts and greenkeeping tools belch gas and pollutants.

But golf not only benefits our physical and mental health — it is in a unique position to be an ecological and economic asset for many communities.

Modern greenkeeping practices and technologies have made courses far more sustainable. Innovations include sophisticated irrigation systems that use recycled non-potable water, improved turf breeds with enhanced drought tolerance and disease-resistance, and the potential to rehabilitate degraded landscapes (mines, quarries, landfills) that are not suitable for other land uses.

When Matt Schiffer, golf course architect, civil engineer, and independent accredited sustainability verifier for the GEO Foundation thinks of the perfect golf course, he visualizes the Royal Dornoch Golf Club in Scotland.

(https://royaldornoch.com) Why?

“Dornoch is a gorgeous, ancient course (dating back to 1616) in a natural seaside environment. And it's a perfect example of how the most ecologically advanced approach to golf course design is grounded in the past. Links land originally existed between towns and the ocean. The soil was poor for farming, on

land which was often used for sheep pastures and so was naturally wellfertilized and cropped short. Further, since this land is “commonly held” it is accessible and seamlessly integrated into the community. It's a vital asset for the townspeople.”

Even today the best soil for golf is sandy, never wet, and ideal for the kind of turf (fescues) that don't need a lot of fertilizer or pesticides. If you build a course on land with freely draining soil that's well-suited for dry conditions, you save massive amounts on modifications with earthworks, subsurface pipe, sand capping, etc.

Many newer courses are trying to become “greener.” Along with using recycle wastewater, they build irrigation ponds and protect natural wetlands on their properties. Some encourage native bir pollinators, and wildlife to reside ther restoring plants that are indigenous to the area on as much of the property as possible — particularly around water features. Several courses have even built small, floating islands with native plants for nesting birds.

More advanced options to lessen a course's carbon footprint include investing in electric carts, battery-powered greenkeeping tools, solar power, car charging ports in parking lots, and nonplastic products like bamboo tees and ball markers.

Clearly, there are many options to stimulate healthy eco-systems on golf courses. From the “Old Course” at St. Andrews, to the newest facilities in the Middle and Far East, careful planning can make golf courses better environmental stewards and strong community assets.

Like to join a great group of golfers? The Golf Tour of Greater Philadelphia is welcoming new players! Find information about our tours and tournaments at www.golftourphilly.org or contact TonyMcCarthy@golftourphilly.org.

*The Golf Tour of Greater Philadelphia (GTGP) is a locally-operated golf league for amateur golfers. We play competitive golf in a collegial atmosphere at a great price! GTGP is also an associate club of the Golf

www.golftourphilly.org

TonyMcCarthy@golftourphilly.org

484.753.4914

photo aquired from https://royaldornoch.com

Matt Schiffer, GEO Foundation