Haverford News Summer 2023

CONTENTS:

Narberth

Environmentally

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

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

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

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?

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

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

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

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

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

Oakmont Fire Company 23 W. Benedict Avenue

Havertown, PA 19083

610-446-9837

Havertford, PA 19041

610-525-0272

www.mainlineart.org

· franklinmaps@aol.com

RESPONSIBLE

Now In Effect!

H

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

Zero Waste and Composting Food Waste

E-waste & Terracycle public drop off bins. There are two public bins for small E-waste recycling drop off 24/7 at the Township building on the lower parking lot between Wawa and the Police station and 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 are located near on the upper lot near the Township front doors. Medicine Disposal is located in the Police Station Lobby.

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

Oct 11th at 7pm

Contact Havcompost@gmail.com for information about training and videos and how you can try it at home. Learn about wasting less, fighting climate change and making free organic fertilizer! Learn how Haverford Township offers Discount Compost Bins.

Recycling Workshop

August 22nd 6-8pm.

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 coming; Email Havswitch@gmail.com for registration link.

Yard Clean Up Reminders!

Brush Collections are to be on the curb loose in a container (just like single stream recycling pick up).

Brown bags and bundles are

NOT 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!

Community Groups Wanted for Tree Planting!

Delco Conservation District is a regional hub for accessing tree and shrub seedlings through the Plant 10 Million Trees initiative of the Chesapeake Bay Foundation. Several local organizations that have organizational and tree planting skills and want to help to restore our region's tree cover have participated as local hubs that distribute seedlings to qualified planters/groups and track where they are planted. To learn how your group can be a local tree planting hub, email havswitch@gmail.com with the subject: “We are a Tree Planting Group” and we will invite you to the next available organizational web meeting.

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/Rain-Garden to find out more.

Rain Garden Workshop Videos/Resources

If you missed ourspring annual in-person workshop, the above web site includes a workshop video and supporting materials/manuals to help you learn how to build and maintain a Rain Garden for yourself or in your community.

Email havaraingarden@gmail.comto hone your skills by joining our rain garden builds or apprenticing (i.e., assessing potential locations and designing rain gardens). Presented by Darby Creek Valley Association, Eastern Delaware County Stormwater Collaborative and Hav-a-Rain Garden who have designed and built more than 80 rain gardens in the region at parks, libraries and private properties. Haverford Residents can request a future assessment for a rain garden, if you haven't already. Email address & phone # to havaraingarden@gmail.com

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. The biggest savings in energy is to use less; please consider an energy assessment if you have not had one done. Peco offers this for $49. For a limited time, PECO is offering Solarize Delco participants a special $10 discount* for any home energy assessment. Please use the special promo code SOLARDEL23 on the website or call 888.573.2672 to schedule your appointment.*Limited time offer expires September 30, 2023. Limited supply per household and where applicable. Certain restrictions apply. You must be a PECO residential electric customer to participate. One Energy Assessment per residence, per year. This program is subject to change, including termination, without prior notice. Appointments are available MondayFriday. Limited number of appointments available on Saturdays.

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 grant (up to $5,000) 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.

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.

POLITICAL TOPICS It's About Time!

In spite of our best efforts, we can't beat the clock! However, legislators at the state and national level are doing their best to throw a monkey wrench into our daily lives. The confusion, surrounding this issue, is illustrated by the below cartoon drawn by Wolverton from the Los Angeles Daily News.

timekeeping has moved from sundials to digital watches, our bodies do not adjust to the switching of numerals or the turning of hands. Jet lag attests to this truism.

Time zones are based primarily on fixed lines of longitude drawn relative to the earth's rotation. This is reflected in the sun rising earlier in Maine than in Pittsburgh. Latitude, determined by the distance north

medicine at Stanford University's School of Medicine.“The time change causes misalignment between the body's daily rhythm and the clock, making it harder to fall asleep at night, disrupting sleep quality, and leading to sleep loss which can negatively impact health and safety. DST results in more darkness in the morning hours and more daylight in the evening hours.”

Many of us love summertime, when the living is easy. We can eat dinner outside, take an evening stroll, play golf after work, or go shopping before dark. Advocates for permanent DST — particularly those with business interests connected with restaurants, tourism, or outdoor recreation — have capitalized on this idea. However, in the 1970s, when the United States experimented with maintaining DST throughout the year, the data failed to confirm expected economic gains. After the first winter, public support declined. The actual sunlight, rather than the clock, is critical in prompting our moods and behavior.

It all has to do with eliminating the switching of our clocks twice a year. Falling back in November and jumping forward each spring have been shown to be disruptive and dangerous. Data has shown that accidents increase and medical issues multiply concurrently with the time shift. Logistical challenges occur as schedules and time-keeping devices need to be adjusted.

If we don't want to seasonally alter our clocks, we have two options — Standard Time or Daylight Saving Time (DST). To make an educated choice, we all need to become better informed.

Many School Districts have changed school start times to accommodate the biological needs of high school students. In response to growing evidence of sleep scientists, many other districts have also adopted healthy hours with secondary schools beginning instruction at 8:30 or later. Such changes have been correlated with improved mental health and better performance both in academic and athletic endeavors.

Although most of us are not subject to the same internal rhythm that puts high school students at risk from waking up too early, we can't fool Mother Nature. Throughout time, our bodies have been in tune the sun — with morning light most important to setting our internal clocks. While

or south from the equator, determines the amount of daily sunlight. This changes with the seasonal position of the Earth in relation to the sun as well as its axis tilt. In Pennsylvania, we get significantly more daylight in June than we do in December Locations south of us experience less variation in sunlight than those to the north. Florida is the Sunshine State and Alaska is the Land of the Midnight Sun!

In spite of our personal, economic, or political desires, our inability to alter the earth's rotation and revolution around the sun makes switching clocks and time zones problematic. For example, permanent DST would delay sunrise in Philadelphia past 8:00 a.m. for nearly two-and-a-half months — 2.4 to be exact. While the sunrise would be as late as 8:22 a.m. in Wayne, it would be as late as 8:43 a.m. in Pittsburgh. There dawn would be past 8 a.m. for 3.5 months! Because of the intrinsic connection between the sun and our bodies, permanent DST is a health and safety risk. While you may worry about your children waiting for school buses in the dark, everyone is at risk.

“Daylight saving time increases our morning exposure to darkness and evening exposure to sunlight, the most powerful timing cue for the human body clock,” said Dr. Shannon Sullivan, chair of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine Public Safety Committee and clinical professor of sleep

On the other hand, those advocating for permanent Standard Time point to data that indicates this schedule promotes greater productivity, higher student achievement, fewer absences, and even a reduction in auto accidents. Perhaps this is why more than sixty percent (60%) of the world, including our neighbors in Mexico, Hawaii, our U.S. territories, and most of Arizona, operate on Standard Time all year.

Time is measured by more than a clock. Your body tells you its impact. To find more about how your life may alter under permanent DST or Standard Time, check out some websites for additional resources. A good place to begin is one hosted by the Regional Adolescent Sleep Needs Coalition. It can be found at Start School Later - Southeastern Pennsylvania. The site includes links to the latest legislation, related websites, YouTube videos, and publications on the topic. Save Standard Time features a wealth of credible resources complete with charts, graphs, and photographs.

Although the League of Women Voters does not have a stand on this important issue, the topic of time would be ideal for a local, state, and/or national study. Through such a process, different perspectives are reviewed and discussed until a consensus among members is reached. As a result, a position is developed from which advocacy for political action is launched. Time is of the essence. It's up to you to stop, look, and act. The clock is ticking.

HEALTH & WELLNESS Cancer prevention starts with you:

5 tips to reduce your cancer risk. In the past few hundred years, the health care world has made huge strides in understanding cancer. And while a lot of advancements have been made in treating the disease, much of the progress is in reducing your risk of developing it in the first place.

The best way to fight cancer is to take steps to prevent it. Fortunately, many cancer prevention measures are simple. By making small efforts to prevent cancer, you can make big impacts on your health.

1. Eat healthy.

Every day, you make decisions that impact your risk of developing cancer, starting with what and how much you eat.

"Eating healthy improves your overall health, reduces your risk of obesity (another cancer risk factor) and reduces your chances of developing cancer," says Aarti L. Shevade, MD, an oncologist at Main Line Health.

2. Get moving.

Physical activity has a wide range of benefits. It's a known way to control your weight, improve your hormone levels, support your immune system and reduce your risk of cancer.

Aim to get at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity (like walking, biking, gardening or housework) or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity activity (exercise that increases your heart rate, uses your muscles and makes you sweat) each week. Or, you can do a combination of the two.

"No matter what your activity level is now, adding just a little bit of exercise each day can go a long way in keeping you healthy and cancer-free," say Dr Shevade.

3. Don't smoke.

All kinds of tobacco products contain thousands of chemicals—70 of which are known to cause cancer (called carcinogens).

“From nicotine and formaldehyde to arsenic and ammonia, these are just a few of the carcinogens that you inhale with every puff of a cigarette, cigar or pipe,” says Dr. Shevade. “As for e-cigarettes, while they're marketed to be safer, they contain addictive nicotine, flavorings and other chemicals known to cause cancer.”

The best way to protect your health is to quit smoking. And it's never too late to stop. Every day you don't smoke, your health improves, and your risk of cancer decreases.

While HPV isn't treatable, it is preventable—starting with the HPV vaccine. It's most effective when given to children between the ages of 9 and 12, but it can be given up to age 45.

Detecting early signs of cancer

While these steps to reduce your risk of cancer are crucial, it's also important to use cancer screenings to detect any signs of cancer as early as possible. Cancer screening tests are used to find cancer even if you don't have symptoms. The earlier cancer is found, the easier it is to treat.

You can also determine your cancer risk based on your genetics. Main Line Health's Genetics and Risk Assessment Program offers consultations for cancer genetics as well as cardiovascular genetics and prenatal genetics. This knowledge can help you and your health care provider make a plan to reduce your risk of developing cancer

With advanced tools and knowledge, cancer prevention, early diagnosis and effective treatment are not only possible but are a reliable aspect of health care as we know it.

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 schedule an appointment with a Main Line Health cancer specialist, call 1.866.CALL.MLH (225.5654) or visit mainlinehealth.org

A healthy diet includes:

Plenty of fruits and vegetables

Whole grains, such as in bread and pasta, and brown rice

Fiber-rich foods, like beans and peas

Healthy meat options, like fish and poultry

Foods that are not excessively high in calories

A healthy diet limits:

Red meats, such as pork, lamb and beef

Processed meats, such as sausage, bacon, deli meats and hot dogs

Sugary drinks, such as soft drinks and fruit drinks

Highly processed foods and refined grain products, such as white bread and white rice

Alcohol

Following a healthy diet may require some planning, but it's well worth the effort when it comes to cancer prevention.

For help with quitting, Main Line Health's Tobacco Dependency Treatment Program offers free personal sessions to help you stop smoking.

4. Wear sunscreen.

The warmth of the sun on your skin may feel great, but without sunscreen it can be harmful. Most skin cancers are caused by excess sun exposure, particularly ultraviolet (UV) rays. These rays cause damage to your skin cells, which can lead to cancer

Protecting yourself from the sun starts with sunscreen. Before heading outside (in both the summer and winter months), put on a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher that blocks both UVA and UVB rays. Make sure to reapply every two hours or after you swim, sweat or use a towel to dry off.

5. Protect against HPV. HPV—or human papillomavirus—is common. In fact, eight out of 10 people will get HPV at some point in their lives. And HPV can go on to cause six different types of cancer.

Aarti L. Shevade, MD, oncologist at Main Line Health

PET HEALTH & WELL-BEING

How to Avoid Heat Stroke in Pets

Just like us, our pets are affected by high temperatures and on extremely hot days animals can experience heat stroke. This is when animals overheat and their cooling mechanisms no longer function properly. In this event your pet will need to be

How do you treat a heat stroke?

Hospitalization of patients with heat stroke is imperative. Most animals require intensive care and monitoring for a couple of days. Initial treatment involves cooling the patient relatively aggressively, oxygen support and IV fluids. Some patients with severe upper respiratory compromise require a tube placed in the trachea to breathe through. Sedation may be necessary to keep very anxious or hyperactive animals quiet and cool. Broadspectrum IV antibiotics and GI protectants are indicated in most cases. Other specific medications will be used based on the signs/sequella that arise (i.e. antiseizure medications, antiarrhythmics). Blood pressure, ECG and urine output monitoring is important.

Above all the most important thing for owners to understand about heat stroke is that it's an emergency situation. The animal should be taken to a veterinarian as soon as possible for treatment.

What is a heat stroke in animals?

Heat stroke is hyperthermia (high body temperature) that develops when the body's normal cooling mechanisms (mainly panting) are overcome by heat. The body temperatures in these animals are often 106° F and above.

What are some signs of a heat stroke?

Excessive panting and signs of discomfort indicate overheating in dogs. A dog overheating may also be unable or unwilling to move around. Other signs of heatstroke in dogs include drooling, reddened gums, vomiting, diarrhea, mental dullness or loss of consciousness, uncoordinated movement, and collapse.

How long does a heat stroke last?

While heat stroke can happen quickly, there is often a progression from mild heat stress to the more moderate heat exhaustion before reaching the most severe condition of heat stroke.

Cooling during transport with air conditioning and wet towels is a good idea, but delay in getting the animal to the hospital for cooling at home is not recommended. Aggressive care at a veterinary facility will give the best chance of full recovery, but owners must be aware of the possibility of complications and the guarded prognosis from the beginning.

How can heat strokes be best prevented?

To protect your dog from a heat stroke, take the time to learn the signs and symptoms of heat stroke in dogs. Always ensure that your dog has access to water and shade in hot temperatures, and never leave your dog in

a hot car even if it is only for “a few minutes”. When temperatures rise beyond what are average, give your dog greater respite from the heat. Modify your dogs exercise routine in hot weather, forego rigorous exercise during heat waves.

Are certain animals more susceptible to heat stroke?

Obese animals and those with thick hair coats are at an increased risk. The brachycephalic (short-nosed) dog breeds such as Bulldogs, Pugs, Boxers, etc. are especially predisposed due to breed related upper airway conformation. Dogs with laryngeal paralysis are also at risk. Animals shut in cars without the windows down can suffer from heat stroke even on a cool day.

WILLOWS PARK PRESERVE

Tis the Season, Nesting Season, that is...

residents include two tree swallow families, two house wren families, and three bluebird families. Sadly, there was some drama early in the season as a bluebird couple ousted some chickadees nesting in the Saw Mill Park nest box. The demand for housing clearly exceeds the supply!

the parents. Special training is required to be an active monitor.

Passive monitoring

adjacent Skunk Hollow and Saw Mill Parks you may have noticed the new nest boxes installed on the first “bluebird trail” in Radnor Township. The nest box installation was conducted by the Willows Park Preserve (WPP) in partnership with the Radnor Township Parks and Recreation Department, the Birding Club of Delaware County and the Bluebird Society of Pennsylvania (BSP). The trail of nest boxes established in these parks is the only officially-monitored bluebird trail in Radnor Township, meaning that the trail is on the list of trails that are being actively monitored for bluebird activity by the Delaware County chapter of the BSP. The monitoring results for the 2023 nesting season will be incorporated into the DELCO report which, in turn, will be included in Pennsylvania's statewide report.

Bluebird numbers were once in decline but, thanks to the efforts of conservationminded individuals and organizations, their numbers have increased in recent years. A crucial factor contributing to this increase has been the installation of nest boxes on private and public property. Such installations help compensate for the loss of natural habitat due to commercial and residential development, and also competition from non-native bird species such as starlings and house sparrows. Bluebirds are “secondary cavity nesters”, that is, they build nests in cavities previously created by “primary cavity nesters” such as woodpeckers. Unfortunately, there are not enough natural cavities to go around, hence the importance of nest boxes.

Planning for this project began last December and the nest boxes were installed in February, coinciding with the time when male bluebirds begin scouting for nesting sites. If occupancy is an indicator of project success then the new Willows Park Bluebird Trail has exceeded expectations. The “No Vacancy” sign went up weeks ago. All seven nest boxes on the trail have tenants. Of course, bluebirds are not the only secondary cavity nesters attracted to nest boxes. Our Willows Park

As this article goes to print there are eggs or nestlings in all of the nest boxes, and a couple of surprises: in one of the nest boxes a bluebird mama laid 6 white eggs! Bluebird eggs are almost always — you guessed it — blue, but in rare cases (< 5% of the time) a bluebird will lay white eggs. In another one of those “Mother Nature oddities”, a brown-headed cowbird laid an egg in one of the house wren nests. Odd though this may seem, it is not at all uncommon. The cowbird is a so-called “brood parasite.” Instead of building her own nest, the female cowbird will lay an egg in the nest of another bird species, relying on that species to incubate the eggs and raise the young. In essence, the birds of another species become the unwitting foster parents. It can be both comical and oddly touching to watch a small bird feeding a “baby” bird more than twice its size!

If you would like learn more about this bluebird nest box project and/or lend your support, you can send an email to info@willowsparkpreserve.org. You will be connected with Krista Hixon who is overseeing a team of “active” and “passive” monitors. How do these roles differ?

Active monitoring

Active monitors commit to specific days to actively monitor the nest box. This means visiting all of the nest boxes on the trail and opening them to observe what is happening inside. Initially the primary objective is to determine if a bird species is nest building and what species is doing the building. As the nesting season progresses the objective is to ensure the well-being of the nestlings and to address threats that may arise (e.g., ant infestations, wasps). Once there is an active nest, visits should occur between 12pm-3pm to minimize interference with the feeding rhythms of

For passive monitors there is no commitment to a specific day or time and no active nest monitoring (i.e., opening the nest box). Observation of the nest box occurs from a distance with binoculars, ideally in the morning or evenings when bird activity is at its peak. Passive monitors report back on activity observed around the nest box and alert the active monitoring team to any items of interest or concern, taking photos if the situation merits. In the early stages, when nests are being built, the passive monitors can help ID the bird species taking up residence. After the eggs have hatched the passive monitors can be a big help by confirming that the parents are alive and well, and feeding the nestlings. Avian predators (e.g., hawks) and climbing predators (e.g., racoons) are always a concern. If something happens to the parents, the nestlings might survive if they are taken to a wildlife rehabilitation center in time.

Another way to help bluebirds is to install one or more bluebird boxes on your own property (provided that you have suitable habitat). An educational session on becoming a “bluebird landlord” was held at the Willows Mansion in November 2022 and will be repeated again in the Fall of 2023 - an opportune time to plan for the next nesting season. You can stay informed on this and other interesting programs offered year-round at the Willows Mansion by reading the monthly Willows Park Preserve newsletter. If you are not already on the distribution list simply send an email to info@willowsparkpreserve.org requesting to subscribe.

The WPP would like to extend special thanks to Tammy Cohen, Radnor Township Director of Parks and Recreation, and Steve Legerton, Supervisor of Parks Maintenance, for their enthusiastic support of this project. Steve and his team performed the installation of the nestboxes and baffles donated by the Birding Club of Delaware County. They have also graciously accommodated the additional challenges of mowing around the nest boxes!

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

ART & CREATIVITY

Artmaking: The How and the Why

By Laurie Lamont Murray

As an artist who exhibits fairly often, I have discovered that most art lovers are interested in knowing more about what they are seeing. What was the artist thinking? Why was that particular approach chosen to convey their idea? And how was the artwork made?

With a world full of art makers and styles, the answers are obviously not simple. In fact, the best answer may be a question! You've heard this before, because it's true: the art you purchase is a piece of the artist's soul. And what it means to you, what you see in it, only makes it more interesting and valuable in the truest sense of the word. We might all agree that abstract art allows a broad brush of interpretation—quite possibly no two people will see things in exactly the same way. Yet a very realistic, beautifully rendered still life may remind you of your great aunt's house, while someone else looking at the same painting will have very different memories of their own to add. So, many artists may be just as interested in what you see in their work as in what sparked their inspiration!

In our beautiful Tri-state countryside I know many artists who love to paint plein air, carrying their easel and supplies out to an old farmhouse or riverbank where the light is true and the weather is mild. They will tell you that it's a gift to be able to paint outdoors for so many months of the year, and their intent may be nothing more or less than conveying unspoiled beauty, or as landscape painter Sue Stefanski puts it, giving people a feeling of peace.

There are artists for whom art sales are their livelihood and others who wouldn't dream of selling their “children”. Either way, it is a balancing act for artists who exhibit their work: New pieces are always needed. Do I build upon an existing work to continue the story, or branch out in a new direction? I am guilty of the latter approach: There is always something new to try. My fellow ARTsister Barbara Dirnbach is another artist who always seems to be trying something new, and very skillfully.

Whether you go to a museum or gallery, an art fair or visit an artist's studio, there is every conceivable form of art to see and enjoy:

You'll find encaustic art, which combines wax with paint for added texture and interest (no it won't melt when you take it home), printmaking of every kind and drawings. Knowing how to draw makes a huge difference in the quality of a work of art. By the age of 9, Picasso's drawings were flawless. Although he abandoned realism for cubism and abstraction, his knowledge of line quality and his sense of design never left him. (You may have another favorite artist who learned to draw before “breaking the rules”—there are many.)

Landscapes and nature will never lose their stature in our region but there is room for other approaches. You'll find art with conviction, which asks you, the viewer, to think about a local or global problem and possibly act upon it. On a larger scale, there is installation art, which is designed to take you inside the artist's thought process. If you have a chance to see Francis Beaty's very thought-provoking work, by all means go. Installation artists are particularly interesting because they are not creating something that can be sold. The experience they offer comes straight from the heart and mind.

Some artists make intricate collages; others affix bits of paper and found objects to a painting for added texture and interest. You might find yourself wondering how and why this was done. Many artists will welcome your questions. Linnie Greenberg is one of the best collage artists locally. Her wit is delicious and her workshops are not to be missed. In New York, look for Denise Adler, whose luscious collaged paintings come from a feminist commitment. Find her at Pictor Gallery in Chelsea, which she and I started two years ago.

cooking, layering, hammering and burning that are part of her fascinating process. Like Jill, Terri Fraser sometimes begins with a wire framework, adding natural elements from her beloved New Jersey countryside in unpredictable, wildly creative ways. Find her at the Hunterdon Museum or at her studio nearby.

Who have I left out? Maybe you! A fair number of the people who follow my work are taking a class somewhere and loving it. It doesn't matter whether they are “serious” about a particular medium or style, or whether they are “any good” (whatever that means.) It's the process of making art that can be a relaxing stress reliever. The same is true for music, dance, theatre, reading a really good book, a walk somewhere beautiful. There are volumes of research suggesting that taking time to enjoy things that are beautiful, interesting and creative every day will keep you sane and happy. So here's to you, I hope you have a wonderful relaxing summer!

Sculpture keeps getting more interesting: Artists who venture into 3-D literally have the world at their fingertips: You should see Helen Mason's amazing work created from black rubber, Lele Galer's gorgeous hearts, formed from steel and love, Bob Hakun's incredibly funny and fun How-on-earth-didhe-think-of-that assemblages, and of course sculpture by the venerable Stan Smokler, who taught every one of us who works in metal. Some of Stan's work is still available for purchase, and you'll be glad you tracked it down. Then there's Jill Beech, whose travels to some of the world's least well known corners have informed her very unique and beautiful sculptures. You'll want to spend time with her to hear about the

Linnie Greenberg

Bob Hakun

Barbara Dirnbach

GOLF & ETIQUETTE

Sore!? by Terri McCarthy Got an aching back, pain in the neck, sprained wrist? Oh…you may be a golfer!

over and over, for four or five hours. That excessive, repetitive stress on the back can be a bit much after a winter hiatus.”

Shoulder injuries are very common as well, and can result from poor swing technique or overuse. Any or all of the four stabilizing muscles in the shoulder's rotator cuff (the supraspinatus, infraspinatus, subscapularis, and teres minor) can swell and pinch when injured. If you rough them up, you'll definitely feel it on the back nine.

Golf is a spectacular sport. However, thousands of people who haven't held a club (or exercised) in months get so excited to go outside and play 18 holes, they start swinging without even a few good stretches that would loosen them up and get that sleepy blood flowing.

Baseball pitchers never walk up to the mound before warming up in a bullpen. But golfers getting some mobility into their shoulders, backs, and hips with pre-game exercises? — That would be weird.

According to Devon Anasiewicz, Devon.Anasiewicz@ivyrehab.com a licensed physical therapist (PT, DPT, CSCS),* the #1 golf injury she sees is lumbar strain. She elaborated: “Golf swings generate a lot of torque, and if golfers' hips are tight, their backs must take all the load,

And then of course, elbow, wrist, and hand injuries are par for the course. Anyone who has had a misshit and struck the ground or a tree root knows the jarring amount of force that comes right up through your club into your arm. If your pinky and ring finger start tingling after that, that's your ulnar nerve talking.

The good news is that if you get good medical advice right away, and you haven't torn anything, you can generally recover from most sports injuries without surgery.

Physical therapists can develop highly customized treatment plans for you that incorporate resistance training with bands, dumbbells, kettlebells, balls, sleds, and more. They can also address any mobility deficits to prevent further injury. And by assiduously following the programs, you can usually get your strength back in 4 to 6 weeks.

And when you do, join a great group of golfers with the Golf Tour of Greater Philadelphia! Information about our tours and tournaments is available at www.golftourphilly.org

LANDSCAPING & GARDENING

The Journey to ReWilding

by Alex Morrison

Landscaping with locally native plants has been growing in popularity, and for good reason! Putting native species back where they belong promotes biodiversity, supports stormwater management, and improves soil health. Even longrunning initiatives like “leaving the leaves” and “No Mow May” have been on the rise. And to keep the neighbors happy, customizable lawn signs like these from No Mow May | Xerces Society — let everyone know what you're doing!

Fortunately, the more mainstream this information becomes, the more urgency that responsible neighbors feel about restoring and rewilding our spaces. Because as it turns out, it took a long time for once-untouched landscapes to become urbanized and invaded, and despite what some blogs would have you think, it will take an equally long time to turn back the clock. A minimum

of seven years is required for new meadows to stabilize and become self-sufficient! Clearly, rewilding our spaces is a priceless commitment, so here are a few things to remember when restoring your backyard to its natural habitat:

Save money!

It can be tempting to go “all in” once the native bug bites us, but a much more sustainable way is to do sections at a time. Choose a single area on your property to start with, and spend time removing weeds, selecting just the right species, and keeping the herbivores at a distance while the plants establish. The land will tell you what plants are working and where, and that will keep your costs with trial and error down.

Be lazy!

Why should you do all the work when the plants can do it for you? When correct native species are sited properly, they'll do the heavy lifting. If you need help reclaiming a grassy or weedy area, go for rhizomatous or stoloniferous

species. These types of plants will spread underground to stabilize the soil and increase the footprint of your native landscape over time. Try species like Packeraaurea (Golden ragwort) or Pycnanthemumincanum (Hoary mountain mint) and watch them take over

Enjoy the journey!

Rewilding your property is not about asserting dominance over the landscape, it's about listening to your piece of the planet and helping it on its way back to optimal health.

So, take the time to rehabilitate sections at a time, watch what your plants are doing (or not doing) in their new homes, and grow your landscape sustainably for good!

Along the way, you can rely on tried and true resources, like the Native Plant Trust and Go Botany for species information, the USDA's PLANTS database for native ranges and habitat information, and Soil Web from the NRCS and UC Davis for soil data.

See you on the links!

The Golf Tour of Greater Philadelphia (GTGP) is a locallyoperated golf league for amateur golfers. Our classification as a nonprofit helps keep costs down, and our club organization ensures all members have input in club operations. The result is competitive golf in a collegial atmosphere at a great price! GTGP is also an associate club of the Golf Association of Philadelphia. Members are eligible to play in GAP Member Play Days at private clubs in the area.

*PT, DPT, CSCS stand for Physical Therapist, Doctor of Physical Therapy, and Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist

And for everything else, there's WildLawn, an ecological restoration company! For more information, and to learn how you can restore beauty and ecological function in your landscape, reach out to ecologists at WildLawn wildlawn.com, (844)326-7334, or contact@wildlawn.com

OFGREATER PHILADELPHIA OFGREATER PHILADELPHIA

NATURE & CONSERVATION

Planting Native Horticultural Species to Restore Healthy

Habitats by Susanne Hay, Assoc. EAC Member

After a few months of dormancy in the garden, we look forward to the first blooms that welcome spring. Unfortunately, the earliest blooming shrubs, trees, ground covers, spring bulbs are not native to our region, and many are invasive, some even considered noxious weeds (www.dcnr.pa.gov). We admire them because they are “ornamental”, putting on a show for us. However, invasive, nonnative plants originate in continents such as Asia and Europe that have ecosystems completely different from ours. They emerge earlier in the spring and remain in leaf longer in the fall, attributes that are exacerbated by a warming climate. When grown around here, they escape the boundary of cultivation and become naturalized in the wild, either through birds dispersing fruit, wind carrying seeds, or aggressive growth habits. They crowd out native plants in meadows, along stream banks and understory forests. Invasion of non-native plants will over time decimate many pollinating insects, butterflies and native birds. On the other hand, pollinators and native plants evolved together for millennia, and are dependent on one another for survival. As Doug Tallamy, Professor of Entomology at the University of Delaware points out in his book “The Nature of Oaks”, the native White Oak (Quercus alba) provides habitat to more than 550 species, whereas the Chinese Gingko tree (Gingko biloba), admired by many for its brilliant yellow autumn color and leaf shape, hosts only 5 caterpillars.

Non-native

The story of the Callery pear (Pyrus calleryana) is an example of a tree gone rogue. Introduced in the mid-1960s by the USDA, they quickly became popular among landscape designers of townships and industrial parks due to their upright, conical form, low cost, fast growth rate, and adaptability to different soil and water conditions. The initial species was diseaseresistant and unable to self-pollinate, which added to their appeal. They became the early indicator that spring was around the corner with their abundant white flowers. However, branches are brittle and break off easily in heavy winds, changing the tree forms into less compact and more unruly ones. The scent of the flowers is reminiscent of fish odor, attracting flies instead of bees. Over time, several cultivars of varied genetic backgrounds were developed and when grown in suitable proximity cross-pollinated and produced fruit that is readily eaten and dispersed by birds. The Callery pear developed into an invasive species invading not only roadsides, but also wetlands and forests, and crowding out native species. States have started to ban the sale of this tree, and it will be banned in Pennsylvania beginning in 2024 (www.agriculture.pa.gov).

Grand Parade in Valley Forge Park

Arrows toward the top of the image indicate infiltration of Callery pear in the meadow. (See photo to right.)

It is time to change our ways. The best thing we can do as individuals is to take out invasive species from our backyards and replace them with native species. Another thing to do is to volunteer with

Native Substitute

organizations such as Open Land Conservancy (OLC) of Chester County and other non-profit organizations to help remove invasive species. Locally, OLC is working to remove Japanese barberry from Airdrie Forest Preserve. Callery pear and Japanese honeysuckle have infiltrated the meadows at Valley Forge Park; roadsides along routes 202 and 252 are overrun by Russian and Autumn olive and common reed; and Japanese knotweed and silvergrass are overtaking riparian buffers and wetlands. Table 1 summarizes some non-native species and potential native substitutes.

We are fortunate to have Jenkins Arboretum and Gardens so close to home (631 Berwyn Baptist Rd, Devon, PA 19333). You can visit to see native plants in their natural settings, study the plant tags, ask a knowledgeable horticulturist and even purchase native plants.

Non-native

Native Substitute

Shrubs Grass

Burning bush**

Euonymus alatus

Privet (4 diff species)**

Ligustrum spp

Japanese barberry

Berberis thunbergii

Japanese flowering crabapple

Malus floribunda

Autumn and Russian olive

E. angustifolia

Butterfly bush

Buddleia davidii

Nandina spp

Forsythia spp

Strawberry bush Switchgrass

Euonymus americana

Inkberry holly

Ilex glabra

Winterberry holly

Ilex verticillata

Vine

Japanese and Chinese silvergrass

Miscanthus sacchariflorus and

M. sinensis

Japanese honeysuckle

Lonicera japonica

Autumn clematis

Panicum virgatum

Trumpet honeysuckle

Lonicera sempervirens

Native clematis

Serviceberry Clematis virginiana

Amelanchier spp

Clematis terniflora

Asian Wisteria

American Wisteria

Red twig dogwod W. frutescens

W. sinensis and W. floribunda

Cornus sericea

Butterfly weed

Asclepias tuberosa and A. incarnata

Groundcover

Elaeagnus umbellata and Periwinkle

Vinca minor

Virginia creeper

Parthenocissus quinquefolia

Trees

Norway maple

Acer platanoides

Sugar maple

Acer saccharum

Viburnum nudum Redbud

Northern spicebush

Lindera benzoin

Callery pear 'Bradford'*

Pyrus calleryana

Cercis canadensis

Table 1. List (incomplete) of commonly available invasive, non-native species and native substitute plants

NATURE & CONSERVATION

Snags and Brush Piles

Why they are important for birds and should be incorporated into your yard by Jennifer

Cox

The Township is distinctive for its woodlands. Whether in a preserve, park or residential backyard, you are never far from woods. Although often unnoticed in woodlands, decaying wood and leaves are integral to the ecology. For example, snags and downed wood can provide important food and shelter for woodland birds that visit your yard.

Dead and Downed Wood

Creating Snags and Brush Piles

Snags: Birds use snags of all sizes. Any snag that you can safely and comfortably leave on your property will benefit wildlife. Larger snags: Pileated woodpeckers, northern flickers and owls require larger snags (taller, broader dead trees) for nest cavities. Note: Dead trees that pose a risk to structures should be removed, but some can be cut to a safe height and still provide opportunities for larger birds to create nest cavities that will eventually be used by cavity-nesting birds. Smaller snags: Chickadees, titmice, wrens, nuthatches, and downy woodpeckers can use smaller snags (such as dead saplings) or the dead branches of larger trees for nest cavities.

Snags and Tree Cavities

Snags are standing trees that are dead or dying. Snags provide a number of important benefits to wildlife. As a tree dies, its bark loosens and forms bark cavities. These cavities are used for roosting by forest-dwelling bats and as nest sites by small forest birds called brown creepers. Insects, a valuable food source for many species, are abundant in snags. A wide variety of birds (including flycatchers, raptors, and songbirds) also use snags as hunting and singing perches.

Tree cavities are holes that have been excavated in snags, often by woodpeckers. These holes are used for shelter and nesting by many species including owls, wood ducks, chickadees, titmice, nuthatches, wrens, bluebirds, and woodpeckers. There are over 35 bird species found in Pennsylvania that require cavities for nesting. Consider leaving some snags on your property to benefit wildlife.

Dead wood is also important for wildlife habitat. As logs and fallen branches decay, they return nutrients to the ground and support the insects on which many birds and animals feed. Amphibians, such as salamanders, rely on downed trees for cover by hiding on the moist undersides of fallen logs. Birds that rely on decaying logs and branches for food and shelter include eastern towhee, northern flicker, winter wren, pileated woodpecker, and thrushes. If your property has a wooded area, consider leaving leaves, logs and branches on the woodland floor to degrade naturally, nurture the soil, and provide food and shelter for birds and other animals. If you don't have woods, you can provide dead downed wood for wildlife while still keeping your yard tidy by assembling fallen logs and branches into a

Brush Piles: The best brush piles for wildlife start with the largest materials (branches or logs) at the bottom and end with the smallest materials (small limbs or shrubs) at the top of the pile. The materials are arranged so that the brush pile is raised slightly above the ground. This makes it easier for wildlife to get under the brush pile and into cover. It is best not to place brush piles close to structures.

Sources for this article include: https://extension.psu.edu/wildlife-habitat-relationships

Eastern Screech Owl in a snag.

Photo by John Linn, licensed CC BY-SA-NC

Fresh woodpecker cavity in Valley Forge Park.

Photo by the author.

Northern Flicker peeking from a tree cavity. Photo by Rhododendrites/Birds of New York.

Pugh Road Wooded Property; Photo By Jennifer Cox

Wood

A hermit thrush looking for insects on dead wood.

Photo by Rob Routledge, Sault College, Bugwood.org