Winter Stream Monitoring

Discover what Macro-organisms Live in the Little Falls Branch

LFWA monitors the Little Falls Branch four times a year - doing a biological census of the macroinvertebrates that live on the bottom of the creek. This count of organisms - numbers of individuals and diversity - gives us a picture of the health of our creek. By mapping the data over the years, we have good assessment of how well our stream is surviving in our dense urban area.

Our stream monitoring team members are trained by Nature Forward (nee Audubon Naturalist Society). Please contact Sarah Morse, stormwater@LFWA.org, for information about the NF training.

Learn more about our program at www.LFWA.org/macroinvertebrates

Winter Stream Monitoring

Cancelled due to snow. We will reschedule so check back.

Discover what creek critters live in the Little Falls Branch

LFWA monitors the Little Falls Branch four times a year - doing a biological census of the macro-invertebrates that live on the bottom of the creek. This count of benthic organisms - numbers of individuals and diversity - gives us a picture of the health of our creek. By mapping the data over the years, we have good assessment of how well our stream is surviving in our dense urban area. Our monitoring is done in partnership with Nature Forward (nee Audubon Naturalist Society).

This event is primarily for trained monitors. Before going into the field, new monitors should have a basic knowledge of macroinvertebrate identification and stream ecology, either from previous training or by attending the Nature Forward water quality training sessions. Please contact Sarah Morse, stormwater@LFWA.org, for information about the Nature Forward courses and volunteering.

Little Falls Stream Valley Park
Massachusetts Avenue Entrance
Bethesda, MD

Ever wonder where the Little Falls creek goes? Start the New Year with a LFWA lead hike to the mouth of the creek on the Potomac River. We will meet at the Park entrance on Massachusetts Ave and follow the creek to the river. You can park at the gravel parking lot (Mass Ave and Little Falls Parkway).

It’s an easy 5 miles round trip, almost all on hard surfaces. Strollers and dogs on leashes are welcome. If you want to go all the way to the Potomac, there is about 100 yards of scrambling through the brush. You might want to have hiking boots if you’re going to do that.

RAIN DATE: In the event of inclement weather, we will reschedule for Saturday, January 4 , same time, same place.

Miss the HIKE? Start at the Park entrance at Mass. Ave in Bethesda and follow the QR codes. We will put them up New Years eve and leave them until January 19. And you can always find the route on our website at https://www.lfwa.org/hike-to-the-mouth-of-the-little-falls-branch.

Little Falls Park - Capital Crescent Trail
Brookeway Entrance along the Capital Crescent Trail
Bethesda, MD

Join us to free native trees and other plants from strangling and smothering non-native invasives using hand tools. No experience necessary!

The entrance to the Park is via a path at the end of the cul-de-sac of Brookeway Drive.  You can plug in 4900 Brookeway Drive, Bethesda, into your GPS.  Brookeway Drive intersects with Fort Sumner Drive.  There is parking on the street.  Walk up the path to the first bench; we will meet there.

If you are late, look for our sign and tools. Call 301-325-5301 if you can't find us.

Bring gloves or clippers or use ours. Dress protectively. Bring water to drink. Please join us for any portion of 1-3pm.

Pre-approved for MCPS SSL hours. Students under 14 years must be accompanied by a responsible adult.

Weather policy: We usually hold pulls as long as the weather is not too dangerous for outside work. We will post messages on the LFWA website by 9:00 that morning if we need to cancel.