Case Study:

The Wissahickon Creek starts in Montgomery County, and flows some 27 miles through 15 municipalities before draining in to the Schuylkill River in Philadelphia. Besides contributing drinking water to the City of Philadelphia, the Wissahickon Creek is a designated trout stream. The park areas and trail systems alongside the creek provide recreational opportunities for thousands of residents, habitat for wildlife, and protect the quality of water upon which so many rely.

Despite all the value the Wissahickon provides, it's under constant stress: inconsistent water flow, erosion, flash flooding, and polluted runoff are threats that many dedicated groups are working hard to control.

The trailer above is just a teaser for a 25 minute mini-documentary about the beauty of the Wissahickon, the stresses it faces, and a few of the many organizations working to restore and protect the "gem of a place" upon which so many rely. You can view the Full Version - A Healthy Wissahickon: We All Have a Part to Play from GreenTreks Network on Vimeo.

We've also dedicated an entire section of this site known as Clean Your Water to help get people involved in their local waterways, and the Wissahickon is one of the first watersheds to be highlighted! Check out the site >>

Additional Resources

The Friends of the Wissahickon (FOW) and Wissahickon Valley Watershed Association (WVWA) have a wealth of great programs happening throughout the watershed--and they want YOU to get involved.

Get started by visiting their websites to learn what you can do. Become a member. Make a donation. Volunteer at a one of their upcoming events:

FOW 

WVWA 

Like Videos as a Way to Engage and Connect? Want to spread ideas about how community members can help keep local waterways clean? Share a Mobile-Friendly Snippet!

Share these shorts directly via newsletters and social media by embedding the Vimeo codes. Or use the QR Code images on signs, postcards, posters and other cool stuff. (You can learn more about how you can use QR Codes in our QR Code Guide)

Whatever you do, please let us know what technique you use, and send us your own great ideas for getting these videos out!

This is the trailer version above. Share the Link to the Snippet: http://bit.ly/SWPAWiss Share the QR Code: (click for full-size image)

This excerpt looks at the upstream to downstream connection and how one part of the watershed affects the rest. Share the Link to the Snippet: http://bit.ly/SWPAWiss1 Share the QR Code: (click for full-size image)
	This short shows how involved individuals really CAN make a difference to the health of the watershed by doing their part . Share the Link to the Snippet: http://bit.ly/SWPAWiss2 Share the QR Code: (click for full-size image)
This excerpt looks at the historical connection between the City of Philadelphia and the Wissahickon Creek. Share the Link to the Snippet: http://bit.ly/SWPAWiss3 Share the QR Code: (click for full-size image)
	This segment reveals that the Wissahickon is a highly urbanized stream that relies on stormwater runoff and discharges from treatment plants for its flow. Share the Link to the Snippet: http://bit.ly/SWPAWiss41 Share the QR Code: (click for full-size image)

This excerpt looks at the economic, environmental, and human health threats associated with floods. Share the Link to the Snippet: http://bit.ly/SWPAWiss5 Share the QR Code: (click for full-size image)
	This short talks about a “pollution diet” as the way to make a lasting impact; working together is key. Share the Link to the Snippet: http://bit.ly/SWPAWiss6 Share the QR Code: (click for full-size image)
This excerpt takes a watershed view, noting that it will take a collective effort to improve the health of the Creek. Share the Link to the Snippet: http://bit.ly/SWPAWiss7 Share the QR Code: (click for full-size image)
	This short looks at the value of restoring the land alongside the Creek to its natural state: improved streamside habitat improves water quality in the stream. Share the Link to the Snippet: http://bit.ly/SWPAWiss8 Share the QR Code: (click for full-size image)