A Walk to the Confluence of Sligo with NW Branch

On May 5th, Clair Garman, Bruce Sidwell, and Keith Kozloff conducted an inspection of a relatively little used stretch of Sligo Creek. We began just downstream of where Takoma Branch enters into Creek, which is near the intersection of Riggs Road and Highway 410 (photo). We observed that trees and shrubs have grown up along the banks of the section of Sligo Creek that was channelized with concrete many years ago as a flood control measure (photos). Despite the degraded nature of the Creek in this area, several mallard ducks were swimming in the water.

We proceeded downstream along the paved walking/biking trail, which parallels Sligo Parkway. At several points along our walk, we noticed that rocks and other physical structures have been installed in the stream bed presumably for flood control and/or restoration (photos). We have queried Metro Washington Council of Governments (MWCOG) as to the reasons for installing these structures, and will update this description as further information becomes available.

Where there were access points along our route, we walked down to the Creek (photo). We noticed a moderate amount of trash has accumulated both in the Creek and surrounding forested area. This stretch of Sligo Creek does not appear to have been covered in past "Sweep the Creek" events. Indirect evidence of recreational uses of this stretch was gleaned by the number of beer bottles and cans we collected. There is also heavy infestation of various invasive species in places, including kudzu, as well as some luxuriant patches of poison ivy.

The forest valley widened as we approached the confluence of Sligo Creek and Northwest Branch (which is just downstream of where Northwest Branch crosses under Ager Road). In that area, Clair and Bruce sought but did not find examples of partially petrified logs in the streambed that had been observed in previous visits (photos). We concluded our inspection at that confluence, which is surrounded by a broad forested area. A small flock of Canada geese were active around the confluence during our visit (photo).

In summary, enhancing the environmental value of this resource would appear to require more intense management of invasives and trash. Although the Sligo Creek trail parallels much of this stretch, the Creek itself is not visible from much of the path due to distance from it and overgrowth. In some spots the stream valley is relatively level. We have queried MWCOG as to the ownership of forest land adjacent to the Creek and will update as information becomes available.