Established: 2005
Brief history by Ginny Brace: We began as an alternative to soccer fields. In April 2005, the Reedy’s and I put flyers in the neighborhood to see if there was interest in planting native shrubs and perennials along the path (because the huge sewer line project was completed). To our surprise, about 30 people came to the initial meeting. Roelkey Myers showed us how to become a Friends group, and we were off and running. The MD DNR played a large role in the early days. They secured $5,000 in Federal Invasive Species Control funds and hired the County to spray the giant bush honeysuckle that dominated the understory of the woods. We started by just removing brush from the wood’s edges, then progressed to cutting and hauling away the dead honeysuckle. City and DNR personnel treated and cut dozens of ailanthus trees from the hill near Meadowdale and at the Baughmans entrance. The DNR secured a grant from the Chesapeake Bay Trust (the license plate folks) and on Earth Day, 2006, approximately 40 volunteers planted 400 small trees at the east end of the park. Mike Ingramm had spent a day behind a big auger making the holes for these plants. Our first major fundraiser in 2007 brought donations for 21 larger trees; many of these along the path and on the hill are getting pretty big. The DNR provided the equipment and advice necessary to make the one-acre meadow. Over the years Boy Scout Troop 799, several Eagle Scouts with their helpers, the Hood College environmental club, AstraZeneca’s Green Team, and of course the worker bees (aka the grey-hairs!) have put in thousands of hours transforming the park. We invite you to browse some of our archived newsletters on the website to see what has been done since 2005.
Goal: To develop the park as a passive park, using native plants to enhance the area for wildlife and to educate the public about the benefits of native plants, while maintaining space for other existing uses of the park.
Funding:
- Grants
- Donations from members and community supporters
- Membership dues
Friends of Waterford Park is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization.
Members: As of winter 2015-16 approximately 75 individuals.
Involvement: While FWP appreciates the help of its “worker bees,” it also needs the membership support of the surrounding community, whether residents can work or not. Often grants to which FWP applies, as well as the City of Frederick, ask for membership numbers. With those numbers often come benefits. If you can help maintain the park, there’s plenty to do. More importantly, if you want to show your support for the work that’s been accomplished in the park, please join FWP.
Dues: $10 for individuals/ $25 for households
Joining FWP: If you would like to join FWP, download the Membership and Dues Form. You’ll receive copies of our newsletter and notices of upcoming events.
Communication
Website: www.friendsofwaterfordpark.org
Email: FWP maintains an email list to share news and announce work sessions. This is the most efficient way to learn what’s happening. Contact Ginny at info@friendsofwaterfordpark.org to be added to the list or to ask questions about our group.
Kiosk: FWP appreciates this kiosk built by Jeffrey Crabb from Boy Scout Troop 799, Brook Hill United Methodist Church as part of his Eagle Scout project.
Mail and Telephone: Some members prefer these mediums for staying in touch. Indicate your preference on the membership sheet or contact Ginny at 301.682.6135.
Newsletters: FWP publishes Fall newsletters for its members and others interested in the park.
Meetings: The board of FWP meets bi-monthly although anyone is welcome to attend.
Current Officers:
- President – Ginny Brace
- Vice President – Rachel Zigler
- Secretary – Kathy Soria
- Treasurer – Alice Meiners
- Karen Berkheimer Morton
- Dan Yates
- Kathy Fay, Liaison with Friends of Baker Park