Corinne --
The park made a lovely backdrop to an outdoor wedding recently. It has been wonderful to see all of the different ways that friends and neighbors have found enjoyment in the park this year. We have several updates as we begin October:
October is here and it is time for our annual fundraising drive. Several generous donors have contributed to a matching grant of up of $1250. This means if you give now, your donation will be doubled!
Over the past 3 years, donations to the Friends were used to:
- Provide plants for the planters
- Provide painting and other supplies for our work parties
- Cover our (very low) administrative expenses, such as insurance, website, and fees to the DC government.
In the few years since the Friends were established in 2017, we have matured as an organization and can expand our projects and events once COVID restrictions are lifted. We're excited about the new Demonstration Garden project that we will discuss at our Zoom meeting tomorrow! We will need funds for this project in addition to future projects and events. Plans in the works include tree plantings, park signage, and community gatherings. Our ability to help NPS restore and improve the park is directly influenced by the support of our volunteers and our donors.
Demonstration Garden Zoom Meeting
Reminder: we've scheduled a Zoom meeting to show you plans for the Demonstration Garden in Titanic Memorial Park, and answer any questions you may have. The Zoom meeting is scheduled for:
Tuesday, October 6, 2020
7:00pm
You must register in advance for this meeting:
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZwvduCuqj8rGNU6s0bldo2dNA_eUofWTTfe
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
Background:
The Friends have been working with NPS on plans for a "Demonstration Garden" in the North area of the Park. The garden will demonstrate the use of native shrubs and perennials to mimic the original form, structure, and color of the historic design, while adding habitat for pollinators and birds. We've submitted a permit to install this garden in the Spring of 2021. (Planting plans dependent on COVID-19 restrictions, of course.)
Here's another opportunity for you to observe nature while maintaining physical distance from others. The Anacostia River BioBlitz will be held:
Thursday, October 15 - Sunday, October 18
Similar to the City Nature Challenge we participate in each Spring, the BioBlitz, sponsored by the Anacostia Watershed Society, uses iNaturalist to record observations of plants and animals found in the wild. Some of our neighboring National Parks like Anacostia Park and Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens are great places in the Anacostia Watershed to make observations. Or, hike or bike along the Anacostia Riverwalk Trail and record what you find!
You can find details about the BioBlitz on the AWS website.
Thank you for your continued support of the Park!
Corinne Irwin, Chair
Friends of Titanic Memorial Park