Until a few days ago, the reengineered and daylighted Linnean and Broad Branch streams were a sorry sight.
As the days went by with little to no rain, they lost what makes them magical places to visit: the sounds of the gurgling streams between the ponds, and the frogs splashing and swimming around.
The streams and ponds were at their the lowest and driest since the stream rehabilitation work was completed in 2014.
Linnean is fed by stormwater from 32nd and Fessenden Streets emptying into drains. Broad Branch starts at a natural spring behind Politics and Prose, and stormwater is piped in from 36th Street and Linnean Avenue. Both streams were engineered to slow and filter massive stormwater inflows, but drought conditions left them idle, and left their amphibian residents high and dry.
I captured the streams in their withered state on Friday, September 8th. Then, on Sunday, it rained. Down the rain poured, bringing welcome relief. More rain arrived Monday, then Tuesday night. So on Wednesday, I returned to Linnean and Broad Branch in hopes of finding a metamorphosis. I was not disappointed.
These streams are once again magical places to be. Take the kids and go for a stroll early in the evening to catch the last of the daylight. Or get out early in the morning. At any time, they are a delight.
Joyce Stern says
Thank you for sharing this affirmation of life. And it’s so beautifully written too. Joyce Stern.
David Falk says
Thanks Marlene for your wonderful video clip. It is a metaphor for however bad things can get, the future will bring us regeneration if we just remain patient and keep focused.
Gueta Maria Mezzetti says
I try to keep up nourishment for the bees and birds and am so happy you are minding the streams and whole ecosystem! Thank you and seeing your videos is a lovely way to start the day.
Gueta Mezzetti