August 2016.
Several years ago, a longtime NPNA resident asked several neighbors the question: “What is Joe’s Creek good for?”

A common thread in the answers led to a focus for NPNA, working to preserve the natural characteristics of the creek and its greenbelt environment. NPNA volunteers have responded with energy and enthusiasm, working in concert with Dallas Parks Department in numerous creek cleaning and preservation events.   

Long before these group efforts, individuals have labored quietly and individually, picking up trash on daily walks, watching for any conditions or contaminants that threaten the creek and the quality of the water.

Rebecca Bergstresser exemplifies this tradition, and also lent her considerable powers of observation, organization, and enthusiasm as a NPNA Creek Leader in planning and leading a number of the group efforts. We can continue to be inspired by her example in caring for the creek on a daily basis. For daily attention is a great tool in safeguarding the creek from the ordinary and extraordinary events that can quickly and adversely affect the quality of the water and the welfare of the wildlife. 

So anytime that you’re out walking along the creek or greenbelt, think of our exemplary volunteers, and don’t hesitate to pick up debris — there are several trash receptacles along the way — and importantly, if you do see something out of the norm, such as an obvious pollutant or contaminant, or deliberately placed rubble or trash, let us know at creek@npna.org, so that together with the City we can best keep Joe’s Creek clear and clean. 

While you’re at it, perhaps you’ll catch a sight of the red-tail hawk, an egret, or even the yellow crowned night heron. Thanks Rebecca, for reminding us what the creek can be, and for inspiring us to keep working toward that realization. 

Vince Punaro, Creek Event Leader

June 2016.
Two small fishing parties that visited the creek recently illustrate its continuing appeal. One was a youngster with her pink fishing rod and her dad, who explained “this is strictly catch and release.” The other, a tall white egret, offered no explanation – none needed. 

When NPNA residents spotted a number of dead fish in the creek last month, a prompt and thorough investigation soon followed. Neighborhood environmentalists tested the creek water near the site of the apparent fish kill, and relayed their observations to personnel from the City’s Trinity Watershed Division, who removed about 40 dead fish, conducted their own tests, and diligently returned for several days to monitor for any additional fish die-off. 

Since small fish and minnows continued to thrive in the creek waters, and the fish in question were generally larger (including some catfish) than those we normally see in the creek, the consensus conclusion was that these fish likely originated elsewhere, and were dumped into the Joe’s Creek, let’s just say, by someone who got away with it this time. 

We can be grateful for the quick response from our own experts, the prompt and sustained actions from the City, and that no unusual pollution was found in this incident. We are also reminded of the fragile nature of the ecology of the creek – its very accessibility makes it easy to introduce contaminants either intentionally or by default – and the efforts needed to keep it uncontaminated. 

Two areas merit special attention during the summer months: 

Swimming pools – extra care should be taken to ensure that no chlorinated water is discharged into the alleys, and thus into the creek. City Stormwater publishes guidelines for water discharge from pools, including specifying the maximum level of chlorine acceptable. It’s a simple matter to test the water for chlorine and ph before discharge. Note there can be a substantial fine levied for excess chlorine discharge. See  Swimming Pool Discharge for the guidelines. 

Lawns – can also be a source of pollution if too much fertilizer or weed killer is used. Organic methods are best, and one good source for these methods is Howard Garrett’s newsletter. See his website www.dirtdoctor.com.

Enjoy summer, but let’s keep the creek natural, for the fish, and for all those who delight in observing.

Vince Punaro, Creek Event Leader

January 2016.
Throughout Dallas, much of the upper reaches of natural creeks were filled in or covered over and converted to underground storm drains as the city grew more urbanized. 

In Northaven Park, we are fortunate to retain the natural channel of Joe’s Creek, readily accessible to residents and to the public. Looking forward in the New Year, one can envision either a creek that continues to attract and support wildlife with clean water or a channel increasingly contaminated by pollutants in storm water runoff. For a detailed article on the impact of storm water runoff, see Opinion: For Cities’ Sake, Address Stormwater Infrastructure, a Texas Tribune article by Sara E. Smith, Dec. 29, 2015.

Which version of the creek prevails will depend on our continued vigilance and preservation efforts, both on an individual basis and in initiatives supported and implemented by the City of Dallas.

Individually, we can practice organic gardening, avoiding the use of chemical pesticides and excessive fertilizer. Natural landscaping that features native plants with relatively deep roots can slow runoff and require less watering. Rain barrels can collect and conserve water for later use in the landscape.

We can encourage the City to consider incentives to replace turf grass with native plants. One can see an increasing number of examples of native plantings in our neighborhood’s landscapes.

The City can also incorporate best storm water design into new paving projects, such as the planned Trinity Trail extension that will pass through Northaven Park. 

Let’s plan and act so that Joe’s Creek will continue to be a welcoming site for wildlife…and a place of enjoyment for residents and visitors.

Vince Punaro, Creek Event Leader

December 2015.
Dallas now has a new annual and monthly rainfall record – we can at once welcome the end of drought conditions and wonder will the record soon be broken again, and what the consequences would be.

With the 50th anniversary of the April 1966 Joe’s Creek flood approaching, this month would be a good time for homeowners whose property is located on or near the creek to check the updated flood maps. 

Maps can be viewed online at www.floodsmart.gov, which also has information regarding flood insurance.

The 1966 flood washed out the bridge at Royal Lane, and caused extensive erosion and property damage along the creek west and south of Northaven Park.

A longtime Dallas resident, who was 19 years old then, recalled “in 1966 we lived on Kincaid Circle, south of Royal Lane and West of Marsh Lane. Our house flooded and we lost everything including 2 cars that ended up at Calvary Hill. We had to swim across the circle to get to the neighbor’s house.”

We are fortunate that Northaven Park is situated near the headwaters of Joe’s Creek, and also benefit along with all Dallas residents from flood control improvements that have been made over the years. Yet we are advised to continue to be watchful for obstructions in the creek or storm drains that could cause water to back up in a storm.

Vince Punaro, Creek Event Leader

November 2015.
”Joe’s Creek is under stress”, as an NPNA resident and long time Creek volunteer recently observed. 

Record rain falls, and long dry spells have challenged the Creek this year, the former advancing erosion and soil washing into the creek, and the latter stressing wildlife. While these natural events are not within our control, we continue to be alert for the best practices that we, as neighbors, can provide. 

One can easily see examples of both good and poor practices regarding soil control around the numerous building and rebuilding projects currently underway in Northaven Park. Most builders seem to be careful and observant of the appropriate measures, but “when you see something of concern, say something” by contacting our Creek team at creek@npna.org. 

A few months ago, our NPNA creek volunteers observed and directed the attention of the City to the landscape plan of a home under construction that seemed to encroach into the creek itself. The city response was emphatic, and promises to result in an engineer approved plan, that will preserve the flow of the creek. 

The City’s Trinity Floodplain Management division, directed the response, and recently met with NPNA leaders and homeowners to inspect and review the erosion control gabions that have been installed just below the power line crossing. The City brought a few of their engineering staff members and shared some of their observations while listening to the Creek leaders and homeowners in the area. While any substantive rework will have to await the next bond election, the City did say that they would keep apprised of any further deterioration and welcomed our input. 

Vince Punaro, Creek Event Leader

Aug 2015.
OK, the Texas Summer is coming into town with its full blast of withering heat! It’s a time when we may have time to enjoy our special neighborhood green space but also need to take special precautions for our park and ourselves. 

First, about us: Be safe! Take water if you are going to be walking, running, or just hanging out in the park. True, there are some water fountains in the picnic area, but don’t rely on those if you are engaging in vigorous exercise. And of course you will take the empties home to recycle if you don’t have time to find the trash cans. Thank you! It’s also important to use sunscreen as well if you are going to be walking or playing games in the sun. The tan may look good now, but the problems show up later, not just as wrinkles but often as skin cancer. Don’t risk it! 

And please, please remember this very important fact: While the Joe’s Creek greenbelt is public property, it is not my property, your property, or our property to do with as we please. It is shared by us all under the authority of the City of Dallas. Any changes – such as plantings, removals, and installations must be made in coordination with NPNA, working with the Parks Department and the City Forester. All other plantings will be removed by the Parks Department and City Forester. This is done to prevent problems such as injuries caused by obstacles in the greenbelt and to prevent spreading of invasive species.

To share your thoughts, contact us at creek@npna.org. Suggestions and ideas are always welcome, and participation in group projects is a great way to get to know our neighbors!

Rebecca Bergstresser

June 2015.

No one wishes for a flood (see footnote), but the recent record rains did much to improve the appearance of Joe’s Creek, scouring the creekbed to wash away much of the unsightly algae and silt. When can you recall seeing the sun cast the shadows of foliage onto the rock creek bed, through clear water? 

The water just north of Alta Vista bridge was clear enough so that one could see some color and striped markings on the minnows and small fish there. These clear conditions remind us of the natural potential of the creek, for the moment without the effects of chemicals, excess fertilizers, pesticides, and other elements common to urban storm runoff. Take a look soon if you have not already done so.

The rain was not without problems for the creek, however, as several NPNA neighbors noticed the overfow from manhole covers of the sanitary sewer system at several locations near the creek. City staffers have indicated that the cause will be investigated, possibly including some smoke testing to locate specific faults or breaks in the lines. Because of the volume of the rain fall, fortunately most of the overflow was storm water runoff. 

Footnote: Channel Five Chief Meteorologist David Finfrock recently quoted his mentor and predecessor, legendary Texas weatherman Harold Taft, who once said, “The only way to end a drought is with a flood.”

Vince Punaro

May 2015.

After 20 winters, a small inconspicuous plaque still notes the efforts of neighborhood leaders Drs. Terry Watson and Ben Smith, who in 1995 planned and led volunteer teams in an extensive tree planting project along the Joe’s Creek greenbelt. Dr Smith was called “The Beaver in Joe’s Creek” by a City newspaper for his tireless work in the Creek, including planting flowers along the banks, many which still flourish today. City of Dallas Parks Department planted the donated trees, and dedicated volunteers fostered their growth with weekly watering for the first two years. The numerous bur and red oaks, cypress, crepe myrtles, plum and other flowering trees are now an impressive, natural and enduring part of the open space for all to enjoy.

NPNA volunteers today continue the vital work of taking care of the creek and its environment in many ways, yet there are others who would spoil the creek deliberately by dumping chemicals or pollutants down storm drains. Nothing other than clean water or rainwater should flow into the drains and into the creek. If you do observe anyone dumping materials or liquids, report this activity to City of Dallas Code enforcement by calling 311. If possible to do so safely, note any identification of the vehicle or persons involved. The City can levy steep fines for even a single occurrence of such violations.

Expect to encounter numerous mosquitoes along the creek after the recent rains. Take the recommended steps to avoid being bitten. Dress, drain standing water in your own yards, avoid dusk and dawn exposures, and use repellent. Continue to enjoy the Creek, Park and our great Northaven Park neighborhood.

Vince Punaro

February 2015.
Reflecting on the accidental loss of Dallas’ State Champion Black Willow (DMN February 3), we can appreciate the special qualities of the Black Willows that have thrived for years in the Joe’s Creek corridor: natives and champions regardless of size.  Although many are now aging, these Willows feature a dense and tenacious root system that holds fast against erosion of the creek’s banks. Wildlife, including the Red Bellied Woodpecker, and other species, including the Ladder Backed, seem to be drawn to these trees, perhaps more so when the trees are showing signs of age, or storm or insect damage. The fast growth and typically short life, the soft breakable wood, the shallow extensive root system that make the tree less desirable in a residential landscape, become advantages along the creek.  Every tree does not have to have the endurance of the oaks or long life of the bald cypress to be an important part of the environment.

 According to Texas Trees, a Friendly Guide,  published 1988 by Paul W. Cox and Patty Leslie, Black Willows were used in weaving baskets, wicker furniture, and Indians made an infusion from the bark, to alleviate aches and pains – the bark contains an ingredient found in aspirin. Black Willows can be grown easily from a cutting. “One can take a live willow branch, press it into the mud, and watch it grow.” We might try just that. 

Future Champions? These probable Black Willow shoots are now coming up along the creek’s edge. Let’s give them their chance to grow and mature – that is, do not remove!

See Texas Trees, a Friendly Guide for more comments on the Black Willow and excellent descriptions and background for so many of our Texas natives. This book is available from amazon.com, alibris.com and the Dallas Public Library.From

Vince Punaro & Rebecca Bergstresser

August 2014.
Encouraging recent reports of wildlife in the creek – the sounds of toads or frogs and the sight of juvenile mallards remind us of the importance of keeping the creek clean and its water unpolluted.

NPNA Creek volunteers are simply the best at periodically clearing trash and monitoring for other debris that needs to be removed. However, ordinary litter and trash remains a persistent problem. With each rain or wind storm, more washes down the storm drains to stick in branches and along the creek bed impeding the water flow.

Some neighbors have asked what more can be done to control trash and litter. Some communities have taken steps to ban plastic bags, but litter can originate from countless sources, and thus must be controlled at every source.

Let us know – What are your best ideas on this subject? Thanks for your comments, and assistance in keeping Joe’s Creek a great habitat and natural area in the neighborhood.

Vince Punaro & Rebecca Bergstresser