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