Residents of Shawmont Valley

Green Tree Run Stream after a heavy rain

See Green Tree Run Flooding below for more information

Tires, Trees left by Stream Flooding

A quiet community nestled in the Shawmont Valley and along the banks of the Schuylkill River in Upper Roxborough, with woodlands, open streams, natural terrain, and wildlife habitats. We are a National Historic District with 18th century farmhouses, residences, and remnants of the early railroads.
Recognizing that great care must be taken to preserve these fragile ecosystems and historic landmarks which make this a desirable place to live, and which are easily damaged and lost, our goals are to: 
• Protect and restore the riparian buffer, watersheds, streams, woodland and meadow habitat.
• Work towards the establishment of a Conservation District in the City and County of Philadelphia.
• Preserve the character and integrity of our community.
• Maintain and improve our quality of life, health, safety, and well-being of our residents.

Residents of Shawmont Valley Association is actively working with Kay Sykura at the Schuylkill River Project, Fairmont Park, and the Philadelphia Water Department developing a Conservation Plan for the Ottinger tract and a section of the bike path that parallels the Schuylkill River. We have been fortunate to secure a grant through the Schuylkill River Project and Kay Sykura to engage Natural Lands Trust to help design a conservation plan for the area. Natural Lands Trust has surveyed the property for soil composition and plant material. Currently they are exploring recommendations and methods for long-term stewardship. Part of the long-range goal is to remove invasives and replace with native plants that offer year around food for wildlife.

Late summer of 2009 produced some of the worst storms in recent memory for residents in Roxborough. Most local streams overflowed their banks. One of the hardest hit was Green Tree Run Stream. This first order Stream, which originates from several springs along the valley is normally three or 4 feet wide turned into a destructive river of  raging brown water that damaged bridges and left boulders, lawn furniture, trees and debris  spread across lawns, coating property with a thick sludge requiring heavy equipment to remove. Fortunately, Philadelphia Water Department is working with residents to develop long-term strategies that hopefully will alleviate some of the problems. Roxborough Review article – http://montgomerynews.com/articles/2009/08/25/roxborough_review/news/doc4a940f7aab534207089935.txt

Damage from Green Tree Run Flooding

Unreal water damage

Seems not everyone is impressed with a recent letter from Skelly and Loy that contradicts the agreed upon 26 foot easement.