You and Your Neighborhood Stream will feature Deb Briceland-Betts, President of the Neighbors of the Northwest Branch, a local citizen-based action group dedicated to restoring the health of the NW Branch of the Anacostia River. Learn about the work being done to improve the health of this important watershed and what one person can do at home to make a difference in the quality of their community's water.

A major ecological, recreational, and historic corridor, the Northwest Branch watershed is a critical, albeit degraded, subwatershed of the Anacostia River that includes portions of the communities of Silver Spring, Wheaton, Kemp Mills, and Four Corners. Essential for regional water quality, biodiversity, and the region’s drinking water supply, it faces significant challenges from urbanization, including high levels of impervious surfaces, pollution, and degradation of natural habitats.

Deb Briceland-Betts, a former nonprofit executive and Legal Services attorney, was certified in environmental law while in law school. In her retirement, she focuses on volunteer work for environmental causes that bring her joy, including serving for five years as a citizen scientist for the Anacostia Riverkeeper. Currently President of the Neighbors of the Northwest Branch, Deb has served on their Board since 2023.

Registration is encouraged. Members of the Silver Spring Village may register by logging into their member account and signing up through the members-only events calendar. Non-members may register by contacting operations@silverspringvillage.org or by calling 240-833-5580, extension 6.

SPARKLE is a monthly education series organized by Silver Spring Village and Silver Spring Town Center.