2010 Neighbors of the Northwest Branch Communities Survey Report
Summary
A total of 74 people responded to an on-line survey in October and November 2010 related to the demographics of the Neighbors of the Northwest Branch communities and their current and future interests. The majority of respondents live in Montgomery County, South of Randolph Road (51%), followed by Prince George's County (42%). Over half (51%) of the respondents have not participated in any NNWB-sponsored activities; 55% stated that maybe they would like to become more involved with NNWB activities. A large majority (77%) of respondents are not paid members of NNWB. A large majority (73%) of the respondents have a neighborhood listserv/newsletter, with the highest responses from Hyattsville (16), Woodmoor (6), and Mt. Rainier (4). Multiple respondents would like to see more activities in Prince George's County.
Purpose
The Neighbors of the Northwest Branch (NNWB) conducted a Communities Survey in the Fall of 2010. The purpose of this survey was to determine the demographics of the NNWB communities, their interests, and what activities they would like the NNWB to focus on in the future so that resources can be allocated appropriately.
Methods
The online survey contained a total of 15 questions (see supplemental data - 2010 survey responses for complete listing of questions and anonymous responses). Questions 1-13 were multiple choice; some questions had text boxes for "other" answers. Questions 4, 6, 8, and 9 allowed for multiple answer selection. Question 14 was open-ended for any comments people wished to make. Question 15 was optional for leaving contact information if the responder wished to do so, otherwise the survey was anonymous.
The survey was announced via email lists and the NNWB website. The survey was active from October 28 to November 15, 2010. A total of 74 responses were collected. This report addresses the major highlights of the survey. Please see the supplemental data to review the entire range of responses, including the write-in comments.
Demographics
The majority of respondents live (Question 2) in Montgomery County, south of Randolph Road (51%), followed by Prince George's County (42%). A small number (7%) of respondents live in Montgomery County, north of Randolph Road; no one responded from the District of Columbia.
The length of time (Question 1) that respondents have lived near the Northwest Branch (NWB) covered the range of choices (less than 5 years to more than 20 years) fairly evenly (see Figure 1). The highest category response (28%) was "more than 20 years".
Forty-two percent of the respondents visit the park (Question 3) fairly frequently, stating they spend time in the NWB park either "about every day" (15%) or "about once a week" (27%). The most often cited activities in the NWB park (Question 4) include hiking (77%), observing/monitoring nature (54%), picking up trash (45%), taking photographs (30%), and pulling alien, invasive plants (24%). "Walking dogs" was the most popular "other" activity (6 comments, 8%).
Questions related to the NNWB organization
A large majority (77%) of respondents are not paid members of NNWB (Question 7). Only 18% of respondents are paid members, and 5% are not sure.
Respondents heard about the NNWB (Question 5) through a variety of methods (see Figure 2). The highest response (38%) was from "other local listservs", followed by "word of mouth" (26%) and "other" (21%; see 2010 survey responses for complete listing).
Respondents selected multiple responses as to why they are interested in the NNWB (Question 6). The most frequent response (66%) was concern about many environmental issues affecting the NWB, followed closely (50%) by wanting to see improved trail maintenance along the NWB.
Two questions (8 and 9) related to "what NNWB-sponsored activities have you participated in" (Question 8) or "what NNWB activities would you like to see more of in the future" (Question 9; see Figure 3). Over half (51%) of the respondents had not participated in any NNWB-sponsored activities. Trash cleanups were the most popular activity (26%), followed closely by meetings (23%). Hikes, invasive plant pulls, and writing to public officials also had some responses (14%, 14%, 15%). Respondents would most like to participate in trash cleanups (47%), followed by invasive plant pulls (38%), hikes (36%), neighborhood-focused activities (35%), and native plants/conservation landscaping/rain gardens (32%). Other future activities mentioned included recognition of deer management as a necessary part of stream restoration, wildlife monitoring, advocacy, bike rides, education of immigrant communities along NWB, and joint events with the Hyattsville Environmental Committee.
A majority (56%) of the respondents selected that "maybe" they would like to become more involved in any of the NNWB-sponsored activities (Question 10). Twenty-seven percent responded "yes" while 16% responded "no".
A large majority (81%) of respondents did not "like or did not know someone who would like to serve on the board of directors/be an officer/serve on a committee of NNWB" (Question 11). Sixteen percent responded "maybe" and 3% responded "yes".
Potential NNWB outreach collaborators
A large majority (73%) of the respondents have a neighborhood listserv/newsletter (Question 12); 21 different neighborhoods were listed. The highest response (16) was from Hyattsville, followed by Woodmoor (6) and Mt. Rainier (4). The remaining neighborhoods had one or two responses each.
About one third (32%) of the respondents have a neighborhood Green Team/garden club/environmental committee, with nine different groups listed (Question 13). The Hyattsville community has the most responses for their environmental committee (7), horticultural society (4), and garden club (2). Woodmoor has a green team (4) and garden club (2). Other groups mentioned are the SligoHeadwaters CA native plant landscaping co-op, North Hills of Sligo Creek, Native Plants group, and the Anacostia Watershed.
Optional information/comments
Question 14 was open-ended to allow respondents to share any other comments. Nineteen of 74 respondents left a comment. Several people stated they would like to see more activities in PG County. Others appreciated/were interested in NNWB activities but have not had time to participate. Two people were interested in having neighborhood groups become more active with NNWB.
Question 15 collected optional contact information from individuals if they were willing to have someone follow up with them. Twenty four respondents left contact information.
How long have you lived near the Northwest Branch (NWB)?
Figure 2. Question 5.
How did you hear about the Neighbors of the Northwest Branch (NNWB)?
Figure 3. Questions 8 and 9 combined.
What NNWB-sponsored activities have you participated in? (check all that apply)
What NNWB activities would you like to see more of in the future? (check all that apply)
