Holmes Run is in ‘fair’ condition

Holmes Run, which flows through the Annandale area, is not in great condition, according to a report released Aug. 10 by the Audubon Naturalist Society.

The report, The Story of the Streams, evaluates the health of three waterways in the D.C. region. It finds Holmes Run and the Northwest Branch of the Anacostia River to be in “fair condition,” while Oxon Run in Prince George’s County is in “poor condition.”

The Holmes Run watershed is 28 square miles and is almost entirely inside the Beltway. The stream is a primary headwater tributary of Cameron Run. It flows into Lake Barcroft and feeds into the Potomac River just south of Alexandria.

The report gives Holmes Run a grade of “moderately poor” for climate, a rating of “good” for access to nature, and “fair” ratings for water quality and for biodiversity and habitat.

The climate score refers to the loss of wetlands, loss of the tree canopy, loss of forested buffer, and poor air quality. Trees and wetlands are important for preventing flooding, the report notes. Trees also prevent erosion and protect nearby residents from extreme heat.

The Holmes Run watershed “receives drainage from major highways, but has substantial parkland and relatively low-density suburban homes,” The Story of Streams states.

Among the three streams in the study, Holmes Run has the least amount of impervious surfaces, meaning it has comparatively less stormwater runoff from paved surfaces.

Holmes Run has the highest score for tree canopy over the entire watershed, but the worst score for stream buffer. Of the three streams, it is the least protected by trees along its banks. As a result, intense storms have led to erosion and infrastructure damage.

The report suggests people who care about improving stream quality can take these steps:

• Sign up to volunteer with the Audubon Naturalist Society or the Friends of Holmes Run.

• Donate to support the advocacy work of the Friends of Holmes Run or other environmental organizations.

• Download the free Creek Critters phone app to identify stream wildlife and monitor the health of a stream.

• Change your habits at home by creating an eco-friendly yard, compost yard waste, keep leaves out of streets and gutters, avoid fertilizing near gutters and storm drains, pick up pet waste, pick up litter, and plant trees.

• If you want to really go big, install a green roof and replace an impermeable driveway with permeable pavers that let rainwater soak through.