Richard Hammerschlag Obituary

I just happened to be thinking of my time as a student career experience program student at Patuxent/USGS, and I googled Kenilworth and Kingman marsh, and this link came up. I was doing fisheries research for my master's thesis at Morgan State and Dick was my mentor. I also helped him out at Kenilworth. Those were great days. Dick will always be one of my favorite people. I still crack up thinking about his greasy brown bag fried chicken lunches. My condolences to Freddi and family.

As an original member of the Metropolitan Council of Governments Anacostia Restoration Team from 1088-2000, with primary responsibility for restoration efforts within the District of Columbia portion of the watershed, I met Dick professionally about 35 years back. Over the course of my 12 years at MWCOG we worked closely on a range of restoration issues and initiatives.

Our crowning collaboration was the restoration of Kenilworth Marsh in the District. As the District of Columbia's and EPA's project manager for Kenilworth's restoration, I worked closely with Dick, Steve Syphax and his staff at NPS and Biohabitats Inc. We evaluated the marsh's decline, developed experimental designs to test it's restoration potential and ultimately, successully executed the final design and construction of a fully-functioning 32-acre tidal freshwater wetland system.

Along the way, our restoration efforts intersected with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers requirement to dredge/maintain a navigation channel from the Anacostia's mouth at the Potomac River up to the head of tide at Bladensburg. By that time, we had determined the limiting factor for restoration was a lack of elevation. We were facing a 3-year construction timeline costing upwards of $300K--with no identified funding source for the necessary work. Steve Garbarino, Corps of Engineers Baltimore District and project engineer for the Anacostia navigational dredging project, reached out with a novel, mutually-beneficial proposition.

We needed the necessary fill material to raise the marsh's elevation required for the support of a native, wetland community and the Corps needed an upland disposal site for the sediment they would hydraulically dredge from the Anacostia mainstem. It was the proverbial "match made in heaven", By merging mutual needs of the two initiatives, we were able to: 1) save the Corps hundreds of thousands in securing and constructing local sediment disposal sites and 2) construct the restoration project at little, to no additional cost, in just a few month's time. Our project was the largest tidal freshwater wetland restoration in the world and received a Presidential Design Award.

Three and a half decades later, I remember like yesterday, my time working with "Dr. Dick"--my nickname for him. Together, we overcame initial issues of trust, squabbled at times and ultimately developed a personal relationship--beyond our professional relationship. In my 39 years of environmental work at the local, regional and national levels, I never met a guy like Dick. He was a one-of-a-kind gem. He was pragmatic, argumentative, tough when necessary, funny, optimistic and always willing to find a way to get important things done-often when others said it wasn't possible. I am thankful that I had the opportunity to work with, know him and consider him a friend.
Dave Shepp
Annandale, Virgina

I was just randomly thinking about Dick today and was so sad to hear about his passing. He was such a great research mentor during my studies at UMD, which was over 20 years ago. We had some good times on the marsh and I have lots of fond memories of him. He was a really good person and will be missed by many.

I only met Dick a few times and years ago worked in same Lab at Beltsville, Maryland with Freddi and few times saw with a Brookside Gardens events. Total shocked to hear of the passing of Sick and share my condolences with Freddi and family.

It's been several years since I've seen Dick, but I will never forget the sound of his voice or the tremendous smile on his face whenever I saw him. So very sad to hear of his passing.

His nickname for me was Trinh Tin Tin, and I would call him Doc Hammer. Walking on the muddy marsh for hours was no trouble for him. Dr. Hammerschag is passionate about restoring the Anacostia. From friends at dc gov...Freddi - he will be missed greatly.

I am so very sorry to hear this news today - I so enjoyed seeing Dick at PVC NARGS functions and he will be sorely, sorely missed. My very best wishes to your family Freddi and deep condolences for this huge loss.

So blessed to have worked with Dick at CUE, and for the communications ever since. He inspired so many and will be equally missed. May he live on in the memories and stories that we share. Wishing his family peace during this difficult time. I'm so sorry to hear about Dick's passing.

Much to my regret I haven´t seen Richard and Freddi in decades but I remember Richard as a smart, thoughtful and warm presence. My thoughts are with you, Freddi and all the Hammerschlags. Susie

I´m so sorry to see Dick´s passing. Sending hugs, comfort and healing to you, Freddi (and family).

May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.

What a wonderful person Dick was to work with at Patuxent. I am so sorry for your loss. Dick was always happy and willing to share a hand in anything that needed to be done. We worked together when he first came to Patuxent, getting his paperwork for Dr. Trauger in order. I remember he would call me was Weiskopf (Whitehead) and I would call him the Schlagg-miester. Freddi, I know you miss him and the world has lost a great conservationist. Thinking of you all.

As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.

It was a pleasure to know and work with Dick as a Howard County Master Gardener. His knowledge, experience, and humor were greatly appreciated.

May Dick´s memory be for a blessing. David and Sherry send heartfelt condolences and hope you are comforted by the love and support of family and friends.

You were a special person and will be greatly missed be your friends and admirers.
Gloria and Richard Sherman

Dick Hammer aka Schlag was a penultimate forest/tree guy. He loved everything about outdoors, rocks, mountains, rivers, plants no matter what kind; cacti, orchids, succulents, water plants, ephemerals, bonsai, conifers especially dwarf conifers. He loved sharing his knowledge. He loved people. He and Freddi shared their garden with many parties. Their easy devotion to each other was amazing. He leaves a big hole in our hearts.

I had the privilege of touring DIck and Freddi Hammerschlag's beautiful garden a few months ago. What a wonderful botanical legacy he left for us through his shared knowledge and lovingly cared for plants. Sincere condolences.