Fall bioblitz, SEPTA fire risks, & more

Catch up on the latest sustainability news:

Fall Nature Challenge starts. The Academy of Natural Sciences is hosting a Fall bioblitz on October 11-13. The goal of the challenge is to document as many living species as possible. To participate, use iNaturalist to photograph and share plants, animals, fungi, and other local life. 

SEPTA car fires lead to safety inspections and delays. Regional rail riders are facing delays as SEPTA pulls 150 cars for inspection following a recommendation from the National Transportation Safety Board. The NTSB urged inspections due to several fire incidents over the past year. Representative Ed Neilson issued a statement saying that the current funding plan for SEPTA – which requires the agency to dip into its capital budget in order to fund daily operations – poses a risk to public safety. 

Environmental Educators Mixer on October 10th. Norris Square Neighborhood Project and The Environmental Collaboratory are hosting a mixer for environmental educators at Las Parcelas garden on Friday, October 10th. The event is open to educators of all kinds who teach others about the environment, foodways, growing practices, and more. 

Unionized government workers rally outside the shuttered Liberty Bell. As the federal government shutdown continues, national monuments like the Liberty Bell are closed in Philadelphia. The American Federation of Government Employees and local AFL-CIO held a rally against the negative financial impact on federal employees. 

Join us for the 8th annual SustainPHL Awards. Green Philly is hosting our 8th annual SustainPHL Awards on October 23rd. Mingle over cocktails, learn from local changemakers, and build community with fellow innovators and advocates at Philly’s “Green Oscars.”

Cover photo: Photo by Dan Mall on Unsplash