Hotter May temps, Otters spotted, more heritage trees chopped & more

Catch up on the latest sustainability news.

May in Philadelphia has warmed an average of 1.6 degrees over the past 50 years.

A river otter captured on camera in Ridley Creek is good news for the animal’s revival and cleaner local waterways. (Inquirer)

The Fairmount Park Conservancy cut down forty-eight healthy heritage trees from FDR Park despite the Philly Tree Plan’s intentions to slow tree loss. “Why is it so important that we must destroy in hours what [it took] nature almost a hundred years to create?” said Maurice Sampson, eastern Pennsylvania director of the nonprofit Clean Water Action. (WHYY)

DYK French Creek State Park has ties to the Underground Railroad and the charcoal industry as a place of refuge for those seeking freedom from slavery. A new map chronicles 65 historically Black beaches and other significant sites in the Chesapeake Bay Watershed.

Are you unsure how to participate in community discussions about land development? PennFuture is hosting a webinar on May 22nd on A Community Guide to Local Land Use Decision-Making in Pennsylvania.

Julie Hancher

Julie Hancher is the co-founder and Executive Director of Green Philly, an independent media organization making sustainability accessible, affordable and actionable. Since launching Green Philly in 2008, she has grown it from a passion project into a leading voice for local climate storytelling, pairing impactful journalism with community events and experiences. Julie is a frequent speaker on climate, media innovation and the future of local journalism, and is the creator of SustainPHL and EcoFair. Outside of Green Philly, you can find her hiking, biking, traveling, or exploring Philadelphia.