Catch up on the latest sustainability news:

USDA threatens Pennsylvania public land. The U.S. Department of Agriculture is proposing to rescind the Roadless Rule, which protects backcountry and recreational areas from development. In Pennsylvania, these areas include Allegheny National Forest, the Hearts Content Scenic Area, and long-distance trails like the North Country Trail that connects Pennsylvania to six other states. The USDA’s decision is open for public comment until September 20. Outdoor Alliance

SEPTA’s bus redesign officially in effect. Originally approved back in 2024, Phase I of the SEPTA bus network redesign is now in full swing. The first phase affects more than two dozen bus routes in South Philly, Kensington, parts of North Philly, and Roxborough. This is the first major change to the system in 60 years. AXIOS Philadelphia

Recycled materials artwork inspired by LOVE sculpture. Wildwood Crest on the New Jersey shore has a new sculpture made entirely out of recycled and reclaimed materials found on the shoreline. The sculpture features two waves crashing into each other to form a heart, which the creators say is a nod to Philadelphia’s LOVE Park sculpture. 

Center receives grant to support environmental education. The Schuylkill Center for Environmental Education has received a $500,000 grant from the state to renovate its Visitor Center. The renovation was chosen as part of the Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program, which funds projects that contribute to Pennsylvania’s economy and quality of life. The Schuylkill Center for Environmental Education was Philadelphia’s first environmental education center and provides wildlife rehabilitation, volunteer opportunities, and educational programs. 

Schuylkill watershed insects contain microplastics. Researchers found microplastics in insect samples taken over a twenty-year span from six streams in the Schuylkill River watershed. Microplastics were present in both urban and forested areas; scientists are not certain why. About 2 million people rely on the Schuylkill River watershed for their drinking water. WHYY

Cover photo: Wildwood Crest recycled sculpture, courtesy of TerraCycle

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Angie Bacha (she/her) is a Philadelphia-based solutions journalist and recent Erasmus Mundus Master's in Journalism, Media and Globalisation student in Aarhus, Denmark. Previously, she worked as a student journalist at Community College of Philadelphia and Editorial Intern at Resolve Philly. Some other hats she has worn: Human Rights and Theatre Studies graduate; teaching artist; carpenter; AmeriCorps volunteer; and rock climbing gym shift supervisor. View all posts by Angie Bacha