The latest environmental news this week.

This week we’re at the Society of Environmental Journalists (SEJ) conference in Philadelphia, and I’m excited to be co-leading a tour on the Delaware River today. Our city has a lot of exciting history on the river and I’m excited to learn alongside of journalists from across the US.

Latest Sustainability News:

It’s wet – and wetter than usual in Philadelphia. There’s been over 25 inches of precipitation since December 1, which is 10 inches above normal, due to El Niño and climate change.

Days after South Philadelphia residents filed a lawsuit to stop renovations at FDR Park, the Fairmount Park Conservancy got the OK to cut down 48 healthy, large heritage trees in the park. Only 6% of trees in the city qualify as heritage trees (24 inches in diameter or larger), which are supposed to have elevated protections in the Philadelphia Tree Plan.

There’s a working group asking neighbors in Grays Ferry and Strawberry Mansion about the burden of environmental justice impacts. Read the latest about the Philadelphia Environmental Justice Advisory Commission from Green Building United.

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Do Good & Volunteer:

Want to get out and work towards a cleaner city? The Philly Spring Cleanup is this Saturday. Join Green Philly in Brewerytown or a cleanup in a neighborhood near you.

Cover image: Stroud Center hosted its 3rd Annual World Water Day Celebration with tree plantings, casting demonstrations, live fish discoveries and more.

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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. View all posts by Julie Hancher