Wetter weather, 48 heritage trees to be chopped & more.

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.

Enjoying these updates? Get the latest sustainability news in your inbox:

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.

Julie Hancher

Julie Hancher is Editor-in-Chief of Green Philly, sharing her expertise of all things sustainable in the city of brotherly love. She enjoys long walks in the park with local beer and greening her travels, cooking & cat, Sir Floofus Drake.