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March is the perfect time to start paying attention to seasonal phenomena: what’s blooming, what’s buzzing, how the natural world reemerges differently this spring than it may have in past years, after milder winters. Phenology is the study of seasonal cycles in nature; every year, we can be citizen phenologists by paying close attention.

After an actual winter in the Philly region, plant life may see the impacts (Philadelphia Inquirer, March 5, 2026)

‘Right plant, right place’: Philly Flower Show encourages adapting to climate change (WHYY, March 6, 2026)

At the same time, our attention is commanded by the catastrophic events unfolding in the Middle East. War is always an environmental issue; that has never been more true than now.

The Iran War Is Also a Climate War (The Nation, March 5, 2026)

Dark, like our future’: Iranians describe scenes of catastrophe after Tehran’s oil depots bombed (The Guardian, March 8, 2026)

Oil built the Persian Gulf. Desalinated water keeps it alive. War could threaten both (AP News, March 8, 2026)

Related, an older article: Why War Is One Of The World’s Biggest Climate Threats (Forbes, March 26, 2025)

Do

Wissahickon Women’s History Hike with Kris Soffa and Margaret Kinnevy
Wednesday, March 11 from 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Philadelphia Canoe Club, 4900 Ridge Ave
You’ll hear stories of the Wild Woman of the Wilderness, Hanna Penn, a Revolutionary War spy, and environmental advocates whose work helped protect this wild space as part of Philadelphia’s park system.

Birds at Fernhill Park with BirdPhilly
Saturday, March 14 from 8:30 – 10 a.m.
Fernhill Park, 4600 Morris Street
Join BirdPhilly for a walk at one of Philly’s less birded parks at Fernhill Park. No binoculars? No worries! Birding backpacks with binoculars and field guides are now available on loan at all branches of the Free Library of Philadelphia.

Saturday Wildflower Walk
Saturday, March 14 from 1 p.m. – 3 p.m.
Tyler Arboretum, 515 Painter Road
Slow down and look closely at what’s growing along meadows, wooded paths, and occasional streamside spots. In March, look for newly emerging spring ephemerals and listen to the chorus of frogs and birds.

Participate

Climate Resilience Plan Virtual Community Workshop
Thursday, March 12, from 6 – 7:30 p.m.
Bartram’s Garden/ACANA/City of Philadelphia. Virtual event.
Your voice matters. Join us to help ensure Philly’s climate plan reflects the real needs, strengths, and priorities of our neighborhood.