Buried Creek Collective, a new initiative to foster informed storytelling about climate change in Philadelphia, is now accepting applications for the first annual Climate Education for Writers program. The fall 2026 program teaches participants about Philadelphia’s changing environment—and what scientists and dedicated community members are doing about it—through hands-on experiences, meetings with experts, and instruction on challenges and opportunities for a habitable and healthy Philadelphia. 

Running from September 20 – November 20, Climate Education for Writers is an entirely free curriculum centered around transit-accessible field trips to local sites of climate crisis and renewal. These visits will provide immersive experiences and foundational knowledge about waterways, land use, ecology and wildlife, and infrastructure. The program culminates in a celebration at Fairmount Park’s The Discovery Center, free and open to the public, where participants and multidisciplinary artists will share their creative work. Buried Creek Collective’s other partners include Fairmount Water Works, The Schuylkill Center for Environmental Education, FarmPhilly, and Blue Stoop. 

Buried Creek Collective is a collaboration between two local writers who believe artists have a key role in communicating how we can combat and adapt to climate change. Stephanie Feldman is an author whose work includes the climate novel Saturnalia, about a near-future Philadelphia shaped by volatile weather, flooding, and increased heat. She teaches fiction at Arcadia University and the University of Pennsylvania. Sara Davis is a marketing and communications writer, an American literature PhD, and a nonfiction creative writer. She has trained as a PHS Tree Tender and a Master Watershed Steward through Penn State Extension—volunteer roles that emphasize communication and outreach to other concerned Philadelphians. 

“Climate writing so often veers into doomerism. There’s reason for fear and sorrow, but we want our participants to discover reasons to hope, and to feel empowered to put their optimism into action,” says Feldman. “We’re grateful to our partners for helping us keep this opportunity free-of-charge and accessible to all Philly writers.”

For applicants

Emerging and established writers of all genres are invited to apply. Space is limited; applications close May 31, 2026.

Want to learn more?

Register for a virtual information session to meet with Stephanie and Sara, learn more about the Climate Education for Writers program, and ask any questions you may have about the program and application.
Thursday, April 16, from 12 – 1 p.m.
Thursday, April 30 from 6 – 7 p.m

For media inquiries

Press release: Applications open

Contact:
Sara Davis and Stephanie Feldman, Buried Creek Collective coordinators
buriedcreekcollective@gmail.com