Read

Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection Redesignates 98 Streams Across Pennsylvania as High Quality Waters, Expanding Protections for More Than 530 Miles of Clean Water (PA Department of Environmental Protection, May 8, 2026)

Need a hoe, nut wheel or corn shucker? Philly’s new farm tool library has community gardens covered (WHYY, May 22, 2026)

Scientists now say this worst-case climate scenario is ‘implausible.’ Here’s what it means. (Philadelphia Inquirer, May 19, 2026)
Related: Factcheck: Trump’s false claims about the IPCC and ‘RCP8.5’ climate scenario (Carbon Brief, May 19, 2026)

We welcomed the rain this weekend, but remember: water is a renewable resource, not an infinite one. Philadelphia and the surrounding area have been experiencing drought conditions off and on for several years.
U.S. Drought Monitor (Pennsylvania)
New Jersey drought warning persists into summer months as residents are urged to conserve water (WHYY, May 22, 2026)
Recent rain not enough to ease drought warnings in Philadelphia region (KYW Newsradio, May 14, 2026)

Do

From our Forefathers: Climate Crisis through Museum Tours
Thursday, May 28 from 2:30 – 3:30 p.m. at the Science History Institute, 315 Chestnut Street
Saturday, May 30 from 2:30 – 3:30 p.m. at the Philadelphia Museum of Art, 2600 Benjamin Franklin Parkway
Aislinn Pentecost-Farren introduces participants to a selection of discoveries behind iconic 20th century inventions. Part of ArtPhilly’s What Now: 2026.

Root Song: Listening to the Wisdom of Trees
Friday, May 29 – Sunday, May 31, various times
Bartram’s Garden/Perelman Theater
Root Song invites audiences to discover the ancient wisdom of the trees. Inspired by the research of Suzanne Simard (Finding the Mother Tree) and the writing of Robin Wall Kimmerer (Braiding Sweetgrass), Root Song asks: What can trees teach us about how to live, listen, and be human at this pivotal moment? Part of ArtPhilly’s What Now: 2026.

Flyways & Freedom: Birding with Troy Bynum & Yannick Lowery
Saturday, May 30 from 1 – 3 p.m.
Glen Foerd, 5001 Grant Avenue
Join Troy Bynum and Yannick Lowery for a special birding program celebrating Black Birders Week. This workshop welcomes people from traditionally marginalized identities to experience and enjoy nature through birding. No experience is necessary!

CURRENTS: Martha McDonald – Special Artist Performance
Saturday, May 30, 2:30 – 3:30 p.m.
Fairmount Water Works, 640 Water Works Drive
River Ode: The Schuylkill Freed is a site-specific performance by Martha McDonald exploring the history of the Fairmount Water Works and the life of the Schuylkill River.

Rewilding Philadelphia
Sunday, May 31 from 1 – 4 p.m.
2717 Jasper Street
A microforest is coming to Kensington! Celebrate this future public green space at the REWILDING COMMUNITY FIELD DAY. The outdoor shindig will feature free food from Amy’s Pastelillo and Reinhard Street Community Farm, art-making with artist-in-residence Pedro Ospina and Mural Arts, facepainting, games, and live music. Part of ArtPhilly’s What Now: 2026.

Screening of In Excess, a film by Melissa Langer, RAIR 2024 Artist in Residence
Sunday, May 31 from 7:30 – 9:30 p.m.
Mechanics Barn at RAIR, 7333 Milnor Street
In Excess examines labor, capital, and displacement in modern America through the lens of one city’s trash — in sewers and streets, waterways and workplaces.

Plan ahead 

June Plant Swap at South Street Pop Up Garden
Tuesday, June 2 at 6 p.m.

Plan C for Civilization: Screening & Discussion
Tuesday, June 2 from 6 – 8:30 p.m.

Spring Woodland Artists Gathering
Thursday, June 4 from 1 – 3 p.m.

Bird Safe Philly Presents: Safer Skies for Migrating Birds
Thursday, June 4 from 7 – 8:30 p.m.

Philly Outdoor Gear Swap
Saturday, June 6 from 1 – 4 p.m.

Belmont Water Treatment Plant tour and job fair
Saturday, June 6 from 10 a.m. – noon

CURRENTS: Taji Ra’oof Nahl – Special Artist Performance
Saturday, June 6 from 2 – 3 p.m.

Apply

May 31 is the deadline to apply to Buried Creek Collective’s Climate Education for Writers. We have a fantastic pool of candidates so far–it’s incredible to be a part of an urban community that cares about both creativity and climate! Does that sound like you? Submit your application to be considered for our fall 2026 cohort.