Join Friends of the Wissahickon (FOW) on March 19 for the first program in its next Valley Talks series on current sustainable environmental-related topics. The popular programs are held on Tuesdays at 6 p.m. at Valley Green Inn. Subsequent talks will be held on April 16, May 14 and June 11. Valley Talks are sponsored by Chestnut Hill Hospital.
Social Architecture for Resilient and Sustainable Communities
Jerome Shabazz, Overbrook Environmental Educational Center
March 19
Philadelphia is the sixth-largest city in the U.S., with a racially and ethnically diverse population, but 23.6 percent of residents rate their health as poor or fair, according to the city’s health department. Those with the poorest health disparities can be tracked by race, ethnic background and zip code. Join Jerome Shabazz, executive director at the Overbrook Environmental Education Center, to learn about its work to demonstrate strategies that promote healthier, more resilient communities in Philadelphia’s vulnerable neighborhoods, with the use of sustainable practices.
In 1998, Shabazz founded JASTECH (Juveniles Active in Science and Technology) Development Services, Inc., to promote environmental justice, encourage sustainable design and foster public health in urban communities. In 2002, JASTECH applied for and received a U.S. EPA grant under the Clean Water Act to establish the Overbrook Environmental Education Center. Under Shabazz’s direction, the community-based organization has become nationally known for its environmental justice and projectbased learning programs that have educated thousands of students about topics that reduce human exposure to toxic substances at home and school.
Living with Wild Pennsylvania Canines
Dan Lynch and Jerrold Czech Jr., Pennsylvania Game Commission
April 16
Recent sightings of coyotes, coydogs (coywolves) and foxes in Wissahickon Valley Park prompted FOW to learn more about them. Speakers Daniel Lynch and Jerrold Czech Jr. of the Pennsylvania Game Commission will discuss the presence of these wild urban canines that rely on the park for the critical habitat it provides, and how to live in harmony with them while improving safety for park visitors. They will also bring sample pelts for display.
Deputy Game Warden Dan Lynch has been involved with wildlife education for the Pennsylvania Game Commission’s southeast region for 24 years. Jerry Czech has been the Pennsylvania Game Commission’s Game Warden for the past 21 years, currently assigned to Philadelphia County.
Pests, Pollinators and You in a Changing Climate
Mark Boudreau, Ph.D, Penn State Brandywine
May 14
Insects, like humans, are experiencing the effects of climate change. While overall populations are dramatically declining, some less desirable species are adapting and moving into new areas. In this talk, Dr. Mark Boudreau will consider how local threats like the spotted lantern fly, hemlock woolly adelgid and emerald ash borer, as well as beneficial species of pollinators and predators, will react as the climate changes. There’s a lot that we can learn and do to become more resilient now and in the future.
Boudreau is an assistant professor of biology at Penn State Brandywine, where he teaches courses about plants, ecology, and human-environment interactions.
Rain Check Workshop*
Pennsylvania Horticultural Society
June 11
(*This workshop is free for all attendees. Online registration not accepted more than 30 days before the event.)
FOR PHILADELPHIA RESIDENTS ONLY: Make a difference in transforming Philadelphia into a greener city with clean water. The Philadelphia Water Department’s Rain Check program gives Philadelphians an opportunity to reduce pollution that would otherwise end up in our creeks and rivers. Rain Check is managed by the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society, which will be hosting this workshop, where participants will learn how to get a free rain barrel from PWD and discounts on downspout planters, permeable pavers and other stormwater management tools.
Valley Talks are free for current FOW members and $10 for non-members. Registration is recommended, as seating is limited. Current FOW members can visit the Member Hub or contact Cesali Renn at renn@fow.org to register. If you would like to attend an event, but the ticket cost is a challenge, please contact renn@fow.org to register. A complimentary wine and cheese reception is offered.
