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Cause of Chimney Swift Death Unknown

On the morning of Wednesday, October 5, volunteers monitoring bird mortality in Center City found more than 20 dead chimney swifts to the east of Rittenhouse Square, according to Stephen Maciejewski, one of the volunteers. “I had found dead ones before, but never so perfectly preserved,” he said. “These were obviously fresh kills. They look

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1 min read
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Tighter Regulation Sought for Trash-Burning Power Plants

There are six trash-burning power plants in eastern Pennsylvania, “and Philly sends trash to all of them,” the Clean Air Council’s Russell Zerbo wrote in Grid. On October 4, a group of 274 environmental organizations signed a letter to the White House Council on Environmental Quality asking the advisory group to direct the EPA to

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1 min read
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The new book from Grid’s long-time naturalist aims to make your urban experience richer

Bernard Brown wants to introduce you to your neighbors. Not the human ones, but the flora and fauna that surrounds, or is accessible to, us city dwellers. Brown, a longtime contributor to Grid, has been working the “Urban Naturalist” beat since 2009. His first book, “Exploring Philly Nature: A Guide for All Four Seasons,” offers

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5 mins read

This Friday: Rally for state-level Department of Disability Inclusion

The United Spinal Association of Southeastern PA will hold an event on September 30 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. in Media at the Delaware County Courthouse front steps to advocate for the Pennsylvania House and Senate to pass legislation establishing a state Office for Individuals with Disabilities. In March of 2021 both the House

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1 min read
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Oaks or Athletic Fields?

The Lower Merion School District plans to raze a wooded area — home to towering tulip poplars and red and white oaks — to build practice athletic fields for the nearby Black Rock Middle School. The grounds of Oakwell, an estate on County Line Road in Lower Merion, have greenery that includes high rhododendron bushes

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2 mins read
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Let’s STOP using the word “accident” and use “crash” instead

“Accidents are the predictable result of unequal power in every form — physical and systemic… Accidents are not flukes or freak mishaps — whether or not you die by accident is just a measure of your power, or lack of it.” – Jessie Singer, “There Are No Accidents” At first glance, saying “car accident” instead

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2 mins read
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Third time’s the charm? Cobbs Creek Foundation to again address Art Commission

After twice being told to come back with more-detailed plans, the Cobbs Creek Foundation is again on the Philadelphia Art Commission’s calendar — for Wednesday, September 14, at 9:30 AM. At that time the foundation will present plans for buildings on the golf courses at Cobbs Creek, 350 acres of land the foundation has leased

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1 min read