Environment & Science

City officials were ready in February to award a contract for a tree inventory in Allentown, but uncertainties caused by an order from President Donald Trump's administration forced them to pause that plan.

The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection last week launched the Child Care Lead Testing and Reduction grant program. Aimed at schools and childcare facilities, the program is focused on testing for, and remediating, lead in drinking water.

For the sixth year, Nurture Nature Center will hold the Youth Climate Summit of the Lehigh Valley. The free event aims to engage middle and high school students in climate change issues, as well as seek solutions.

President Donald Trump and the Department of Government Efficiency canceled Pennsylvania’s $13 million contract with the Local Food Purchasing Assistance Program. A pandemic-era program, farmers were paid to supply local food banks with fresh produce.

This week, how to spot the first traces of the young crescent moon that marks the end of the Islamic holy month of Ramadan.

The fifth annual Be My Neighbor Day was held Saturday at Univest Public Media Center in Bethlehem. Children participated in crafts and gardening activities, interactive musical performances, and meet-ups with Daniel Tiger.

Team Pennsylvania on National Agriculture Day released “The Pennsylvania Agriculture Economic Analysis 2025.” The report takes a deep data dive into the commonwealth’s agriculture sector from 2012-2022.

Pasa Sustainable Agriculture on Wednesday held virtual town hall focused on the current freeze on U.S. Department of Agriculture grants earmarked for farmers implementing climate-smart production practices.

The Lehigh Valley Planning Commission’s Environment Committee on Tuesday reviewed plans to update sewage infrastructure in two municipalities.

Lehigh Gap Nature Center from Feb. 14-16 held its annual Lehigh Gap Area Feeder Watch. The long-term research project focuses on monitoring winter bird populations.

The Lehigh Valley Planning Commission’s Environment Committee on Tuesday discussed a plan for a septic replacement system at the warehouse, planned for 2951 Betz Court.

Earth is circled by roughly 11,000 working satellites and thousands more that have outlived their working lifespan but are still in orbit.

South Whitehall Township commissioners passed the Kline's Island Sewer System Act 537 Plan at their Wednesday meeting, setting in motion a multiyear project to help manage the treatment plant's capacity. It serves numerous municipalities.

North Whitehall Township's planning commission reviewed a proposal for a developer seeking special exception for a new solar field along Egypt Road at their Thursday meeting.

The two cultural institutions collaborated to offer a conjoined professional development experience for educators at the charter school.

Northampton County's Return on Environment report won't come out until the fall, but early findings support the notion that local open spaces provide financial and health benefits for residents.

West Nile virus is endemic to Pennsylvania, including the Lehigh Valley. While human cases this year remain low, officials are still urging residents to avoid mosquito bites.

This week, although the Perseid meteor shower has passed its peak, it’s not too late to see a "shooting star."

The first phase of the project is to cost about $2.3 million and is “shovel ready,” according to Mandy Tolino, who leads Allentown’s parks and recreation department.

Experts say the Atlantic Ocean has heated up over the past month as peak hurricane season approaches. While warmer-than-average water doesn't guarantee storms, it can contribute to more moisture-laden and stronger systems. Plus, there are other factors at play.

Lehigh Gap Nature Center’s Bake Oven Knob Hawk Watch is back for another season. Officials are seeking volunteer observers and counters.

The Allentown Environmental Advisory Council on Monday discussed but did not vote on the draft letter, addressed to members of City Council.