Environment & Science

State environmental officials are calling on residents to nominate their favorite waterway to be 2026 River of the Year. The effort aims to elevate public awareness of specific rivers and recognize important conservation needs and achievements.

Between changes in federal policy and an unprecedented demand for energy, it's a tough time for sustainability. An hour-long panel Monday with industry experts focused on how to address those changes.

This week on Watching the Skies, WLVR's Brad Klein and Bethlehem's "Backyard Astronomy Guy" Marty McGuire dive deeper into the details of the upcoming Lehigh Valley Space Fest. The event will take place at Lafayette College Oct. 11-12.

More than two dozen events are scheduled, all focused on mitigating the impacts of climate change through educating and engaging the community.

Property-owning residents in Environmental Justice Areas are eligible for one free tree. The giveaway is scheduled for 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 11, at the city’s Recycling Drop-off Center.

City Council on Wednesday unanimously approved a $200,000 contract for Bethlehem-based WSP USA Inc. to help officials develop a comprehensive strategy to meet climate-related goals.

Some 51 acres of the Unangst Tree Farms in East Allen Township raised the total of preserved farmland in Northampton County to 21,000.

This week on Watching the Skies, WLVR's Brad Klein and Bethlehem's "Backyard Astronomy Guy" Marty McGuire look forward to this year’s Lehigh Valley Space Fest at Lafayette College in Easton, set for Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 11-12.

The exhibit's stop in Allentown is its first on a 13-museum tour that’s booked through the summer of 2030.

State officials on Thursday released the first fall foliage forecast of the year, an annual effort that maps the state’s six-week leaf-peeping season.

EPAWA meteorologist Bobby Martrich said, “While the milder outlooks that are out there have merit and support, it’s not as cut and dry as it seems and there can be some surprises, especially earlier in winter.”

Easton's Nurture Nature Center is hosting a free star party in Scott Park from 7 to 10 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 19, offering use of their telescopes and the expertise of their staff to help budding stargazers.

Wildlands Conservancy, as well as other partners and stakeholders, on Tuesday marked the completion of restoration work on the Bushkill Creek at Lafayette College with a celebration and wildflower-planting.

Current conditions in the Lehigh Valley and throughout the region will support the spread of any fires that ignite, the National Weather Service warned Friday. Any fires that erupt could be difficult to control.

The commonwealth’s fourth fall foliage report was released Thursday. Here's the forecast for the coming week in Lehigh and Northampton counties.

State Sen. Lisa Boscola announced Palmer Township's Stormwater Authority has obtained a $3.8 million loan to improve drainage along Old Nazareth Road.

Infinera, a semiconductor company with a facility in Upper Macungie Township, inked a preliminary deal with the federal government to expand its production locally and in California. The agreement is part of a bipartisan effort to boost domestic production of essential high-tech resources to protect the national supply chain and create high-paying tech jobs.

The city is also set to receive $5.7 million in federal funds to reduce lead-based paint hazards.

Spray-Tek, 3010 Avenue B, was issued a malodor violation in mid-August. It is at least the second time Spray-Tek has been cited in the past two years. The DEP is reviewing the company's corrective action plan.

The National Weather has issued a freeze warning in effect from 2 to 9 a.m. Thursday for Berks, Lehigh, Northampton, Carbon and Monroe Counties.

The Allentown Environmental Advisory Council's residency requirement has been "a bit of a stumbling block" as members work to fill vacancies.

Once filled, the city will be the second in the Lehigh Valley to carve out a position for a dedicated sustainability manager. The job requires overseeing environmental initiatives and guiding the city's climate action plan.