Environment & Science

A NASA robotic mission that is exploring the inner reaches of our solar system will literally ‘touch the Sun’ on Christmas Eve.

The Lehigh Valley is in a 9-inch rain shortfall. The prolonged dry spell has raised concerns about the longevity of fresh-cut Christmas trees this year. And, it's thinning out the trees planted this year to grow for future holiday seasons.

The township's Shade Tree Commission was awarded 15 trees from a statewide nonprofit dedicated to improving the tree canopy in urban areas.

Listings will include risks for flood, wildfire, wind, heat and air quality, as well as interactive maps and insurance requirements.

With no quick cure for the fast-moving, but slow-to-kill disease, experts said American beech trees could be functionally extinct throughout the state within 10 to 15 years.

Said Edward Boscola, Bethlehem water and sewer resources director: “It’s important for everybody to know that the lead levels in the city’s drinking water system are very low."

May, an immature female broad-winged hawk, migrated through Hurricane Milton in Florida last month. The hurricane made landfall Oct. 9 near Siesta Key, Fla., as a devastating Category 3 storm.

Spica is the brightest star in the constellation Virgo. At about 5:35 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 27, grab your binoculars and watch it disappear.

The drought is far from over, but enough precipitation has fallen to boost the confidence of state officials when it comes to outdoor fires.

The precautionary measure across Pennsylvania comes at no cost to farmers. While the virus hasn't been reported in commonwealth cattle, other states have seen a marked uptick in cases.

Bethlehem City Council on Jan. 17 unanimously approved $88,802 to be put toward the designs of Phase II improvements along the Monocacy Way Trail.

There’s good news ahead for the Lehigh Valley, as temperatures are expected to get progressively warmer each day this week, with "no additional replenishment of arctic air from Canada."

Orion is one of the easiest constellations to identify because of the three stars that make up the hunter's belt.

The team behind Lehigh University's "Community Mapping for Environmental Justice” project is creating an interactive map of litter in Bethlehem. Officials said the collaborative effort aims to improve the health and well-being of the entire community.

Take a look at stories that ran throughout the week of which we are most proud, had a profound impact on readers or that you might want to look at again.

The city is one of the first in the Lehigh Valley to carve out a position for a dedicated sustainability coordinator to oversee environmental initiatives and bolster community engagement.

Registration is open for the Nurture Nature Center's Youth Climate Summit of the Lehigh Valley, a free event April 19 and 20. The summit aims to engage middle and high school students in climate change issues, as well as seek solutions.

WLVR's Megan Frank talks with journalists Stephanie Sigafoos and Julian Abraham.

A complex storm system will bring snow to the Lehigh Valley on Friday before temperatures tumble, forecasters warn.

Several Lehigh Valley schools are closing Friday because of the weather forecast.

The Lehigh Valley is under a winter weather advisory and will see accumulating snow for the second time this week. But totals could be higher, with a lot of variables at play.

Easton's Nurture Nature Center may be able to add a new immersive dome theater to their location, provided they receive a parking variance and government clearance to use funding for the project.