Environment & Science

The Lehigh Valley is parched, again. Here's what the region needs to get out of the drought that has led to burn bans and voluntary water conservation measures.

The Blue Mountain fire, also called the Gap Fire, erupted Saturday in Lehigh Township. It's now 100% contained, officials said.

The red flag warning is in effect from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday in both Lehigh and Northampton counties. It's the second red flag warning issued so far this month.

The fire erupted Saturday in Lehigh Township. Over the following days, the fire grew from 150 acres to almost 600 near the border of Northampton and Carbon counties.

Daniel Klem Jr., director of the Acopian Center for Ornithology at the college, on Saturday was presented with the Walt Pomeroy Conservation Award. His most recent study found 3.5 million birds dying every day in a 365-day period.

Easton Outdoor Company hosted the launch of the Elevate program, which aims to help outdoor activity-oriented businesses connect and thrive, on Monday, Oct. 29.

Firefighters battling a blaze on Blue Mountain expressed gratitude to the community for an abundance of donations — so many that they have advised people to hold onto their contributions as they have reached capacity for storage.

Celebrating a year of space facts and fun sightings to look for.

State environmental officials are calling on residents to nominate their favorite waterway to be 2025 River of the Year. The effort aims to elevate public awareness of specific rivers and recognize important conservation needs and achievements.

Lehigh and Northampton counties are in a drought watch due to persistently dry weather. The Lehigh County Authority is asking residents to start conserving.

The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection held two hearings regarding permit applications for two of the proposed warehouses in Lowhill Township.

Environment and Science Reporter Molly Bilinski, alongside Grace Oddo, social media specialist, trekked across the Lehigh Valley to map out the best leaf-peeping spots. Fall foliage is expected to peak across the region later this week.

South Whitehall Township hosted a wrap-up meeting for "South Whitehall Landscapes," a plan guiding preservation efforts in the township.

Members of the Lehigh Valley Planning Commission's Comprehensive Planning Committee voted Tuesday to advance a letter opposing the planned expansion of Bethlehem Landfill.

Kids from five schools got live demonstrations of cow milking, beekeeping, apple farming and more. Organizers say it's meant to spark interest and explain an industry that they say sometimes goes unappreciated.

A November-like chill – one that prompted frost warnings for Tuesday morning – will give way to near-record-high temperatures by week’s end, forecasters say.

The coldest night of the season so far is approaching, according to the weather forecast.

A local consortium led by the Lehigh Valley Economic Development Corp. hoped to secure a $75 million grant to boost local production of semiconductors.

Brad Klein reviews this week's astronomical highlights with Bethlehem’s "Backyard Astronomy Guy."

Students learn to identify medicinal, edible and toxic plants. They also study how some plants have impacted history for both the good and bad, through their healing, addictive, profitable or edible properties.

The Allentown Public Library hosted a discussion on native plants and pollinators on Saturday, explaining their importance and what humans can do to help these vital organisms.

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.