URBAN SUSTAINABILITY, A YEAR IN REVIEW
| | | VOLUME IV,
ISSUE XI |  | | The Delaware River Sojourn is in Philadelphia on June 25 & 26 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Over the past year we've heard a lot about Philadelphia's efforts to transform itself into the greenest city in America. Learn about Philadelphia's progress towards achieving that goal, and what other cities are doing to meet similar objectives at the June Urban Sustainability Forum, The Year in Review. The Year in Review will feature a discussion of the first year of the Greenworks plan and a special presentation revisiting projects and topics presented at previous Urban Sustainability Forums. Also, to put some perspective on Philadelphia's efforts, the forum will look at New York's PlaNYC, and what it has achieved so far. The forum is free and open to the public with a reception starting at 6:00 p.m., and the event at 6:30 p.m. at The Academy of Natural Sciences. Please RSVP at usfyearinreview2010.eventbrite.com/. | | | | | | KAYAK OUR URBAN WATERWAY | | | Experience the outdoors while retaining a view of the Philadelphia skyline, by joining the Tidal Delaware River Sojourn for a full day of kayaking down the river. Choose to take your journey at either of two locations. Admire the beauty of the area's scenic natural shoreline with a leisurely paddle through Palmyra Cove Nature Park, Taylor's Wildlife Preserve, and Amico Island on June 25. Or go for an urban kayak through the heart of Philadelphia and Camden on June 26.
The timing for the Sojourn couldn't be better, since just weeks ago U.S. Congresswoman Allyson Schwartz announced that she would be making an official request for a park service study to create a Delaware River National Recreation Area. A Delaware River State Park may be years in the making, but going on the Sojourn allows you to imagine the possibilities for the future right from the seat of your kayak. The Sojourn includes all equipment, meals, and a shuttle service. Tours will be guided by members of the National Canoe Safety Patrol, making it a perfect recreational activity for beginners, families and small groups. Register today. | | | | | COME DOWN TO THE RIVERFRONT AND GO GREEN
| | | | Sunday, June 20 is Go Green Day at Campbell's Field and the Camden Riversharks are inviting you to come out to the baseball game. For every $11 ticket sold, the Riversharks will donate $5 to PennFuture when you enter "PennFuture" under group code. Reward yourself for your environmental activism. Come out and meet PennFuture supporters and other regional organizations that are helping to make Greater Philadelphia great! Purchase your tickets today. | | | | | GREAT NEW PROJECTS AND BIG IMPROVEMENTS
| | | Two recently announced projects have the potential to bring Philadelphia closer to reaching the Greenworks goal of reducing the vehicle miles traveled within the city. The first project, a mixed-used apartment building to be constructed near the Temple rail station, will serve as a City model for transit-oriented development. Planners predict that the development's close proximity to public transportation, and the mix of commercial and residential space will reduce car use by residents. The second project will makeover the Ben Franklin Parkway so that it is more pedestrian and bicycle friendly. Improvements will included cutting out one lane of vehicle traffic and adding a new bike lane, new landscaping and tree planting, and the creating a pavilion with a café. Construction is scheduled to begin immediately. | | | | | EPA SEES SUCCESS IN PHILADELPHIA
| | | The EPA's Office of Wetlands, Oceans and Watersheds (OWOW) recently released a video, Building Green: A Success Story in Philadelphia, showcasing forward-thinking green builders in Philadelphia whose efforts are helping to protect our environment and enhance the livability of our city. The video features the work of local companies using innovative technologies and materials like porous pavers, solar panels, and Energy Star appliances to abate stormwater runoff, provide alternative energy, and/or reduce energy consumption.
The EPA isn't the only one noticing the trail Philadelphia is blazing when it comes to reevaluating how we build our environment. Next American City recently caught up with Howard Neukrug, Director of Philadelphia's Office of Watersheds, to learn more about the importance of using green infrastructure to manage stormwater in order to protect water quality, and improve public health and quality of life. | | | | | VOICE YOUR SUPPORT FOR PARK FUNDING
| | | | | | | COLLABORATIVE SERVICE GRANTS ANNOUNCED | | | The Community Design Collaborative, a volunteer-based design center that provides pro bono preliminary design services to nonprofit organizations, has announced the second round of service grants for the year 2010. Service grants team volunteer design professionals with projects that enhance and improve open space, educational facilities, or social services. Designers will be working with a range of organizations, including: Lower Moyamensing Civic Association, New Kensington Community Development Corporation, and Friends of Schuylkill River Park. Amongst the projects are plans to revitalize a South Philadelphia neighborhood park, envision the transformation of a vacant industrial complex in Kensington, and improve access to a Southwest Center City park. | | | | | NEWS | | | | | EVENTS | | - Wednesday, June 16, - 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. - Green 2015: Community Meetings, Bartram's Garden, 5400 Lindbergh Blvd.
- Thursday, June 17, - 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. - Urban Sustainability Forum: "The Year In Review", Academy of Natural Sciences, 1900 Benjamin Franklin Parkway
- Saturday, June 19, - 9:30 a.m.- 12:00 p.m.- Complete the Schuylkill River Trail Walk, Bartram's Garden parking lot, 5400 St. and Lindbergh Blvd.
- Monday, June 21, - 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. - Green 2015: Community Meetings, Perzel Community Center, 2990 Saint Vincent St.
- Tuesday, June 22, - 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. - Green 2015: Community Meetings, Philadelphia Free Library, 1901 Vine St.
- Thursday, June 24 through Sunday, June 27, - 8:30 a.m. - 5:00p.m - Green Roofs for Healthy Cities: Green Roof Boot Camp
- Thursday, June 24, - 5:00- 7:00 p.m. - "Cycling in the City": Happy hour and discussion, Cavanaugh's Restaurant, 119 S. 39th St.
- Friday, June 25 through Saturday, June 26, - 8:00 a.m. - 6:00p.m - Kayak the Delaware River: 2010 Delaware River Sojourn, multiple locations.
- Monday, June 28, - June 4:00- 6:00 p.m. - "The State of University City, and What's Next," World Cafe live, 3025 Walnut St.
|
|
