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City Cast Philly

Let us help you find Mother Nature in this concrete jungle.

One of my favorite things about autumn in Pennsylvania is seeing the trees change colors. (I’m sure I’m not alone!) When exactly is the right time to go on a leaf peeping expedition, though?

You may be able to find out by just going outside and looking around your neighborhood. But if you don’t have many deciduous trees on your block and you’re trying to set aside a time to bask in the beautiful reds, oranges, and yellows, the Pennsylvania Department of Natural Resources has you covered.

 starting in late September. These reports track leaf colors in each of the commonwealth’s 67 counties and give a sense of what to expect during the week ahead. Previous years’ reports have included maps indicating how close each county is to peak color, along with some recommendations of places to go for good views.

This year’s first report will come out next Thursday, Sept. 26, DCNR press secretary Wesley Robinson told Hey Philly.

I’ll warn you, though: Weather and its impact on changing leaves can be unpredictable, so it’s not always a sure bet to bide your time and wait for the reports to align with “best color” before you wander into the trees. Last year, for instance, Philly and its suburbs shifted from “approaching best color” on the DCNR map during the last week of October to “starting to fade” during the first week of November — skipping right over the “best color” categorization.

If you’re looking to plan your leaf peeping adventures further in advance (maybe you want to 

?), there are a couple tools that can help you figure out the best time to go:

 that predicts when peak fall colors will hit each county in the country from week to week between early September and mid-November.

The blog Uncovering PA analyzed the commonwealth’s weekly foliage reports from the last six years and 

 that shows when each Pennsylvania county typically hits peak fall foliage. (According to this map, our region usually hits its peak in late October/early November.)

What are your favorite spots — inside of the city or out — for seeing pretty fall colors? 

Share your favorite leaf-peeping places 🍂

The fall foliage in Philly and the rest of Pennsylvania is beautiful. But when is the best time to see it?

How To Time Your Pennsylvania Leaf Peeping Adventures

When Will We Start To See Philly’s Fall Colors?

Get to know the natural side of Philadelphia: the plants, animals, weather and more that make our city unique.

Philly Urban Almanac

Urban Almanac

 in August and September — so if you’re part of the estimated 

 who are sensitive to ragweed pollen, you may not be feeling great right now.

 are bothering you even when you’re indoors, an air purifier may help you find some relief. Air purifiers can get expensive, though, so here’s how you can make your own at home with a few simple items.

Necessity is the mother of invention, so let’s start with the most simple version of a DIY air purifier.

Acquire a square fan (most air filters are square or rectangular, so we’re applying basic geometry).

Get yourself a HEPA filter (shoot for one similar in size to your fan).

Secure the filter to your fan via duct tape or packing tape, making sure to seal the connection as tightly as possible.

 from the New York Times’ Wirecutter. Their testing showed this simple version outperformed a fancy $800 air purifier!

After covering the COVID-19 pandemic, The Washington Post reporter Lena H. Sun took it upon herself to build what’s called a Corsi-Rosenthal Box, which basically takes the version above and gives it superpowers. She has a great 

Still sneezing? The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection has some tips on 

how to reduce your exposure to ragweed pollen

 on how to keep allergies at bay inside your home.

Air purifiers can be expensive, but you can make your own at home with a few simple items. What an inexpensive and easy way to ensure you have clean air! 

Your Guide to Making an Air Purifier at Home

How to Make Your Own Air Purifier

 across the country crash into glass every year, and our feathered friends passing through Philly are no exception.

Why? Birds aren’t as good at recognizing glass as humans are, according to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. They might see reflections of the sky or some trees in windows and think that’s what they’re flying toward, or they might get confused by artificial light. Next thing you know, they’re flying straight into the glass, which can lead to injuries or even death.

So as we near the autumn migration season, the 

 is trying to reduce the number of birds who meet untimely fates via window or glass building strike. The program aims to do this by reducing artificial light at night during migration season, when birds 

 — launched in 2021 by a coalition of local organizations called “Bird Safe Philly” — asks commercial building owners and residents to voluntarily turn off all unnecessary indoor and outdoor lighting 

between midnight and 6 a.m., Aug. 15 through Nov. 15.

That means flood lights and decorative lights, plus interior lights near windows. If you need to use indoor lighting past midnight, Bird Safe Philly recommends making sure your blinds and shades are drawn.

To get a sense of the program’s impact, 

 around certain buildings for dead and injured birds. The preliminary results from the first few years of the Lights Out Philly program 

, according to organizers — for example, one Center City building saw a 70% drop in autumn bird deaths after two years. Still, though, it will take more time and data collection to understand the initiative’s broader impact.

🐦 Interested in getting involved? Bird Safe Philly is 

The “Lights Out Philly” initiative looks to reduce the number of birds that die from striking glass windows and buildings during migration seasons.

Philadelphia’s Efforts To Reduce Bird Collisions

How Turning Out the Lights Can Prevent Bird Deaths

Do you live near green space? If so, you’re in good company: 95% of Philly residents live within a 10-minute walk of a public park, according to an analysis by the Trust for Public Land.

The nonprofit annually ranks the nation’s 100 largest cities according to their 

 park acreage, access, and amenities in each city, as well as how fairly that green space is distributed and how much money is invested in maintaining it.

, meaning our parks rank 32nd-best in the country by this metric. Several of our Northeast peers managed to beat us out, including Washington, D.C. (no. 1), New York City (no. 12), Boston (no. 14), and Pittsburgh (no. 17).

 was — by far — access. In cities and towns across the country, about 55% of residents live within a 10-minute walk of a park. Here, though, that number is much higher (95%), including for low-income households (95%) and Philadelphians of color (94%).

There are some equity concerns, though: While the vast majority of residents can walk to some kind of park, there are disparities in how extensive those options are. Lower-income neighborhoods have 45% less green space nearby than higher-income areas do, and majority Asian and Latino neighborhoods also tend to have access to less park space.

When it comes to amenities, Philly parks score around average, but there’s a lot of variation. For example, we’ve got a lot of splash pads (107) and recreation and senior centers (165), but not so many dog parks (eight).

Where Philly lost a lot of points was in the investment category. Public and private organizations combined spent around $86 per person on our city’s parks, when you average it out over the past three years. Among the 99 other U.S. cities that were ranked, the average spend was $124 per person.

What do you think are the strengths and weaknesses of Philly parks? 

Does Philly invest enough in its parks? Feel free to 

Philly parks

Send me your park ponderings 🌳

In 2024, Philly scored a 57.5 on the Trust for Public Land’s ParkScore index. Access was a strength, while investment was a liability.

Philadelphia Parks Rank No. 32 Nationally: Here’s Why

How Philly’s Public Green Space Measures Up Nationally

Beavers are cute, industrious, and an important part of Pennsylvania’s ecosystem, but they were once wiped off the face of the state. Let’s explore how America’s largest rodent made a comeback in the Keystone State, and talk about their appearances in Philly in recent years. 🦫

Before the arrival of European colonists, beavers were abundant in North America, but by the late 1800s excessive trapping and rapidly changing landscapes had eradicated the entire population in Pennsylvania. Fur pelts were a hot commodity at the time, their thick and water-repellent properties being used for the production of hats and clothing.

🤠 Side note: Stetson hats are synonymous with the West, but John B. Stetson actually 

After the state legislature passed a law to protect beavers in 1903, the Pennsylvania Game Commission acquired a pair from Wisconsin and 

released them into a remote valley in Cameron County

 in 1917. Following additional releases and conservation efforts, beaver populations were stable enough to allow for trapping by 1934. These days, there are plenty to be found across the commonwealth.

At 50-plus pounds, beavers are indeed the largest native rodent in the country. Beyond the “aww” factor, their dam building greatly impacts the ecosystem around them.

Researchers in Colorado found that beaver-modified landscapes fare better in wildfires — and they’re already 

deploying beavers for wildfire prevention

. Such is their importance that the Pennsylvania Game Commission has a 

 — a document stating that the furbearer’s environmental impact “far outweighs their economic worth.”

 in remote environments with narrow rivers and slow-moving streams — so, they’re not exactly urban dwellers. Two-and-a-half decades ago, there 

 to be found in the city. But Philadelphians and Parks & Rec officials started spotting beavers and beaver activity in Philly parks around 2018.

 — while rare — in Cobbs Creek, Fairmount Park, Tacony Creek Park, and the Manayunk Canal, according to a blog post from the Fairmount Park Conservancy. 

 trying to catch sight of one of the big rodents, after multiple neighbors reported seeing a beaver-like creature, and bite marks appeared toward the bottom of the park’s willow trees. After a few weeks, a trail camera 

Beavers in Philly

Have you ever spotted an urban beaver? 🦫

Have you ever seen a beaver in Philadelphia?

The History of Beavers in Pennsylvania

How Beavers Went from Eradication to Abundance in Pennsylvania

shattered temperature records across the country

” in the Northeast and Midwest regions. As if this wasn’t bad enough, we city dwellers have it worse due to something called the 

, which causes urban areas to be 1-10°F warmer than their surroundings.

There are several causes. Firstly, buildings, roads, and cars all 

 far more than natural landscapes do. Trees, water, and vegetation naturally cool the air by providing shade and evaporating surface water.

Additionally, vehicles, air conditioning, and industrial facilities all emit heat in cities, contributing to the heat island effect. Lastly, the structure of the city itself matters. Cities with narrow streets and tall buildings become urban canyons, blocking natural air flow that would otherwise cool it down.

Besides the discomfort of living in a constant state of sweat (or is that just me?), heat islands also 

. Higher temperatures mean more air conditioning, higher energy consumption, and more greenhouse gas emissions. The heat is also a serious threat to unhoused people and 

disproportionately affects low-income populations

In the Philly region, over 900,000 people live in places where the urban heat island effect 

, according to an analysis by the nonprofit Climate Central. And there are some 

To keep track of the areas of the city that are most at-risk when temperatures rise, the Philadelphia Department of Public Health and Office of Sustainability have developed something called the “

.” This metric considers how hot each particular neighborhood gets and whether people who live there are particularly vulnerable to heat-related illness.

According to the city’s Heat Vulnerability Index, much of North Philly is considered especially at-risk during extreme heat, along with swaths of West Philly and pockets of Northeast and South Philly.

Use this map to see where your block falls on the index

. The map also shows where you can find health centers and urgent care, as well as pools, spraygrounds, senior centers, libraries, and parks where you may be able to cool off. (

Here are some other tips for staying cool!

The best way to mitigate the heat island effect is to increase plant and vegetation cover. Roadside trees, green roofs, and parks are all examples of how cities can do this more effectively. The City of Philadelphia has a 10-year 

, particularly in neighborhoods that currently lack coverage.

This summer has already shattered temperature records across the country. Here’s why it’s extra hot in Philadelphia.

Why Philadelphia Becomes an Urban Heat Island in the Summer

How the Urban Heat Island Effect Impacts Philly

While you’re having fun in the sun, state officials want you to be protected. As many as three million visitors are expected at Pennsylvania’s state parks this summer, and the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources has you covered — literally!

 this season to 52 of its 124 state parks, including several within a two-hour drive from Philly: Neshaminy, Tyler, Ridley Creek, Marsh Creek, Nolde Forest, French Creek, Ralph Stover, and Nockamixon. Battery-operated dispensers are mounted on poles and information boards in convenient locations and supply SPF 30 sunscreen.

Health department officials say application of a sunscreen with a protection factor of 30 or higher can help prevent skin cancer. An estimated one in 40 Pennsylvanians 

will be diagnosed with melanoma in their lifetime

A DCNR spokesperson said this is the eighth year for the program, which began in parks with waterfront areas like beaches and swimming pools, as well as counties with higher rates of melanoma. The sunscreen is now available at campsites, marinas, and other attractions.

Pennsylvania has expanded its free sunscreen program this season to 52 of its 124 state parks.

Philadelphia-Area State Parks With Free Sunscreen

Free Sunscreen Now Available in PA State Parks

Throughout my many hiking ventures in Northwest Philly's Wissahickon Valley Park, I always seem to admire shiny rocks along the trails and come home shaking sparkling sand from my beach towels. The question has gripped me for too long: what makes the rocks here sparkle? (I’m not the only one who’s 

It turns out a few rocks in the valley could be responsible, according to geological researchers whose work I reviewed. 

 is one common rock in the area, recognizable by distinct layers that can be seen without a microscope. Much of the schist layers 

, a type of mineral that can have a silver, sparkling appearance. This is probably what I’m seeing the most along the trails! 

But, that's not the only shiny rock around. The 

, can also be found in schist and could be adding to the twinkle factor. Additionally, quartzite, a 

, is common to the valley and is sometimes 

 Even the base rock of the area, called gneiss, 

If studying rocks interests you, the Wissahickon is a great place to visit! The area as a great place to 

observe the remains of tectonic plate activity, weathering, and erosion

. Beyond being pretty to look at, they are also some of the oldest rocks in Pennsylvania — dating back to Precambrian and Lower Paleozoic times.

Have you noticed any neat or shiny rocks in the Wissahickon? If so, be sure to snap a pic and send it our way!

📧 Share a Shiny Rock Pic

What Makes Rocks in the Wissahickon Sparkle

There’s still time to start a spring garden, but starting one on your own can be intimidating. So let’s talk about how to prepare, what you’ll need, and what to plant.

First, you’ll need to assess the type of space you have. 

, better soil control, and the ability to garden in tight spaces. If you’re planting directly on the ground, 

Here are some essential tools you’ll need to get started:

Watering tools like a hose nozzle and watering wand for larger areas, or a watering can for smaller areas and indoor plants

For large outdoor gardens, you’ll also need a rake, garden fork, and hoe.

Don’t have yard space? Try getting involved at one of Philly’s many 

. You can also start an indoor garden with kits from 

 — they will help you decide the best time to plant different types of veggies, fruits, and herbs. Here’s a quick guide:

For the colder part of spring — asparagus, peas, beets, and spinach. (It’s a little too late now, but there’s always next year!)

For the warmer part of spring — cucumbers, dry beans, and okra.

Herbs like mint and parsley come back every year, making them an easy place to start. (But mint in particular likes to SPREAD. So be mindful about where and how you plant it.)

You can also try adding some low-maintenance 

The benefit of shopping local is that you’ll have access to experts that can give you gardening advice specific to Philly. Here are 

If you’d rather buy online, retailers like 

 have a wide selection of seeds for flowers, vegetables, and herbs, along with heirloom varieties. Just be sure to reference 

🌱 What do you like to plant in the spring?

We put together everything you’ll need to start your own garden this spring in Philly.

How to Plant a Spring Garden in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

How To Plant a Spring Garden in Philly

 in your backyard? Pop-up plant sales abound in the Philly region during the next few weeks. The City Cast Philly team has rounded up some of them ⬇️

Yes, you read that right — ONE dollar! The New Kensington Community Development Corporation will be offering “easy to grow flowers, tomatoes, and herbs” at Tusculum Farm, plus they're kicking off a neighborhood composting program.

This neighborhood sale promises bargains on things like flowering annuals, specialty vegetables, and houseplants.

🗓️ Saturday, May 4, 9 a.m.–2 p.m. and Sunday, May 5, 10 a.m.–12 p.m.

Head out to Jersey for Grounds For Sculpture’s annual, rain-or-shine plant sale. Expect “​​a unique selection of annuals, perennials, and shrubs, as well as a variety of GFS propagated trees, houseplants, and succulent gardens.”

🗓️ Saturday, May 4, 2–4 p.m. (General Admission) and Sunday, May 5, 10 a.m.–4 p.m.

This annual fundraiser in the suburbs promises a wide selection with plant experts on-hand to help you make your picks.

🗓️ Saturday, May 4 and Sunday, May 5, 8 a.m.–2 p.m.

Haverford College Arboretum Spring Plant Sale

Take a trip to Delco to pick up some sun and shade pollinator perennials — first-come, first-served.

Philadelphia Orchard Project Spring Open House and Plant Sale

Find berries galore at this plant sale, along with shrubs, vines, flowers, herbs, and other fruiting trees.

🗓️ Saturday, May 18, 2024, 10 a.m.–1 p.m.

Schuylkill Center Online Native Plant Sale

Rather skip the in-person browsing? The Schuylkill Center has a range of native plants for sale on its website to boost your garden’s biodiversity. You can schedule a pickup time that works for you. (If you do want to shop in person, the Schuylkill Center’s greenhouse will be 

🗓️ Order Online, Pick up at Your Convenience

🌱 Looking for some more Philly plant plugs?

 Learn about our team’s favorite local brick-and-mortar stores on 

this episode of the City Cast Philly podcast

! And stay tuned next week for a piece on how to get your springtime garden off the ground. (No pun intended.)

The Philly region has lots of opportunities in early May for buying plants to get your garden started.