The science behind how spending time in nature helps our health Did you know that a short walk in nature can improve your attention span by 20 percent?

Taking a walk in nature can improve your mental health, says environmental neuroscientist Marc Berman, now on @npr.org.
Don't we know it!
But Phila Parks & Rec plans to bulldoze 70 more acres in FDR Park — just about all the nature South Philly has left.
Sign this: actionnetwork.org/petitions/sa...

Fairmount Park Conservancy taps UPenn exec for top job Tony Sorrentino will focus on private-public partnerships to boost city parks.

A warm welcome to Fairmount Park Conservancy's incoming CEO, Tony Sorrentino!

We hope that new leadership will bring a return to FPC's mission: "to steward our parks and nurture our shared environment, cultural resources and public health."

We look forward to working with you toward that goal.

Philadelphians fighting FDR Park renovation will get another day in court It’s a procedural win for opponents of the renovation, who argue turf athletic fields and a new tidal wetland will radically change the park.

Over a year after Phila. Orphans Court dismissed a lawsuit to stop destruction in FDR Park, Commonwealth Court has reversed that decision. The suit will go forward!
In the meantime the trees in the photo below and many others have been destroyed, and nothing has replaced them.

Plastic Turf Fields Are Taking Over America

Plastic Turf Fields Are Taking Over America, says @nytimes.com

Nowhere more than Philadelphia, where the city plans to install 32 acres of toxic turf in a single park. More heat, more injuries, and more microplastic pollution. Worst of all, more cancer-causing forever chemicals.

FDR Park is about to unveil a reimagined entrance, but renovation challenges persist A ribbon cutting is slated for the new entrance on Saturday at 11 a.m.

Philadelphia turned over a huge park to a private corporation, Fairmount Park Conservancy (@myphillypark.bsky.social).
That private corporation keeps its finances secret from the public, and seems to have run out of money.
www.inquirer.com/news/philade...

Commonweath Court hearing Tuesday morning in Center City Philadelphia. Public welcomed.
Visit www.instagram.com/p/DKSw3OfP4Nl/ for details.

Experience the FDR Meadows in a new way—with sketchbooks and paints! 🎨🖌️

On Sun June 8, 10am-noon, join artist and meadow enthusiast @valpantsart.bsky.social to marvel at the Meadows. The land is the greatest artist of all — it's worth studying!
www.eventbrite.com/e/nature-jou...

This is terrible!!

The Words of the Week - Feb. 7 Dictionary lookups from the trade wars, the Grammy Awards, and the high seas

These are your words of the week
genre
ethnic cleansing
doge
potash
tariff
coup
Ahabian
www.merriam-webster.com/wordplay/the...

The real scam: making you fear the “the other” while the rich rob you blind. I wish every American understood this.

"The Gulf of Empathy," (11 x 15) watercolor, mixed media, pen and ink on paper.

This striking artwork reveals the intricate beauty of nature through a detailed portrayal of a tree marked with a vivid red "X." The texture of the bark, rendered with precision, contrasts beautifully with the lush green leaves surrounding it. #art #artist #landscape #tree #nature #lover

1.1-11.7: English Ivy
Hey plant lovers! Welcome to the Plant of the Week series! 🎉 This week’s spotlight is on English Ivy, also known as Common Ivy. Here are 5 fast facts about this infamous plant:
🌱 Pro Tip: Love the look? Stick to native plants that support biodiversity in your area. 💚

What happens in-between painting sessions!