The Eastwick Bulletin: Week of March 25th

Serving the residents and neighbors of Eastwick, Southwest Philadelphia, since our founding. The Eastwick Bulletin is published weekly to keep our community informed, connected, and empowered.

A Message from the Coalition

As we move deeper into March, spring is arriving in Eastwick, and with it comes both renewal and opportunity. This week, we are tracking important developments in flood resilience work, celebrating volunteer efforts in our community spaces, and keeping you connected to the resources and events that matter most. Thank you for staying engaged with the Bulletin and with one another.

COMMUNITY CONCERN: Raccoons and Skunks in Eastwick

As the weather warms and spring arrives, residents across Eastwick are reporting increased encounters with raccoons and skunks. These wildlife visitors are attracted to food sources, garbage, and shelter around our homes and neighborhoods. While these animals are an important part of our local ecosystem, they can create challenges for residents when they become too comfortable in our yards and neighborhoods.

The Eastwick Friends and Neighbors Coalition is addressing this community concern through the Eastwick Watchful Eye Town Watch initiative. This program brings neighbors together to share information, support one another, and implement practical strategies to coexist peacefully with local wildlife while protecting our homes and families.

Tips for Reducing Wildlife Conflicts:

To help keep raccoons and skunks at a safe distance from your home, consider these practical steps:

• Secure your trash: Use heavy-duty trash cans with locking lids, or store trash in a garage or shed until collection day

• Remove food sources: Bring pet food inside at night, clean up fallen fruit from trees, and avoid leaving food out for outdoor pets

• Eliminate shelter: Seal holes and gaps under decks, sheds, and porches where animals might den

• Keep your yard tidy: Remove brush piles, woodpiles, and other potential shelter spots

• Use motion-activated lights: These can deter nocturnal animals from approaching your home

• Add fencing: Install fencing around gardens and compost piles to keep wildlife out

If you encounter a raccoon or skunk on your property, give the animal space to leave on its own. Most wildlife will avoid confrontation if given an escape route. If an animal is acting strangely or aggressively, contact animal control.

Join the Eastwick Watchful Eye Town Watch:

The Coalition will be hosting the Eastwick Watchful Eye Town Watch on Wednesday, April 22, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at the John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge at Tinicum. This is an opportunity to connect with neighbors, learn more about wildlife management, and share strategies for keeping our community safe and healthy.

More details and a registration link will be available in next week's newsletter.

COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT: Spring Trail Clearing at John Heinz Wildlife Refuge

The John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge at Tinicum is ramping up its spring season with an urgent call for volunteers. From March 16 through March 27, the Refuge is conducting intensive Spring Trail Clearing work to prepare the 1,000-acre refuge for the busy season ahead.

Volunteer Opportunities:

The Refuge is seeking volunteers for two-week trail restoration effort with shifts available:

• Morning shifts: 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM

• Afternoon shifts: 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM

• Monday through Friday

Volunteers will assist with invasive plant removal, trail clearing and widening, and general trail maintenance. This is a perfect opportunity to get outside, connect with nature, and help preserve one of Eastwick's most treasured green spaces. No experience necessary. The Refuge provides guidance and all necessary information.

What to bring: Wear long pants, sturdy hiking or work boots, and bring work gloves and eye protection.

Additional Spring Programs:

The Refuge is also hosting a New Volunteer Open House on Saturday, March 21, from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM. This is an excellent opportunity to learn about ongoing volunteer opportunities, including trail work, creek cleanup, and installing window dots to reduce bird collisions. An orientation on bird collision deterrents is also scheduled for March 28 from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM.

For more information, visit the John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge website or call (215) 365-3118.

EASTWICK LIBRARY: Community Hub and Social Services

Eastwick Library continues to serve as a vital community hub offering programs, resources, and support services for residents of all ages. We encourage you to share information about our Social Services program with others in your network who may benefit.

Social Services at the Library:

Every Thursday from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM, a licensed social worker is available for open office hours. No appointment is needed. Residents can receive help finding, navigating, and connecting to relevant community and government resources. This service is free and confidential.

For questions, email [email protected] or call (215) 814-4492.

LEAP Afterschool Programs:

The library continues its LEAP (Library Enrichment and Academic Programs) offerings for school-age children on multiple days throughout the week. These programs include STEAM activities, games, crafts, and more.

Upcoming Events at Eastwick Library:

• Friday, March 20: LEAP Afterschool Program, 3:30 PM

• Monday, March 23: LEAP Afterschool Program, 4:30 PM

Eastwick Library is located at 2851 Island Avenue (Island Ave. and Lindbergh Blvd.), Philadelphia, PA 19153. Phone: (215) 685-4170.

NATURE & COMMUNITY: Little Explorers at Bartram's Garden

Bartram's Garden continues its spring programming with the Little Explorers program on Wednesday, March 19, from 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM. This program is designed for toddlers and preschoolers ages 2-4 and their caregivers. Participants will explore the garden, take a garden walk, and listen to stories. Families are welcome to bring a snack.

The Little Explorers program runs on the first and third Wednesday of each month through November. It is a wonderful way to introduce young children to nature and community.

Volunteer Opportunities at Bartram's Garden:

Bartram's Garden continues to seek volunteers for its Horticulture Volunteer Days and Sankofa Community Farm Volunteer Days. Volunteers support seasonal plantings, weeding, invasive species removal, and orchard support. Registered volunteers meet at the Welcome Center at 9:30 AM. Capacity is limited, so interested volunteers should register in advance.

For more information and to register, visit bartramsgarden.org or call (215) 729-5281.

LOOKING AHEAD: Cobbs Creek Project Continues

The City of Philadelphia's $9.1 million investment in Cobbs Creek flood mitigation and restoration is moving forward. The project includes the creation of 25 acres of new floodplain wetlands, planting of 49,000 native plants and trees, and restoration of the historic Cobbs Creek Golf Course.

Spring and summer 2026 will see increased construction activity along the creek corridor. The Coalition continues to monitor the project closely to ensure community concerns are heard and that construction impacts are minimized. We encourage residents to report any concerns or observations to us, and we will pass them along to the appropriate city agencies.

FEDERAL FUNDING UPDATE: EPA Grant Status

As of mid-March 2026, the EPA grant that was terminated in April 2025 has not been restored. This funding was critical for flood mitigation work in Eastwick and other flood-prone neighborhoods. The Coalition continues to advocate for the restoration of this grant and encourages residents to contact their elected representatives to voice their support for federal flood resilience funding.

Contact Your Representatives:

• Philadelphia City Council: Contact your district representative

• Mayor's Office: (215) 686-2181

• Governor's Office: (717) 787-2500

• U.S. Senators: Contact through their Philadelphia offices

🗓️ UPCOMING EVENTS: Mark Your Calendar

Here is a look at what is happening in and around Eastwick over the next two weeks:

COMING SOON

Eastwick Community Day is coming on May 9, 2026 from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM at the Eastwick Regional Playground. This is a wonderful community celebration featuring food, activities, and connection. Interested in volunteering? Email [email protected] for more information.

Eastwick Watchful Eye Town Watch will be held on Wednesday, April 22 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at the John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge at Tinicum. More details coming in next week's newsletter.

KNOW YOUR RESOURCES

Whether you need help with flooding, environmental concerns, or connecting to city services, these contacts are here for you:

ABOUT THE EASTWICK FRIENDS AND NEIGHBORS COALITION

The Eastwick Friends & Neighbors Coalition Inc (EFNC) brings together community stakeholders to plan and advocate for an environmentally, economically, and socially just Eastwick. We believe that every resident deserves a safe, healthy, and thriving neighborhood, and we work alongside our neighbors, partner organizations, and city agencies to make that vision a reality.

Until next time,
The EFNC Team