The Eastwick Bulletin: Week of May 7th

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.

Welcome to May in Eastwick! This week marks a crucial time for our community as we observe Air Quality Awareness Week and prepare for the much-anticipated Eastwick Community Day on Saturday. Our neighborhood continues to face significant environmental challenges, from the ongoing development of the Eastwick Flood Resilience Strategy to the sobering new data on our region's air quality. However, we are also seeing positive momentum with the expansion of the Breathe Philly network and incredible opportunities to connect with nature right in our backyard at the John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge. The Coalition encourages everyone to come out on Saturday to celebrate our community, share your concerns, and learn about the resources available to protect our families.

COMMUNITY CONCERN: New Report Highlights Air Quality Crisis in Southwest Philadelphia

As we observe Air Quality Awareness Week (May 4 through May 8), a new report from the American Lung Association has brought renewed urgency to the environmental justice challenges facing Eastwick. The "State of the Air 2026" report, released late last month, ranked the Philadelphia region as the 17th worst in the nation for year-round fine particle pollution. This represents a significant decline from our ranking of 26th worst just last year.

This data confirms what many Eastwick residents already know: our community bears a disproportionate burden of environmental pollution. With our proximity to the airport, major highways, and industrial sites, the health impacts are severe. Health experts warn that this level of air pollution is directly contributing to asthma attacks and chronic health conditions. In fact, Philadelphia continues to struggle with asthma rates that are much higher than the national average, particularly among children. For the full report, visit the American Lung Association's State of the Air  Report. 

The Coalition is actively advocating for stronger regulatory enforcement and mitigation strategies to protect our frontline community. We are demanding that any new development in the Lower South District, including the Bellwether District, include comprehensive plans to minimize emissions and monitor local air quality impacts.

Residents experiencing respiratory issues or who want to get involved in advocacy efforts can contact the Eastwick community navigator at [email protected] or call (267) 846-2149. You can also monitor air quality in real time at phila.gov/breathe-philly.

POSITIVE UPDATE:  Empowering Residents with the 'Breathe Philly' Network

In response to the ongoing air quality concerns, there is a powerful new tool available to Eastwick residents. The City of Philadelphia recently launched the "Breathe Philly" network, a first-in-the-nation initiative designed to bring real-time air quality data to every neighborhood.

This innovative system adds to the 10 existing monitoring stations in the city, creating a comprehensive grid that allows residents to track air pollution in their specific neighborhoods in real time. For an environmental justice community like Eastwick, this data is invaluable. It empowers residents to make informed decisions about outdoor activities, especially on days when the air quality index reaches unhealthy levels.

The Breathe Philly network also provides critical data that the Coalition and other community advocates can use to push for policy changes and hold polluters accountable. By having hyper-local, real-time data, we can better document the environmental burdens our neighborhood faces and demand targeted interventions.

We encourage all residents to familiarize themselves with this new tool. You can access the real-time air quality map and learn more about the initiative by visiting phila.gov/breathe-philly. Find your neighborhood and stay informed about pollution levels that may affect your health! 

COMMUNITY RESOURCES: Free Trees, Air Purifiers & Photo Competition

TreePhilly Free Tree Giveaways

As part of the City's commitment to urban greening and environmental resilience, TreePhilly continues to offer free trees to residents. Planting trees is a natural way to improve air quality, provide shade, and manage stormwater. Residents can register to pick up free shade, flowering, and fruit trees to plant on private property.

Upcoming Giveaways:

• May 9: Dell Music Center (Citywide) | Register by May 6

• May 16: Tioga-Hope Park & Garden (Reserved for 19129, 19132, 19140) | Register by May 13

To register for a tree, email [email protected] or call 215-683-0217.

Breath of Fresh Air: Free Air Purifiers

The Breath of Fresh Air program provides free air purifiers to residents in South and Southwest Philadelphia, including Eastwick. This pilot program aims to improve indoor air quality and community health, which is especially important given the recent air quality reports.

How to Apply for a Free Air Purifier:

• Visit: https://forms.gle/QqfCCNq2KYWe2iyn8

• Or email: [email protected]

PHOTO EXHIBITION: Nature In Focus 2026

The Friends of Heinz Refuge (FOHR) is hosting the annual Nature In Focus Photo Competition and Exhibition, and we encourage all photographers in our community to participate! This is a fantastic opportunity to showcase your work and compete for cash prizes while celebrating the natural beauty of the John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge.

Competition Details:

• Submission Period: May 15 through July 31, 2026

• Location: All photos must be taken at the John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge

• Age Divisions: Kids (under 12), Teens (13-18), and Adults

• Fees: Kids and teens submit free. Adults: $30 for first three photos, $10 each additional photo. FOHR members receive first three photos free with coupon.

• Prizes: 14 cash prizes awarded across all three divisions. Top photos will be displayed at the annual exhibition at the Refuge Visitor Center.

• Submit Online: Visit fohrefuge.org/nature-in-focus-2026 for full details and to submit your photos.

Whether you are an experienced photographer or just starting out, we encourage you to participate and share your unique perspective on the wildlife and landscapes of the John Heinz Refuge!

UPCOMING EVENTS: Mark Your Calendar

Eastwick Community Day 2026 

The countdown is on! Join the Office of Sustainability and community partners for the fourth annual Eastwick Community Day on Saturday, May 9th, from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM at the Eastwick Regional Playground (S 80th St). This is a fantastic opportunity to enjoy food and fun with your neighbors while learning about flood resilience strategies and available resources. Don't miss this chance to connect and celebrate our community!

Impoundment Pond Restoration Public Meeting

Your input matters! The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is hosting two community meetings to gather input on plans to restore part of the impoundment back to tidal marsh. This restoration project will bring significant benefits to our community, including improved marsh habitat for wildlife and reduced flood risk for our neighborhood. Learn about the project details and share your thoughts at either meeting.

Meeting Options:

•Virtual Meeting: Wednesday, May 13, 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM. Contact [email protected] or [email protected] to RSVP.

•In-Person Meeting: Saturday, May 16, 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM at the John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center (8601 Lindbergh Blvd). Drop-ins welcome. Snacks provided!

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

COMMUNITY SAFETY: Preparing for Spring Storms

As we move deeper into spring, the risk of sudden, intense thunderstorms increases. Given our neighborhood's vulnerability to stormwater and river flooding, the Coalition urges all residents to review their emergency preparedness plans.

Simple Preparedness Steps

A few small actions can make a big difference before a storm. Clear drains, secure outdoor items, review evacuation routes, and sign up for ReadyPhiladelphia alerts.

For complete flood preparedness information, contact the Eastwick community navigator or visit the Free Library of Philadelphia Eastwick branch.

ONGOING COMMUNITY RESOURCES

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

Breathe Philly Air Quality Monitoring Network: Philadelphia's real-time air quality data network is live. Monitor air quality in Eastwick and stay informed about pollution levels that may affect your health at phila.gov/breathe-philly. Visit the site to find your neighborhood and access real-time data.

Nature Walks and Volunteer Programs at John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge: The refuge offers a variety of walks and nature programs suitable for the whole family year-round. Check the event schedule at the Visitor Center kiosk (Wed-Sun, 9 AM to 4 PM) or visit their Facebook page at @JohnHeinzNWR for the latest activities. Volunteer opportunities are available throughout the year for those interested in supporting habitat restoration and park maintenance.

SHARE THE WORD

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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 and 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