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- The Eastwick Bulletin: Week of October 14th
The Eastwick Bulletin: Week of October 14th
Your Weekly Community Update from the Eastwick Friends and Neighbors (EFNC)
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 this week’s Eastwick Bulletin.
This issue shares a regional watershed-restoration update, current access information for John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge, and public events through October 26. You will also find the Go Bag Giveaway this Saturday, Ready to Root on October 20, a Bellwether District community site tour on October 23, and a November 7 Nature-Based Solutions Open House.
🌟 Positive Update: Cobbs Creek Restoration: A Regional Investment in Watershed Health
A $2 million Pennsylvania award is helping fund the Cobbs Creek stream-restoration project in West Philadelphia. The project will restore approximately three miles of creek and create more than 25 acres of floodplain wetlands. These wetlands are intended to help manage stormwater, reduce erosion, improve water quality, and support wildlife habitats. Construction began in May 2025, with completion anticipated by summer 2027.
According to the Cobbs Creek Foundation, the restoration includes erosion and sediment control, floodplain regrading, stormwater infrastructure, stream-channel restoration, wetland creation, and reforestation. The project is designed to support native trees, shrubs, birds, pollinators, and other wildlife while helping address flooding on the Cobbs Creek campus.
Why This Matters to Eastwick: Although the restoration is taking place in West Philadelphia and not directly within Eastwick, both communities are connected through the larger Darby-Cobbs watershed. This project highlights the importance of protecting waterways, restoring natural habitats, and investing in long-term environmental sustainability. While direct flood-reduction benefits for Eastwick have not been established, the project provides an opportunity for residents to stay informed about watershed restoration efforts and advocate for similar investments that address Eastwick's ongoing flooding and environmental concerns.
⚠️Community Concern: Current Trail Closures Affect Refuge Access
John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge remains a vital Eastwick resource, but visitors should plan around active restoration closures. Friends of Heinz Refuge reports that the Dike Road/Wetland Loop Trail is closed from the gate to the Observation Tower for the Dike Road/Wetland Loop Trail Restoration Project. The eastern section of the parking lot is also closed, although the remaining parking area is open as a two-way road.
The Darby Creek Trail and Tinicum Trail section between the third outdoor restroom and the Route 420 parking lot is also closed for the Henderson Marsh Restoration Project. Woodland Trail remains open, and the refuge says accessibility work is planned there. These closures are expected to last up to 12 to 18 months, so please check current conditions and event pages before leaving home.
Plan Ahead: Nature-Based Solutions Open House
Saturday, November 7, 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center, 8601 Lindbergh Boulevard, Philadelphia, PA 19153
The project team invites Eastwick and Delaware County neighbors to an open house on the results of the Flood Resilience Feasibility Study for the Lower Darby Creek area. The study has examined nature-based approaches that can convey, store, and infiltrate water, with the goal of reducing flood risk, improving habitat, and strengthening community resilience.
Move through stations at your own pace, learn about next steps, and take part in a Community Voice interview. Snacks will be provided. RSVPs are encouraged but not required. For questions or to RSVP, email [email protected].
Community Site Tour: The Bellwether District
Friday, October 23 3144 W. Passyunk Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19145
The HRP Group team behind the redevelopment of The Bellwether District invites neighbors to a guided community site tour. Meet the project team, learn about redevelopment plans, and see the site’s transformation firsthand. Participants will also be entered for a chance to win a signed Philadelphia Eagles jersey.
Choose a one-hour tour at 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM, 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM, or 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM. Wear comfortable, closed-toed shoes and remain with the tour guide. Personal protective equipment may be required and will be provided if needed.
Register for a Bellwether District site tour. To request an accommodation or discuss accessibility needs before the event, use the Bellwether District contact page.
Nature in Focus 2026: Visit, View, and Vote
The Nature in Focus 2026 Photo Exhibition is open at the John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center, 8601 Lindbergh Boulevard, through Sunday, November 8. The Visitor Center is open Wednesday through Sunday from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Visitors can see approximately 100 photographs by participants from childhood through adulthood and cast one vote for the People’s Choice Award.
The awards reception is scheduled for Saturday, November 7, from 11:00 AM to noon, following the Friends of Heinz Refuge Annual Membership Meeting. Learn more through Friends of Heinz Refuge
Community Preparedness: Go Bag Giveaway This Saturday
Saturday, October 17, 10:00 AM to noon Eastwick Recreation Center
Join neighbors for a community conversation about flood preparedness and a Go Bag Giveaway. The Philadelphia Office of Sustainability, Lutheran Disaster Response, and Eastwick Friends & Neighbors Coalition (EFNC) are partnering on the event.
Participants will receive custom flood-preparedness worksheets, supplies to build a go bag, and fire-resistant document bags. The first 30 participants will receive a $25 Visa card. Questions may be sent to [email protected]. No separate public registration page has been identified.
Plan Ahead: Ready to Root Volunteer & Tree Distribution Day
Tuesday, October 20, 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM Cobbs Creek Community Environmental Center, 700 Cobbs Creek Parkway, Philadelphia, PA 19143
Pennsylvania Interfaith Power & Light (PA IPL) invites neighbors, tree leaders, and community partners to Ready to Root: Volunteer & Tree Distribution Day. The day will celebrate community tree leadership and urban forestry with partner tables, educational activities, speakers, a tree walk, and limited no-cost yard trees for people who did not place an advance order.
Tree tagging, sorting, and set-up run from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM. Pre-ordered tree pick-ups begin at 2:00 PM. From 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM, the schedule includes tree pick-ups, vendors, activities, speakers, and a tree walk. EFNC is proud to be part of the Southwest Collaborative supporting tree access and urban-forestry leadership across Southwest Philadelphia.
Eastwick Regional Playground: Fall Programs Continue
Eastwick Regional Playground’s Fall 2026 schedule continues to offer after-school activities, community pickleball, crochet, karate, pinochle, sewing, youth soccer, youth ultimate frisbee, Spoken Word Open Mic Night, Silent Book Club, and We Walk PHL.
The verified We Walk PHL group meets Thursdays from 10:30 AM to 11:30 AM at S. 80th Street and Mars Place, near the orange We Walk sign by the building. The free fall series runs through October 31. Find current details through the Fairmount Park Conservancy guide or the Eastwick Regional Playground GivePulse page.
📅 UPCOMING EVENTS
Date and time | Event | Location | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
Thu, Oct. 15 | S. 80th Street and Mars Place | Free weekly walking group for all ages and abilities at Eastwick Regional Playground. | |
Thu, Oct. 15 | Bartram’s Garden Welcome Center, 5400 Lindbergh Blvd. | Fresh, chemical-free local produce from Sankofa Community Farm. Cash, EBT, WIC Farmers’ Market vouchers, and Senior vouchers are accepted. | |
Thu, Oct. 15 | John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge at Tinicum | Free walk about refuge mammals and other wildlife. No registration is required. | |
Sat, Oct. 17 | Go Bag Giveaway | Eastwick Recreation Center | Flood-preparedness conversation, go-bag supplies, and fire-resistant document bags. First 30 participants receive a $25 Visa card. |
Sat, Oct. 17 | Eastwick Library, 2851 Island Ave. | Adults and seniors can bring any book that fits the monthly theme, or any book they choose, and share what they are reading. | |
Sun, Oct. 18 | Meet by the Visitor Center, John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge | Relaxed, all-ages bird walk on flat surfaces with nearby restrooms. No registration is required. | |
Sun, Oct. 18 | Bartram’s Garden, 5400 Lindbergh Blvd. | Celebration of Indigenous culture, history, and resilience with performances, vendors, workshops, and more. Check the organizer page for final details. | |
Tue, Oct. 20 | Ready to Root: Volunteer & Tree Distribution Day | Cobbs Creek Community Environmental Center, 700 Cobbs Creek Parkway | Tree sorting, pick-ups, vendors, activities, speakers, and a tree walk. Event schedule is provided by the EFNC Team. |
Tue, Oct. 20 | Eastwick Library, 2851 Island Ave. | Art, games, comics, and more for teens and young adults. | |
Wed, Oct. 21 | Information Walk about the Proposed Trail Project for the Eastwick Community | Warbler Woods Trail, John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge | Join the Community Engagement Team to learn about the proposed trail. This current FWS listing is the timing used here. |
Fri, Oct. 23 | 3144 W. Passyunk Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19145 | Three one-hour tours at 3:00 PM, 4:00 PM, and 5:00 PM. Registration is required. Wear closed-toed shoes. | |
Sat, Oct. 24 | Eastwick Library, 2851 Island Ave. | Halloween-themed BINGO, prizes, a pumpkin cookie, and a costume bonus for preschool and school-age children. | |
Mon, Oct. 26 | Eastwick Library, 2851 Island Ave. | Youth ages 10 to 18 can explore braiding and art traditions from around the world. Registration is not required. | |
Sat, Nov. 7 | Nature-Based Solutions Open House | John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center, 8601 Lindbergh Blvd. | Plan-ahead open house on the Flood Resilience Feasibility Study, nature-based solutions, and next steps. RSVPs are encouraged but not required: [email protected]. |
Check organizer pages for weather, capacity, registration, access, and last-minute changes before traveling.
💡COMMUNITY RESOURCES
Eastwick Flood Resources
Use the City’s Eastwick resident resources for flood maps, the Flood Ready Home guide, flood insurance information, alerts, and the live monitoring map.
Eastwick Library
The Eastwick Library at 2851 Island Avenue offers free programs, computers, printing, Wi-Fi, and family resources. See the Eastwick Library calendar for current listings.
Report and Track Neighborhood Concerns Use
Philly 311 to report potholes, abandoned vehicles, illegal dumping, graffiti, street-light outages, and other non-emergency concerns.
Breathe Philly
For City information about air quality, heat, and environmental-health resources, visit Breathe Philly and review the Breathe Philly program resources.
📸 SEND US YOUR PHOTOS
We love seeing Eastwick through your eyes. Send photos of neighborhood gatherings, local nature, community projects, gardens, and everyday moments that show what makes Eastwick special. Selected images may be featured in future Bulletins and EFNC social media. Please email your photo, a short caption, and photographer credit to [email protected].
🗣️ FUTURE TOPICS: WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU
What would you like to see covered in a future Eastwick Bulletin? Please send local concerns, event notices, positive neighborhood news, and resource suggestions to [email protected]. Your input helps EFNC keep this newsletter relevant, practical, and community-centered.
🤝 ABOUT EFNC AND JOIN OUR BOARD
Eastwick Friends & Neighbors Coalition Inc. works with residents and partners to advance environmental justice, community advocacy, safety, and sustainable development in Eastwick. We are seeking community-minded Board members with experience or interest in social media, event planning, computer skills, grant writing, communications, and community outreach. To learn more about EFNC or express interest in serving, visit eastwickfnc.org.
Please forward this Bulletin to your Eastwick neighbors, friends, and family. Encourage them to subscribe at eastwickfnc.org so that more residents can stay informed and connected.
Until next time,
The EFNC Team