Thanks to our intrepid newsletter editor Dianne Walsh, we have timely write-ups and background information and a permanent record of what we have done and what we are planning. Don’t miss out! To receive the newsletter by email every month, please fill out the form here and also let us know if you have special interests or wish to volunteer.
Our December 2025 newsletter reminds you about our annual auction, in which you can bid for some great items through December 6, and also our December 10 Green Holiday Celebration at WCU, where you can help build holiday baskets for local people who need them, and other upcoming events. Read about volunteer of the month Jordan Norley, and see reports from November events. Hear from our stellar intern Katie Ulmer on “Living Sustainably as a College Student,” get advice on getting a real or artificial Christmas tree, and more.
Our November 2025 newsletter looks back to our panel discussions at WCU on saving Dark Skies (i.e., fighting light pollution) and working toward a plastic-free future. And it looks forward to noteworthy events this month like our online Seasons Greenings auction and our Gifts and Thrifts event finding new owners for used clothing (see calendar below for all upcoming events). And lots of useful and meaningful info such as more from editor Dianne Walsh on edible plants.
Our October 2025 newsletter is full of good reading. Among other recent events, read about the Sept. 20 transportation equity panel, WCU’s Sept. 20 Pawpaw Fest, and the Oct. 7 plastics panel (see below). On the plastics theme, learn about a substantial fine and remedial plan leveled against a PA company that had been releasing plastic “nurdles” (tiny pellets that are shipped around the country to be made into end products) into a stream and the environment (see photo). It’s heartening to know there is a remedy when citizens remain vigilant for such abuses! For more encouragement, read about the well-known singer Jonathan Sprout and his Force for Good initiative. And lots more.
Our September 2025 newsletter is once again full of news, upcoming events, and considerations on many aspects of how we can coexist with and respect the natural world around us. One highlight: write-up of our annual Green Fair and dinner gathering on August 23d, including awards given with our great appreciation to County Commissioner Josh Maxwell and (pictured) artist John Suplee.
Check out our August newsletter, edited by Mateo Niiler, with many summer highlights and news of past and upcoming events. And find out why this is good time to think of reducing winter salt, the bane of summer streams….
The July newsletter tells you more about some August events for you to consider: the fire-building activities and Lenape dinner at Camp Linden near Marshallton on July 26, and our August 23 Annual Green Team Gathering, with a Green Fair, awards, and dinner, at West Chester Friends Meeting in West Chester. Also, look for those Green Wagons in West Chester Borough (pictured). Lots of other news too.
Summer came in full force this June, and our gardens are blooming to match! Check out our latest and upcoming events in our June Newsletter!
We’re off to a rainy start this May, but that means we’re taking advantage of all the sunny days ahead! Check out our latest planting and everything Porchfest in our May Newsletter!
Earth Day is almost here! Read about our program plans–and the evening’s yummy menu–in this issue. It’s full of other events, too, and you’re sure to find something to match your interests in our April Newsletter. So enjoy the issue while you’re ducking indoors between those April showers!
Now that the end of winter is in sight, we can start thinking about spring cleaning and spring activities–and what we can do to help. March’s newsletter has all sorts of information on upcoming events that you won’t want to miss and as you’ll see, the Green Team needs YOU for a very special role!
We’re getting ready for spring despite what Punxsutawney Phil says! From a school garden workshop to Porchfest, find out what’s coming up with our February Newsletter!
Happy New Year! Your January Newsletter is here filled with information and articles you can use to get your year off to a green start. Grab a cup of hot cocoa and enjoy!
Happy Holidays! Can you believe it’s that time of year already? Everything outside may be brown and gray, but we’re here with a bit of green to brighten your day. Curl up in your favorite comfy, warm spot and enjoy the December Newsletter!
With the nights getting longer, the West Chester Green Team November Newsletter will tuck you in! Meet the newest member of the Team, check out the items for the Season’s Greenings Auction, and see how you can help clean up the Borough!
The leaves are changing and it’s getting colder! Doesn’t mean we’re slowing down with events! Check out all that we’re doing this season in October’s newsletter!
Although it’s time to start another school year and wave goodbye to summer, we have A LOT to look forward to this month! From Common Ground to honoring male gardeners to learning about meadows, stay up to date with all that we’re doing in September here!
See our August 2024 newsletter here. Catch up on upcoming events like August 28 Dark Skies and Fireflies Celebration at West Chester Friends Meetinghouse, September 9 film Common Ground about how human problems connect to the state of the world’s soil, and September 23 Spotlight on tree planting enthusiast Ryan Davis. And read how “West Chester Council Moves to Create More Stormwater Relief” by adding to the Borough’s array of rain gardens.
Our July newsletter is here! We’re taking a look at upcoming events this summer and later this year! Check out information on our free, family program focusing on honoring the Lenape, the Indigenous Peoples that called Chester County home before European settlers.
Summer is here and along with it the June Newsletter! We had a great turnout at Porchfest with a lot of people braving the rain to listen to good music and have a good time. We have a few upcoming programs this month like the Garden/House Tour and the Green Wagon Project. Check it out here!
May is here and that means summer is just around the corner! We’re taking a look back at our Earth Day Celebration and looking forward to Porchfest! Read all about it in our May Newsletter!
Spring is in full bloom this Earth Month! See how we’re celebrating this year in our April Newsletter. Catch up on all things Porchfest, see what Bondsville Mill is up to, and a sneak peek into our Earth Day Keynote Speaker, Maurice Sampson II and his discussion of Environmental Justice.
Get ready for spring with our March Newsletter. Find out how your T-shirts are impacting the environment, more about glow-in-the-dark flowers and Chester County’s first electric vehicle. See what events we have planned for Earth Day and clean ups around West Chester.
After a brief hibernation, we’re back with our February Newsletter. Find out what’s happening with Goose Creek or take the virtual Birds vs Bees challenge! See how the natural world inspires dance in Creative Economy Enterprises owner Dawn Mazzone’s article!
Check out our December 2023 newsletter here! Find out about our upcoming clothing drive: Gifts & Thrifts next month, run by our newest member Aiden McFadden, a professional soccer player from East Bradford. Also, be sure to read Chester County Planning Commissioner’s perspective on real and artificial Christmas trees and the impact on the environment.
See our November 2023 newsletter here, featuring information about our upcoming events: our third annual Season’s Greetings Virtual Auction and Porchfest’s Bourbon Street Jam. Check out our article discussing water and the WCGT team and Taylor Yonder’s garden!
See our October 2023 newsletter here, including a review of the packed-house September 28 talk by Prof. Suzanne Simard, the Canadian researcher who discovered that trees can communicate with each other, at West Chester University. Next up in the long-standiong West Chester University-West Chester Green Team series is a panel discussion “Environmental Progress in Chester County, 2023,” Monday evening, October 23, at 6:30 in Ballroom A of the WCU Science and Engineering building. Free, all welcome.
See our September 2023 newsletter here, featuring an Evening with the Green Team recap (photo: Prof. Doug Tallamy at the Chestnut St. Garage garden that we helped create), Transition Towns (such as West Chester), Pollutants in our streams, Celebrating the Gordon Natural Area at 50, Legendary Lenape program wrap-up, Another summer intern reports, The downside of raking leaves… and lots of exciting upcoming events!
See our August 2023 newsletter here. Check out our upcoming fall events such as Chester County Grows: where Doug Tallamy will speak about native plants, gardening, insects, and the Homegrown National Parks program and its progress. Other speakers from Chester County will provide updates on environmental issues.
See our July 2023 newsletter HERE. Highlight: Alley beautification: A report to the community by architectural and urban designer and alley expert Thomas Dougherty, with landscape architect Chris Pugliese, reflecting a summer project to involve neighbors and businesses in enhancing two West Chester alley blocks and to provide information for all interested in the topic. At the Iron Works Church, 312 W Union St., West Chester, PA 19382, on Tuesday, July 18 at 7pm. All welcome.
See our June 2023 newsletter here. Highlights: 2 important upcoming events: garden party where Green Team supporters and their families can mingle and enjoy each other’s company over food and drinks [later note: postponed, stay tuned for new date]; and the Legendary Lenape summer educational series for kids and families, starting June 24. See more info and how to sign up HERE.
See our May 2023 newsletter here. Highlight, of course: Porchfest, on Saturday, May 20, 1-7pm!
West Chester Porchfest is organized by the West Chester Green Team to build connection, promote community, and celebrate Spring. Come out to hear the music!. It’s family-friendly and FREE for all! Performers an hosts volunteer their time and talents/ porches and lawns in the Southwest quadrant of the Borough—from Church Street to Bradford Avenue and Miner to Dean Streets. Attendees stroll between performances and relax on front lawns and sidewalks as they enjoy live local talent on the beautiful porches of historic West Chester. Food trucks and children’s activities add to the festivities. Check out all the schedule, performances and info tables here.
See our April 2023 newsletter here. Highlight: “The Importance of Native Plants” by Nora Ziegler, WCGT Board member, lists five of the many reasons we should plant native plants: 1. Native plants have deeper root systems that prevent flooding from run-off and erosion. Native landscapes can absorb 90% more run-off than non-native! 2. Native plants sequester more carbon, improving air quality … etc. etc.
See our March 2023 newsletter here: Highlights include: Speakers at West Chester University, including activist Erin Brockovich of movie fame; Earth Day Birthday updates on April events; Porchfest coming up on May 20; sign up to Adopt a Rain Garden in West Chester.
See our February 2023 newsletter here: Highlights include: Recent sightings at Bondsville park; Effects of road salt on PA water ways; Vanguards withdrawal from the “Net Zero Managers Initiative.”
See our January 2023 newsletter here. Highlights: escape from the wasteful and polluting fast fashion to landfill cycle; suggested 2023 resolutions for your happy and non-toxic green gardening pleasure.
See our December 2022 newsletter here. (Erratum: the author of the Crebilly Farm article Is Ken Hemphill not Jim Wylie. We sincerely regret the error.) Highlight:
Sustainable Holidays crafting workshop December 13th from 5-7PM.
Come join the West Chester Green Team to learn how to celebrate your holiday more sustainably! We’ll weave Danish heart baskets, make holiday critters, ornaments, wreaths, and Hanukkah menorahs out of reused and natural materials (toilet paper rolls, acorns, seed pods, pine cones, holly, etc.). Also learn how to shop or seek gifts locally to minimize consumption, pollution, and harm to the planet. Free, open to all! Light refreshments available (coffee, tea, hot chocolate, light snacks).
In Sykes Student Union of West Chester University, 110 W. Rosedale Ave, West Chester, in Ballrooms A & B on the main floor.
See our November 2022 newsletter here. Highlight:
Get Ready, it’s Auction Time! (Check on our home page soon for the web site to bid)
Our Seasons Greenings online auction starts November 23 and runs through December 3. Join the bidding, join the fun! Help us continue our mission. What do we have? Vacation homes, art, experiences, services, yummy foods, unusual items, and more! Don’t miss it!
See our October 2022 newsletter here. Highlight:
from “THE GREAT WHITE OAK” By Mike Dunn, Borough Arborist, West Chester
“It takes between 4000 to 6000 caterpillars to fledge one family of chickadees. A 2019 Cornell ornithology study found there are approximately 3 billion fewer songbirds in North America than there was 50 years ago. Less caterpillars means less birds. To support birds and other life on the planet we need insects, especially pollinators…and they need us. By planting a white oak, you will be growing a tree that provides many benefits to our entire ecosystem.”
(n.b. in the rain garden article, the center photo shows water not flowing in properly.)
See our September 2022 newsletter here. Highlight:
“Who Was Humphry Marshall and Why Are We Celebrating Him This Year?” Read historian Tom Walsh’s essay on one of the 18th century’s most famed botanists and all-around men of science, Humphry Marshall of Marshallton in West Bradford. And check out a number of events planned locally to honor Marshall’s 300th birthday.
See our August 2022 newsletter here. One highlight:
Our environmental program for children at Everhart Park in West Chester held a session on the Dark Sky initiative and lightning bugs. The photo shows children at work rendering those themes more concrete.
Read and download our July 2022 newsletter HERE. Highlight:
In June, the Living Landscapes committee of the Green Team completed a native garden project at the Chester County Art Association. The committee renovated the two large planters on the CCAA’s back patio and added in two new garden beds with a mix of native and hybrid plants….
Read our June 2022 newsletter HERE. In this issue: PORCHFEST Recap, Students Propose Free Bottle Refill Stations, Living Landscapes News, Our Summer Programs…and Dinner with Doug!
To the right: some of our volunteers involved in adding pollinator-friendly plants to the garden behind the Chestnut St. parking garage in West Chester.
Click HERE to read our May 2022 newsletter. In this issue: Porchfest is Almost Here, Our Unsung Hero, Earth Day in West Chester, Northern Chesco EAC/SAC Meeting Report, and more!
The Green Team is grateful to the many businesses and institutions that participated by chalking on their own sidewalks or letting our talented team of West Chester University students create their own works honoring Mother Earth on the 53rd annual Earth Day, Friday April 22, 2022.
Click HERE to read and/or download our APRIL 2022 NEWSLETTER
In this issue:
Celebrate Earth Week, Win dinner with Doug Tallamy, Fossil Fuels, Goose Creek Clean-up Recap, Plastic and Microplastic Pollution, and much more!
Image: we will hold two summer programs for kids, at the Melton Center and the Westside Community Center.
Click HERE to read and/or download our MARCH 2022 NEWSLETTER, including: Living Landscapes, Art Award, Light Pollution, Goose Creek Clean-up, Urging Businesses to Do More, Earth Day Preparations . . . and a Porchfest Update
Read our latest news and find out about these and other Upcoming Events:
March 7: Porchfest Committee meeting (for May 21)
March 10: WCGT Meet up at Taco Mar
March 23: Living Landscapes meeting
March 23: Dark Sky Initiative meeting
March 26: Goose Creek Clean-up
Read and/or download the February 2022 newsletter HERE. (Image to the left: from “2022: Are We at the Climate Crossroad?” by Paula Kline.)
Read and/or download the January 2022 newsletter here.
Read and/or download the December 2021 newsletter here.
Read and/or download the November 2021 newsletter here.
West Chester Green Team 