Overbrook Environmental Education Center

09/02/2026

The Overbrook Environmental Education Center’s (OEEC) Philly Green Ambassador Corps, along with Senior Coordinator Vanessa Wimberly, were invited to tour the historic Fairmount Water Works alongside the Audubon/Discovery Center Interns, Watershed Alliance Fellow, and Senior Coordinator and Marine Biologist, Bria Wimberly.

Justine O’Gara, her team, and the Watershed Alliance Fellow prepared an outstanding architectural and historical tour, highlighting Philadelphia’s early steps—beginning in 1797—toward improving drinking water quality. The visit also included a bio‑indicator identification activity and an engaging lesson on the remarkable filtering abilities of freshwater mussels, a longtime passion project of Bria Wimberly. 

The Philly Green Ambassador Corps thoroughly enjoyed exploring aquatic science, gaining a deeper understanding of the Water Works’ utilitarian design, and spending time among the diverse tree species on the property. We also extend heartfelt congratulations to Ellen Shultz on her retirement from Fairmount Water Works.

08/31/2026

Save the date for the Thriving Communities Symposium!

On October 23 & 24, Overbrook Enviornmental Education Center will be hosting the Thriving Communities Symposium at St Joseph’s University. At this 2-day event you can learn about it grant opportunities, project development, community engagement, and more!

This is a FREE event. Stay tuned for registration details!

08/27/2026

The 2026 Keep America Beautiful National Litter Survey highlights the ongoing challenge of litter across our communities in the United States and the importance of taking action.

At the Overbrook Environmental Education Center, we have ongoing efforts to address litter and waste through our initiative to Reduce Illegal Dumping in Philadelphia. See some pictures above from our previous events!

Looking to host a community cleanup near you? Want to find another way to get involved? Contact us at 215-879-7770.

08/26/2026

This Sunday, August 30th, the Agriculture Resource Center will host Penn State Extension soil experts as they lead the second FREE public workshop on soil testing: Soil 102: Interpreting Test Results and Amending Your Soil!

This FREE workshop is intended for beginners, and open to the public- all ages and ability levels are welcome, RSVP is required. Please use the QR code on the attached flyer or visit https://www.givepulse.com/group/2105054-Farm-Philly to sign up today!

📆 Sunday, August 30th
🕐 2-5 PM
📍90 Horticultural Dr. Philadelphia, PA 19131

Any questions or accommodations needed for your attendance? Email [email protected].

Hope to see everyone there!

08/15/2026

08/07/2026

The Overbrook Environmental Education Center (OEEC) team recently participated as an exhibitor at OIC of America’s 3rd Annual Philadelphia STEMFest, held at Vare Recreation Center in South Philadelphia. The annual event introduced K–12 students to STEM concepts and career pathways through interactive, hands-on activities.

During the event, the OEEC team presented engaging demonstrations on solar energy, green stormwater infrastructure (GSI), and strategies for reducing residential heat through the use of reflective roofing materials. The team interacted with nearly 100 participants, providing valuable insights into STEM careers while distributing educational materials on sustainable energy and environmental stewardship.

07/23/2026

We are excited to announce our next EPA Renovation, Repair and Painting (RRP) Lead Safety Certification Training will be held Monday, August 17th, 2026 from 9:00am - 5:00pm.

Learned in this certification class are lead-safety measures necessary to protect inhabitants during renovation, repair, and painting projects in pre-1978 housing and in pre-1978 child-occupied facilities, such as daycare centers, where lead-based paint will be disturbed by the work. This is a full 8-hour day class: both instructional and demonstration.

This comprehensive session will equip participants with the essential knowledge and skills needed to carry out projects safely, efficiently, and in compliance with EPA regulations. Whether you’re new to the industry or looking to refresh your expertise, this training will cover best practices in surface preparation, restoration techniques, and safe handling of lead-based materials to protect both workers and occupants.

After the class, attendees are offered a written exam based on instruction presented in class. Upon successful completion of the exam, students will receive certification. The certification training costs $295 (all books and materials are included).

Seating is limited. Please call (215) 879-7770, visit https://tinyurl.com/rrpaug or email [email protected] for registration details.

07/21/2026

In light of the recent poor air quality events that Philadelphia experienced last week, we are highlighting the Breathe Right project that the Overbrook Environmental Education Center managed between June 2023 and December 2025. This project engaged 15 local community members and organizations as they took part in monitoring the air quality in and around their homes and businesses. WiFi-connected monitors were used, which are both highly precise and much more affordable than regulatory-grade equipment. Our results provided important information about how some neighborhoods can suffer from levels of air pollution above the city’s average, and the project foreshadowed the Breathe Philly initiative under which recently installed air monitors within 1.5 miles of every Philadelphia resident.

Everyone in Philadelphia has a right to clean air under the Pennsylvania Constitution. Have questions or want to be involved in air monitoring near you? Call us at 215-879-7770 or visit Phila.gov/BreathePhilly if you want to stay updated on the air quality in your neighborhood right now.

07/15/2026

A message from about a possible air quality event in Southwest Philadelphia:

In response to a large smoke-producing fire in Darby Township, Delaware County, the Philadelphia Department of Public Health is warning residents to avoid areas that are being affected by the smoke or try to stay inside. The Health Department has dispatched inspectors to the area to collect air samples to assess air quality and the potential for any threat. At this time, no specific hazardous substances have been identified, and the Department is taking this action out of an abundance of caution.

Residents in the area should check their local Breathe Philly air quality monitor for near-real-time air quality measurements for information on appropriate precautions to avoid unnecessary exposure to smoke.

The air may be potentially hazardous for sensitive groups, including children, elderly people, people who are pregnant, and those with respiratory diseases or heart conditions.