Abington Township, PA
Home MenuEnvironmental Advisory Council
- Date: 12/11/2024 7:00 PM
- Location: Webinar
The Township of Abington’s Environmental Advisory Council will hold its regular meeting by webinar on December 11, 2024 at 7:00 PM to consider any and all business that would normally come before the Council, and as further outlined on the agenda, which is available on the Township’s website at http://www.abingtonpa.gov/agendas.
There are two ways for the public to participate in the meeting: online or by phone. Residents can access the meeting online, by a computer, iPad, iPhone or Android at https://us06web.zoom.us/j/87991855571. This link will enable residents to hear the meeting and see presentations. There will be no video capabilities. Residents, who are unable to join online, can listen to the meeting by calling 1-929-436-2866 and entering the meeting ID number 879-9185-5571 when prompted.
Additional information regarding access to the public meeting is available on the Township’s website, as listed herein. Comments or questions are encouraged to be submitted in advance of the meeting to publiccomment@abingtonpa.gov. If a member of the public would like to participate but requires assistance or accommodation, please contact the Township at publiccomment@abingtonpa.gov or (267) 536-1099 three days in advance of the meeting.
Webinar Information:
- Join by computer, tablet or application: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/87991855571
- Join by telephone: 1-929-436-2866 and entering the meeting ID number 879-9185-5571 when prompted.
- Meeting ID: 879-9185-5571
Government » Volunteer Boards, Commissions, Committees and Councils » Environmental Advisory Council
Participate
Whether you are interested in attending an event, helping organize or volunteering at an event, you are welcome! Below you will find information on annual programming, community events and more. Each year we look for new opportunities to expand our reach in the community and encourage participation among residents. Do you have a project you believe would benefit the environment, your neighborhood or both? Let us know! Contact us at eac@abingtonpa.gov.
Programs
Welcome to Bird Town / Bird Town Walks
Abington Township became a Bird Town in 2015. Bird Town Pennsylvania works in partnership with local municipalities and like-minded organizations to promote community-based conservation actions to create a healthier, more sustainable environment for birds, wildlife, and people. Bird Towns promote environmental awareness through engagement, education, activities and community involvement.
The Bird Town program provides tools for municipalities to engage, educate and empower their residents, schools and businesses to make more positive social, economic and ecologically friendly decisions. Bird Town promotes a culture of conservation where everyone is a potential steward of nature in their own backyard and beyond. Restoration of natural systems and native plant communities for birds, butterflies and other wildlife, on both private and public lands, has positive impacts on our communities, including creating a healthier environment; reducing stormwater runoff, greenhouse gases and maintenance time; increasing property values and building community pride. For more about conservation efforts, visit Bird Town Pennsylvania.
Join Abington Bird Town and Wyncote Audubon Society for
Bird Walks at Lorimer Park
Tuesday, March 19, 2024, 8:00-10:00 AM, meet at 183 Moredon Road lot
Visit the Wyncote Audubon Society website for more details and other events.
All are Invited: These walks are free and open to everyone. Learn more about the birds in this Montgomery County park (part of an Audubon Important Bird Area). For both beginning and experienced birders, we’ll walk the Pennypack Trail and connected trails. Please wear comfortable clothing and footwear. Bring binoculars if you have them. No need to pre-register.
Directions: The Moredon Road parking lot is at 183 Moredon Road, Huntingdon Valley, between Old Ford Road and Pine Road, entrance is on south side of road. The Welsh Road parking lot is at 798 Old Welsh Road, Huntingdon Valley, at the intersection with Terwood Road, on the southwest corner, look for the Pennypack Trail sign.
For more Information: Contact: Leigh Altadonna, laltadonna@audubon.org or Jennifer Sherwood, eac@abingtonpa.gov.
Redeemer Valley Community Garden
Located in Abington Township:The Sisters of the Holy Redeemer began a community garden in 2010. The garden is open to all, and is located at the Provincialate of the Sisters of the Holy Redeemer, 521 Moredon Rd, Huntingdon Valley, PA 19006. Everyone is welcome to volunteer in the communal garden section which grows food for food cupboards and farmer's markets (you don't need to be a member). Memberships are available to anyone who would like to have their own small garden plot to grow themselves. Members are required to volunteer their time in the communal garden. Volunteers are also needed for community service projects. For more information, visit their website redeemervalley.com , or contact Sister Ana Dura 215-914-4109 or ADura @ holyredeemer.com .
- Robinson Park Community Garden
- Located in Cheltenham Township
- This is a small but growing organic community garden in 5-acre Robinson Park in the center of historic Wyncote. Each family can garden two four-foot by eight-foot plots with organic fruits and vegetables. The surplus gets donated to a local food bank. The garden is located at Walt Land and Greenwood Avenue in the Wyncote section of Cheltenham township. For more information, visit https://communitygarden.org/find-a-garden/gardens/robinson-park-community-garden/ .
- LaMott Community Garden
- Located in Cheltenham TownshipThis community garden is over 90 years old. The future of the garden is threatened by the possible sale of the land by Temple University. The garden is located on Graham Lane in the LaMott section of Cheltenham township. For more information, visit lamottcommunitygarden.com , call 267-253-6947, or email la_mott_garden @ yahoo.com.
- Benjamin Rush State Park Community Garden
- Located in Northeast Philadelphia:
- The Benjamin Rush Community Garden is one of the world's largest community gardens, with over 11 acres of land set aside for the community to grow herbs, flowers and vegetables. It is located in the far northeastern reaches of Philadelphia in Benjamin Rush State Park, http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/stateparks/findapark/benjaminrush/. The area has been used for farming since the Comly Family farmed it in the early 1700's. The area has been used as a farm to support the Philadelphia State Hospital which was located across Roosevelt Boulevard prior to being decomissioned. The community garden is a part of the Benjamin Rush State Park, and is managed by the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation of Natural Resources. For information contact the Benjamin Rush Garden Association at 215-969-0507, or https://communitygarden.org/find-a-garden/gardens/benjamin-rush-community-garden/ .
- Community Gardens at Morris Aboretum
- Located in Chestnut Hill
- The Community Gardens at the Morris Arboretum are located across the road from the Morris Arboretum's main entrance. The Community Gardens at the Morris Arboretum provide over 100 garden plots for seasonal rentals. Local gardeners enjoy nurturing a bit of earth, while growing relationships among fellow gardeners. Each garden plot is approximately 15 by 20 feet. They are available for a yearly fee to individuals who hold memberships with the Chestnut Hill Community Association or the Morris Arboretum.
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Schuylkill Center Community Garden
- Located in Roxborough
- The Schuylkill Center’s Organic Community Garden is comprised of 481 plots, each measuring roughly 16’ x 20’. One can find towering yellow corn, bright red heirloom tomatoes, meandering flower beds, and more growing side by side in this maze of plots. Some plants are chosen to attract bees from the adjacent apiary. Gardeners grow produce and vegetables for their family, friends, churches, restaurants; and local food banks. Some use their plot to create an outdoor oasis to escape to. The gardens serve as an excellent place to learn new greenthumb techniques, enjoy the company of fellow gardeners, and take in the beautiful scenery the area. For more information, please visit: http://www.schuylkillcenter.org/programs/organicgarden
Help make Abington beautiful
The Abington Township Green Program is an award-winning community tree planting and greening program. The Green Program is used to beautify public parks and open spaces. Contributions from individuals or groups are accepted to help buy trees, plants, benches, honorary plaques, and other items.
View the Green Program brochure and order form.
Here is how you can help:
Purchase an Honorary Tree: To honor a person, an organization, or to celebrate a special occasion, you can purchase an honorary tree . You can choose which park you would like the tree to be planted in. The honoree's name is engraved on a plaque that is on permanent display in the township building lobby. See order form for prices.
Honorary Trees:
- Abington School District Adminstration building, in honor of Adele Block
- Meadowbrook Bird Sanctuary
- Ethel Jordan Park, in memory of Waverly Woodly, Henry Washington Jr. and Donald Weigand.
Donate to buy trees for open space: Please donate to help restore trees in township parks, open spaces and along streets. Trees have been planted at these places:
Alverthorpe Park, Ardsley Train Station, Crestmont Park, Gabe Tayar Park, Grove Park, Highland Green, Jackson Park, Roslyn Ridge, Roslyn Park, Roychester Park, Rubicam Park, Tyson Green, Wanamaker Road Park, Washington Ave Triangle Park and others.
Contribute to greening open space: Please donate to help beautify and green areas of the township. Public green spaces:
- Alverthorpe Park
- Crestmont Park demonstration garden
- Huntingdon Pike and Cedar Road Triangle Garden
- Keswick Avenue Train Underpass garden
- Meadowbrook Bird Sanctuary
- Roslyn Park rain garden
- Roslyn Ridge (across from Roslyn Train station)
Volunteer: You or your organization can volunteer your time to help plant trees, gardens and help maintain them. Community service hours credit is available.
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View the Green Program brochure and order form.
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For additional information on the Green Program contact the EAC at eac@abingtonpa.gov.
The Abington Township Green Program won an award from the Pennsylvania Environmental Council (PEC) that recognizes innovative community volunteer projects.
Events
Annual Arbor Day Celebrations
The Shade Tree Commission and EAC celebrate Arbor Day each year with a tree planting on the last Saturday in April. The trees are planted in public open spaces that need beautification or greening. The celebration includes planting trees and flowers, a presentation of the Tree City USA* award, and light refreshments. The public is invited to join in the free celebration and learn more about trees. If you are interested in volunteering for Arbor Day, please contact us at eac@abingtonpa.gov.
Held on the last Saturday in April at Grove Park 1383 Easton Road, Roslyn PA 19001
- Tree planting workshop
- Tree City USA award presentation
- Keep America Beautiful litter cleanup (park and stream)
Resources:
* By clicking on this link you will leave the EAC webpage and will go to a website that is not associated with or endorsed by the EAC.
Earth Day is celebrated on April 22 of each year. Each spring, the EAC celebrates Earth Day by cleaning-up and beautifying parks and public areas throughout the township. We need your help. Cleanups are a great way to bring your community together and make a difference in your neighborhood. We count how much area we clean and how much litter we pick up, and we report our results to the Great American Cleanup of PA*. In Pennsylvania last year, about 128,000 volunteers picked up over 6 million pounds of trash, and planted over 13,000 trees, plants and flowers. What a difference! The EAC provides snacks, trash bags, gloves, safety vests and tools. Please wear long pants and sleeves, and sturdy shoes. If you can help, please contact the EAC at eac@abingtonpa.gov. For details about events, click on the links below:
Check back for updates on Earth Day activities throughout Abington Township.
* By clicking on this link you will leave the EAC webpage and will go to a website that is not associated with or endorsed by the EAC
Help Abington Go Green!
Please help us make Abington greener and healthier for us all. Everyone is welcome to attend our public meetings on the second Wednesday of each month at 7:00 pm at the Abington Township Building, 1176 Old York Rd, Abington, PA 19001, in the second floor board room. Our meetings are listed on the Abington Township calendar.
You can make a difference.
Become an associate member of the EAC
You can become part of a local network of concerned and generous people who care about our environment in Abington. Volunteers are always needed to help with EAC events, projects, planning, and on-going maintenance of public green spaces. This volunteer work qualifies as community service for most organizations, and fulfills requirements for service learning and scouting.
For more information, contact us at eac@abingtonpa.gov.
Help us green your neighborhood
Need a service project?
The EAC offers community service learning project ideas for volunteers, whether for school service learning requirements, Boy Scout, Girl Scout, mitzvah or other projects. We are looking for volunteers to help with these projects:
- Building rain barrels
- Public gardens and green space
- Building raised vegetable beds and row covers
- Tree plantings and maintenance
- Mussel surveys in local streams
- In spring: "Great American Cleanup" (litter cleanups)
- In October: Ocean Conservancy "International Coastal Cleanup" (litter cleanups)
- Hosting tables at public fairs and events (like the Abington Pre-Night Out)
- Creating environmental videos
Partnerships
- Abington Township
- Abington Township Commissioners
- Abington School District,
- Abington Senior High School Service Learning Program,
- Abington Junior High School Green Thumbs Club,
- Abington Friends School,
- Abington Township Shade Tree Commission,
- Abington Township Youth Aid Panel
- Briar Bush Nature Center, Boy Scouts,
- Cheltenham Township and EAC,
- Girl Scouts,
- Friends of Hallowell Park,
- Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful,
- Meadowbrook Bird Sanctuary,
- The Ocean Conservancy's International Coastal Cleanup,
- PennDOT,
- Pennsylvania Environmental Council
- Pennsylvania Horticultural Society,
- Pennypack Watershed and PERT,
- Redeemer Valley Community Garden,
- Rydal-Meadowbrook Civic Association,
- St, Basil's Academy,
- Tookany/Tacony-Frankford Watershed Partnership,
- TreeVitalize,
- Wissahickon Valley Watershed Association,
- Wyncote Audubon Society