Sophia Schmidt covers the environment for WHYY’s PlanPhilly. Before coming to Philadelphia in 2021, Sophia reported on her home state of Delaware for Delaware Public Media and produced interviews for NPR’s “Weekend Edition.” Sophia was a 2021 Metcalf Fellow.
More from the Contributor
Prepare for an ‘extraordinary’ hurricane season on the East Coast, forecasters say
NOAA is predicting up to seven major Atlantic hurricanes this year. Officials say now is the time to prepare.
2 years ago
Demonstrators protested a relatively flat budget proposal for Parks & Rec, saying more money for rec centers would help fight gun violence.
2 years ago
Cleanup of former oil terminal near Bartram’s Garden gets boost with EPA funds
The site is one of close to 200 nationwide receiving cleanup funds from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
2 years ago
Listen 1:06
Expect a hot summer in the Philly region, NOAA forecasters say
Officials with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration predict 2024 could be the world’s warmest year on record.
2 years ago
A Philly concrete plant polluted without a permit. Now it’s paying to help stop dumping
A facility just feet from Frankford Creek lacked the proper stormwater permit. It agreed to pay for an anti-dumping project in a nearby park.
2 years ago
Listen 1:11
After decades of pressure, Eastwick celebrates major milestone in Clearview Landfill cleanup
The EPA says the landfill cap will protect nearby residents from toxins. The cleanup was sped up with funds from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
2 years ago
Listen 1:20
More large trees cut down at South Philly’s FDR Park
Forty-eight “heritage” trees have been cut down in the park’s former golf course to make way for athletic fields and courts.
2 years ago
Lawsuit fails to stop FDR Park renovations
A judge decided her court does not have jurisdiction to hear the suit to stop clearing trees. Petitioners plan to appeal.
2 years ago
Listen 1:16
Federal money will help prepare 2 Philly bridges for climate-driven floods
The funding will go toward renovations of the Valley Green Road Bridge in Wissahickon Valley Park and the Bells Mill Bridge near Morris Arboretum.
2 years ago
After years of delays, Adams Solar Farm powers a quarter of Philly’s city buildings
A month after the Adams Solar Farm went online, Philly is seeking more renewable electricity to power the rest of its municipal buildings.
2 years ago
Listen 1:07
Campus Gaza protests: Here’s what’s happening in Philly, N.J. and Delaware
Here’s the local view of the national outpouring of college students speaking out against America’s involvement in the Israel-Hamas war.
2 years ago
5 ways to make your Philly-area home greener
Worried about your carbon footprint, but not sure where to start? Turns out there’s plenty you can do at home.
2 years ago