Molly Bilinski
Environment & Science reporterI cover environment and science for LehighValleyNews.com. Originally from Schuylkill County, I got my start in journalism writing obituaries for the Reading Eagle in 2014 after graduating from Kutztown University. I’ve also reported for The Press of Atlantic City, covering municipalities, crime and courts, and The Morning Call, where I was part of the audience team. In 2022, I won first place in the diversity category of the Pennsylvania NewsMedia Association’s Keystone Media Awards. Contact me at mollyb@lehighvalleynews.com or 610-984-8225.
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Around 10 p.m. Sunday, the evening operation was passed off to DCNR State Wildland Crews, the Lehigh Township Volunteer Fire Co. said on social media. A planned backburn was underway to stop the spread of a fire burning since Saturday. -
State environmental officials are calling on residents to nominate their favorite waterway to be 2025 River of the Year. The effort aims to elevate public awareness of specific rivers and recognize important conservation needs and achievements.
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Lehigh and Northampton counties are in a drought watch due to persistently dry weather. The Lehigh County Authority is asking residents to start conserving.
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A red flag warning is issued when the risk of fire danger is highest. The warning is in effect until 7 p.m. Friday.
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The U.S. Drought Monitor on Thursday showed all of the Lehigh Valley in either “moderate” or “severe” drought.
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PennEnvironment's 2024 “Renewables on the Rise” report ranks every state for the production of wind energy, solar power, energy storage and other metrics over the last decade, tracking growth.
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Covering 187 acres in Salisbury and Upper Saucon townships, the sanctuary has seven different trails, and is the conservancy’s ninth nature preserve in the Lehigh Valley.
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The plan, estimated to cost more than $300 million over the next decade, seeks to overhaul and upgrade aging water and wastewater infrastructure across more than a dozen Lehigh County municipalities.
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The Bethlehem Area School District is getting $2 million in federal rebates to buy 10 more electric school buses. Officials expect the buses to be in service next school year.
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Wildlands Conservancy, as well as other partners and stakeholders, on Tuesday marked the completion of restoration work on the Bushkill Creek at Lafayette College with a celebration and wildflower-planting.
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The fire erupted Saturday in Lehigh Township. Over the following days, the fire grew from 150 acres to almost 600 near the border of Northampton and Carbon counties.
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Daniel Klem Jr., director of the Acopian Center for Ornithology at the college, on Saturday was presented with the Walt Pomeroy Conservation Award. His most recent study found 3.5 million birds dying every day in a 365-day period.
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The annual series, starting later this month and running on select Thursdays through March, focuses on engaging residents about the environment and conservation efforts.
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The Gap Fire, which erupted Saturday near Route 248 in Lehigh Township, has drawn hundreds of firefighters over four days. Crews have gotten the upper hand and are now searching for and extinguishing hotspots, officials said.
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The commonwealth’s fourth fall foliage report was released Thursday. Here's the forecast for the coming week in Lehigh and Northampton counties.
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Spray-Tek, 3010 Avenue B, was issued a malodor violation in mid-August. It is at least the second time Spray-Tek has been cited in the past two years. The DEP is reviewing the company's corrective action plan.
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Once filled, the city will be the second in the Lehigh Valley to carve out a position for a dedicated sustainability manager. The job requires overseeing environmental initiatives and guiding the city's climate action plan.
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No hard evidence exists of these creatures of folklore and local legend. However, paranormal investigators said more residents comfortable sharing their stories.
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The grant comes from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development as part of the Lead-Based Paint Hazard Reduction Grant Program. Officials said the program addresses lead-based paint hazards in homes but also enhances affordable housing options, revitalizes communities and improves public health outcomes in Pennsylvania.
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State officials this week called on residents to submit nominations for Pennsylvania’s 2025 “Trail of the Year.” In the last 10 years, a Lehigh Valley trail has only been picked once before.
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Organized by Hispanos Con McCormick, local and state Republican Party leaders spoke about the importance of voting early and encouraging others to vote, as well as supporting all Republicans on the ballot.
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Ian Fetterman, of Palmer Township, has taken his passion for Halloween and combined it with his artistic talents, carving out his own niche. Now, Ian’s Pumpkin Carvings has customers all over the U.S.
