News Flash

The Borough of Media provides free composting services to residents whose trash is picked up by the Borough, but not everyone utilizes this valuable service.  Not only is it LESS expensive for the Borough to compost ($55 per ton versus $90.50 per ton of garbage) it provides huge benefits to the environment.  

In the U.S., food is the single most common material sent to landfills, comprising 24.1 percent of municipal solid waste. When yard trimmings, wood and paper/paperboard are added to food, these organic materials comprise 51.4 percent of municipal solid waste in landfills. (1)  As these materials’ breakdown in landfills, they create methane, a powerful greenhouse gas.  Besides the reduction of some methane, what are the other benefits of composting (2):  

1. Reduces landfill and incinerator waste. 
2. Recycles organic materials into a valuable soil amendment – compost. 
3. Recovers nutrients in organic materials and provides an opportunity to keep them local. 
4. Creates green jobs.
5. Extends municipal landfill life by diverting organic materials.

And not only do residents benefit from composting, but some of the finished materials are returned to the Borough for the use of all residents.  Adding compost to your garden (2):

1. Adds organic matter to the soil and increases the nutrient content and biodiversity of microbes in soil.
2. Conserves water and reduces water use by helping soils retain moisture.
3. Helps prevent soil erosion by reducing soil compaction and runoff.
4. Reduces reliance on chemical fertilizers and pesticides.
5. Improves plant growth and promotes higher yields of agricultural crops.
6. Improves water quality by filtering stormwater and reducing nutrient and sediment runoff.
7. Helps regenerate poor soil and remediate (clean up) soils that have been depleted by overuse or contain contaminants.

What can you do?  Get a bucket and join the program and tell your neighbors about it too!

(1)  US EPA https://www.epa.gov/sites/default/files/2021-01/documents/2018_ff_fact_sheet_dec_2020_fnl_508.pdf(2)  https://www.epa.gov/sustainable-management-food/composting#benefits

As winter is upon us and the snow starts to fall, thoughts shift to clearing the snow and keeping walkways and driveways clear. What may not be considered is that traditional rock salt (NaCl) increases the salinity in waterways and contains cyanide (anti-caking agent) which may have adverse impacts on fish, wildlife, and plants, as well as our drinking water. 

The de-icers we put on our walks and roads end up in our drinking water. Water utilities do not filter the salt out. High levels of salts and other contaminants are unhealthful.

If you use a commercial snow removal company, please ask them to use more environmentally favorable products, use only what is necessary, one granule every 3 inches, and sweep up excess after the snow and ice have melted.

Let’s explore some alternatives to rock salt:

1. Urea: works like rock salt but is less toxic. May not be effective melting under 25 F. It does contain nitrogen so be mindful of overuse. Some products that are readily available: Safe Paw, Morton Safe-T-Pet, Urea Blend - Snow and Ice Melt, Melt Snow Urea
2. Calcium magnesium acetate (CMA) is considered the best choice for safely melting ice. The only drawback is the higher cost compared to rock salt. Some products that are readily available: Snow Joe
3. Magnesium Chloride: contains less chloride than rock salt or calcium chloride which makes it safer for pets and animals. It still does contain levels of chloride which may present issues. Some products that are readily available are: Clean Melt, Traction Melt CL, Scott’s Eco Blend ice melt
4. Sand/Kitty Litter: Sand/Kitty litter does not melt ice but will increase traction on slippery surfaces. Sand is less harmful to plants, animals, and waterways compared to rock salt, which can contaminate waterways and harm local ecosystems. The fine particles it produces may present an issue for those with allergies.  In addition, excess sand may wash into storm sewers and waterways so be sure to use sparingly. 
5. Additional Alternatives for smaller areas: bird seed, beet juice, vinegar (3 parts vinegar, 1 part water for wind shield deicer)

Here are some further recommendations from the Penn State Co-operative extension:

Best management practices for deicing chemicals:

1. Spread deicer before snow and ice start to accumulate.
2. Remove as much snow and ice as possible before applying the deicer.
3. Apply deicer only to areas where people or vehicles will be traveling
4. Follow the label directions. If only a handful of rock salt per square yard is needed, using more isn't more effective, just more expensive.
5. Grains of salt should be roughly 3 inches apart from each other
6. Sweep up extra salt to reuse
7. Don't use rock salt within 5-10 feet of salt-sensitive plants.
8. Store in a waterproof container to prevent leaks or spills

Resources: Penn State Co-operative ExtensionMore information on Salting: Salt Pollution Deep Dive — Little Lehigh Watershed Stewards

(Media Borough, PA – December 4, 2025) - Media Borough announced today it is among a select group of high performing municipalities to become certified through the Sustainable Pennsylvania program. Media Borough is recognized at the Silver level of certification for meeting the program's rigorous performance criteria, which provide a foundational approach for building communities that thrive. 

Sustainable Pennsylvania is managed by the Pennsylvania Municipal League (The League), in partnership with Sustainable Pittsburgh, and is designed for municipalities that are working to save money, conserve resources, and serve vibrant communities. The certification is offered statewide, recognizing boroughs, townships, cities, and home rule communities across the Commonwealth. The League and Sustainable Pittsburgh applaud local governments for their demonstrated commitment and sustainability performance.

In earning the Silver certification, Media Borough is acknowledged for its progress in such areas as community design and land use, energy efficiency, health and wellness, intergovernmental cooperation, recycling and waste reduction, fiscal controls, and internal management and operations. Details about Media’s certification performance within these topics can be found at SustainablePA.org.

“Media Borough is proud to be recognized as a Silver Certified Community by Sustainable Pennsylvania,” said Borough Council President Mark Paikoff. “Through our Sustainable Storefronts program, we’re strengthening collaboration between local businesses and environmental leaders. This work reflects Media’s long-standing commitment to saving taxpayer dollars, using resources wisely and balancing economic needs with environmental responsibility.”

"We are delighted to see Media Borough distinguished among local governments that are leading the way in applying sustainability to both their operations and management as well as within the community," said John Brenner, Executive Director of The League.

Sustainable Pennsylvania is intended to bring recognition to municipalities that are implementing the policies and practices of sustainability to advance community and regional prosperity. The program provides strategies, resources, and recognition to municipalities for improving quality of life and expanding opportunities for everyone.

“Sustainability requires a foundational approach that simultaneously integrates social equity, environmental stewardship, and economic development in decision-making,” said Joylette Portlock, Ph.D., Executive Director of Sustainable Pittsburgh. “Sustainable Pennsylvania provides municipal governments and stakeholders clear and recognizable sustainability objectives to share, so that they can foster thriving and vibrant communities, built to last.”

For more information, please visit SustainablePA.org or contact Brittany Forman, Borough Manager, at 610-566-5210 or bforman@mediaborough.com.

About the Pennsylvania Municipal League

The Pennsylvania Municipal League is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization established in 1900 as an advocate for Pennsylvania’s 3rd class cities. Today, The League represents participating Pennsylvania cities, boroughs, townships, home rule communities and towns that all share The League’s municipal policy interests. The mission of the Pennsylvania Municipal League is to strengthen, empower and advocate for effective local government.  PML.org

About Sustainable Pittsburgh

Sustainable Pittsburgh is committed to building the knowledge, perspective, and ability needed to create a better tomorrow for our region. We’re optimistic, having worked with nearly a thousand businesses, communities and organizations to take action using our customized frameworks to track progress and simultaneously advance social equity, environmental stewardship, and prosperity. The strategic networks we host leverage the collective expertise and diverse perspectives within our region to ensure our communities can meet our challenges today and thrive into the future. Together, we are co-creating a fundamentally equitable, resilient, healthy, and prosperous southwestern Pennsylvania. SustainablePittsburgh.org

What is composting? Composting is a great way to recycle leaves, yard waste and kitchen scraps, reduce trash output and make a rich soil conditioner.Media Borough has a great composting program, but if you want use more of your leaves and can do a little more work, you can do it yourself, at home.

Why compost at home:

• Using fallen leaves as mulch in your garden is one of the best ways to improve your soil.
• Reduce the waste going to the landfill.
• Save money buying less or even no fertilizer for you lawn and garden
• Grow healthy, vibrant plants by recycling nutrients
• Reduce or preferably eliminate chemical use.
• Help retain soil moisture and protect the groundwater.
• Provide habitat for arthropods, earthworms, and a plethora of beneficial microorganisms.

How to compost:

1. CollectRake your leaves and yard waste into low piles or rows.
2. ShredOnce you have piles, you’ll need to shred them, using a lawn mower, weed wacker or a leaf shredder.
3. StoreIf you like, you can just leave the shredded material on your lawn or gardens. Or, store the shredded leaves along with kitchen waste in a compost pile or bin.
4. Add waterIdeally, a household compost pile will be about as wet as a wrung-out sponge.
5. Wait, turn, waitA typical compost pile will take approximately three to four months for material to decompose. It will be necessary to turn the pile frequently during the initial three to four weeks and once or twice thereafter.

How much space is needed? Not much.

• A compost pile should be about 3 cubic feet (3 feet tall, 3 feet wide and 3 feet deep).
• Compost bins are typicality 2ft by 2ft by 2.5ft. This is just over 1/3 cubic foot.

What to put in the compost pile:

Do not use: 

• Meat or bones
• Cheese, salad dressing, oils and other fats; they can cause odors and attract animals
• Plant material with visible signs of disease or insect infestation or sprayed with pesticides
• Weeds and invasive plants, such as ivy, that can easily grow from root or stem cuttings.
• Colored or glossy paper
• Animal waste

When to make and apply compost

• Start a compost pile any time. Fall is an obvious choice for many due to the abundance of leaves
• Fall is an excellent time to empty a finished compost bin and top your garden beds.
• Early spring is a fine time to apply compost. Compost breaks down slowly over time, which is one of its benefits.

Composting Resources

• Media Borough Curbside Composting 
• Home Composting: A Guide for Home Gardeners
• Leaves Are Treasure, Not Trash

With the approach of fall, people often think about reseeding their lawn.   Instead, why not rewild it by replacing a small section of your yard each year with native plants.  

Since native plants to our region are more drought-tolerant, they can save water.  These additions will cut your use of herbicides and pesticides.  Another benefit of these plants is that they help address habitat loss, restoring the ecosystem.  An added benefit is that they provide much-needed sustenance for a wide variety of pollinators throughout the growing season¹.  Maybe, the best reason is these plants don't need to be mowed as often, keeping the air cleaner. 

Moss

Grass is still an obvious choice for children's play, pet exercise and foot traffic areas, but many plants other than traditional turfgrasses allow mowing and feel good to walk on. ²

^{_____________________________________________________________________________________1} https://extension.psu.edu/turfgrass-alternatives²  https://extension.psu.edu/lawn-alternatives

Where to do thisThe strip between the sidewalk and the street, known as the verge, is a great place to start.  Other good places to replace grass are areas along walking paths or borders.

Native Alternatives to grassFor walkable, native alternatives to grass, consider blue star creeper, sedge, or veronica (speedwell).  These groundcovers are soft, durable, and low-maintenance options for high-traffic areas.  

Pennsylvania Sedge

Other good alternatives include blue violet, creeping phlox and common juniper.  

Each of these plants has different characteristics and requirements that impact where they should be planted.  Some may do well in full shade or full sun.  Others may thrive in well drained or moist soil.  

We can’t tell you what to plant and where to plant it.  For that information, see the references below to determine what works best for your property.

Blue Star Creeper

For more informationPenn State Extension

• https://extension.psu.edu/lawn-alternatives
• https://extension.psu.edu/turfgrass-alternatives
• https://extension.psu.edu/native-groundcovers-can-solve-tough-challenges-in-the-landscape

University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources Center

• https://ucanr.edu/site/uc-marin-master-gardeners/lawn-alternatives

National Wildlife Federation

• https://www.nwf.org/Magazines/National-Wildlife/2019/April-May/Gardening/Turf-Lawns

Pennsylvania Landscape & Nursery Association

• https://www.plna.com/page/AlternativesToLawns

Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center

• https://www.wildflower.org/

At our last Environmental Advisory Committee (EAC) meeting, the main topic of discussion was the increasing urgency of responding to and mitigating the effects of climate change. The EAC is made up of appointed individuals who volunteer their time and expertise to advise the Media Borough Council on environmental matters. As an advisory body, our role is primarily to provide knowledge and analysis on local initiatives from an environmental perspective. We're not empowered to run our own programs or enact policies, for example.

But what happens when you bring together a group of people who are deeply passionate about the environment and want immediate, impactful action on global warming and environmental protection? You get a lot of ideas and a lot of discussion on how best to implement them.

Government, business, non-profits, and private citizens all have roles to play in tackling climate change, each with its own set of advantages and limitations. For instance, government processes often move slowly, while companies can make decisions more quickly.

But here's the issue: when it comes to climate change, many of us feel like action is overdue. Instead of waiting for government or corporations to take the lead, the next best step is to start building climate resilience now at the local level. This doesn't have to be complicated. One of the simplest first steps is to get to know your neighbors and understand what assistance they might need in an emergency.

This can be as easy as knocking on a door to introduce yourself. Simply putting a face to a name can make a difference during a crisis. If you're up for taking it a step further, consider organizing neighborhood meetups, social events, or block parties. Over time, these efforts could evolve into collective action, like pooling resources to ensure there's enough first-aid equipment, water purification tablets, and air purifiers to meet the needs of your immediate community.

Ask yourself: if a natural disaster struck, whether it's flooding, high winds, lingering smoke, fire, heat, or freezing temperatures, how would your neighborhood respond? Does someone have access to a cool basement if the power goes out during a heatwave? Or a refrigerator on a backup generator to store vital medication? These small, but significant steps can make all the difference when the unexpected happens. Ensuring this kind of local stability will also provide a structure for mobilizing the larger actions that we will need to ensure the long-term survival of our species.

Instead of buying into the prevailing "everyone for themselves" mentality, which seems to have become more common lately, we should reflect on what has historically made humanity resilient and successful: collaboration. We thrive when we work together towards common goals. It takes teamwork, trust, and organization to build cities, establish infrastructure, and create sustainable systems. No single person could do it all on their own.

The same is true for tackling the challenges posed by global warming. Instead of relying solely on government or existing organizations, we need to act now to strengthen the bonds within our local communities—communities of neighbors who will play an essential role in our collective survival.

Written by: Dana Marks

Imagine taking a walk down the lovely tree-lined streets of our treasured town. Perhaps you are walking with a friend, relative, taking a child to school, walking a pet, or just enjoying some down time of your own. You hear them long before you see them – the gas-powered leaf blowers (GPLBs). In some instances, the equipment is being used on multiple properties on both sides of the street, making it difficult to avoid the noise, dust, and fumes.

Is it only a disruption of peace and quiet? Not at all. There is a growing body of evidence showing the negative impact of GPLBs to the user’s health, the community’s health and the health of our ecosystem.

The introduction of readily available, effective, and affordable electric leaf blowers has made GPLBs an obsolete and unnecessary health hazard. ⁽¹⁾

Research on air quality has found:

• In 2011, engineers at the company Edmunds, an online resource for automotive information, estimated that driving a Ford F-150 Raptor truck from Texas to Alaska would emit the same amount of air pollution as a half-hour of yard work with a two-stroke, gas-powered leaf blower. ⁽²⁾
• The force of wind GPLB creates can spread materials on the ground like mold, leaf litter, dirt, yard chemicals, and animal waste up into the air where particles can trigger additional health issues like asthma attacks, worsening allergies or COPD symptoms. ⁽³⁾
• The pollution can linger for hours or days, depending on the weather. ⁽⁴⁾
• Nearly all leaf blowers and line trimmers use two stroke gasoline engines. The problem with two stroke gasoline engines is their high level of both hydrocarbons, HC, and Volatile Organic Compounds, VOCs.⁽⁵⁾
• Up to 30% of the fuel mixture is incompletely burned and exhausted into the atmosphere. The incomplete combustion also creates high hydrocarbon emissions such as CO and CO2, both implicated in global warming. ⁽⁶⁾
• Particulates in the smoke as well as aerosolized VOCs are known carcinogens and protagonists of lung disease especially in children.⁽⁷⁾
• Pollution from fine particulates causes millions of premature deaths each year around the world and health problems ranging from cancer to reproductive ailments to mental health problems. ⁽¹⁾
• In 2020, lawn and garden equipment in the U.S. emitted more than 21,800 tons of fine particulates – an equivalent amount to the pollution from 234 million typical cars.⁽¹⁾

GPLB’s may present additional health risks to their users: 

• The World Health Organization has a daytime noise guideline of 55 decibels (dB). A worker operating a GPLB is exposed to exponentially higher noise - >90-100 dB.
• Excessive vibrations cause back and neck injuries  ⁽⁸⁾

Due to the particular pitch and low frequency of GPLBs, the sound penetrates walls and windows and carries over long distances – dangerous to hearing even at 800 feet! One leafblower at one residence can impact 8-14 neighboring properties .⁽⁹⁾ The risks from the sounds GPLBs emit can include:

• Increased stress hormones ⁽³⁾
• Sleep disruption ⁽⁷⁾
• Hearing loss ⁽⁷⁾
• Lower test scores for school children – over 20 studies have shown that noise adversely affects children’s academic performance. ⁽⁹⁾
• Children are especially vulnerable to life-long hearing loss and tinnitus from this noise.⁽¹⁰⁾
• Unprotected exposure to noise louder than 65 decibels (65 dB) has been found to raise blood pressure and adrenaline levels, and damage hearing. ⁽¹⁰⁾
• The U.S. EPA says noise degrades quality of life by impairing communication and social interaction; reducing the accuracy of work, particularly complex tasks; and creating stressful levels of frustration and aggravation that last even when the noise has ceased. ⁽¹¹⁾ 

So, what can we do?

• Leave the leaves!  In places like walkways and sidewalks where leaves may present a hazard, rake leaves into your flower beds, use around the base of trees (being careful not to pile against the tree trunk) or a designated compost area in your yard to use later. Leaves provide important nutrients for your soil. The leaves also provide welcome habitats for important pollinators like butterflies, moths, and fireflies.   ⁽¹²⁾
• If you own a gas-powered leaf blower , consider switching to a plug in or battery-powered electric model.  They are cleaner, quieter, and emit less pollutants. ⁽⁷⁾
• Before you choose a landscaping company, ask which type of leaf blowers they use. Let them know that you are looking for a company that uses plug-in or battery-powered blowers. 

Sources: 

1.  Lawn Care Goes Electric - https://publicinterestnetwork.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Lawn_Care_Goes_Electric_Oct23.pdf

2. Leaf Blower's Emissions Dirtier than High-Performance Pick-Up Truck's, Says Edmunds' InsideLine.com - https://www.edmunds.com/about/press/leaf-blowers-emissions-dirtier-than-high-performance-pick-up-trucks-says-edmunds-insidelinecom.html

3. Leaf Blowers Leave Lungs Vulnerable (Respiratory Health Association) - https://resphealth.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Gas-Powered-Leaf-Blowers-Leave-Lungs-Vulnerable.pdf

4. The Unintended Consequences of Leaf Blowers – www.barrington.ri.gov/DocumentCenter/View/1228/The-unintended-consequences-of-leaf-blowers?bidId=

5.  Air Pollution: Asia’s Two-Stroke Engine Dilemma - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1247506/

6. It’s Time to Ditch Gas-Powered Leaf Blowers - https://www.momscleanairforce.org/ditch-gas-powered-leaf-blowers/

7.  Volatile Organic Compounds in the Home - https://www.lung.org/blog/volatile-organic-compounds-at-home 

8.  Occupational Hazards Landscape Professionals Need to Watch For - https://ohsonline.com/Articles/2022/06/09/Occupational-Hazards-Landscape.aspx?admgarea=news&jw_start=%7bseek_to_second_number%7d&Page=3

9.  Does noise affect learning? A short review on noise effects on cognitive performance in children - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3757288/

10. Gasoline Engine Leaf Blower Health Hazards, Environmental Harm, Legislation and Alternatives For the  White House Environmental Justice Advisory Council - https://www.quietcleanpdx.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Blumenstiel_Report_for_WHEJAC_Dec2021.pdf?__im-TLTmrFce=14334164786675675074

11.  Excerpt from Noise: A Health Problem, United States Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Noise Abatement and Control, August 1978. This can be obtained from the web site of the Noise Pollution Clearinghouse at www.nonoise.org.

12. This Fall, Leave the Leaves! - https://www.usda.gov/media/blog/2022/10/17/fall-leave-leaves

Additional Resources:

Citizens for a Quieter Sacramento - https://www.nonoise.org/quietnet/cqs/leafblow.htm

Kleinman Center for Energy Policy at the University of Pennsylvania - https://kleinmanenergy.upenn.edu/news-insights/think-globally-on-climate-act-locally-on-leaf-blowers/

Quiet Clean Philly - https://www.quietcleanphilly.org/

Come see the Pollinator Garden at Borough Hall.  It is bursting with butterflies and beautiful native plants.  It is gorgeous.  The Pollinator Garden, located nearest to 4th and Monroe Sts, is maintained by Bee City Media and the Media Public Works department. Much of the credit goes to the Chair, Linda Coulston, who works tirelessly on it. Thanks to Linda, Bee City and Public Works for their hard work and dedication.

So what exactly is Styrofoam and is it good for you, your family and friends, your pets, wildlife, or the environment in general? Let’s find out.

Styrofoam is technically known as Polystyrene (PS). Polystyrene foam is just one member of the plastics family made from liquid styrene, fossil fuels, chlorofluorocarbon, carbon dioxide and other chemicals. Expanded polystyrene (EPS) foam is another form of what we lay people call Styrofoam and is also made from styrene, fossil fuels (benzyne and ethylene) and other chemicals. 

Not to get into the styrene weeds, let’s concentrate on PS and EPS. If you’d like to know more, you can get comprehensive information from these sites: Food Print and Green Citizen (there are many others).

Polystyrene (PS) is a versatile, hard plastic (identified by recycling code #6) that is manufactured when multiple molecules of styrene, a liquid plastic, are linked together.  Polystyrene (PS) is used to make takeout and grocery store food containers, take out coffee lids, egg cartons, disposable plates and utensils, as well as insulation and packing materials among other things. 

Expanded polystyrene (EPS) foam is composed of small plastic beads that are fused together and create hard or malleable plastics. Examples of how it is used include but not limited to: cafeteria trays, insulation in refrigerators and other appliances, electronics, as well as in disposable coffee cups, coolers, and packaging materials. 

So, PS and EPS are convenient. But, at what cost to the health of the environment?

Manufacturing of PS and EPS foams releases hydrocarbons into the atmosphere releasing ground-zero ozone. Hydrocarbon is a pollutant that contributes to respiratory problems, especially in children. The chemicals also leach into your food when used to create take out containers, lids, egg cartons, etc. The disposal of PS and EPS is also hazardous. They do not break down and are often disposed of by being burned or incinerated. However, burning releases styrene gas into the air and produces a mix of environmentally harmful toxicants. 

PS and EPS are only 1 percent of all waste, however, they make up 10 to 40 percent of litter found in streams. There they break down into microplastics that pollute earth’s waters and kill wildlife. Aquatic and avian life confuse microplastics for food and are slowly poisoned or strangled.

While these foams may seem convenient, they pose risks to your health, the health of your family and friends, pets, wildlife, bodies of water, and the environment. The Media Borough Environmental Advisory Committee recommends not using Styrofoam.

WHAT YOU CAN DO

When you get takeout or have leftovers from eating out, request that your food be wrapped in foil or food-grade paper. Additionally, ask for your takeout and leftovers to be placed in different containers, or bring your own containers for leftovers. The Media Borough Environmental Advisory Committee recommends not using Styrofoam. For further information on Styrofoam and its usage, review the information and hyperlinks in this article.

There are states, counties, and towns that have banned Styrofoam or are in process of implementing a ban. One of those is our neighbor Swarthmore as well as the Boroughs of Ambler, Newtown, Solebury, and Tredyffrin. Lower Merion, Upper Moreland, and Uwchlan have also enacted bans. 

Make a difference. Reject Styrofoam and get in touch with your national legislators to support a nation-wide ban. See the Farewell to Foam Act.

Media, PA; February 2nd --- This past fall, Media became a Bird Town via adoption of resolution by Borough Council. On February 2nd during a Borough Council meeting, Pennsylvania Bird Town visited the Borough and officially welcomed Media as a Bird Town chapter with a signed certificate and signage.  

Bird Town Media is part of the Borough's Environmental Advisory Council's (EAC) ongoing work to increase "green" living, promote a culture of conservation, and provide positive social, economic, and ecological outcomes consistent with Media's designation as "Everybody's Home Ecosystem". Bird Town Media will collaborate with Bird Town Pennsylvania, neighboring Bird Town chapters, and the Valley Forge Chapter of the Audubon Society to help Borough residents get to know and love the birds of their backyard through community events and workshops.  

Bird Town is a statewide program which recognizes municipalities for their commitment to stewardship. Currently, there are 48 Bird Town chapters, of which Media is #47. According to Heidi Shiver who manages the Bird Town Pennsylvania program, “Birds are natural indicators of ecological health. Small steps in a backyard can increase the diversity of birds and at the same time create a healthier living environment for people and pets."

Over the past few years, Media Borough’s Environmental Advisory Council has initiated programs to educate residents about Media Borough’s trees, bees and now birds. Media Borough has been recognized as a Tree City for 42 years and was recently designated as a Bee City USA - a designation that recognizes the borough’s efforts towards pollinator friendly practices.

Additional information on Bird Town or creating a backyard habitat can be found at www.birdtownpa.org

Additional information on Bee City can be found at https://beecityusa.org/

Additional information on Tree City USA can be found at https://www.arborday.org/programs/treecityusa/#aboutSection

###

For additional information about this press release, please contact Linda Rooney, DandeLions Digital, communications consultant for Media Borough: lrooney@dandelionsdigital.com

Media Borough Council unanimously voted on April 17th, 2022 to become a Bee City USA®, joining many other cities and campuses across the country united in improving their landscapes for pollinators. Borough Council's action is the culmination of months of effort by Transition Town Media and its Protecting Biodiversity Group. 

Bee City USA is an initiative of the Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation, a nonprofit organization based in Portland, Oregon, with offices across the country. Bee City USA’s mission is to galvanize communities to sustain pollinators by providing them with healthy habitat, rich in a variety of native plants and free of insecticides. Pollinators like bumble bees, sweat bees, mason bees, honey bees, butterflies, moths, beetles, flies, hummingbirds, and many others are responsible for the reproduction of almost ninety percent of the world's flowering plant species and one in every three bites of food we consume. 

Read about the Bee City Program HERE

Media Borough Is a Bee City!

The Borough installed ‘shared lane bicycle arrows’ or sharrows on a number of streets throughout the borough, and you may be wondering what they are and what they mean. Hopefully this article helps answer your questions!

What are these symbols and what are they for?

You may have seen sharrows before in towns like West Chester and Swarthmore. Sharrows help mark streets that are good places to bike, considering traffic and topography, and the streets where they are marked come together into a connected cross-town network. Installing sharrows helps send the message that Media Borough is a welcoming place for bicycling. Sharrows advise bicyclists to ride in the proper direction of traffic, and where to ride in the travel lane to avoid being hit by opening doors from parked cars.

Where did the idea come from?

The idea to install sharrows, and on which streets, was a strategy identified in the Media Borough Bicycle Plan, which was developed by the Environmental Advisory Council (EAC), with input from Borough Council and from two public surveys. Borough Council approved the bike plan in December 2016. You can read the plan yourself on the Media Borough Website (Click Here).

Do sharrows change the rules of the road?

No: the same rules of the road still apply as on other streets, including that motorists should give bicyclists 4 feet of room when passing, and that bicyclists should ride in the same direction of traffic and obey stop signs and traffic signals.

Do sharrows mean bicyclists can’t ride on other streets?

No: bicyclists are permitted to ride on any street in the borough, and are welcome on all of them! Streets with sharrows may be nicer places to ride, considering traffic and avoiding steep hills where possible.

Are there any other bike improvements planned for Media?

Yes! The borough bike plan includes several other ideas to make bicycling safer and more comfortable, including crossing improvements over Baltimore Pike and future trail connections. County Council recently applied for a grant from Pennsylvania’s Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) to study the feasibility of connecting Glen Providence Park with Smedley Park via a bikeway through the borough— this idea is also included in the borough bike plan.