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- 🌼 Justice Center Pollinator Garden | 🍌 WCU Alumni Weekend | ✏️ $50K YMCA Grant
🌼 Justice Center Pollinator Garden | 🍌 WCU Alumni Weekend | ✏️ $50K YMCA Grant
Downingtown Local Pulse Issue #424

In Today’s Edition of Downingtown Local Pulse…
☀️ Downingtown PA Weather
🌼 Chester County Breaks Ground on Pollinator Garden Outside Justice Center
🍌 WCU to Celebrate Alumni Weekend April 24–27
✏️ $50K Grant to Enhance Childcare Classrooms at YMCA
🌸 Uwchlan Township Celebrates PA Native Species Day
🗓️ Upcoming Local Events
🏡 Just Listed Real Estate Listings
🔎 Support Local Downingtown Businesses



Chester County Breaks Ground on Pollinator Garden Outside Justice Center

WEST CHESTER, PA — In celebration of Earth Day, Chester County officials, environmental advocates, and community partners initiated the creation of a pollinator garden outside the County Justice Center. The garden, which will feature over 400 native plants, is designed to support local bee and butterfly populations while advancing sustainable landscaping goals outlined in the county’s Climate Action Plan.
The project stems from collaboration between county departments and the West Chester Green Team, reflecting a growing movement to incorporate ecological stewardship into urban public spaces. Signage will be installed to educate the public about the benefits of native plant species and pollinator habitats. Community members are encouraged to participate in the planting on Saturday, May 3, at the Justice Center.
West Chester University to Celebrate Alumni Weekend April 24–27

WEST CHESTER, PA — West Chester University is preparing to welcome former students back to campus for its annual Alumni Weekend, running Thursday through Sunday, April 24–27. The four-day celebration offers a blend of school spirit, entertainment, and reflection as alumni reconnect with peers and the evolving campus.
Events begin Thursday evening with Banana Night at Levante Brewing. Friday’s schedule features a spirited kickoff party and a spring football scrimmage. Saturday offers a rich blend of programming, from alumni soccer matches and a historical campus walking tour to a professional clothing drive and free headshots at the Career Development Center. The day ends with the Spring Dance Concert and the “Excellence Uncorked” gala, where three distinguished alumni will be honored for their accomplishments.
On Sunday, the weekend wraps with musical performances by the university’s wind and brass ensembles. Most events are free or low-cost, and parking is free in student lots after 4 p.m. Friday and throughout the weekend. Details at WCUPA.edu
$50K Grant to Enhance Childcare Classrooms at YMCA of Greater Brandywine

WEST CHESTER, PA — A $50,000 grant was secured to support early childhood education upgrades at the YMCA of Greater Brandywine, benefiting facilities in West Chester and Berwyn. The funding, awarded through the Pennsylvania Department of Education, will enable environmental improvements that aim to elevate the YMCA’s Keystone STARS ratings—a statewide system that evaluates early learning programs on factors like staff training, learning environments, leadership, and community engagement.
Uwchlan Township Celebrates PA Native Species Day With Seeds, Trail Walks, and Education

UWCHLAN TWP — In celebration of Pennsylvania Native Species Day, Uwchlan’s Environmental Advisory Council will host a community event aimed at educating residents about the significance of native plants. Native species, which grow naturally in specific ecosystems without human introduction, are vital to sustaining local wildlife and pollinator populations.
Gardening expert Katharina Henderson will present on the role of native plants in supporting biodiversity and how they can be integrated into home gardens to benefit the broader environment. Attendees will also have the opportunity to take home tree and perennial seeds, explore the Baird Park Nature Learning Trail, and access a variety of educational materials focused on conservation and sustainable planting.

Upcoming local events…
Chesco Hazard Mitigation Public Open House (Coatesville) - April 24th, 5:30pm-7:30pm
Downingtown Farmers Market (Downingtown) - April 26th, 10am-12pm
The 19th Annual West Chester Film Festival (West Chester) - April 26th-27th
Historic Yellow Springs Art Sale (Chester Springs) - April 26th-May 11th
Puttin' Fore Paws (Downingtown) - April 28th, 12pm
NestFEST: Rock the Nest (Downingtown) - May 2nd, 7pm-10pm
East Caln and Downingtown Boro SHRED EVENT (Downingtown) - May 3rd, 9am-12pm
Springton Manor Sheep and Wool Day (Glenmoore) - May 3rd, 11am-3pm
Family STEM & Game Building Sessions (Downingtown) - May 3rd, 12pm-2pm
Life and Times of The Struble Trail (Downingtown) - May 3rd, 1pm-4pm
Repair Café (Downingtown) - May 10th, 10am-2pm
Spring Festival at Downingtown Vintage (Downingtown) - May 10th, 10am-5pm
Monthly Real Estate Investor Meet up (West Chester) - May 14th, 6:45pm-8:30pm
Chester County Sustainability Summit (West Chester) - May 17th, 10am-2pm
The Ledbetters & Superunknown- Tributes to Pearl Jam and Chris Cornell (Phoenixville) - May 17th, 8pm
West Bradford Day (Downingtown) - May 18th, 12pm-4pm
Celebrate PA Native Species Day (Exton) - May 18th, 1pm-3pm
45th Annual Chester County Car Show (Downingtown) - May 24th, 9am-3pm
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