Pennsylvania Environmental Council

10/21/2026

PEC and are at the 2026 PA Abandoned Mine Reclamation Conference this week in Grantville, giving presentations on innovative funding approaches for AML reforestation and capacity building for Community Watershed Organizations (CWOs). Learn more: https://buff.ly/1RrtLvx

10/20/2026

Join us this Thursday, October 22nd, from 12:00 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. for “Outdoor Recreation as a Pathway to Economic Vitality” hosted by Trust for Public Land. This workshop is a part of a series that explores the benefits, opportunities, and best practices for protecting and expanding natural resources across PA.

This webinar specifically will focus on outdoor recreation as a pathway to local fundraising, workforce development, and inclusive economic growth with lessons from PEC’s Outdoor Towns program.

You don’t want to miss! Register here: https://buff.ly/36p4SPJ

10/19/2026

The 2026 Environment Ride was a success! 🎉 We logged over 153 miles on Pennsylvania's best trails and roads including the Delaware & Lehigh Trail and the Slate Heritage Trail. When we weren't riding, we were gathered at local restaurants, enjoying quality time together.

A few highlights from this year’s ride:

• "Beautiful scenery and views that I've never seen before and a very welcoming group of people." - Paul H.

• "Every time I do a ride like this I think 'why do I live where I live!'. There's so much beautiful scenery out here!" - Madge M.

• "Today gave me an appreciation for how much the riders exert themselves and what a wonderful group of people it is. What a great and amazing experience." - Tom G.

We would like to extend our sincerest thank you to every person who volunteered their time to make this event happen. And of course, we want to thank those that supported the 2026 Environment Riders! Donors like you help us achieve our mission.💚

If you missed this year’s ride, there is always next year! Keep up with our event calendar for details on 2027’s ride. https://buff.ly/nmzN9YY

10/16/2026

We kicked off the 2026 Environment Ride this morning! 🚴‍♂️ We started our day in Center City Philadelphia, boarding SEPTA (Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority) with bikes in hand, to get to our starting location in Doylestown. Once we arrived, we were greeted by PEC President Tom Gilbert, geared up, and rolled out to begin our first day! Now we're on our way to Bethlehem, where we will spend the night and rest up for tomorrow's portion of the ride.

The Environment Ride is an annual multi-day, fully supported bike ride covering 150+ miles of PA's best trails and road, with proceeds benefitting PEC. The 2026 ride is in full swing, but there is still time to show your support! Will you help us raise $28,000 by the end of the day? Donate now: https://buff.ly/uz0eHSp

10/16/2026

Join us on Friday, November 6th for 2026 Laurel Highlands Conservation Landscape Annual Gathering!

We'll meet with our partners at the International Conservation Center in Somerset County and learn about inspiring projects that connect with our four focal priority areas: Conservation, Outdoor Activities, Tourism and Visitor Experience, and Sustainability and Climate Resilience.

We’ll also have the rare opportunity to gather near and learn about some of the Landscape's most unique megafauna! Don’t miss out on this unique experience. Register now: https://buff.ly/j1BcDgD

10/15/2026

‼️ Deadline Extension‼️

Applications for the Capacity Building for Trail Organizations Mini Grant are now due on November 23rd at 5:00 p.m. If you haven’t checked out this grant opportunity yet, now is the time!

Funding will help strengthen trail organizations by improving organization capacity, trail management, user experiences, and community engagement.

Head to our website to learn more and apply. https://buff.ly/FPficIa

10/14/2026

Last week, the PA Organization for Watersheds and Rivers (POWR) hosted a regional watershed workshop in Northeast Pennsylvania.

POWR’s workshops are a great opportunity to connect with our partners, explore current water protection and conservation issues, and strengthen regional collaboration. The Northeast Watershed Workshop was held at the Lacawac Sanctuary Foundation and involved conversations around advancing the resiliency of water resources in the Delaware River Basin, tours of the HabLab and the Lacawac Sanctuary, updates from our partners, and more!

There is still an opportunity to sign up for the Southeast Watershed Workshop happening next month! Learn more here. https://buff.ly/8YFRMni

10/13/2026

We’re hiring a Vice President of Eastern Pennsylvania and Water Programs!

This position will direct programs in the northeast and southeast region of Pennsylvania and guide our statewide priorities for water quality, watershed restoration, source water protection, stormwater management, sustainable water management, and recreational access. Additionally, this role will oversee PEC’s work supporting the Poconos Forest and Waters Conservation Landscape and play a role in developing fundraising strategies to support regional programs and statewide water initiatives.

The deadline to apply is November 13th, 2026. Head to our website for more details.

10/12/2026

Fall is one of PEC’s busiest seasons. We are in the thick of planning award ceremonies, hosting bike rides, and preparing for the new year ahead. 🍂

At the beginning of each month, we send out our e-newsletter, In Case You Missed It, to update you on everything that happened at PEC in the previous month. In September we hosted the 2026 Public Lands Ride in Black Moshannon State Park, announced several mini-grant opportunities, attended important statewide events, and produced a new episode of our podcast, Pennsylvania Legacies.

Our newsletter is a great way to stay updated on our work, but it’s also an opportunity to learn about new employment and mini-grant opportunities. Catch all the details in October’s edition of In Case You Missed It. Sign up here: https://buff.ly/Qt7v1aU

10/09/2026

Exciting news! Governor Shapiro and Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Sec. Dunn this week announced $81 million in new state grants for conservation and outdoor recreation projects across PA, including PEC's work developing sustainable and accessible trail networks, convening partners in two Conservation Landscapes, and supporting Water Trails throughout the state. More:

Gov. Shapiro and DCNR Invest to Improve PA Trails, Parks, and Public Lands