Pennsylvania Environmental Council

08/24/2026

A new PEC mini grant opens TODAY!

PEC was awarded funding from the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources to administer a new Capacity Building for Trail Organizations Mini Grant program. This funding will help strengthen trail organizations by improving organization capacity, trail management, user experiences, and community engagement.

The application closes on October 30th at 5:00 p.m.

Head to our website for more information. https://pennsylvaniaenvironmentalcouncil.submittable.com/submit

08/21/2026

The governor's executive order implementing GRID standards is a welcome and meaningful step toward responsible data center development that protects consumers and communities. Read PEC's statement:

On Tuesday, Governor Shapiro issued an Executive Order implementing his GRID (Governor’s Responsible Infrastructure Development) principles to more firmly establish environmental, community, and workforce requirements on data center development in […]

08/20/2026

Late last year we announced six awardees for our 2026 Cycling Activation in PA Mini Grant. Now, grantees are finishing up their exceptional projects throughout the state!

Earlier this week, the Endless Mountains Heritage Region, a 2026 Cycling Activation grantee, officially launched the Endless Gravel PA Route Network! This new network connects 11 communities across Bradford, Sullivan, Susquehanna, and Wyoming counties and more than 2,000 miles of curated cycling routes.

The network consists of 35 different routes that cater to a variety of fitness and skill levels – all professionally mapped. Riders can find each route on Ride with GPS, a navigation platform that provides users with turn-by-turn navigation.

One goal behind this project is to introduce visitors to the region’s stunning landscapes, but throughout the network riders will also be exposed to additional outdoor recreation opportunities and local businesses in the Endless Mountains region.

Witnessing the excitement surrounding this project reminds us of how impactful trails and outdoor recreation are for those who live in and visit Pennsylvania. PEC is thrilled to help bring this project to life through our Cycling Activation in PA Mini Grant Program.

Learn more at https://www.endlessgravelpa.com/bikepacking-routes

Photo Credit: Sebastian Samek

08/19/2026

This summer PEC staff participated in the Wonderful World of Water Camp hosted by Pennsylvania American Water!💧

Wonderful World of Water is a day camp for children between the ages of 7 and 11 hosted in Luzerne and Lackawanna County. The purpose of this program is to teach kids the basics of watersheds and how humans can impact water quality in our rivers and streams.

PEC was an active member of this year’s installment of the camp. We provided engaging activities for attendees that stressed the importance of keeping our waterways clean and to inspire solutions to pollution. 💙

08/18/2026

Do you live in northeast Pennsylvania and love recreating outdoors? Willing to travel for an awesome bike ride?

If you answered yes, then you need to check out our brand new NEPA Ecotour!🚴

This two-day 85-mile supported ride will showcase northeast Pennsylvania’s growing network of connected trails. From Ararat to Berwick, riders will travel through river valleys, small towns, and scenic landscapes. 🌄

The ride begins at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 17th and ends with a relaxed reception at . The next day begins at 8:00 a.m. with a route mix of trail and on-road segments.

Interested in participating but not for the entire weekend? No problem! Learn more about our one-day ride options at registration. Whether you’re participating in one day or all weekend, we’ve got the essentials covered. All meals, shuttles, insurance, guides, and route maps are included with registration!

Registration ends on October 9th‼️ Secure your ticket now: https://buff.ly/9ttOd9t

BikeReg - online cycling event registration

08/18/2026

PEC is honored to have been a part of this important discussion. Thank you, Delaware River Basin Commission (DRBC) for including us in the conversation!

08/17/2026

The outdoors are for everyone! 💚

We joined Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, City of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy, and the Outdoor Inclusion Coalition for the final Outdoors for All Day of 2026. We spent the day connecting with our community and encouraging everyone to get outdoors and explore our natural resources. 🌳

08/14/2026

08/14/2026

Apply for the Powered and Prepared Initiative by August 26th at 5:00 p.m.!

The Powered & Prepared Initiative seeks proposals from nonprofit and municipal organizations in southwestern Pennsylvania for backup power solutions that allow those organizations to offer essential services during emergencies without disruption.

Up to 15 awardees will each receive $300,000 for projects. Proposals must be in at least one of the following counties: Allegheny, Armstrong, Beaver, Butler, Fayette, Greene, Indiana, Lawrence, Washington, or Westmoreland.

Learn more here:

The Powered & Prepared Initiative is seeking proposals from nonprofit & municipal organizations in southwestern PA for backup power solutions that allow those organizations to offer essential services during emergencies.

08/13/2026

A few weeks ago, we had the chance to celebrate the newest connection in the Knox and Kane Rail Trail. This was a particular special celebration for PEC since we played a role in ensuring this project could be completed. Now, trail users can travel seamlessly between the Borough of Kane and Kinzua Bridge State Park. 🚲️

Trails don’t get built overnight and don’t exist without collaboration. PEC is honored to be a part of the team that made this trail connection a reality.

Learn more about PEC’s involvement in this project here:

On Friday, July 31st PEC staff headed to Kane, PA to celebrate a brand-new connection in the Knox & Kane Rail Trail.