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Pennsylvania Environmental Council @pecpa.bsky.social · 1h

Exciting news! $81 million in new state grants just announced for conservation & outdoor rec projects, including PEC's work developing sustainable & accessible trail networks, convening partners in two Conservation Landscapes, and supporting Water Trails. buff.ly/MB0rhie

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

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Pennsylvania Environmental Council @pecpa.bsky.social · 06/10/2026

Monarch butterflies are an iconic species found throughout North America, but they're also in decline. To try and boost populations, Monarch Waystations are popping up all over the world. Listen to our recent episode of Pennsylvania Legacies to learn more. buff.ly/KUXSeot

A picture of a pollinator garden. There are the words "Magnificent Monarchs" at the bottom in white. There is a cartoon graphic of headphones with a tree in between them in the bottom left corner.

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Pennsylvania Environmental Council @pecpa.bsky.social · 05/10/2026

PEC and Aqua, an Essential Utilities company, have announced a fourth round of “Protect Your Drinking Water” grants! The grant cycle will open on Wednesday, October 21st, 2026 and close on Friday, January 15th, 2027, at 5:00 p.m. Learn more: buff.ly/3nWL6Bu

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PEC and Aqua Announce New Round of "Protect Your Drinking Water" Grants - PECPA

PEC and Aqua, an Essential Utilities company, are pleased to announce a fourth round of Protect Your Drinking Water Grants.

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Pennsylvania Environmental Council @pecpa.bsky.social · 02/10/2026

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) recently announced its intent to help fund 31 grid-improvement projects in 26 states as part of their SPARK initiative. PPL Electric Utilities Corporation and Duquesne Light Company were among the selected projects. More: buff.ly/d5cfCmV

buff.ly

Advanced transmission projects get $1.9B in DOE funding

The department expects the projects will add 23 GW in grid capacity and will come online in “record time” to improve the existing transmission system.

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Pennsylvania Environmental Council @pecpa.bsky.social · 01/10/2026

Help a great partner of PEC, @friendsoftheriverfront.org, by telling them how you experience Pittsburgh’s riverfront trails. Your feedback will help guide future maps, signage, communications, connections, stewardship, and trail improvements. Take the survey here: buff.ly/JbC3fox

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Pennsylvania Environmental Council @pecpa.bsky.social · 30/09/2026

We’re hiring! PEC is looking for a Northeast Regional Director that will provide strategic leadership, program oversight, and staff management in PEC’s northeast office. Learn more on our website. buff.ly/U6nHrm9 The deadline to apply is Friday, October 16th!

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Pennsylvania Environmental Council @pecpa.bsky.social · 25/09/2026

Join the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) for Sustainability Week! On October 5th - 9th, the DEP will host a variety of informative webinars focusing on the future of PA’s energy. Learn more and register for webinars here: buff.ly/FE1HMLX

A graphic for Pennsylvania’s 2026 Sustainability Week on October 5 – 9. The graphic includes the text “Explore the future of PA’s energy – from grid basics and EV networks to industrial clean energy and money-saving efficiency programs.

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Pennsylvania Environmental Council @pecpa.bsky.social · 24/09/2026

The 2026 PA Water Trail Mini-Grant application is now open! Grants are available for projects that advance PA Water Trail Program goals. Applications must be submitted by 5:00 p.m. on November 4th, 2026 Learn more: buff.ly/YYFOo3I Apply now: buff.ly/FVhVv6l

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PEC announces 2026 PA Water Trail Mini-Grants Program Now Accepting Applications - PECPA

The 2026 PA Water Trail Mini-Grant Program is now accepting applications. Grants are available on a competitive basis.

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Pennsylvania Environmental Council @pecpa.bsky.social · 23/09/2026

We had a great time at the Eastern PA Greenways and Trails Summit! This was a great opportunity to connect with our partners in the eastern region. We learned a lot at the Summit, but PEC Program Manager Helena Kotala shared knowledge as well! Helena presented on a new PEC tool launching soon...

A woman speaking into a microphone at the front of a dining hall. There is a slideshow presentation next to her that she is looking at. People are sitting in front of her listening.

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Pennsylvania Environmental Council @pecpa.bsky.social · 22/09/2026

Join the PA DEP for an informative webinar on September 24th to learn more about the Homeowners Energy Efficiency Loan Program (HEELP) and how it can help you pay for energy upgrades in your home. Register for the webinar here: buff.ly/g0MIOnI

phfa.org

Homeowners Energy Efficiency Loan Program (HEELP) | PHFA Loan Programs

Learn more about loan programs from PHFA for home improvements and repairs. Contact us with any questions.

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Pennsylvania Environmental Council @pecpa.bsky.social · 21/09/2026

phfa.org

Homeowners Energy Efficiency Loan Program (HEELP) | PHFA Loan Programs

Learn more about loan programs from PHFA for home improvements and repairs. Contact us with any questions.

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Pennsylvania Environmental Council @pecpa.bsky.social · 17/09/2026

Applications are now open for round 5 of the RISE PA grant program’s Small-Scale Award Track. Learn more here: buff.ly/Ri8hliM

penntap.psu.edu

RISE PA - PennTAP

Home > Grants and Rebates > RISE PA

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Pennsylvania Environmental Council @pecpa.bsky.social · 16/09/2026

You’re invited to the 2026 Trail of the Year celebration on September 24th – 26th. 🎉 The Pine Creek Rail Trail was selected by the Pennsylvania Trails Advisory Committee (PTAC) as the 2026 Trail of the Year – an impressive accomplishment!

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Pennsylvania Environmental Council @pecpa.bsky.social · 15/09/2026

After PEC’s recent board meeting, staff and board members had the pleasure of touring The Nature Conservancy’s Hamer Woodlands and Cove Mountain Preserve. Thank you, @nature.org for showing us around the preserve and the work you do to protect special places in Pennsylvania.

A group of people standing around a wayside outside. They are all dressed in summer attire and there are surrounded by green trees.

A view of a river in between tall green trees.

A group of people standing on a gravel trail in the woods listening to a person talk.

Five people looking at a river through large green trees.

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Pennsylvania Environmental Council @pecpa.bsky.social · 14/09/2026

Join PEC, The Circuit Trails, Audubon and other trail advocates for the inaugural Middle Schuylkill Trails Summit on November 7th! This event will educate participants on the Schuylkill River Trail and provide valuable networking opportunities. Register: buff.ly/vxR3azh

A flyer for the Middle Schuylkill Trails Summit. There is text that says “Engaging Presentations, Networking, Guided Walk and Ride. Saturday, November 7th, 2026, 9am-12PM, John James Audubon Center, 1201 Prawlings Rd, Audubon, PA 19403.” There are various logos at the bottom of the flyer.

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Pennsylvania Environmental Council @pecpa.bsky.social · 12/09/2026

The next Conservation and Natural Resources Advisory Council (CNRAC) public meeting is on September 23rd at 10:00 am. Participants can attend in person or virtually. Learn more about the CNRAC and register for the meeting here: buff.ly/X5RYsVo

pa.gov

Conservation and Natural Resources Advisory Council

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Pennsylvania Environmental Council @pecpa.bsky.social · 10/09/2026

The Pennsylvania Organization for Watersheds & Rivers is sponsoring a limited number of registrations for watershed organizations, nonprofits, and volunteers for October’s Winter Salt Wise certificate program. Learn more: cblpro.org/cblp-salt-wi...

A flyer for the Winter Salt Wise certification program. The following information is on the flyer: "Learn how to reduce salt use, protect infrastructure, and safeguard ecosystems without compromising safety. October 9, 2026 8:00 am - 2:30 pm. Lower Allen Township 2233 Gettysburg Road, Camp Hill, PA 17011. Price $200 Lunch included. Through support from POWR, a limited number of free registrations are available for watershed organizations, nonprofits, and volunteers, along with a small number of 50% hardship scholarships. Visit the registration page for more details."

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Pennsylvania Environmental Council @pecpa.bsky.social · 08/09/2026

We’re looking forward to attending the 2026 Eastern PA Greenways and Trails Summit on September 16-18! We’re especially excited to hear PEC Program Manager, Helena Kotala, talk about an upcoming PEC project. Sign up now to catch Helena's session. buff.ly/AtDHEyX

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Eastern Pennsylvania Greenways & Trails Summit - D&L

Experience the 2026 Eastern PA Greenways & Trails Summit, a three‑day gathering in Historic Bethlehem featuring keynote speakers, mobile workshops, trail‑focused sessions, and networking events. Join…

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Pennsylvania Environmental Council @pecpa.bsky.social · 04/09/2026

Are you signed up for PEC’s e-newsletter? 📰 Each month we send out a recap of recent project updates, grant opportunities, statewide environmental news, and information on how you can get involved in our events. Don’t miss our September update, sign up now. pecpa.org/newsletter/

pecpa.org

Newsletter - PECPA

Newsletter Sign Up Sign up to receive monthly updates on Pennsylvania’s environmental policies, projects and events. Simply submit your email address in the form below to keep up to date […]

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Pennsylvania Environmental Council @pecpa.bsky.social · 02/09/2026

The @drbc1961.bsky.social is in phase two of their Water Resources Resilience Plan. This resource will help DRBC evaluate impacts of climate change and formulate approaches to improve resilience. Provide your input. Survey: buff.ly/hslqzxi More info: buff.ly/n0G0yRO

form.jotform.com

Phase 2 - Public Survey

Please click the link to complete this form.

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Pennsylvania Environmental Council @pecpa.bsky.social · 01/09/2026

Join us on September 16-18 in Bethlehem, PA for the 2026 Eastern PA Greenways and Trails Summit! This is for anyone involved in planning, designing, constructing, maintaining, or promoting trails and greenways in the eastern part of the state. More: delawareandlehigh.org/2026-eastern...

delawareandlehigh.org

Eastern Pennsylvania Greenways & Trails Summit - D&L

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Pennsylvania Environmental Council @pecpa.bsky.social · 28/08/2026

The 2026 Western PA Trails and Greenways Summit was a success! Over 130 individuals gathered in Indiana, PA for the interactive, two-day Summit. Thanks again to all our partners who turned out for this engaging and well attended conversation!

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Pennsylvania Environmental Council @pecpa.bsky.social · 28/08/2026

PEC's Emilia Crotty joined @whyy.org's live broadcast from Love City Brewing to celebrate the return of the Philadelphia International Cycling Classic this weekend! What better time to catch up on new & emerging Circuit Trails connections throughout Greater Philly? www.youtube.com/live/FgWaFGD...

whyy.org

The Philly bike race is back! - WHYY

We unpack the significance of the return of the Philadelphia International Cycling Classic and unpack the behind-the-scenes story of how it happened.

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Pennsylvania Environmental Council @pecpa.bsky.social · 26/08/2026

We're ONE month away from the 2026 Public Lands Ride and only have a few spots left!🚴‍♂️ We also need a few more volunteers to help out with day-of tasks. Volunteers enjoy free camping for the weekend as well as snacks and dinner on Saturday. Register: www.bikereg.com/public-lands...

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Pennsylvania Environmental Council @pecpa.bsky.social · 26/08/2026

PEC’s trails team recently met up in State College for two days of team building! Our trails team is located throughout Pennsylvania, so this was a great opportunity for the entire crew to work together in person and collaborate on new ideas.

A group of people wearing casual clothing standing together outside posing for a picture. There are large trees behind the group of people.

A group of people gathered around a picnic table talking.

A small pond filled with vegetation. There are plants and flowers outside of the pond.

A woman putting sticky notes on a large map sitting on a picnic table outside.

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Pennsylvania Environmental Council @pecpa.bsky.social · 24/08/2026

A new PEC mini grant opens today! The Capacity Building for Trail Organizations Mini Grant program will help strengthen trail organizations by improving organization capacity, trail management, user experiences, and community engagement. More: pennsylvaniaenvironmentalcouncil.submittable.com/submit

A graphic explaining the details for the new Capacity Building for Trail Organizations Mini Grant Program. There is a cartoon trail and bike rider on the graphic.

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Pennsylvania Environmental Council @pecpa.bsky.social · 24/08/2026

He may not be a household name, but Franklin Kury's legacy will touch the lives of Pennsylvanians for generations. As a board member and one of our founding voices, Frank was a friend to PEC and a tireless champion for PA's environment. paenvironmentdaily.blogspot.com/2026/08/in-m...

paenvironmentdaily.blogspot.com

In Memoriam: Franklin L. Kury, Author Of The Environmental Rights Amendment To The Pennsylvania Constitution

On August 16, 2026, former state Sen. Franklin L. Kury, author of the Environmental Rights Amendment to the Pennsylvania Constitution, passe...

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Pennsylvania Environmental Council @pecpa.bsky.social · 19/08/2026

Don't forget to register for the NEPA Ecotour!🚴 This two-day 85-mile bike ride will showcase northeast Pennsylvania’s growing network of connected trails. From Ararat to Berwick, riders will travel through river valleys, small towns, and landscapes. Secure your ticket now. buff.ly/9ttOd9t

bikereg.com

NEPA Ecotour Online Registration

BikeReg - online cycling event registration

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Pennsylvania Environmental Council @pecpa.bsky.social · 17/08/2026

The outdoors are for everyone! 💚 We joined @padcnr.bsky.social, @cityofpittsburgh.bsky.social, the 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!

Two people riding a two person bike on a sidewalk outside. There is green grass and trees on both sides of the sidewalk.

A man and a woman looking at PEC's table at the Outdoors for All Day event.

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Pennsylvania Environmental Council @pecpa.bsky.social · 14/08/2026

Apply for the Powered and Prepared Initiative by August 26! The Initiative seeks proposals from nonprofit and municipal organizations in southwestern PA for backup power solutions that allow those organizations to offer essential services during emergencies. More: www.poweredandprepared.org

poweredandprepared.org

Powered & Prepared Initiative

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…

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Pennsylvania Environmental Council @pecpa.bsky.social · 13/08/2026

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. Learn more about our involvement: pecpa.org/news/closing...

pecpa.org

Closing Gaps in the PA Wilds - PECPA

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

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Pennsylvania Environmental Council @pecpa.bsky.social · 12/08/2026

Don’t miss out on Outdoors for All Day – Pittsburgh edition! Join us on Saturday, August 15th at Allegheny Commons as we celebrate the final Outdoors For All Day of 2026. It will be an awesome day with free, family friendly activities for everyone to enjoy. We’ll see you there!

A graphic for Outdoors for all day. The graphic features two pictures of people in parks. Text on the graphic says "Saturday, August 15th, 2026, 11:00 am - 3:00 pm, Allegheny Commons, West Ohio Street, Pittsburgh, PA. "

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Pennsylvania Environmental Council @pecpa.bsky.social · 11/08/2026

There is still time to sign up for a PEC bike ride! 🚴 We’re hosting four different bike rides throughout PA this fall and we want you to join us! Registration is open for each, so now is the time to sign up and secure your spot. Head to pecpa.org/explore-penn... for more details.

A graphic encouraging people to participate in a PEC bike ride. The graphic says "Ride with us in 2026, Bikeout September 12-13 Philly to Schwenksville, Public Lands Ride September 26 State College, PA, Environment Ride October 16-18 Bethlehem PA, NEPA Ecotour October 17-18 Scranton PA". Graphic features a green background and two cartoon bikers.

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Pennsylvania Environmental Council @pecpa.bsky.social · 10/08/2026

We had a great time touring Tree Pittsburgh’s nursery last month! This was a wonderful opportunity to connect with a local western PA organization making a difference in the region. 🌳

A picture of a tree nursery. The nursery is outside but there is a black see through fence protecting the plants/trees. On the fence is a sign that says: Tree Pittsburgh, Heritage Nursery.

A picture of small green plants in black boxes on wooden stands. These stands are on a large black mat outside. There are larger green trees and a bright blue sky in the background.

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Pennsylvania Environmental Council @pecpa.bsky.social · 07/08/2026

Check out the next Outdoors for All Day in Harrisburg tomorrow, August 8th! Outdoors for All Day is meant to welcome everyone to their local public parks and waterways to encourage healthy habits and a personal connection to nature, no matter their background or experience.

A graphic for the next "Outdoors for All Day" in Harrisburg, PA. Graphic features a picture of a child playing a game and another one of a lake in a park. There is text on the graphic that says " Saturday, August 8, 2026. 11:00 am - 3:00 pm, Italian Lake Park, 2960 N. Third St., Harrisburg, PA.

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Pennsylvania Environmental Council @pecpa.bsky.social · 07/08/2026

Now is the time to sign up for Bikeout 2026! There are still a few discounted tickets left. Use code FIRST15 to save $20 at checkout.🚴‍♂️ Join us on September 12 & 13 to meet new people and reconnect with longtime friends. Learn more and sign up now: www.bikeout.org/trips/philly...

bikeout.org

Bikeout: Philly to Schwenksville September 12-13. 2026

A celebration of Philadelphia's beautiful trails, this ride will travel from the Museum of Art along scenic waterways to a summer camp in Montgomery County. Check out this special bike travel…

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Pennsylvania Environmental Council @pecpa.bsky.social · 06/08/2026

The 2026 Western PA Trails and Greenways Summit is happening SOON and you’re invited! Join us on August 26th & 27th at the Kovalchick Convention & Athletic Complex in Indiana, PA for this year’s event. Deadline to register is August 13‼️Secure your spot: buff.ly/UwMG0qe

A graphic for the Western PA Trails and Greenways Summit. Text on the graphic says "August 26th and 27th, 2026. Kovalchick Convention and Athletic Complex. Indiana, PA."

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Pennsylvania Environmental Council @pecpa.bsky.social · 30/07/2026

Next up in our Circuit Trails Community Grantee blog series is She Is Focused Community, a nonprofit organization that focuses on encouraging women and girls to get outdoors and engage in self-development and self-reflection. Learn more: pecpa.org/news/fit-and...

A group of women posing outside for a picture. They each are standing next to a bike and have a helmet on. They are in a green field with green trees.

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Pennsylvania Environmental Council @pecpa.bsky.social · 28/07/2026

On Friday, the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) announced that they will develop regulations to reduce methane emissions from new and existing oil and gas sources across Pennsylvania. Read more: www.indianagazette.com/local_news/n...

indianagazette.com

New regulations are proposed to deal with methane pollution

The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection is proposing new regulations to deal with methane pollution.

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Pennsylvania Environmental Council @pecpa.bsky.social · 27/07/2026

The 2026 Western PA Trails and Greenways Summit will be here before you know it! We hope you join us on August 26th and 27th in Indiana, PA for this year's Summit. Hotel reservations must be made by TODAY! Register and book your room now: secure.everyaction.com/WWzivoi4L0yl...

secure.everyaction.com

Western PA Greenways & Trails Summit

Please enable JavaScript in your browser

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Pennsylvania Environmental Council @pecpa.bsky.social · 26/07/2026

We are officially just two months away from the 2026 Public Lands Ride! We’re counting down the days until we can see everyone at this year’s event. If you’re still considering signing up, now is the time!🚵 Register now: www.bikereg.com/public-lands...

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Pennsylvania Environmental Council @pecpa.bsky.social · 24/07/2026

Don't miss your chance to register for this year's Bikeout! The ~38-mile route will follow the Schuylkill River Trail from the heart of Philadelphia to the Perkiomen Trail in Montgomery County, with plenty of scenic views along the way! Learn more: www.bikeout.org/trips/philly...

A woman riding a bike. There are green trees behind her.

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Pennsylvania Environmental Council @pecpa.bsky.social · 22/07/2026

Don’t forget to sign up for the first-ever NEPA Ecotour! Join us on October 17th & 18th in northeast PA for an unforgettable weekend. We’ll be biking 85 miles of the region’s most scenic trails during peak fall season. 🍁 Secure your spot now: www.bikereg.com/nepa-ecotour

A flyer for the NEPA Ecotour. The background is green and features a person riding a bike. Text says: "October 17-18, 2026" "Explore 85 miles of Northeastern Pennsylvania's most scenic trails on this fully supported cycling adventure. Ride through valleys, small towns, and landscapes connecting Ararat to Berwick. New: choose a one-day ride or the full two-day experience."

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Pennsylvania Environmental Council @pecpa.bsky.social · 21/07/2026

PEC recently received grant funding from the Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission that will help bring two important trail projects to life within the Circuit Trails Network! Learn more on our website: pecpa.org/news/how-to-...

pecpa.org

How to Create a Trail - PECPA

DVRPC awarded PEC grant funding to complete two crucial trail projects that will further expand the Circuit Trails Network.

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Pennsylvania Environmental Council @pecpa.bsky.social · 20/07/2026

Registration for the 2026 Western PA Trails and Greenways Summit is OPEN! We hope you join us on August 26th and 27th in Indiana, PA for this year’s Summit. Hotel reservations must be made by July 27th‼️ Register: secure.everyaction.com/WWzivoi4L0yl... More: pecpa.org/event/wester...

A graphic for the Western PA Trails and Greenways Summit. Details are at the bottom of the graphic: August 26th and 27th 2026. Kovalchick Convention and Athletic Complex. Indiana, PA. There are three outdoor scenery pictures to the side of the text.

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Pennsylvania Environmental Council @pecpa.bsky.social · 16/07/2026

PEC attended the PA Outdoor Corps field visit with the Pittsburgh ASL Youth Crew and the Pittsburgh Adult Crew in Raccoon Creek State Park! It was inspiring to learn more about the projects both crews are working on and the hard work they’re completing in the region. 👏

17 individuals pose for a picture in front of a small cabin in the woods.

A group of individuals standing in front of a fire place inside, posing for a picture.

A group of people sitting at tables in a large square.

A group of people standing outside listening to a woman speak.

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Pennsylvania Environmental Council @pecpa.bsky.social · 14/07/2026

Bikeout is more than just a bike ride. Join us this September for a full summer camp experience! 😎 Get ready for swimming, games, relaxing by the lake, and a hearty meal at Camp Kweebec Registration is open, secure your spot now: www.bikeout.org/trips/philly...

bikeout.org

Bikeout: Philly to Schwenksville September 12-13. 2026

A celebration of Philadelphia's beautiful trails, this ride will travel from the Museum of Art along scenic waterways to a summer camp in Montgomery County. Check out this special bike travel…

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