Community Spotlight: Pennsylvania Environmental Council

Good old Penn’s Woods!

Caring for the natural resources of our beautiful, heavily forested state is the focus of Wilkes-Barre POWER!’s featured nonprofit this month, the Pennsylvania Environmental Council (PEC) .

According to its website, PEC “protects and restores the natural and built environments through innovation, collaboration, education and advocacy. PEC believes in the value of partnerships with the private sector, government, communities and individuals to improve the quality of life for all Pennsylvanians.”

With so much of our daily lives taking place throughout the urban landscapes of the Wyoming Valley, we can sometimes forget we’re surrounded by gorgeous forests, mountains, lakes, and of course, trails! And they’re all fantastic for exploring.

Remember this, though: enjoying your time in this idyllic realm requires our land to remain safe, clean, and protected, and that’s what PEC works toward every day. From conservation efforts to trail promotions and expansions, PEC is committed to giving a voice to Pennsylvania’s land, water, and air, none of which can advocate for themselves.

Ahead of this month’s networking event - to be held Thursday, July 31, from 6pm to 8pm at River Grille in Wilkes-Barre - we spoke with PEC vice president Janet Sweeney and program manager (and POWER! vice president!) Rachael Stark to learn more about what PEC does and how you can contribute to the mission.

Check out this month’s community spotlight below!

Give us an overview of the Pennsylvania Environmental Council’s statewide organization.

Janet Sweeney & Rachael Stark: The Pennsylvania Environmental Council (PEC) is a statewide nonprofit with offices in Dallas, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, and State College.

We believe healthy environments are the foundation of thriving communities. Across Pennsylvania, PEC brings together diverse stakeholders to develop practical, lasting solutions to environmental challenges.

Our work spans a broad range of initiatives, including land and water conservation, climate and energy advocacy, and expanding trails and outdoor recreation opportunities to support community well-being and grow the outdoor economy.

Tell us about PEC’s work in Northeastern Pennsylvania.

Janet Sweeney & Rachael Stark: In Northeast Pennsylvania, our focus is on shaping the region into a premier outdoor recreation destination.

PEC does not own or maintain trails, which uniquely positions us to serve as a convener, uniting partners to collectively strengthen NEPA’s outdoor recreation identity.

We promote the physical, mental, and social benefits of outdoor activity through programs like Get Your Tail on the Trail and our partnership with DiscoverNEPA. We also coordinate programs that foster environmental stewardship, encouraging residents to take pride in and care for the region’s natural assets.

What are some of PEC’s most significant challenges?

Janet Sweeney & Rachael Stark: One of PEC’s ongoing challenges is building broad community buy-in, especially in places that are still transitioning from their industrial past. Many former coal towns across Pennsylvania are rich in historical, natural, and cultural assets that make them well-suited for outdoor recreation development (such as river/creek launch sites and trails along old rail beds/canals).

Ultimately, these projects improve quality of life, drive tourism, and strengthen local economies. Unlocking that potential requires trust-building, collaboration, and a shared vision for this future identity.

The good news is that now is an especially promising time to invest in outdoor recreation in Pennsylvania. There’s growing statewide momentum, along with public and private support. We have a great opportunity to help communities see outdoor recreation not just as an amenity, but as a real pathway to revitalization.

How can our community support PEC’s mission, even without specialized knowledge of the environment?

Janet Sweeney & Rachael Stark: You don’t need specialized environmental knowledge to support PEC’s mission, just a belief in the value of trails and outdoor spaces. Much of this work starts at the local level. If you want to see a trail in your neighborhood, get involved in your community and make your voice heard. Attend municipal meetings, talk to local leaders, and help build momentum.

A lot of trail development and maintenance is driven by small, community-based nonprofits, many of which are run entirely by volunteers. These groups are essential to the success of our trail networks and often need help with everything from event support to trail maintenance to administrative tasks. Connecting with and supporting your local trail group is a great way to make a real impact.

And most importantly, always be a good trail steward. Pick up litter, help keep trails safe and welcoming for others, and share your experiences to encourage others to get outside. Every small action adds up.

Any upcoming events you’d like to promote?

Janet Sweeney & Rachael Stark: The Northeast Annual Partnership Dinner, which benefits PEC, will be held on Thursday, October 23 at The Woodlands Inn and Resort. This is a great event to connect with environmental nonprofits and learn about the impactful conservation partnerships happening in the region. We also have a brand-new fundraiser in the works for 2026, and it is outdoor-recreation related, so stay tuned for more info on that!

If you’re looking to get your boots muddy, PEC is the lead for Keep Northeastern PA Beautiful, a local affiliate of Keep PA Beautiful. Through that program, we schedule litter/illegal dump site cleanups, tree plantings, and trail maintenance events, especially in the spring and fall.

You can follow Keep Northeastern PA Beautiful on Facebook or reach out if you are interested in planning your own cleanup!

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Written by Michael Ruth

Michael is a professional writer and digital marketer whose areas of expertise include branding content, content marketing, and SEO. He is the founder of 1900 Digital Marketing LLC and the director of content marketing at Wilkes-Barre POWER!