The Pennsylvania Enviromnetal Council is happy to thank our sponsor, benefactors, and donors who support the 2013 Western Pennsylvania Environmental Awards.

Loyalhanna Creek offers a surprising variety of paddling experiences: whitewater and moving flatwater through scenic ravines, including Chestnut Ridge, and still water on Loyalhanna Lake with open views of birds and wildlife. 

Conservationists in the Laurel Highlands can learn about a new study on the impacts of Marcellus gas drilling during the upcoming Laurel Highlands Conservation Coalition Conference from 9 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. on Oct. 10 at Brady’s Restaurant, 3242 Route 31 West, in Donegal.

The Stonycreek River of the Year Celebration on June 16 at Johnstown’s Greenhouse Park will feature whitewater rafting, relaxing tubing, whitewater rodeo competition that's hoots to watch, music, kayak races and more.

The Discover Rocks, Ridges and Ravines Scenic Driving Tour is the third in a series of fun, enlightening driving tours through the Laurel Highlands.

This tour provides a two-day driving route through to highlight state parks and forests, local attractions, scenic byways and quaint communities.

Experience Pennsylvania’s geologic extremes as you visit the deepest gorge, longest cave and highest point. Click on Discover Rocks, Ridges and Ravines to download the tour guide.

April, May and June provide the perfect time to explore the Laurel Highlands as migratory birds return and wildflowers begin to bloom.

If you like kayaking, fishing, walking, biking or any other activity along the Delaware River, then become a Tidal Delaware River Ambassador! River Ambassadors are volunteer leaders who organize trips and cleanups, make presentations and other activities - whatever your interest and schedule! Through these activities, Ambassadors provide new opportunities for friends, colleagues and community members to experience the Tidal Delaware River, and educate people about the importance of the river as a natural resource.

The Department of Environmental Protection is encouraging environmentally-conscious businesses and organizations to apply for the 2012 Governor's Environmental Excellence Award.  Applications are due January 30.

Pennsylvania Organization for Watersheds and Rivers (POWR) and PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) announce the 2012 River of the Year nominations and voting, open until December 31, 2011.

Contact: Josh Karns, POWR, jkarns@pecpa.org

Date: November 22, 2011

Harrisburg – The public is invited to vote online for the 2012 Pennsylvania River of the Year, choosing among the Kiskiminetas River, Middle Monongahela River, Upper Juniata River and Stonycreek River.

The Laurel Highlands Conservation Coalition Conference featured a wide variety of well-received presentations on Nov. 7, 2011, at Powdermill Nature Reserve.

Sixty people participated in the program, which was hailed as very successful.  The coalition was created in 2010 to enable conservation organizations and individuals to share information, support funding for conservation causes and network.  The next program will be held around April 2012.  To receive information, please e-mail bclemenson@pec-pa.org.

A broad-ranging program including a presentation on the "value" of conservation will be featured at the Laurel Highlands Conservation Coalition from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday, Nov. 7, at Powdermill Nature Reserve, 1847 Route 381, near Rector.