The Pennsylvania Environmental Council is partnering with DiscoverNEPA on a series highlighting some of the region’s best outdoor adventure destinations. This post was originally published May 8 on the DiscoverNEPA blog.
May is National Water Safety Month and June is National Rivers Month, which has us thinking about ways to make a splash—literally! As the days grow longer and the water warms up, it’s the perfect time to reconnect with Pennsylvania’s rivers, creeks, and streams and to explore how we can protect and enjoy them together.
At PEC, we support watershed protection through a variety of programs, including our work with the Pennsylvania Organization for Watersheds and Rivers (POWR). As a statewide nonprofit, POWR equips local watershed groups with the tools and resources they need to protect and restore local waterways. Through these efforts, we help to foster stronger communities committed to lifelong river stewardship and better water policies.
Each year, POWR manages the Pennsylvania Sojourn Program, which funds community-led paddling trips designed to connect people to their local waterways. These sojourns combine recreation, environmental education, and stewardship, making them powerful tools for public engagement.
This year, we’re proud to support several 2025 sojourns taking place right here in Northeastern Pennsylvania, including:
- May 31: Paddler’s Toolkit Workshop at Vosburg State Park
- June 7-10: Lehigh River Sojourn with Pocono Whitewater
- June 14-20: Shuylkill River Sojourn
- June 14-20: Delaware River Sojourn
- July 10-12: Youth Heritage Sojourn
- July 31-Aug. 3: North Branch Sojourn in the Endless Mountains Heritage Region
- Aug. 8: Hungry for Adventure Sojourn with CHOP Out Hunger
Or, you can explore a new part of the state! Our full list of 2025 PA Sojourn Mini-grantees can be found on the POWR website.
Whether you’re new to paddling or a long-time river enthusiast, there’s a sojourn for everyone! While you’re out on the water, take note of any areas where access could be improved. POWR also oversees the Statewide Waterway Access Grant program, which helps to create and improve access for non-motorizes crafts like canoe and kayaks.
And of course, you can catch us out on the water for Lackawanna River Conservation Association’s RiverFest on May 17, and RiverFront Parks Committee’s Wyoming Valley RiverFest on June 21. These events celebrate our rivers and bring together paddlers, nature lovers, and community members for a few unforgettable experiences on and off the water.
So, this May, as spring flows into summer, we invite you to get out on the water! Explore a local creek, sign up for a sojourn, learn about your watershed and how you can help protect it. Because when more people connect with rivers, more people care for them—and that’s what stewardship is all about.