FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
August 5, 2025
Contact: Janet Sweeney, Pennsylvania Environmental Council
PHONE: 570-718-6507
EMAIL: [email protected]
Northeast Pennsylvania Environmental Partners Announce Award Recipients
Dallas – The Northeast Environmental Partners, comprised of the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, Pennsylvania Environmental Council, PPL Corporation, Procter & Gamble Paper Products Company, and Wilkes University, are pleased to announce the recipients of the 35th Annual Environmental Partnership Awards. Awardees will be honored at the Evening for Northeast Pennsylvania’s Environment on October 23, 2025, at the Woodlands Inn & Resort, Plains, PA. This year’s Emcee will be Dr. Katie Pittelli, Ed.D., President & CEO of Johnson College.
For information about the event, how to register, or opportunities to sponsor, please click here.
RECIPIENTS OF THE 35th ANNUAL ENVIRONMENTAL PARTNERSHIP AWARDS:
- Back Mountain Bloomers Garden Club for over three decades of promoting horticulture, beautifying public spaces, and supporting environmental education in Luzerne County.
- Crestwood Enviro Club for organizing cleanups, recycling drives, peer education, and community events in Luzerne County.
- Friends of Salt Springs Park for stewarding the 842 acres of scenic, ecologically rich land of Salt Springs Park all through the dedication of volunteers and community members.
- Lackawanna State Park Trail Crew for building and maintaining a 30-mile single-track trail system across Lackawanna State Park and adjacent Countryside Conservancy lands through partnerships with scouting groups, businesses and the Keystone
Mountain Bike Team. - The Watershed Coalition of the Lehigh Valley for protecting water and natural resources across the Lehigh Valley and the Poconos.
- Wonderful World of Water Camp – Pennsylvania American Water for their 4-day camp that offers children in Lackawanna and Luzerne counties a fun, hands-on way to learn about water, watersheds and the environment.
The 2025 Emerging Environmental Leader Award will be presented to Jordon Wagner of Lackawanna County.
Jordon is currently pursuing a degree in Biology at the University of Scranton, where he also serves as President of the university’s Mountain Sports Club. In addition to his academic and leadership roles, he is an integral member of the team at Susquehanna Kayak and Canoe Rentals. Jordon stands out for his deep respect for the natural world and his unwavering passion for engaging in outdoor activities in a responsible and sustainable way. Whether on the water or in the mountains, he leads by example encouraging others to appreciate and protect the rivers, trails, and landscapes of Northeast Pennsylvania. His dedication to environmental education and advocacy makes him a natural role model for his peers and a deserving recipient of this year’s Emerging Environmental Leader Award.
The 31st Annual Thomas P. Shelburne Environmental Leadership Award will be presented to John Maday, Luzerne County.
John has been named the recipient of the prestigious Shelburne Award, honoring his exceptional leadership, vision, and enduring impact on environmental conservation and community revitalization in Northeastern Pennsylvania. For more than 30 years, John has been a driving force behind the transformation of Wilkes-Barre’s riverfront. His work has turned once neglected areas into vibrant public spaces including the River Common, Nesbitt Park, and the Kirby Park Natural Area that now serve as vital hubs for outdoor
recreation, environmental education, and community connection.
A tireless advocate for conservation, John has spearheaded a wide range of educational initiatives and public events that inspire people of all ages to explore and protect the natural world. His collaborative approach has also strengthened the broader environmental movement in the region. Through his leadership with the RiverFront Parks Committee, John has built meaningful partnerships with nonprofit and community organizations, expanding opportunities for public engagement and environmental
stewardship.
About PEC
Founded in 1970, the Pennsylvania Environmental Council (PEC)’s mission is to protect and restore the natural and built environments through innovation, collaboration, education, and advocacy. We work closely with government, business, nonprofit, and community stakeholders to advance our shared goals in energy and climate policy, trail development and outdoor recreation, watershed protection and restoration, reforestation, and conservation-focused economic development. PEC is active throughout the Commonwealth, with regional offices in Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, State College, and Dallas, PA. Learn more at www.pecpa.org.