PEC has a packed schedule of events all over Pennsylvania this spring, featuring a mix of programs from professional workshops to family-friendly outings. We’re looking forward to hosting and supporting several in-person events, including our regional dinners and watershed workshops. We’re also offering some online and hybrid events, including our Lunch & Learn webinar series, focused on Pennsylvania’s outdoor industry economy, and the Wild and Scenic Film Festival. There’s something for everyone this spring. We hope you’ll join us.
Regional Watershed Workshops
April – May
Join the Pennsylvania Organization for Watersheds and Rivers (POWR) and PEC for in-person gatherings of watershed group leaders to share resources, learn capacity-building techniques, and network with other regional groups. While the dates for some regional workshops have already passed, three are still coming up. Register for your region with the links below.
- Northeastern Region: April 14, Boy Scouts of America, NEPA Council Scout Service & Training Center
- Northwestern Region: May 19, Erie National Wildlife Refuge, Guys Mills, PA
- Southwestern Region: May 20, The Watershed Farm, Home of the Loyalhanna Watershed Association, Ligonier, PA
Learn more about the webinars here.
Lunch and Learn Webinars
April – May
This spring, PEC is hosting three webinars that highlight the state’s recreational economy and showcase national outdoor industry leaders. These one-hour sessions will feature regional economic development, both in PA and beyond, provide a public investment perspective, and demonstrate the philanthropy happening within outdoor industry. Join us for one session or all three!
- April 19: The Power of the Outdoor Industry – PA and National Perspectives
- April 26: Outdoor Recreation as a Regional Economic Driver
- May 3: Activating Recreation – The Whys and Hows of a Funding Resurgence
Register for the webinars here.
Governor’s Awards for Environmental Excellence
April 26
PEC’s annual Harrisburg Dinner will honor the recipients of the 2020, 2021, and 2022 winners of the Governor’s Awards for Environmental Excellence, awarded each year by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection.
These awards highlight the best in environmental innovation and expertise throughout the Commonwealth. Each year the Governor’s Awards for Environmental Excellence provide statewide recognition to businesses and organizations involved in a cross-section of environmental initiatives from cleaning up watersheds, saving energy, eliminating pollution, reducing waste and more.
Register here.
Wild and Scenic Film Festival: On Tour
April 28
For the second year in a row, POWR is hosting the Wild and Scenic Film Festival: On Tour. This collection of films highlights everything from ecological restoration successes to mother-daughter hiking trips. This year’s film festival will be screened at the Watershed Farm, the home of the Loyalhanna Watershed Association (6 Old Lincoln Highway West Ligonier, PA 1565) and virtually to an audience statewide.
More information and registration here.
Get Your Tail on the Trail D&L Challenge
Starting May 1st
NEPA Get Your Tail on the Trail is hosting the “165 miles for 165 days” challenge starting in May, celebrating the anticipated length of the D&L trail. Participants who log at least 165 miles on a trail from May 1 to November 1 will win a prize! Visit NEPA Tail on the Trail’s website for more events.
More information here.
Western Pennsylvania Dinner: Celebrating the Outdoor Recreation Economy
May 18
Join PEC this May as we celebrate Pennsylvania’s outdoor recreation economy, which generates over $12 billions dollars annually and creates 150,000 jobs. From boating to biking, skiing to climbing, and everything in between – you can do it in Pennsylvania. Come celebrate with us and meet some of the local organizations, agencies, and leaders whose work fuels this growing industry and find some new and exciting ways you can experience PA’s natural assets!
Register here.
River of the Year Sojourn
June 11
Join the French Creek Valley Conservancy to celebrate their 2022 River of the Year award. Paddle the scenic French Creek and learn about its history and ecology. Visit FCVC’s website for registration information.