Award recipients will be recognized at the 36th Annual Evening for Northeast Pennsylvania’s Environment on October 29, 2026, at Fiorelli’s in Peckville (please note this is a NEW venue).
— 32nd Annual Thomas P. Shelburne Environmental Leadership Award – Ellen Ferretti, Luzerne County.
Ellen is being recognized for a lifetime of leadership dedicated to conserving Pennsylvania’s natural resources through collaboration, vision, and public service.
Throughout her distinguished career with the Pennsylvania Environmental Council, the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Brandywine Conservancy, and North Branch Land Trust, she has united government agencies, nonprofit organizations, communities, and private partners to protect thousands of acres of forests, farmland, waterways, and open space while expanding outdoor recreation and environmental education.
Ellen’s greatest legacy is her ability to bring people together to achieve lasting conservation results. Her collaborative leadership, commitment to mentoring future conservation leaders, and enduring impact on land conservation across the Commonwealth have strengthened both Pennsylvania’s natural landscapes and the partnerships that protect them.
— 2026 Emerging Environmental Leader Award – Amanda Kiernan, Wyoming County
Amanda, the Environmental Educator at Vosburg Neck State Park, is being recognized for her outstanding leadership in environmental education.
Her work reflects her collaborative spirit and an impressive blend of environmental knowledge, community engagement, and a deep commitment to fostering stewardship among visitors and partners alike.
Amanda consistently demonstrates strong leadership through her ability to connect people with the natural world.
She develops and delivers programs that are not only educational but also engaging and accessible to a wide range of audiences, from school groups to lifelong learners.
Her enthusiasm for environmental conservation is evident in every program she leads, and she excels at turning complex concepts into clear, meaningful learning experiences.
— Environmental Partnership Award Winners
— Duryea Borough, Luzerne County in recognition of its vision and leadership in transforming the 171-acre Duryea Wetlands Recreation Area and Green Loop Trail into a regional conservation and recreation asset.
— Craig Lukatch, Wayne County for his exceptional ability to build collaborative partnerships that advance environmental conservation, education, research, and community engagement throughout Northeastern Pennsylvania.
— Pocono Environmental Education Center (PEEC), Monroe County in recognition of more than 50 years of outstanding commitment to environmental education and community partnership that connect students, educators, families, and community groups to meaningful, hands-on learning within the Delaware River watershed.
— The Borough of Susquehanna Depot, Susquehanna County, for leading a multi-phased effort to restore contaminated land, improve river access, enhance ecological health, and strengthen community engagement along the Susquehanna River corridor.
— The Stewards of Twin Lakes, Inc., Pike County for engaging partners and the community to protect and restore the Twin Lakes watershed through hands-on conservation projects, environmental education, and long-term stewardship that will help preserve the lake for future generations.
— West Park Civic Association of Allentown – West Park Pollinators and You, Lehigh County for engaging community volunteers to restore and expand an urban green space into a pollinator-friendly native plant garden.
— Williams Energy Company, Wyoming County for partnering with nonprofit organizations, government agencies, local communities, and employee volunteers to strengthen local conservation efforts, protect critical forests and waterways, expand public access to natural lands and enhance quality of life across Northeastern Pennsylvania.
— YMCA Camp Kresge Outdoor Partners, Luzerne County for advancing conservation and accessible environmental education through innovative partnerships that expand outdoor learning, improve public access to natural resources, and promote long-term environmental and community sustainability.
Click Here for the Awards announcement.
Related Articles This Week:
— Northeast PA Environmental Partners Announce 2026 Award Recipients – Ellen Ferretti Receives Thomas P. Shelburne Leadership Award [PaEN]
— PA Wilds Center: 2026 PA Wilds Champions Receive Awards At July 30 Dinner [PaEN]
— DEP Watershed Restoration Staff Recognized With Governor’s Award For Excellence [PaEN]
NewsClips:
— PennLive: State Forestry Workers Recognized For Tackling Wildfires In Central PA, Poconos
— Wilkies-Barre Time-Leader: Ellen Ferretti Announces Retirement From North Branch Land Trust
— DCNR, Agencies Join PA Outdoor Corps To Plant 250 Trees In Eagles Forest At Neshaminy State Park Bucks County [Video + Photos]
— South Mountain Partnership Spirit Of South Mountain Award Nominations Due Sept. 2
— TribLive Editorial: 6-Year Old Teaches Lesson On Citizenship Asking Ligonier Twp. Officials In Westmoreland County To Make Building a Splash Pad In A Local Park A Priority
[Posted: August 8, 2026] PA Environment Digest
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