Sustainable Communities
Pennsylvania was called “Penn’s Woods” for good reason, and we still have the wild resources, beautiful vistas and authentic communities with which people connect. But the livability and sustainability of our communities and landscapes are at risk every day. We are one of the slowest growing states, but we consume our cherished farms and natural places faster than any state except Wyoming. Our communities and landscapes are threatened by the loss of thriving downtowns, open space, wildlife habitat and connectivity between the places we live, work and play. PEC has focused its expertise and experience into the Center of Excellence for Sustainable Communities, which addresses sustainable development, smart growth, land stewardship and access to our resources.
Sustainable Communities Programs
Allegheny Riverfronts Project
Allegheny County's riverfronts are destinations for its citizens and visitors. They provide recreation, conservation, and access opportunities while maintaining their place as important drivers in the region's industrial, commercial, and residential economies. The Allegheny…
Central Susquehanna Valley Wellness Trails Partnership
We are replicating our highly successful Wyoming Valley Wellness Trails Partnership in Columbia and Montour Counties by creating the Central Susquehanna Valley Wellness Trails Partnership. Geisinger Health System and the Central Susquehanna Foundation are major…
Cleanup Our American Lands and Streams
PEC implements the Cleanup Our American Lands and Streams (COALS) Program, which is a program to address illegal dumpsites and create economic development opportunities across the Commonwealth. PEC is expanding the COALS program in…
East Coast Greenway
People are all about trails these days, but if the thought of ticks and poison ivy makes you want to stay inside, then hiking the deep woods might not be the best path for you.…
Environmental Advisory Council Network
The EAC Network helps local officials make sound environmental decisions within and across municipal boundaries. The Network promotes and supports Environmental Advisory Councils, who are appointed volunteers at work protecting the environment through project implementation,…
Golf Course Best Management Practices
Golf courses have the potential to become more "green" - on their greens and in everything they do - if they use an interactive, on-line "Green Toolbox" that is being developed by PEC and LandStudies,…Governor's Environmental Excellence Awards Gala
For the past two years, PEC has hosted a gala dinner in celebration of the recipients of the Governor's Environmental Excellence Awards.
Greenspace Alliance, Inc.
The GreenSpace Alliance seeks to protect vanishing open spaces in five Southeastern Pennsylvania counties. The Alliance brings together its members, local government and non-profit organizations to promote open space for economic vitality, quality of…
Land Conservation Initiatives
PEC works with communities, landowners and land trusts to conserve properties along the thousands of miles of shoreline in Western Pennsylvania to protect water quality and maintain both natural and working landscapes.
Laurel Highlands Sustainable Recreation Development
The Laurel Highlands is one of the most magnificent areas in Pennsylvania. It includes Laurel Ridge, Chestnut Ridge and scenic river gorges with whitewater adventures on both the Youghiogheny River and the Stonycreek River.…