The Northeast Environmental Partners are comprised of the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Department of Environmental Protection, Pennsylvania Environmental Council, PPL Corporation, Procter & Gamble Paper Products Company, and Wilkes University hosted the evening and honored ten impactful award recipients.
Thomas P. Shelburne Award
The Annual Thomas P. Shelburne Environmental Leadership Award was presented to Ellen Ferretti of Luzerne County.
Ferretti has led a distinguished career spanning various environmental sectors.
She spent time leading PA Environmental Council’s northeast office and the entire Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.
But no matter the position she held, Ferretti excelled in uniting people and agencies to achieve lasting conservation results.
Learn more about Ellen Ferretti and her impact here. [video]
Emerging Leader Award
The 2026 Emerging Environmental Leader Award was presented to Amanda Kiernan of Wyoming County.
As the first ever Environmental Educator at one of Pennsylvania’s newest state parks-- Vosburgh Neck State Park-- Kiernan consistently demonstrates what it means to be an environmental leader.
She connects people to our natural resources through engaging and accessible programming and her captivating passion for nature.
Learn more about Amanda Kiernan and her impact here. [video]
Environmental Award Recipients
-- 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), Pike 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 Northeast Environmental Partners announcement.
[Posted: November 4, 2026] PA Environment Digest
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