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Community News and Resources | May 2026 A monthly publication funded by the PA Department of Environmental Protection
Young Ambassadors Wanted
Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful, in partnership with the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT), is seeking environmentally conscious rising 10th -12th grade students to help preserve Pennsylvania’s natural resources through the Young Ambassadors of Pennsylvania program.
The program, now in its fifth year, empowers young stewards to become environmental ambassadors in their community by building on their leadership and community stewardship skills. Ambassadors in the program train and network with industry leaders, state agencies, local media and the Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful network to prepare them to be difference-makers by building their leadership, communication and problem-solving skills. Ambassadors will also complete a community assessment and organize cleanup and education events!
Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful, in partnership with The GIANT Company, is announcing the return of the Healing the Planet Grant Program. The Healing the Planet Grant Program is providing $100,000 to be used towards native community plantings. The funding is available to tax-exempt organizations, including local organizations, governments and schools. Eligible projects must be shovel ready. Funding can be used for native plantings and direct costs relating to planting. Online applications for grants of up to $4,000 are being accepted now through May 21, 2026, at 4:00 PM.
The Pennsylvania Commission for the United States Semiquincentennial (America250PA), in partnership with Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful, EQT Corporation and the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, have announced seven recipients of its 2026 National Pennsylvania Day Mini Grants. Grants totaling $32,500 were awarded in support of projects that improve the community and engage volunteers. Projects include community cleanups, park improvements, revitalization efforts, river sweeps, graffiti abatement, and murals.
Eastern Pennsylvania Coalition for Abandoned Mine Reclamation (EPCAMR) has officially become an affiliate of Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful. EPCAMR has frequently organized or collaborated in community improvement programming such as illegal dumpsite cleanups, tree plantings and other beautification efforts in Luzerne County, where EPCAMR is headquartered, but has also successfully completed projects on abandoned mine lands, such as Centralia, Columbia County, and in sensitive watershed areas across its 16-county territory. EPCAMR estimates it has been involved in 90 cleanup events over the past 25 years, engaging more than 1,600 volunteers. Those cleanups have collectively resulted in the removal of nearly 8,500 tires and 402,000 pounds of trash.
The new Affiliate’s service area includes the counties of Carbon, Columbia, Sullivan, and Northumberland.
Volunteers from Ocean Connections clean Swatara Water Trail in Dauphin County
Join Pick Up Pennsylvania and the Greatest American Cleanup in Honor of America’s 250th Anniversary
There is still time to participate! We invite residents across the Commonwealth to help showcase Pennsylvania at its best by registering for Pick Up Pennsylvania.
Events scheduled from March 1 through May 31 receive free trash bags, gloves, and safety vests provided by PA Department of Environmental Protection, PennDOT, and Keep America Beautiful, as supplies last. Events can include litter and illegal dump cleanups, community greening and beautification, special collections and anti-litter education events. Events must be registered to receive free cleanup supplies.
As an added incentive, submit your event's before and after photos to Pennsylvania Resources Council’s Lens on Litter for a chance to win $500!Learnhow.
A Fond Farewell and a Warm Welcome
Michelle Dunn, Program Coordinator
Rob Dubas, Program and Data Coordinator
A note from Michelle Dunn: I will be retiring as of May 26, 2026. I want to share how truly honored I have been to work with each of you as the Pick Up Pennsylvania Coordinator and point person for nearly 22 years. It has been a privilege to support your efforts and witness the positive impact you make across the Commonwealth year after year. By working together, we all made Pennsylvania more beautiful!
As I transition into retirement, Rob Dubas will be your new point of contact for Pick Up Pennsylvania, continuing the important work you’ve supported for so many years.I am confident you will be in excellent hands. Rob can be reached at 724-836-4121 x107 or rdubas@keeppabeautiful.org.
Thank you again for your commitment and support. This program would not be possible without you, and I am incredibly proud of all we have accomplished together.
Your support makes everything we do possible. Please consider supporting our mission of empowering Pennsylvanians to keep our communities clean and beautiful.
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You’re receiving this message because you’re a valued leader and partner in the fight against litter in Pennsylvania. Thank you!
