Community News and Resources  |  July 2026
A monthly publication funded by the PA Department of Environmental Protection 

#JoinUs for National Pennsylvania Day!

Monday, July 20th, 2026

National Pennsylvania Day is an annual observance that is celebrated on July 20th. This year's initiative is a partnership between Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful, America250PA, The GIANT Company and Natural Food Group in support of Feeding Pennsylvania—as well as EQT Corporation and the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation. America250PA has dedicated this day to encouraging Pennsylvanians to volunteer across the Commonwealth under the theme of “Pennsylvanians helping Pennsylvanians". America250PA recognizes the impact that volunteerism has on our communities, and we are committed to encouraging every resident to participate. Volunteer at a site near you!

2025 KPB Young Ambassadors, Ryan, Mariya, and Logan pose with Kylie McCutcheon, KPB Affiliate Coordinator (second from left) at the 2025 Annual Conference. 

Get ready for two energizing days of learning, networking, and inspiration at the Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful Annual Conference, happening October 14–15, 2026, at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Reading!

Whether you're a community leader, volunteer, educator, municipal official, business partner, or environmental advocate, this conference is your opportunity to connect with passionate innovators from across the Commonwealth. Discover new ideas, share success stories, build valuable partnerships, and gain practical tools to help create cleaner, greener, and more vibrant Pennsylvania communities.

Don't miss this exciting opportunity to be inspired, make new connections, and be part of the movement making a lasting impact across Pennsylvania. We can't wait to see you there!

KPB Awards 21 Healing the Planet Grants  

Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful, in partnership with The GIANT Company, awarded 21 Healing the Planet grants of up to $4,000 for native planting projects within The GIANT Company's operating areas in Pennsylvania. The grants will be used for rain garden and habitat restoration, trail improvements, butterfly gardens, and more! 

Community plantings foster shared responsibility and stewardship, strengthening social ties. Native plants provide food and shelter for local wildlife, improve water conservation, provide protection from soil erosion and can survive with minimal care. Beautifying communities also tends to reduce littering and other illegal behaviors, making it a better place for all residents and providing a foundation for community and economic development.

Since 2021, GIANT has partnered with Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful to offer over $1.4 million in Healing the Planet grants to recipients, empowering projects that connect communities with green spaces, protect and improve local waterways and water resources, prevent, reduce, and recover food waste, and support native plantings and habitat restoration.

From left: Beth Intoccia accepts the Community Pride Award from Senator Muth. 

Community Pride Award 

Beth Intoccia, Chair of the Litter Liftters of West Vincent, was honored by Pennsylvania State Senator Katy Muth of the 44th Senatorial District with the Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful Community Pride Award, recognizing her exceptional dedication to protecting and beautifying communities throughout Chester County, with a strong base of impact in West Vincent Township.

Through Beth's leadership, the Litter Lifters of West Vincent organized 115 events throughout Chester County since 2020. Their volunteer work includes road and waterway cleanups, outreach to schools, developing partnerships with nonprofits such as Green Valleys Watershed Association, and planning and executing beautification projects benefiting residents and businesses. 

Nearly 4,300 bags of trash and 326 tires have been removed by the group, amounting to over 60,000 pounds. Litter Lifters of West Vincent have successfully inspired individuals, families, and local organizations countywide to take an active role in environmental stewardship, fostering a strong sense of shared responsibility and community pride.

The Community Pride Award is available to elected officials to recognize those in the community working to change behaviors at the local level.  Elected officials are invited to nominate a constituent for a Community Pride Award. The award is open on a rolling basis.   

Support KPB on Walmart Sparks 

Every time you shop online at Walmart, you can round up and direct Network for Good to support KPB. By selecting KPB and rounding, you’re investing in our programs that support communities across Pennsylvania, from local initiatives to statewide programs. Small change adds up!