Northeast Environmental Partners will hold their 21st Annual Evening for Pennsylvania's Environment on Oct. 27 at the Woodlands Inn and Resort, Wilkes-Barre.

Nominations are being sought for the 21st Annual Environmental Partnership Awards and the 17th Annual Thomas P. Shelburne Environmental Leadership Award. The awards are presented annually to recognize the achievements of individuals or organizations that, through partnerships, have achieved excellence in environmental protection or conservation.The awards are open to any group, individual, company, program, or organization whose work has had a positive impact on the environment in Northeastern Pennsylvania's following counties; Bradford, Carbon, Columbia, Lackawanna, Lehigh, Luzerne, Monroe, Montour, Northampton, Northumberland, Pike, Schuylkill, Sullivan, Susquehanna, Wayne and Wyoming.During the past 20 years, over 150 individuals and groups involved in agriculture, forestry, business, industry, education, science, environmental awareness, community service, and government have been honored.Nominations may be made by a person or persons involved in the activity, or by a third party.The Northeast Environmental Partners include Northeast Pennsylvania Alliance, Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, Pennsylvania Environmental Council's Northeast Office, PPL Corporation, Procter & Gamble Paper Products Company, and Wilkes University.The evening showcases the recipient of the Thomas P. Shelburne Environmental Leadership Award. This award, in its 17th year, was established by the NEPA Environmental Partners to recognize an individual who stands out for his or her long-term commitment to environmental quality through inspirational leadership, dedication and commitment to partnering."This event gives us the perfect opportunity to recognize the efforts of individuals and organizations making positive impacts to the environment and the people of Northeastern Pennsylvania," said Meg Welker, supervisor of public programs at PPL and dinner planning committee chairwoman. "We just need everyone's help in identifying those unsung heroes."To receive nomination materials for the 2011 Environmental Partnership Awards, download the forms from PEC's website at:

www.pecpa.org. Nominations must be postmarked no later than June 01. Award presentations will be made during the Environmental Partnership Awards Dinner being held on Thursday Oct. 27 at the Woodlands Inn & Resort, Wilkes-Barre PA.To receive information on attending or sponsoring this event, please contact the NE Office of the Pennsylvania Environmental Council at (570) 718-6507.