Three local groups are recipients of the Northeast Pennsylvania’s Environment awards.

The Northeast Environmental Partners announced the 32nd Annual Evening for Northeast Pennsylvania’s Environment will be Nov. 3, at the Woodlands Inn & Resort, Plains.

The Northeast Environmental Partners is made up of the Pennsylvania Department of

Conservation and Natural Resources, Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, Pennsylvania Environmental Council, PPL Corporation, Procter & Gamble Paper Products Company, and Wilkes University.

Local recipients are:

• Bowmanstown Area Residents Connected. The organization is made up of residents of Bowmanstown. BARC members work with numerous partners to recruit volunteers, host community events, and raise funds to support community improvement projects and programs. BARC has completed neighborhood beautification projects, native plant species education, installation of murals in community spaces, and hosted activities and services that encourage residents to enjoy the outdoors.

• Kathy Henderson, director of Economic Development for the Carbon Chamber and Economic Development, for her dedication and commitment to educating Carbon County municipal officials, residents and business owners on how economic development and natural resource conservation go together to improve quality of life.

In 2017, Audubon MidAtlantic approached Henderson to partner on a Return on Environment study for the county.

Henderson created effective partnerships with local and county officials, the conservation community, and the business community.

Henderson shows how partnering can bring diverse stakeholders together to work toward common goals.

• PennRose, Carbon County. Preservation of the 2,700 acre Penrose Swamp Barrens property

represents a decades-long effort and partnership between local advocates, scientists, Wildlands

Conservancy, and the state Bureau of Forestry. The permanent protection of wetlands and

forests at Penrose are key for sustaining clean, healthy water in the area of the

Lehigh River watershed. The acquisition also protects a core natural area and an

important bird area, along with Penrose Creek and sections of Beaver and Hazle creeks. Now, as

part of Weiser State Forest, this property will provide public access to forested land and host an array of recreational opportunities.

To register for the dinner, go to https://PECNEAwardsDinner.eventbrite.com

For information, contact Angela Vitkoski at 570-718-6507, ext.201 or email avitkoski@pecpa.org