Reconnecting with Northeastern PA’s Rivers and Streams

As we celebrate National Water Safety Month in May and National Rivers Month in June, the Pennsylvania Environmental Council is hoping to inspire you to reconnect with NEPA’s amazing rivers, streams and creeks.

DiscoverNEPA is partnering with Pennsylvania Environmental Council, a nonprofit that protects and restores the natural and built environments to improve the quality of life for all Pennsylvanians. Keep an eye on this series for updates on PEC projects, volunteer opportunities, Tail on the Trail activities and so much more.

Kick off Summer with a Celebration of Our Local Waterways

May is National Water Safety Month and June is National Rivers Month, which has us thinking about ways to make a splash—literally! As the days grow longer and the water warms up, it’s the perfect time to reconnect with Pennsylvania’s rivers, creeks, and streams and to explore how we can protect and enjoy them together.

A group of kayakers paddle down the Susquehanna River during RiverFest. — Photo courtesy of Pennsylvania Environmental Council.

Protecting rivers is a top priority

At PEC, we support watershed protection through a variety of programs, including our work with the Pennsylvania Organization for Watersheds and Rivers (POWR). As a statewide nonprofit, POWR equips local watershed groups with the tools and resources they need to protect and restore local waterways. Through these efforts, we help to foster stronger communities committed to lifelong river stewardship and better water policies.

Getting out on the water

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Each year, POWR manages the Pennsylvania Sojourn Program, which funds community-led paddling trips designed to connect people to their local waterways. These sojourns combine recreation, environmental education, and stewardship, making them powerful tools for public engagement.

This year, we’re proud to support several 2025 sojourns taking place right here in Northeastern Pennsylvania, including:

OR explore a different waterway in PA! Our full list of 2025 PA Sojourn Mini-grantees can be found on the POWR website.

Whether you’re new to paddling or a long-time river enthusiast, there’s a sojourn for everyone! While you’re out on the water, take note of any areas where access could be improved. POWR also oversees the Statewide Waterway Access Grant program, which helps to create and improve access for non-motorizes crafts like canoe and kayaks.

A large group of kayakers makes their way down the Susquehanna River. — Photo courtesy of Pennsylvania Environmental Council.

Celebrate local rivers

And of course, you can catch us out on the water for Lackawanna River Conservation Association’s RiverFest on May 17, and RiverFront Parks Committee’s Wyoming Valley RiverFest on June 21. These events celebrate our rivers and bring together paddlers, nature lovers, and community members for a few unforgettable experiences on and off the water.

A view of the Luzerne County Courthouse from a kayak on the Susquehanna River in Wilkes-Barre. — Photo courtesy of Pennsylvania Environmental Council.

So, this May, as spring flows into summer, we invite you to get out on the water!

Explore a local creek, sign up for a sojourn, learn about your watershed and how you can help protect it. Because when more people connect with rivers, more people care for them—and that’s what stewardship is all about.

Featured image (top) courtesy of Pennsylvania Environmental Council.

Rachael Stark

Writer

Rachael Stark was born and raised in NEPA. She is a 2017 graduate from King’s College with a Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental Studies and a Masters Degree in Forest Resources and Conservation. She is currently the NEPA Program Coordinator at the Pennsylvania Environmental Council. She is incredibly passionate about recreating responsibly in the outdoors and enjoys exploring the natural beauty in NEPA. In her free time, she enjoys hiking with her dog, traveling and volunteering.