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Outdoor Places, Shared Spaces.

January 14, 2026

Community Conservation Partnerships Program Annual Grant Application Round Now Open
The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) is now accepting applications for its annual Community Conservation Partnerships Program grants.
The grants fund recreation and conservation projects in communities across Pennsylvania, including parks, trails, river conservation, open space protection, heritage areas, conservation landscapes, and environmental education programs.
DCNR is extending the application period for a month longer to give applicants more time to build their submissions. Applications will be accepted through 4:00 PM on Thursday, April 30.
Applications must be submitted on DCNR’s Grants Customer Service Portal. A portal tutorial video provides a walkthrough of the application.
Before starting an application, potential applicants should contact the regional advisor who serves the county where their project will be located.
Tutorial video for the D C N R Grants Customer Service Portal to use when applying for grants

Last Call: Voting Open for Pennsylvania's 2026 River of the Year
Time is running out to vote for your pick to be Pennsylvania’s 2026 River of the Year.
Voting is open through January 16.
The 2026 nominees are:
  • Chillisquaque Creek
  • Conestoga River
  • Lower Schuylkill River
The River of the Year program is administered by the Pennsylvania Organization for Watersheds and Rivers (POWR) with funding from the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. The program celebrates Pennsylvania’s waterways while raising awareness of conservation needs.
“As more people connect with the outdoors and deepen their appreciation for Pennsylvania’s remarkable waterways, the River of the Year vote offers a fun and meaningful way to show support for your favorite river,” said Janet Sweeney of POWR.
The winning river’s nominating organization will receive a $15,000 DCNR grant to fund year-long celebrations, including paddling events and community activities. A commemorative poster will also be created to honor the 2026 River of the Year.
map of Pennsylvania highlighting the three nominees for 2026 River of the Year

Proposals Sought for Heritage Area Program Strategic Plan
The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and Heritage PA are seeking proposals to create a five-year strategic plan for the Pennsylvania Heritage Areas Program.
Objectives include:
  • Creating a shared vision
  • Defining roles and responsibilities of key program partners
  • Developing a program manual
  • Creating an evaluation tool and schedule
  • Building an implementation plan
Consultant proposals are due by 4:00 PM on Monday, February 2. See the Request for Proposals for more information.

Funding Opportunity: PA Community Tree Assistance Program Launches
volunteers plant trees in an open lawn
Last month, the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) launched the new PA Community Tree Assistance Program. The program aims to make it easier and more affordable for communities to plant and care for trees.
The program has $1.8 million available for 2026. Funding comes from the Keystone Tree Fund and other state and federal investments.
Projects must take place in public or community spaces such as parks, along streets, school grounds, or cemeteries. Projects typically range from $5,000 to $50,000.
For more information on how to apply, watch the Community Forestry: Grant Opportunities webinar. Applicants should also contact DCNR Urban and Community Forestry staff before submitting.

Grant Application Tip
stylized graphic of a green dollar sign
The annual Community Conservation Partnerships Program grant application period is open through 4:00 PM on Thursday, April 30.
During the grant round, we’ll include tips in this e-news to help you submit the most competitive application you can.
This issue’s tip: Even though the grant round just opened, it’s never too early to contact your regional advisor for help. Regional advisors are available for site visits, questions, and project-specific advice.
In fact, the earlier you contact your regional advisor, the better. Advisors’ schedules fill up as the application deadline nears. Setting up a site visit early can help you identify potential issues with your project and give you more time to fix them before the grant round closes.
map of Pennsylvania showing the regions and contact information for the Bureau of Recreation and Conservation regional advisors

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