Congratulations to Cosmos Lounge, Cameron County C of C, and Denton Hill Ski Patrol, Among Other Local Entities
PA Wilds Center will be distributing $80,000 to 20 organizations based in the Pennsylvania Wilds, as part of the 2026 PA Wilds Community Engagement Mini-Grant program. Each recipient will receive $4,000 to support a project within the rural 13-county region.
Grant award recipients include:
Allegheny National Forest Visitors Bureau (McKean County)
Amoeba Media (Lycoming County)
Art in the Wilds, Inc. (McKean County)
Cameron County Chamber of Commerce (Cameron County)
City of Lock Haven (Clinton County)
Clinton County Economic Partnership (Clinton County)
Cosmos’ Lounge (McKean County)
Denton Hill Ski Patrol – Nordic (Potter County)
East Brady Area Development Corporation (Clarion County)
Heath Township Sportsmen’s Club (Jefferson County)
Johnsonburg Community Trust (Elk County)
Keystone Elk Country Alliance (Multi-County)
Lane’s End Farm Creamery and The Scoop Shoppe (Jefferson County)
Lumber Heritage Region of Pennsylvania, Inc. (Multi-County)
Mechanistic Brewing (Clarion County)
Northern Appalachian Discovery Museum (McKean County)
PA Made (Elk County)
Rail 66 Country Trail (Clarion County)
The Nature Inn at Bald Eagle (Centre County)
Warren County Chamber of Business and Industry (Warren County)
Cosmos’ Lounge – PA Wilds Teen Civic Explorer Initiative (McKean County)
The PA Wilds Teen Civic Explorer Initiative is a multi-week, community-driven civic engagement project that empowers rural teens as stewards, storytellers, and ambassadors for the PA Wilds. Teens in rural communities are often left out of the conversation, feeling like they must “wait until they grow up” before participating in civic life or outdoor experiences. While many family-friendly events exist, these usually cater to younger children, leaving teens disconnected from community activities and regional identity. This initiative closes that gap by placing teens at the center of public stewardship and community storytelling. During summer 2026, participants will become Civic Ambassadors and join weekly outdoor excursions across public lands and trails in the PA Wilds region. Each excursion will include Leave No Trace education, stewardship activities like trail cleanups, and conservation learning with regional partners. Grant funds will support transportation, PA Wilds artist facilitators, stewardship materials, safety expenses, and a showcase presentation video.
