Recognizing the worth of natural, heritage and recreational resources...
planning now, enjoying forever.
Nominate a person, group or business. Sponsorship of the awards is encouraged.
The public is invited to nominate individuals, groups, companies, or organizations for the annual Greenways Awards
Nominate a person, group or business. Sponsorship of the awards is encouraged.
The Council on Greenways & Trails
provides:
Outreach & Education
The Council on Greenways & Trails and Penn Soil RC&D presented the tenth annual Nature Art Showcase and Sale with more than 110 original art items submitted by 62 artists displayed in the main lobby of the Barrow-Civic Theatre in downtown Franklin. The variety of talent on display was amazing.
The “People’s Choice” awards were chosen from original artworks made using diverse techniques featuring outdoor recreation and natural resources of northwestern Pennsylvania. This year’s prizes were made and donated by fellow artists participating in the two-day event.
Two-Dimensional category - a spray painting prepared by Jesse Wolfgang of Warren, PA entitled “Transcendence.” He strives to use recycled and repurposed materials to create artwork capturing motion, experience, and links with nature.
He received a framed photograph of a Red-Spotted Purple Butterfly provided by Kirby Neubert of Seneca, PA.
In the “On The Wing” category attendees selected “The Hunter and The Taken,” a panel with overlaid painted images of a bald eagle and other predators and prey. Heidi Wirtner of Emlenton, PA conceptualized this panel.
Lisa Hulihan of Franklin, PA furnished the prize, a wooden keepsake box with a photograph of a bald eagle inserted as the box lid.
Mary Rose Ragon of Franklin, PA assembled her “Whimsical Woodland Wonder” with miniature natural materials found near her home. This item received the highest number of ballots in the 3-D category.
Her prize is a stained-glass original work called “Honeycomb Corner” made by Barb Makohus of Centerville.
Thirteen-year-old seventh grader Cooper Greenlee of Polk, PA entered a pencil drawing of “Childhood in Nature,” which earned the highest tally among the youth (ages 12-18) category.
His prize, customized by Victorian City Art & Frame in Franklin, is a wide wood frame with a mat cut out in train shapes.
Bartramian Audubon Society presented an information and learning table during the event discussing the nationwide Audubon Society, their chapter and membership opportunities. Bird books and memorabilia like T-shirts were available for purchase.
Gold Sponsors
Barrow Civic Theatre
Franklin Fine Arts Council
French Creek Framing & Art
French Creek Valley Forestry
Oil City Arts Council
Oil Region Alliance of Business, Industry and Tourism; Oil Region National Heritage Area
Penn Soil Resource Conservation & Development Council
Titusville Council on the Arts
Victorian City Art & Frame
Anonymous Friends
Silver Sponsors
Caryl Holden
John & Pat Moody
Ernst Conservation Seeds
Titusville Renaissance, Inc.
Wyattville Country Store and Gardens
Catering for the Meet the Artists reception was provided by John Kluck of Oil City.
Programs printed at Seneca Printing Express
Farmers National Bank of Titusville provided supplies.
Recognition of hard work:
2025 Greenways Awards
James E. Holden
Volunteer of the Year
Individual, group, company, or organization which provided significant uncompensated hours and expertise to assist the Council on Greenways & Trails and/or its member organizations during the prior five years.
Thomas J. Allen
Partner of the Year
Individual, company, or organization which donated support, resources, items, and/or expertise to assist the Council on Greenways & Trails and/or its member organizations during the prior five years.
Richard M. Garrard
Neighbor of the Year
Person, group, business, or entity situated next to one or more segments of the diverse greenways and trails in Clarion, Crawford, and Venango Counties. This award recognizes event-specific or ongoing positive involvement and assistance by adjacent property owners during the prior five years.
Nominate someone for a 2026 Greenways Award!
Recreation & Access
Inspiration
Nature Art Showcase
Our trails and waterways, parks and open space provide adventure and inspiration.
What will you find?
Where will yours be?
Are you a business with goods or services outdoor recreation visitors need?
Are you in a Trail Town?
Recreation & Economic Development
Where will you go this year?
What inspires you?
Become a CGT member and support the work!
2013 EPT Trail User Survey & Economic Impact Analysis
Summary
Full Report
Find Events this season
Under Connect to You!
CGT members are making sure the region has what visitors and residents need! Look at what we are doing!
Benefits
* Protection of Natural
Resources
* Support of Economic
Prosperity
* Stewardship of Rural &
Farmland Legacy
* Conservation of Scenic,
Historic and Cultural
Resources
* Public Recreation, Health,
and Fitness
* Creation of Educational
Opportunities
* Promotion of Sustainable
Development &
Sound Land Use
Partnerships
Through the partnerships and the projects already completed, the members of the Council on Greenways & Trails are working together as never before. Connections are being made through the realization that partnerships can impact entire regions and seemingly intangible quality of life issues can have real economic impact