Ever wonder what inspires a person to wade through muddy bogs in search of a rare plant or endangered insect? Are you fascinated by the magic of Fallingwater and wish you could go “behind the scenes” with a preservationist? Do you wonder what motivates a member to include WPC in their estate planning, and why… Read More

WPC Removes Barriers to Help Species Move Freely   Have you ever fished or hiked along a stream and come upon a culvert pipe? Unless you’ve seen one from a fish’s eye level, you might not realize what an obstacle a pipe can present to a fish trying to swim upstream. To a fish, a… Read More

Pittsburgh, Pa. – August 1, 2025 – The Western Pennsylvania Conservancy announced today the recent purchase of conservation easements on two properties in Southampton Township, Bedford County to permanently protect 725 acres of forestland and habitat for rare species, and provide public access for recreational fishing. The properties are located within the Hewitt Barrens-Lower Town… Read More

Mountain laurel, (Kalmia latifolia) Pennsylvania’s state flower, and rhododendron (Rhododendron linnaeus) look very similar and are often mistaken for each other. Although both belong to the heath family (Ericaceae), they are different plants that bloom during different months. Here are some ways to tell them apart, and some WPC preserves where you might find them… Read More

Steve Grund, senior botanist, recently retired after 29 years with the Natural Heritage Program at the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy. Steve joined WPC in 1996 and began serving on the PA Biological Survey Vascular Plant Technical Committee, where he assisted with making important decisions for plant conservation in Pennsylvania. He helped to develop the official list… Read More