News and Media Room
WPC Conservation Easements Protect 725 Acres of Forestland Habitat for Rare Species in Bedford County
Pittsburgh, PA
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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
WPC, PA Fish and Boat Commission to Improve Fish Habitat on Kinzua Creek in the Allegheny National Forest in McKean County
Pittsburgh, PA
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Restoration work to occur July 28-Aug. 15, weather permitting PITTSBURGH, PA. – July 22, 2025 – Fish such as stocked trout, wild trout and native redhorse suckers in Kinzua Creek will have improved habitat, and anglers should see improved fishing opportunities by summer’s end, thanks to a habitat improvement project being implemented in late July… Read More
Mountain Laurel and Rhododendron: What are the Differences?
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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, WPC Senior Botanist, Retires Â
Pittsburgh, PA
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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
Forested Lands Along the West Branch Susquehanna River in Cambria County Now Protected, Available for Public Use
Pittsburgh, PA
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One of the property acquisitions creates WPC’s first nature preserve in Cambria County PITTSBURGH, PA. – May 20, 2025 – The Western Pennsylvania Conservancy today announced the recent purchase and permanent protection of two properties totaling 507 acres of forested riparian land in Cambria County, most of which are located along the West Branch Susquehanna… Read More
WPC, Community Members Plant a New Hill District Community Garden and Greenspace
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The new Perry Street Memorial Garden is now freely open to birds, bees and butterflies, and humans, too. :) PITTSBURGH, PA – May 2, 2025 – The threat of rain did not stop or dampen the spirits of about 20 Hill District community members and staff from the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy as they cut the… Read More
Trillium Thrills at WPC Preserves
Pittsburgh, PA
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Although not the very first flower to bloom in spring, the uniquely beautiful trillium is a harbinger of the season. In fact, some trilliums are called wakerobin — because the flowers appear in early spring before robins begin to appear. In Western Pennsylvania, trillium flowers put on an impressive display during April and into May,… Read More
BHE GT&S, WPC Award 14 Grants to Watershed Groups to Help Improve Local Rivers and Streams Â
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Pittsburgh, Pa. – April 25, 2025 – The Western Pennsylvania Conservancy and BHE GT&S recently awarded 14 grants, totaling $29,650, to 14 different local environmental organizations in eight counties across the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania as part of the 2025 Watershed Mini Grant Program. For years, financial support for the Watershed Mini Grant Program has been provided… Read More
Media Inquiries
Carmen Bray
Senior Director of Communications
Western Pennsylvania Conservancy
800 Waterfront Dr.
Pittsburgh, PA 15222
412-586-2358
cbray@paconserve.org