The Western Pennsylvania Conservancy (WPC) is currently applying for renewal of its accreditation through the Land Trust Accreditation Commission (Commission), an independent program of the Land Trust Alliance. The land trust accreditation program recognizes land conservation organizations that meet national quality standards for permanently protecting important natural places and working lands. As part of the… Read More

WHAT: The Western Pennsylvania Conservancy (WPC) will host an open house at its new field office, called the Northwest Regional Office, located in downtown Franklin, Pa. and WPC members and the public are invited to attend. The public will have opportunities to meet WPC staff and board members, while learning more about the Conservancy’s work… Read More

The Western Pennsylvania Conservancy is saddened by the loss of Donald W. Hamer, who passed away on July 12, 2016. Don was a philanthropic leader in the region and a longtime friend of the Conservancy who cared deeply for the preservation of Pennsylvania’s natural resources. Don was the founder of State of the Art, Inc.,… Read More

Middlecreek Township, Pa. – August 16 – Land in Pennsylvania’s Laurel Highlands that provides wildlife habitat and scenic views of Laurel Hill State Park in Somerset County is now permanently protected, the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy (WPC) announced today. The approximately 184-acre property in Middlecreek Township is adjacent to Laurel Hill State Park and, from an… Read More

The World Heritage Committee of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) voted on July 17, 2016, to refer the United States’ submission to the World Heritage List for future consideration. This nomination of a collection of 10 buildings, designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, includes Fallingwater. Director of Fallingwater Lynda Waggoner attended UNESCO’s… Read More

This event includes a walk along the property and special guests and family members to reflect on his commitment to conservation. WHAT: The Western Pennsylvania Conservancy (WPC) will hold a dedication ceremony to officially open its new 24-acre natural area, called the Dr. Colson E. Blakeslee Memorial Recreation Area. This area in Elk County is… Read More

Black Township, Pa. – May 31 – The Western Pennsylvania Conservancy (WPC) today announced the permanent protection of hundreds of forested acres in the Laurel Highlands along two miles of the Great Allegheny Passage (GAP). Today’s acquisition of a 329-acre tract of land in Black Township, Somerset County, is one of five properties conserved in… Read More

Blairsville, Pa. – April 7 – The Western Pennsylvania Conservancy (WPC) and the Dominion Foundation recently awarded $30,000 to 24 watershed groups in 15 counties across the Commonwealth as part of their Watershed Mini Grant Program. Allegheny County awardees included the Allegheny Watershed Alliance of Pittsburgh, Pa., which received $550 for outreach efforts that include… Read More