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

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

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