Author Archives for Jennifer Kissel
May 28, 2025 10:29 am
Published by Jennifer Kissel
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... Read More
May 27, 2025 1:58 pm
Published by Jennifer Kissel
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... Read More
April 30, 2025 5:02 pm
Published by Jennifer Kissel
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... Read More
April 11, 2025 9:22 am
Published by Jennifer Kissel
Did someone say “Free trees”? We did! The Western Pennsylvania Conservancy offers trees at no cost for urban communities to plant in public spaces, or for landowners to plant along streams or replace invasive trees or shrubs. Urban Trees for Communities Working in partnership with community groups, nonprofits and municipal... Read More
March 17, 2025 10:22 am
Published by Jennifer Kissel
Pittsburgh, Pa. – March 17, 2025 – The Western Pennsylvania Conservancy is seeking grant applications for its Canoe Access Development Fund (CADF), which supports projects to improve canoe and kayak access to Western Pennsylvania’s waterways. The Conservancy’s CADF provides technical assistance and grants of up to $5,000 for the construction... Read More
February 26, 2025 2:42 pm
Published by Jennifer Kissel
Indiana, Pa. – February 26, 2025 – Landowners in more than 30 counties across western and central Pennsylvania with open or mostly open land along waterways can apply to the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy to have native trees planted at no cost as part of the statewide water quality improvement goals.... Read More
December 31, 2024 5:31 pm
Published by Jennifer Kissel
Pittsburgh, Pa. – January 1, 2025 – The Western Pennsylvania Conservancy announces the appointment of two new leadership positions and the retirement of Cynthia Carrow, vice president of government and community relations. Carrow retired from the Conservancy after 51 years of service on December 31, 2024. Conservancy President Tom Saunders... Read More
December 3, 2024 12:54 pm
Published by Jennifer Kissel
Pittsburgh, Pa. – December 3, 2024 – Officials from the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy, Hilltop Economic Development Corporation, Mount Oliver Borough and Pennsylvania American Water recently transformed a vacant lot into a new Conservancy-owned community flower garden. Members of the community-based Hilltop Economic Development Corporation contacted The Conservancy last year asking... Read More
December 3, 2024 12:20 pm
Published by Jennifer Kissel
Pittsburgh, Pa. – December 3, 2024 – The Western Pennsylvania Conservancy, along with its partners, the Armstrong County Board of Commissioners, Kittanning Borough, the Downtown Kittanning Revitalization Committee (DKRC) and Armstrong Trails, recently designed and implemented two rain gardens along the Armstrong Trail in Kittanning, Pa. The gardens were made... Read More
October 15, 2024 8:37 am
Published by Jennifer Kissel
Pittsburgh, Pa. – October 15, 2024 – The Western Pennsylvania Conservancy is seeking grant applications for its Canoe Access Development Fund (CADF), which supports projects that will improve canoe and kayak access to Western Pennsylvania’s waterways. The Conservancy’s CADF provides technical assistance and grants of up to $5,000 for the... Read More
