Author Archives for Jennifer Kissel

Blooming cherry and redbud trees in Pittsburgh

Is it Cherry or Eastern Redbud? How to Tell the Difference When You’re Seeing Pink

March 25, 2026 11:31 am Published by Comments Off on Is it Cherry or Eastern Redbud? How to Tell the Difference When You’re Seeing Pink

Seeing pink? The lovely pink blooms that emerge on trees in the Pittsburgh area and Western Pennsylvania region in early April could be cherry blossoms…or they could be redbuds! The Western Pennsylvania Conservancy plants cherry cultivars and native Eastern redbuds. Here’s some information about each tree and how to tell... Read More


Improved canoe access on Indian Creek by Municpal Authority of Westmoreland County, funded by CADF

WPC Seeks Spring Grant Applications for Canoe and Kayak Access Projects

March 16, 2026 10:11 am Published by Comments Off on WPC Seeks Spring Grant Applications for Canoe and Kayak Access Projects

Pittsburgh, PA – March 16, 2026 – 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


child kneeling near animal tracks

Seven Winter Activities to Enjoy on WPC Preserves

December 22, 2025 2:21 pm Published by Comments Off on Seven Winter Activities to Enjoy on WPC Preserves

Winter’s first fluffy snow beckoned you to enjoy the downy flakes as you cleared the driveway. (It was good exercise, right?) By the sixth or seventh round of shoveling and scraping, snow’s magic has likely faded...but you can’t stand the thought of firing up the treadmill and slogging even one.... Read More


A canoe access path on Indian Creek by Mountain Watershed

WPC Seeks Fall Canoe Access Grant Applications

October 2, 2025 1:57 pm Published by Comments Off on WPC Seeks Fall Canoe Access Grant Applications

Pittsburgh, Pa. – October 2, 2025 –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 construction... Read More


WPC-PA-American- volunteeri-Point-Garden-400x300

WPC, Pennsylvania American Water Celebrate 25 Years of Sponsoring Community Gardens at Downtown Pittsburgh Event

September 30, 2025 3:07 pm Published by Comments Off on WPC, Pennsylvania American Water Celebrate 25 Years of Sponsoring Community Gardens at Downtown Pittsburgh Event

PITTSBURGH, PA – September 30, 2025 – A beautiful, sunny fall day provided the perfect setting for about 30 volunteers from Pennsylvania American Water and staff from the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy as they spruced up the Conservancy’s garden at the Point in downtown Pittsburgh with mulch and colorful chrysanthemums this... Read More


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Where the Water Meets the Road

September 9, 2025 12:02 pm Published by Comments Off on Where the Water Meets the Road

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... Read More


WPC fish habitat improvement site on Salmon Creek Forest County ANF before work 300x300

WPC and Partners to Improve Fish Habitat on Salmon Creek in the Allegheny National Forest in Forest County

August 14, 2025 9:51 am Published by Comments Off on WPC and Partners to Improve Fish Habitat on Salmon Creek in the Allegheny National Forest in Forest County

Restoration work to occur August 18-22, weather permitting PITTSBURGH, PA – August 14, 2025 –Fish such as brook trout, brown trout, bass and muskie in Salmon Creek will have improved habitat, thanks to a project being implemented in mid-August by the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy in partnership with the U.S. Army... Read More


Location for Kinzua Creek cross vane, part of fish habitat restoration project

WPC, PA Fish and Boat Commission to Improve Fish Habitat on Kinzua Creek in the Allegheny National Forest in McKean County

July 22, 2025 3:48 pm Published by Comments Off on WPC, PA Fish and Boat Commission to Improve Fish Habitat on Kinzua Creek in the Allegheny National Forest in McKean County

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... Read More


Mountain laurel and rhododendron flowers

Mountain Laurel and Rhododendron: What are the Differences?

May 28, 2025 10:29 am Published by Comments Off on Mountain Laurel and Rhododendron: What are the Differences?

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