Author Archives for Jennifer Kissel
October 1, 2024 2:40 pm
Published by Jennifer Kissel
Hollidaysburg, Pa. – October 1, 2024 – Residents of the Juniata Watershed are invited to review and provide feedback on “Juniata Forward: Building on 25 years of Conservation,” a conservation plan for the Juniata River watershed. The Western Pennsylvania Conservancy and multiple partners have released the draft of the plan... Read More
October 1, 2024 2:26 pm
Published by Jennifer Kissel
Franklin, Pa. – October 1, 2024 – Residents of the French Creek watershed are invited to review and provide feedback on the French Creek Watershed Conservation Plan through October 31. The plan is a project of the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy in partnership with the French Creek Valley Conservancy and other... Read More
September 10, 2024 4:44 pm
Published by Jennifer Kissel
When we consider the ways insects benefit from plants, we often imagine pollen-coated bees drowsily buzzing on echinacea and butterflies flitting from milkweed to Joe Pye weed, seeking nutritious nectar under the warm summer sun. However, pollinating insects benefit from plants during winter too. “Most butterflies and moths overwinter as... Read More
April 10, 2024 3:11 pm
Published by Jennifer Kissel
April 10, 2024 – Pittsburgh, PA – April is an exciting month: It’s Earth Month, the redbud trees and wildflowers are blooming, we’re planting trees in communities and readying our preserves for warm-weather visitors, and much more. At WPC, we celebrate Earth Day 365 days a year! Read on to... Read More
March 19, 2024 12:59 pm
Published by Jennifer Kissel
Pittsburgh, Pa. – March 19, 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
January 30, 2024 4:37 pm
Published by Jennifer Kissel
For the third time in as many decades, the beautiful and dynamic Allegheny River has been named Pennsylvania’s River of Year by the PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and the PA Organization for Watersheds and Rivers. The accolades, given in 1994, 2017 and 2024, are a testament to... Read More
December 6, 2023 2:35 am
Published by Jennifer Kissel
Invasive species are a major threat to Pennsylvania’s native plants and animals. Introduced to an area outside their native range, invasive species compete with native species for space and resources. They can alter habitats, impact the economy and introduce disease. Amy Jewitt, WPC’s iMapInvasives program coordinator with the Pennsylvania Natural... Read More
November 30, 2023 1:19 pm
Published by Jennifer Kissel
Dams, undersized culverts and sedimentation are no friends to fish, hellbenders, mussels and other aquatic organisms. When stream-dwelling creatures can’t move upstream freely, “There’s very limited intermingling of genetics in that ecosystem,” says Western Pennsylvania Conservancy Watershed Manager Greg Schaetzle. “A limited genetic pool lends itself to genetic weaknesses and... Read More
November 30, 2023 12:46 pm
Published by Jennifer Kissel
To protect the biodiversity of the ecosystems from invasive species on our nature preserves and across the region, says Brian Daggs, invasive plant ecologist with WPC’s Pennsylvania Natural Heritage Program, the Conservancy takes a multi-pronged approach by participating in: Education and public engagement, especially through the iMapInvasives annual invasive species... Read More
October 16, 2023 2:15 pm
Published by Jennifer Kissel
Pittsburgh, Pa. – October 16, 2023 – 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
