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
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
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... 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... Read More
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
Pittsburgh, Pa. – April 25, 2025 – The Western Pennsylvania Conservancy and BHE GT&S recently awarded 14 grants, totaling $29,650, to 14 different local environmental organizations in eight counties across the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania as part of the 2025 Watershed Mini Grant Program. For years, financial support for the Watershed Mini... Read More
Mill Run, Pa. — April 14, 2025 —Frank Lloyd Wright’s Fallingwater is now open for its 62nd tour season, featuring Guided Architectural Tours and In-Depth Guided Tours that started April 7. Tours are underway as the scaffolding that covered Fallingwater in recent months for ongoing preservation work is being disassembled.... Read More
Pittsburgh, Pa. – April 16, 2025 – Pittsburgh’s residents and visitors are seeing a flourish of pink blooms right now along trails, hillsides, parks and open spaces in view of the Allegheny, Monongahela and Ohio rivers around downtown Pittsburgh and near Point State Park. That is thanks to the Pittsburgh... Read More
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
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