Categories for Uncatagorized

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

Steve Grund, WPC Senior Botanist, Retires  

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

Trillium Thrills at WPC Preserves

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

Fallingwater, Now Open For its 62nd Tour Season

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

Seeing Pink, Pittsburgh? Eastern Redbud Trees Burst Into Bloom

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

WPC Offers Free Trees Through Three Programs

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

WPC Seeks Spring Canoe Access Grant Applications

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