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
Pittsburgh, Pa. – December 4, 2023 – The Western Pennsylvania Conservancy announced today the permanent protection of 410 acres of steep forested slopes and riparian forest in Somerset County that safeguards water quality and wildlife habitat along Clear Run Creek, a tributary to Laurel Hill Creek. The Jefferson Township property... Read More
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
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
Pittsburgh, Pa. – Nov. 2, 2023 – The Western Pennsylvania Conservancy and BHE GT&S are now accepting proposals for the 2024 Watershed Mini Grant Program, which provides financial assistance to watershed groups and organizations across the region. The watershed mini grants can be used to support projects in three areas:... Read More
Pittsburgh, Pa. – Oct. 25, 2023 – Buzzing bees on pollinator-friendly plants, redbuds and other native trees, and leafy veggies on roots were perfect complements to community residents and school students who helped cut the ribbon to the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy’s new Page Street Community Accessible Vegetable Garden on October... Read More
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
Pittsburgh, Pa. – Sept. 30, 2023 – There is now more land in Cameron County for hikers to explore and wildlife to thrive, thanks to the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy’s permanent protection of 414 acres of forestland in Gibson Township. The property was immediately conveyed to the PA Department of Conservation... Read More
Pittsburgh, Pa. – Sept. 22, 2023 – Filled with cheerful optimism and playful exuberance, approximately 20 students from Pittsburgh Public Schools’ Chartiers Early Childhood Center helped staff from the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy and PNC Foundation cut the ribbon to officially open the school’s new outdoor classroom and green space on... Read More
Mill Run, Pa. — Sept. 1, 2023 — A new, intricately designed building brick set of Frank Lloyd Wright’s Fallingwater, an iconic site on the UNESCO World Heritage List, is now available for presale through October 8, 2023, on the Fallingwater Museum Store website, FallingwaterMuseumStore.org. The Fallingwater Premium Building Model... Read More