Joyce and Larry DeYoung
Members Since: 1985
French Creek and its diversity of wildlife hold a special place in the hearts of a couple that now lives six hours away from this northwestern Pennsylvania waterway. On a trip “home” years ago, Conservancy members Joyce and Larry DeYoung found an abundance of softshell turtles in French Creek, once a rare sighting. They attribute the species’ resurgence to WPC’s conservation of this part of the region.
An Erie County native, Joyce spent her childhood frequenting Presque Isle’s beaches, lagoons and hiking trails and enjoyed visiting relatives in Warren County, where she explored the hills and streams.
Now residents of Chester County in Eastern Pennsylvania, the DeYoungs still enjoy hiking and being outdoors. Conservancy members since 1985, they love that WPC conserves and protects land and water in the region Joyce calls home, and are delighted to join the Conservancy in protecting the region’s magnificent landscape.
Joyce and Larry are proud members of the Conservancy’s Heritage Circle planned giving society by remembering WPC in their will. Their commitment to protecting Western Pennsylvania’s spectacular natural places in their estate ensure that future generations will experience nature, just as Joyce did as a child.
