Events & Volunteer Opportunities
Summer Garden Care Events
July 16, 2018 to August 31, 2018
Event, Volunteer Opportunity
Would you like to get outside and help care for a community garden? Now that our community gardens have been planted, we need volunteers to help us keep the gardens thriving. We are looking for groups to spend some time weeding the garden beds this summer. A volunteer weeding event will take a few hours. Once we have enough interested volunteers, we will schedule a weeding event at a time that is convenient for your group.
Register online or contact Lynn McGuire-Olzak at 412-586-2324 or lolzak@paconserve.org to learn how to get started. The gardens below need volunteers to care for them this summer:
- Liberty Tunnel & Route 51, Beltzhoover/Mt. Washington/Bon Air
- Lincoln Avene & Frankstown Avenue, Larimer
- Merrimac Street & Grandview Avenue, Mount Washington
- One Heinz Street, North Side Neighborhoods
- Spring Garden Avenue & Vinial Street, North Side Neighborhoods
- Hazelwood Avenue at Beechwood Boulevard & Saline Street, Squirrel Hill
- College Avenue (Route 26) & University Drive, State College
Invasive Plants. Local Beer.
July 28, 2018
Volunteer Opportunity
Dig in and get dirty with us to preserve one of the region’s most beautiful properties, Wolf Creek Narrows Natural Area, just outside Slippery Rock. We’ll pull and dig out invasive plants that are crowding out the beautiful native wildflowers and complete a few other rugged tasks to improve the trail and property. After you’ve expended some calories, refuel with local beer and food at the nearby North Country Brewing Company. The plants may be invasive but the beer is local! Event runs from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Please email Dan Cody at dcody@paconserve.org with any questions.
Community Garden Stewards Needed
August 1, 2018 to October 31, 2018
Volunteer Opportunity
Have you ever seen a WPC garden and wondered how it stays looking colorful, strong and healthy? A loyal crew of volunteers known as Garden Stewards cares for the Conservancy’s many gardens. After spring planting, Garden Stewards help water, weed, prune and clean up the areas. Stewards work from spring to fall.
Are you looking for a way to get outside and tend a garden? We can help! Can we count on you to help a garden bloom all summer long? Contact Lynn McGuire-Olzak at 412-586-2324 or lolzak@paconserve.org to learn how to get started. The gardens below need stewards to care for them in 2018:
- Liberty Tunnels and Route 51, Beltzhoover/Bon Air/Mount Washington
- Centre Avenue and Herron Avenue, Hill District
- Spring Garden Avenue and Vinital Street, North Side (Spring Garden)
- Route 518 and Idaho Street, Farrell, Mercer County
Become a WPC Ambassador
August 1, 2018 to October 31, 2018
Volunteer Opportunity
Volunteer for Land Stewardship
August 1, 2018 to November 10, 2018
Volunteer Opportunity
Do you enjoy hiking and getting outdoors? Become a Land Stewardship Volunteer! WPC owns and cares for more than 12,000 acres of land free and open to the public for outdoor recreation. Land Stewardship volunteers help keep these natural areas clean and safe. You can choose from a variety of locations to volunteer from March through November. It’s fun, hard work, and you’ll learn a lot, too! For example, you’ll learn from WPC staff about invasive plants that crowd out native species, and how to remove them. You may also work with staff to build and maintain hiking trails. Can we count on you to help protect these special places? Check out the schedule and pre-register today!
July 28, 2018
INVASIVE PLANTS. LOCAL BEER. - Wolf Creek Narrows Natural Area, Butler County
Dig in and get dirty with us to preserve one of the region’s most beautiful properties, Wolf Creek Narrows Natural Area, just outside Slippery Rock. We’ll pull and dig out invasive plants that are crowding out the beautiful native wildflowers and complete a few other rugged tasks to improve the trail and property. After you’ve expended some calories, refuel with local beer and food at the nearby North Country Brewing Company. The plants may be invasive but the beer is local! Event runs from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Please email Dan Cody at dcody@paconserve.org with any questions.
August 18, 2018
TRAIL CONSTRUCTION - Casselman Conservation Area, Somerset County (tenative)
September 8, 2018
TIRE & DEBRIS CLEAN UP - Conneaut Marsh Natural Area, Cussewago Bottom Conservation Area and Mystic Valley Conservation Area, Crawford County
Removal of old tires and debris as part of the annual French Creek Clean-up. Please let us know at least a couple weeks prior if you plan to attend this workday, since we will register as the WPC Land Stewardship Team (2017 Winners!).
October 27, 2018
CONIFER PLANTATION MANAGEMENT - Bear Run Nature Reserve, Fayette County
Over the next few years, we’ll be restoring areas of native forest within the planted pine and spruce plantations. Come learn about this unique pilot project, and help with tasks like tree girdling.
November 10, 2018
WRAP-UP POTLUCK
Location TBD
In addition to the Saturdays listed above, occasional weekday projects will be scheduled. Workdays are typically held rain or shine. If a workday is cancelled, a message will immediately be sent to the volunteer land steward email list (the website may not be updated for a day or so). To sign up for the email list or for further information, please contact:
Andrew Zadnik
Director of Land Stewardship
azadnik@paconserve.org
412-586-2318
Clarion River Paddling Sojourn
August 18, 2018 to August 19, 2018
2018 Wild & Scenic Clarion River Sojourn
Join us in celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act protecting America’s greatest river treasures. WPC and Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources are hosting a two-day canoe trip along 24 gorgeous miles of the Clarion River in the Pennsylvania Wilds™ region of northern Pennsylvania. Sojourn paddlers will travel the Wild and Scenic River by canoe from Hallton to Cooksburg over the two-day event.
Day one of the weekend trip will involve paddling 13 river miles, day two will involve paddling 11 miles for a total of 24 miles. Participants are welcome to attend either day individually.
Day One
The first day includes a 13-mile trip starting in Hallton, Pa. and paddling down river through miles of the beautiful undisturbed Pennsylvania Wilds. Along with a few riffles and small waves, we may encounter a little excitement on Pine Rapid, a class 1 to 1+ designated rapid. We will end the day at Clear Creek State Park, where free overnight tent camping will be provided. Clear Creek State Park is recognized as an Important Bird Area, so bird watchers, remember your binoculars.
Day Two
One day two, we'll launch from Clear Creek State Park. Sunday’s 11-mile paddle will pass through several Important Bird Areas including a locally known bald eagle nesting area high in the hills of the Wild and Scenic River Corridor. Along the journey, staff members will be available to speak with participants about the flora and fauna found throughout the area, as well as current projects and initiatives taking place throughout the region. The two-day event will come to an end as we near our final destination, Cook Forest State Park, located in Cooksburg, Pa.
About the Clarion
The Clarion River slowly meanders through scenic narrow valleys, past large pools and hardwood forests providing a relaxing scenic trip, welcoming to all levels of boaters. On October 19, 1996, Congress designated the Clarion River as a component of the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System.
Several factors contribute to the special scenic value of the river. The unique land form (unique in the region of the Allegheny River basin) of the Clarion River valley contributes a feeling of intimacy to the river. The sinuous, relatively narrow river valley with steep sides and little floodplain provides little opportunity for long, focused views. The steeply forested hillsides of almost continuous mature deciduous and coniferous vegetation contribute to a feeling of remoteness in many places along the river. Two segments of the river, measuring 8 miles and 9.1 miles in length, are classified as scenic.
Sponsors for the sojourn include Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR), River Network, Patagonia, and the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy (WPC).
Sign Up
Participants are welcome to attend either day individually for $50 or both days as a package for $90. Registration fees include daily meals, canoe rental, tent camp site, educational programs and shuttle service for the event.
To register for the sojourn or for more information, contact Kylie Maland by phone at -814-776-1114 or kmaland@paconserve.org. The registration deadline is Friday, August 10, 2018.
Twilight Tour at Fallingwater
August 25, 2018
Event
Enjoy a one-of-a-kind evening at Frank Lloyd Wright’s masterpiece Fallingwater as the sun sets over Pennsylvania’s mountains during the 23rd Annual Twilight Tour on Saturday, August 25 from 5:45 to 10 p.m. You’ll have wine and hors-d’oeuvres at a welcome reception in the Visitor Center, and then enjoy a light supper as you explore the house during twilight. The evening ends in the meadow where you will enjoy dessert and live jazz from Pittsburgh’s own Etta Cox and the Al Dowe Quartet.
Reservations are accepted online or by calling Fallingwater Visitor Services at 724-329-8501 between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.
Special thanks to Huntington Bank for sponsoring this remarkable event!
