Events & Volunteer Opportunities

Volunteer for Land Stewardship

Volunteer for Land Stewardship

March 27, 2019 to November 9, 2019

Volunteer Opportunity

2019 Volunteer Land Steward Workdays

Thank you for your interest in Land Stewardship workdays. Management of WPC properties would not be possible without the help of our dedicated volunteers. Below is a drop-down list of current workdays for the 2019 season. To sign up for a specific workday, please click on the registration button below.

Workdays are typically held rain or shine. Unless otherwise indicated, we meet at the property at 9 am and work until around 2 or 3 pm, with a short break for lunch. Of course, volunteers are welcome to come and go as needed. Volunteers should bring water and a lunch, and be prepared to work in rugged, muddy, and/or thorny conditions. Long pants, sturdy shoes, work gloves, and sunblock are necessary. We’ll have extra gloves and all the tools needed for the project. Typical tools include loppers, pick mattocks, hazel hoes, and shovels. If a workday is cancelled for some reason, a message will immediately be sent to the volunteer land steward email list, as the website may not be updated for a day or so.

Spring 2019 Workdays

March 27, 2019

MERCER COUNTY FARM CLEAN UP
Late last year, we acquired a new property for our farmland access initiative. To help prepare it for leasing to a farmer, there are many tasks to complete, including cleaning out the barn and houses, trimming trees, and marking boundaries.

Meeting time: 9 am
Meeting place: 218 Uber Road, Findley Township, Mercer Co.  |  VIEW ON MAP
Work involves: Removing misc. debris from two houses and a barn, trimming tree branches, marking property boundaries

March 30, 2019

TOMS RUN NATURE RESERVE - TRAIL CONSTRUCTION
This year, we’re excited to finally begin trail construction at Toms Run. One leg of the trail will pass close to an old dump containing mostly appliance and automobile parts. Over the course of several workdays, we’ll haul this material out.

Meeting time: 9 am
Meeting place: Park off Toms Run Road, Kilbuck Township, Allegheny Co.  |  VIEW ON MAP
Work involves: Hiking up to 2.5 miles, steep slopes, muddy conditions, handling metal debris, clearing/digging a new trail

April 3, 2019

MERCER COUNTY FARM CLEAN UP CONTINUED
Late last year, we acquired a new property for our farmland access initiative. To help prepare it for leasing to a farmer, there are many tasks to complete, including cleaning out the barn and houses, trimming trees, and marking boundaries.

Meeting time: 9 am
Meeting place: 218 Uber Road, Findley Township, Mercer Co.  |  VIEW ON MAP
Work involves: Removing misc. debris from two houses and a barn, trimming tree branches, marking property boundaries

April 10, 2019

MERCER COUNTY FARM CLEAN UP CONTINUED
Late last year, we acquired a new property for our farmland access initiative. To help prepare it for leasing to a farmer, there are many tasks to complete, including cleaning out the barn and houses, trimming trees, and marking boundaries.

Meeting time: 9 am
Meeting place: 218 Uber Road, Findley Township, Mercer Co.  |  VIEW ON MAP
Work involves: Removing misc. debris from two houses and a barn, trimming tree branches, marking property boundaries

April 27, 2019

TOMS RUN NATURE RESERVE - TRAIL CONSTRUCTION CONTINUED
This year, we’re excited to finally begin trail construction at Toms Run. One leg of the trail will pass close to an old dump containing mostly appliance and automobile parts. Over the course of several workdays, we’ll haul this material out.

Meeting time: 9 am
Meeting place: Park off Toms Run Road, Kilbuck Township, Allegheny Co.  |  VIEW ON MAP
Work involves: Hiking up to 2.5 miles, steep slopes, muddy conditions, handling metal debris, clearing/digging a new trail

May 3, 2019

WOLF CREEK NARROWS NATURAL AREA - GARLIC MUSTARD PULL

Meeting time: 9 am
Meeting place: Park off Miller Road, Slippery Rock Township, Butler County |  VIEW ON MAP
Work involves: Hiking up to 1.5 miles, moderate slopes, minor trail maintenance, pulling/bagging garlic mustard, enjoying spring wildflowers, a possible stop at North Country Brewery.

May 18, 2019

TOMS RUN NATURE RESERVE - TRAIL CONSTRUCTION CONTINUED
This year, we’re excited to finally begin trail construction at Toms Run. One leg of the trail will pass close to an old dump containing mostly appliance and automobile parts. Over the course of several workdays, we’ll haul this material out.

Meeting time: 9 am
Meeting place: Park off Toms Run Road, Kilbuck Township, Allegheny Co.  |  VIEW ON MAP
Work involves: Hiking up to 2.5 miles, steep slopes, muddy conditions, handling metal debris, clearing/digging a new trail

Summer 2019 Workdays

June 15, 2019

TOMS RUN NATURE RESERVE - TRAIL CONSTRUCTION CONTINUED
This year, we’re excited to finally begin trail construction at Toms Run. One leg of the trail will pass close to an old dump containing mostly appliance and automobile parts. Over the course of several workdays, we’ll haul this material out.

Meeting time: 9 am
Meeting place: Park off Toms Run Road, Kilbuck Township, Allegheny Co.  |  VIEW ON MAP
Work involves: Hiking up to 2.5 miles, steep slopes, muddy conditions, handling metal debris, clearing/digging a new trail

July 27, 2019

WOLF CREEK NARROWS NATURAL AREA
INVASIVE PLANT REMOVAL & TRAIL MAINTENANCE

Meeting time: 9 am
Meeting place: Park off Miller Road, Slippery Rock Township, Butler Co.  |  VIEW ON MAP
Work involves: Hiking up to 1.5 miles, moderate slopes, minor trail maintenance, cutting/digging invasive shrubs

August 24, 2019

WEST BRANCH FRENCH CREEK CONSERVATION AREA - TRAIL MAINTENANCE 

Meeting time: 9 am
Meeting place: Parking area off Rt. 8, Venango Township, Erie County  |  VIEW ON MAP
Work involves: Hiking up to 1.1 miles along a level trail, muddy conditions, carrying wooden planks

Fall 2019 Workdays

September 7, 2019

WEST BRANCH FRENCH CREEK CONSERVATION AREA
TREE PLANTING & DEBRIS REMOVAL
This is 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.

Meeting time: 9 am
Meeting place: 10820 Wildman Road, Wattsburg, Erie Co. |  VIEW ON MAP
Work involves: Straightening/replacing tree tubes, hauling misc. debris, lunch provided, live music

October 12, 2019

SIDLING HILL CREEK CONSERVATION AREA - DEBRIS REMOVAL

Meeting time: 9 am
Meeting place: Silver Mills Road, Mann Township, Fulton Co. |  VIEW ON MAP
Work involves: Negotiating a steep slope, cutting up an old wooden stairway, removing misc. debris

November 9, 2019

SEASON WRAP UP & POTLUCK - LOCATION TBD

Meeting time: 10 am
Meeting place: TBD
Work involves: A brisk hike, light work, sharing food, swapping stories, enjoying each other’s company

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

Volunteer to Plant Trees

Volunteer to Plant Trees

March 30, 2019 to April 27, 2019

Volunteer Opportunity

Help plant trees along streets and trails and in parks and restoration areas throughout Western Pennsylvania. Every spring and fall, we need help from volunteers to plant hundreds of trees around the region. When you plant trees, you are helping create a green and healthy region. You’ll also learn about different types of native trees and tree care.

“Hometown Habitat” Film Screening

“Hometown Habitat” Film Screening

April 4, 2019

Event

Join the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy for a free screening of “Hometown Habitat, Stories of Bringing Nature Home” on Thursday, April 4 at 5:30 p.m. This film will invoke inspiration and share how you can create a habitat for wildlife and bring natural beauty to your home and community. After the film screening, a panel of experts will answer questions and offer suggestions.

Seating is limited, so registration is required. To register, go to Eventbrite.com. Light refreshments will be served.

Become Community Garden Steward

Become Community Garden Steward

April 15, 2019 to October 1, 2019

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 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 the 2019 season:

Become a WPC Ambassador

Become a WPC Ambassador

April 15, 2019 to October 31, 2019

Volunteer Opportunity
Do you like talking with people and helping them feel welcome?  Then become a WPC Ambassador!  After a brief training, you’ll work with WPC staff at events greeting people, handing out materials, water, and talking about WPC’s work. Choose from many locations and dates throughout the year. Ready to get started?  We’re forming a new group of Ambassadors now, to train for garden and tree planting events beginning in April. Please contact Kaylee Horvat at 412-586-2356 or khorvat@paconserve.org to get started today!
Volunteer at Fallingwater

Volunteer at Fallingwater

April 15, 2019 to December 31, 2019

From assisting visitors, to working at the café, or helping with archiving and clerical projects, there are many volunteer opportunities at Fallingwater. To find out more contact Marie Woof or visit the Volunteer Opportunities page at Fallingwater.org.

For more information:
Marie Woof
724-329-7826
mwoof@paconserve.org
Become a WPC Photographer

Become a WPC Photographer

May 1, 2019 to October 31, 2019

Take Photos or Capture Video as a WPC Photographer

Are you a shutterbug? You can use your hobby as a way to volunteer! Photographers are needed to document newly protected properties, member outings and volunteer events such as garden or tree plantings. Volunteers are asked to use their own camera equipment. To learn more, contact Jaime Matters at jmatters@paconserve.org.

Volunteer to Plant a Garden

Volunteer to Plant a Garden

May 1, 2019 to June 30, 2019

Volunteer Opportunity

We invite you to be part of the more than 11,000 Western Pennsylvanians who help beautify our region by planting and tending to flower beds throughout from spring into the fall throughout the region.

Our garden volunteers come from all walks of life and are of all ages. They may come as individuals, families, community groups or corporate volunteers. Some have never flowers before, while others are skilled gardeners who have been planting with us for years. We welcome all who would like to participate with our projects. Volunteering with us improves the local natural landscape and enhances local communities.

We will post the 2019 spring garden planting schedule soon. Sign up below and we'll contact you when scheduled planting dates are finalized. Check back for complete details!

Help with Clerical or Office Work

Help with Clerical or Office Work

May 1, 2019 to December 31, 2019

Assist the Conservancy and learn more about our conservation and membership efforts. We need volunteers to help with recordkeeping and other administrative tasks at our Pittsburgh headquarters.  Located at 800 Waterfront Drive on Washington’s Landing (off 31st Street Bridge across the river from the Strip District), this location is accessible by bus, bike path or car and offers free parking.

For more information:
GENERAL OFFICE SUPPORT
412-288-2777
info@paconserve.org
MEMBERSHIP SERVICES
Kathy Patrignani
412-586-2340
kpatrignani@paconserve.org
2019 Members’ Day and Annual Meeting

2019 Members’ Day and Annual Meeting

May 4, 2019

Event

Join us for our annual member “thank you” from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, May 4, at The Barn at Fallingwater in Mill Run, Pa. Light breakfast begins at 8:30 a.m. Later, enjoy your own packed picnic or purchase a buffet lunch ($18/person, free for children 10 and under). While activities are free, registration and lunch reservations are required by Thursday, April 25. You can register online or by calling 1-866-564-6972.