Current Volunteer Opportunities

If you find yourself with some extra time on your hands, why not consider committing a few hours to improving our region and putting in a little sweat equity? Who knows, you may even learn an entirely new set of skills to polish up your resume or meet new friends! Contact Lynn McGuire-Olzak at 412-586-2324 or lmcguire-olzak@paconserve.org, and she’ll be happy to answer questions and help put your time and talent to good use. Thank you!




Become A Community Garden Steward

Become A Community Garden Steward

May 1, 2020 to October 31, 2020

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 2020 season:

Volunteer for Land Stewardship

Volunteer for Land Stewardship

May 1, 2020 to November 14, 2020

Volunteer Opportunity

2020 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 2020 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 2020 Workdays

April 11, 2020

This volunteer event was canceled. 

TOMS RUN NATURE RESERVE - TRAIL CONSTRUCTION

Join us as we continue development of a new 2.5-mile long hiking trail, scheduled to be completed in May.

Meeting time: 9 a.m.
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, clearing/digging a new trail

May 1, 2020

This volunteer event is canceled. 

WOLF CREEK NARROWS NATURAL AREA - INVASIVE PLANT REMOVAL

Garlic mustard pull. Enjoy the spring wildflowers, and take home as much garlic mustard as you want for your favorite pesto recipe.

Meeting time: 9 a.m.
Meeting place: Park off Miller Road, Slippery Rock Township, Butler Co. | VIEW ON MAP
Work involves: Hiking up to 1.5 miles, moderate slopes, muddy condition, pull/bagging invasive plants.

May 16, 2020

This volunteer event is canceled. 

LUTZVILLE CLIFFS NATURAL AREA - INVASIVE PLANT REMOVAL

Invasive plant control. This small but rugged site contains several rare plant species. We'll spend the day cutting back exotic invasive plants, such as Asiatic bittersweet, that pose a threat to the rare species.

Meeting time: 9 a.m.
Meeting place: Park off Ashcom Rd., Snake Spring Township, Bedford Co.  | VIEW ON MAP

Summer 2020 Workdays

June 4, 2020

WEST BRANCH FRENCH CREEK CONSERVATION AREA - DEBRIS REMOVAL

Dismantle several elevated, enclosed hunting blinds erected by the previous owner.

Meeting time: 9 a.m.
Meeting place: Park right off Phillipsville Road, Venango Township, Erie County | VIEW ON MAP

June 6, 2020

LOWER ELK CREEK NATURE RESERVE - TRAIL MAINTENANCE

Meeting time: 9 a.m.
Meeting place: Park right off North Creek Road, Girard Township, Erie Co. | VIEW ON MAP

June 11, 2020

WEST BRANCH FRENCH CREEK CONSERVATION AREA - DEBRIS REMOVAL

Dismantle several elevated, enclosed hunting blinds erected by the previous owner.

Meeting time: 9 a.m.
Meeting place: Park off Phillipsville Road, Venango Township, Erie County | VIEW ON MAP

July 25, 2020

BEAR RUN NATURE RESERVE - TRAIL MAINTENANCE

Meeting time: 9 a.m.
Meeting place: Park near the Barn at Fallingwater, Mill Run Road, Stewart Township, Fayette Co. | VIEW ON MAP

August 22, 2020

BENNETT BRANCH FOREST - BOUNDARY MAINTENANCE

Boundary maintenance. After re-painting sections of the boundary, we'll check on the experimental American chestnut plantings from 2013, and watch the progress of an abandoned mine drainage treatment facility (currently under construction).

Meeting time: 9 a.m.
Meeting place: Park off 5 Points Road, Jay Township, Elk Co. | VIEW ON MAP

Fall 2020 Workdays

September 12, 2020

WEST BRANCH FRENCH CREEK CONSERVATION AREA - DEBRIS REMOVAL

Debris removal - part of the annual French Creek Watershed Clean-up. Please let us know at least a couple weeks prior if you plan to attend, since we will register as the WPC Land Stewardship Team.

Meeting time: 9 am
Meeting place: Park off Phillipsville Road, Venango Township, Erie County | VIEW ON MAP

October 24, 2020

KATZ NATURAL AREA - TREE PLANTING MAINTENANCE 

Tree planting maintenance. We'll monitor the success of trees planted in 2013, and remove tree shelters as necessary. We'll also remove some remaining debris from the former swinging bridge over Cussewago Creek.

Meeting time: 9 am
Meeting place: Park off Rogers Ferry Rd, Hayfield Township, Crawford Co. | VIEW ON MAP

November 14, 2020

SEASON WRAP UP & POTLUCK

Meeting time: 9 am
Meeting place: Location TBD

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

Help with Clerical or Office Work

Help with Clerical or Office Work

June 1, 2020 to December 31, 2020

Volunteer Opportunity

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