Western Pennsylvania Conservancy's e-CONSERVE Quarterly Newsletter

A Message from WPC Board Chairman E. Michael Boyle

If one word could be used to describe the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy in 2005 it would be energy. The Conservancy achieved significant growth in our three organizational programs - conservation, community gardens and Fallingwater. The year brought great strides in forestland protection, extending our conservation reach in both public and private forestlands. Implementation of the forest management plan that began in 2005 will ensure ecological, economic and recreation benefits today and tomorrow.

Dennis McGrath joined the Conservancy as president and CEO, bringing with him a strong work and educational background in conservation. Under his leadership, WPC is renewing its focus on land and water conservation in alignment with our traditional mission.

Our community gardens continue to thrive as more than 5,000 volunteers planted more than one-quarter million flowers last year. Fallingwater celebrated its 70th Birthday and last year began offering more specialized tours. Renovations were completed on The Barn at Fallingwater, a structure built in 1870, which in 2005 won a national award for its environmentally-responsible design. The building now hosts office, meeting and educational exhibit space.

While this report will only touch upon the highlights of the past year, it is my hope that you, as employees, friends and supporters of our organization, will gain a sense of the recent accomplishments and possibilities that are now within our grasp and feel "energized" by what you read.