Message from the President
Western Pennsylvania is home to many beautiful outdoor destinations that we Western Pennsylvanians cherish, and that draw visitors from across the country and around the globe.
It is also home to hidden getaways - special places that are publicly accessible but known to only a few. We dedicate this issue of Conserve to these little-known places - with the hope that you'll discover a new, favorite place as a result.
The destinations we suggest range from Wolf Creek Narrows at night, for a foray to observe vernal pools, to Harris Bridge at McConnells Mill, to Buttermilk Falls, one of Fred Rogers' favorite childhood places. Each place bears a connection to the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy, as a property we've helped to protect, a waterway we've conserved or improved, or a place where our scientists conduct research. Many of these special places lie within priority conservation regions for the Conservancy.
The work of the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy enables people of all ages and interests to explore the varied landscape of Western Pennsylvania, and to interact with nature. As we discover the amazing and diverse treasures of our landscape in this region, we are also reminded of the importance of conserving these places permanently - to protect for future generations the natural places that renew and inspire us.
Thomas Saunders
President
Tell WPC members and friends about your favorite hidden places in the “Discussions” section of WPC’s Facebook Page. Visit WaterLandLife.org/280 to get involved.