Western Pennsylvania Conservancy

[2] The organization’s goal was to alleviate widespread unemployment through public works programs that would also create a positive impact on the region’s natural resources.

[3] By 1945, the Conservancy was acquiring large tracts of land in Lawrence County that eventually became part of McConnells Mill State Park.

The Conservancy’s work enables protection of important natural resources and creates economic benefits through an area’s tourism, recreation and forestry.

The watershed conservation program also provides schools and students of all ages with hands-on educational presentations that help people understand the importance of clean water and healthy ecosystems in Pennsylvania.

[12] For many decades, the Conservancy has worked with PennDOT, municipalities and other local entities to transform vacant land into community flower gardens.

Since 2005, with funding from Laurel Foundation, WPC grows, hangs and cares for more than 400 flower baskets that beautify bridges and major streets of the Golden Triangle during spring and summer months.

Since 2008, with funding from Colcom Foundation, WPC plants and maintains seasonal flower displays in more than 400 large planters that line the streets of downtown Pittsburgh year round.

[18] Established in 1981, PNHP is responsible for the inventory and monitoring of threatened and endangered species of (both state and federal) and natural communities.

The program also maintains the Pennsylvania Natural Diversity Inventory (PNDI) database,[19] which contains records for threatened, endangered and other listed species and communities.

[21] The Kaufmann family became acquainted with the Conservancy when they were involved with the early acquisition of Ferncliff Peninsula, later to become the cornerstone of Ohiopyle State Park.