In this issue...
The Renewal of Spring

Each spring I am amazed at the resiliency of nature and its determination to renew itself no matter what conditions the winter has inflicted upon it. I was eager to see the first blush of red maple on the hillsides, and catch the scent of skunk cabbage on some paths along a stream. Spring in western Pennsylvania is when the greening woodlands renew our own spirits as they enliven the landscape.

This issue of CONSERVE highlights renewal in the work of Western Pennsylvania Conservancy. We are extremely pleased to have Denny McGrath join us as our new president and chief executive officer. Denny’s vision and leadership will continue WPC’s commitment to conservation, while inspiring renewed focus on our mission. The entire board, staff and membership welcome Denny to our organization and pledge our own renewed commitment to WPC’s goals.

Renewal is a key aspect of WPC’s success through the years. Our work to preserve land with high ecological, scenic and recreational value provides the focus for the annual renewal of our commitment to effective land conservation. As we identify and acquire valuable pieces of property, we work closely with commonwealth agencies to ensure their acceptance of the stewardship of these special areas for wildlife habitat, outdoor recreation and open space, as well as making them available for public enjoyment. A summary of WPC’s land acquisitions and transfers during 2004 appears in this issue, and we are eager to continue the cycle of conservation and renewal in 2005.

At Fallingwater, the spirit of renewal has led to the publishing of The Poetry of Nature, a small but powerful guidebook created to inspire a full appreciation of the trails at Bear Run Nature Reserve. The book’s gentle encouragement to experience the personal significance of nature can be employed anywhere, but we encourage all members to spend some time this spring at Bear Run.

Renewal is at the core of our Community Conservation program. Each year, thousands of community volunteers actively renew their connection to nature through community gardening. Every day in May (with the exception of Sundays) volunteers are planting a community garden somewhere in western Pennsylvania. Our work with these neighborhoods and volunteers helps communities continually renew their vitality and attractiveness. They provide vibrant welcome mats that vividly demonstrate the community’s investment in the value of attractive, green, open space.

WPC’s projects are not the only example of renewal around our region. For a short primer in community commitment, resourcefulness and resilience, read inside about the Mountain Watershed Association (MWA), a small but powerful group based in the Laurel Highlands of Westmoreland and Fayette counties. MWA has brought renewal to poisoned streams through its refusal to accept the legacy of mining pollution in the watershed of Indian Creek.
Please enjoy this CONSERVE and be sure to get out, enjoy nature and renew your own relationship with the natural world. It is spring in western Pennsylvania, and there is no better time or place.

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