What can I do?

There are many opportunities for individuals and companies to support the mission of Western Pennsylvania Conservancy. Here is just a sampling---if you have a special talent or skill that would advance our mission, please let us know. We welcome individuals and corporate, school, and religious volunteer groups; WPC can also assist with a "1-day" family or group project.

What qualifications do I need?

• You must be at least 18 years of age or accompanied by an adult or teacher.
• You must be responsible and enthusiastic.

Many ways to get involved.

Fallingwater
Frank Lloyd Wright's masterpiece, Fallingwater, located in Mill Run, PA (approximately 90 miles southeast of Pittsburgh) offers many opportunities for volunteers. Our volunteers donate a day a week, a month or even a year and come from states throughout the U.S. Volunteers work in a variety of capacities and we can tailor your interests to our specific needs. Volunteers assist in our visitor's pavilion, gate house, on site café, conduct visitor surveys, act as grounds and 'Ask Me' guides, and work at special events. Specific volunteer needs arise too. We have a volunteer "moisture monitor" and "caulking monitor" and volunteers have helped us update our book inventory on Frank Lloyd Wright. Other special projects arise periodically in which we can utilize the special skills that our volunteer pool provides.

For more information on volunteer opportunities, call Edna King 724-329-1441, ext. 1019 or email her at eking@paconserve.org.


Land of Fallingwater Guide
WPC is always looking for volunteers with an interest and knowledge of the natural history (flora, fauna, natural communities, and geology) of the area surrounding Fallingwater known as Bear Run. Those that enjoy sharing their knowledge of Western Pennsylvania can volunteer as trained Land of Fallingwater Guides. Land of Fallingwater Guides make a definite time commitment to Fallingwater and participate in two lengthy training sessions in addition to regular training updates. These 3-hour tours are comprehensive and fascinating for those who appreciate the beauty of this area of Pennsylvania.

For more information on volunteer opportunities, call Edna King 724-329-1441, ext. 1019 or email her at eking@paconserve.org.

Land Steward
In the warm months, typically May through October, WPC has frequent work projects occurring on WPC properties through out western Pennsylvania, from Erie to Fayette. This might be a day cleaning up an illegal dump, removing invasive weeds, building a bridge, repairing a trail, or marking a property boundary. Volunteers are always welcome at these events, many hands makes for light work. Applicants will be added to email and phone list providing updates regarding the time and location of these events. Although we call these events “work days”, they are informal and offer a chance to socialize with other conservation minded people and an opportunity to explore and learn about the ecology of the preserve where the work project is occurring.

WPC occasionally has the opportunity to assign volunteers to steward a specific property, where they take on increase monitoring responsibilities. Volunteers need to commit to visiting a property a certain number of times per year, and provide monitoring reports, maps, and pictures to document these visits. Openings for property specific assignments are made only as available, and we cannot guarantee that all applicants will be assigned to a specific property. We typically tap volunteers who have shown a strong commitment to the program by volunteering with our work days, and look for good fits between a volunteer’s interests and skills and the needs of the properties.

For more information contact our Land Steward Coordinator at 412-586-2318 or email: land@paconserve.org.

Plant a Garden
This is a great way to volunteer for a day with your family! Work with your neighbors to plant a WPC community garden. Gardens are located throughout the region and are planted the 1st week of May through the beginning June. For a listing of garden planting dates, double click here. Wear sneakers and jeans, we will supply the garden tools. In October, WPC needs volunteers to help with fall cleanup and site preparation preparation for next year's planting. WPC has more than 400 garden projects for volunteers with different levels of skill, time commitments and responsibilities.

For more information contact our Volunteer Coordinator at 412-586-2324 or email :gardens@paconserve.org.


Garden Captain
Volunteers are responsible for the overall appearance and care of a WPC garden site. Garden Captains work closely with WPC staff to coordinate the May planting, perform weekly watering, weeding, and upkeep. Gardens are located in neighborhoods, along highway corridors and intersections. If you like to garden and meet other local gardeners, this program is for you!

For more information contact our Volunteer Coordinator at 412-586-2390 or email :gardens@paconserve.org.



WPC Public Participation
Are you willing to speak up for conservation? You can use your voice to protect important natural resources and to help strengthen your community. WPC recognizes that when we join together, we have powerful voices that can be heard in your hometown, in Harrisburg and Washington, D.C. By writing letters, emails, and making phone calls, you can demonstrate your support of conservation. Citizen support helps to ensure that existing conservation laws remain viable, and it helps obtain needed policy changes. Sign up to receive action alerts about important issues.

For more information contact Brian Gallagher at 412-586-2380 or email: bgallagher@paconserve.org.




Clerical/Office Work
This important volunteer is needed at both the WPC office in downtown Pittsburgh and at Fallingwater. Work with our staff to learn about our membership and conservation efforts.

For more information contact (412) 288-2777.
info@paconserve.org

Photographer
Are you a shutterbug? You can use your hobby as a way to volunteer! Photographers are needed at outings, special events, and garden planting. All film and processing provided by WPC. Volunteers are asked to use their own camera equipment. (35mm preferred).

For more information contact J. Pierpoint Rowley at 412-586-2372 or email: jrowley@paconserve.org.

Ready to Volunteer?

For planting a WPC garden, contact Community Conservation at 412-586-2388 or email: gardenvolunteer@paconserve.org.

The Western Pennsylvania Conservancy treats applicants and volunteers without regard to their race, or color, religion, ancestry, national origin, age, sex, sexual preference, disability, marital status or veteran status.