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MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT
I’m pleased to share the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy’s 2022 Annual Report, which highlights our progress during the year. Thank you for your wonderful generosity and support of our work—you play an essential role in our success.
We celebrated a milestone in 2022: 90 years in existence! During the nine decades since the Conservancy began, the scope and impact of our work have steadily grown. We protected more than a quarter of a million acres of natural lands in Pennsylvania, helped to establish 11 state parks, protected or restored more than 3,000 miles of rivers and streams, planted more than 105,000 trees, and steward Fallingwater, which is on the UNESCO World Heritage List. We also plant and maintain 130 community flower gardens in 20 counties, and provide more than 41 nature preserves for all to enjoy, free of charge.
2022 was the first year of implementing a new strategic plan. Our 2022-2024 Strategic Plan outlines how the Conservancy’s work will progress over the next several years through 21 strategic initiatives that are informed by science and current and future issues facing nature and our region as a whole. As always, these initiatives are tied to our mission.
Our land protection work advanced with more land added to our preserves, which are open to the public for hiking, fishing, walking, nature watching, hunting and exploring. One of those preserves, Dutch Hill Forest, is near the Clarion River, which is one of the best rivers in Western Pennsylvania for paddling and nature watching.
Conservancy staff improved the health of local streams and rivers, protected some of our most rare species and habitats, and made advancements in our community greening work. This work is making cities and towns across the region greener and more livable.
Fallingwater is bouncing back from operational changes and challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. Our staff there have placed an emphasis on innovation in many ways, including how we offer experiences at Fallingwater, a symbol of people living in harmony with nature. You’ll read more about tour experiences, Fallingwater Institute programming, and a major preservation initiative that is underway.
Please enjoy this look back on 2022. Because of your ongoing commitment, more people are being introduced to our work and we continue advancing conservation efforts in our region and preserving Fallingwater for future generations. Thanks again for your generous support.
