Two women standing amoung newly planted trees in a riparian buffer.

Planting trees in a riparian buffer, Cambria County PA.

Dramatic rivers and many tens of thousands of miles of creeks and streams meander across and define Western Pennsylvania’s landscape. They provide vital wildlife habitats, the water we drink and bring us opportunities for recreation and rejuvenation.

All the Conservancy's work plays a role in protecting these watersheds. Conserving and stewarding land, building rain gardens and bioswales in communities to mitigate stormwater and planting trees in neighborhoods and along streams all positively affect our rivers and streams.

You can help! Take action locally in recognition of World Water Day today. Register for one of our upcoming volunteer opportunities mentioned below. Or learn more about restoring and protecting rivers and streams near you through one of our recorded webinars.

A group of people holding tools and shovels with green leafy trees in the background.

Volunteers are ready to plant trees and remove invasive plants at WPC's Toms Run Nature Reserve.

Land stewardship at Toms Run Nature Reserve in Allegheny County

Saturday, April 20

Help kick off a busy season of stewarding our preserves! Volunteers will meet at WPC's Toms Run Nature Reserve for trail maintenance, invasive plant control and tree planting.

Enjoy the spring wildflowers and take home as much garlic mustard as you can carry!

Click here for details and to register.

WPC's Land Protection Coordinator Angie Landry stabilizes a red maple sapling with a stake to help it grow in a riparian buffer.

Riparian Tree Planting in Potter County

Wednesday, April 24

Volunteers of all ages can help improve water quality, stabilize streambanks, reduce pollution runoff and provide cooler water for fish and other wildlife…all by planting trees!

We’ll plant a variety of native Pennsylvania bare-root and small potted trees and shrubs by hand in riparian areas, the sensitive area between land and water. The goal is to plant approximately 1,000 tree and shrub seedlings.

Click here for details and to register.

Three adults and two kids wave and smile around the tree they just planted.

WPC Volunteers planting one of thousands of street trees.

Tree Planting – Brighton Heights, Pittsburgh

Saturday, April 27

Join in the fun of planting trees in Pittsburgh's Brighton Heights neighborhood as part of TreeVitalize Pittsburgh.

Come out to help plant trees and learn about types of native trees, proper tree planting practices and tree care. All are welcome to volunteer at this planting, which will be held rain or shine.

Click here for details and to register.

WPC Watershed Riparian Coordinator Monica Lee places a mat at the base of a young riparian buffer tree. The mat will prevent weeds from growing and outcompeting the newly planted tree.

Together, we're a powerful force for conservation.

“Becoming a WPC member and/or volunteer, and learning more about your local watershed issues, will go a long way in improving local rivers and streams near and dear to you."

- Jenifer Christman, WPC's vice president of watershed conservation, quoted in the Summer/Fall 2020 issue of Conserve Magazine.