We Conserve PA

06/05/2026

We've already taken a tape measure to the Capitol, collected hemlock cones, and are seeing colored pencil shavings in our office trash can! WeConservePA is pleased to have Hannah Bubb with us this summer as our Art & Design Intern. A student at Kutztown University of Pennsylvania, where she studies Communication Design, Hannah is a versatile artist with an interest in social issues. Hannah will be working on a variety of projects to help draw attention to conservation and support WeConservePA education and outreach. Welcome, Hannah!

05/07/2026

https://centregives.org/organizations/215-weconservepa
Calling all friends of Pennsylvania conservation!! WeConservePA is one of many great organizations you can support during today's Centre Gives fundraiser. Folks like you have already donated over $500...can you add your own donation in the next 9 hours? Your gift will help WeConservePA provide statewide specialized education, legal assistance, and best-practice resources for conservation professionals in Pennsylvania. We serve 75 member organizations including land trusts, watershed associations, and Environmental Advisory Councils. Donate today!

WeConservePA helps people protect, wisely use, and enjoy what nature offers. We advocate for pro-conservation, life-sustaining governmental policy and assist...

05/05/2026

During this year's Pennsylvania Land Conservation Conference, WeConservePA was pleased to honor Ellen Ferretti with the Lifetime Conservation Leadership Award. Ellen has worked for decades at many levels learning about and championing the conservation of land and responsible stewardship of the environment and the natural resources in Pennsylvania.

“Ellen’s extraordinary leadership has indelibly shaped the conservation legacy of Pennsylvania. With authenticity at the core of her work, she has united communities, advanced the stewardship of our natural resources, and championed a vision rooted in collaboration and care. Through her steadfast commitment to mentorship, she has cultivated a rising generation of conservation leaders—ensuring a vibrant and enduring future for the Commonwealth’s landscapes and the people who protect them.” —Stephanie S. Armpriester (Chief Impact Officer, Brandywine Conservancy & Museum of Art)

Present to celebrate the award recognition were family, friends, former colleagues from Brandywine Conservancy, and staff and Board members from North Branch Land Trust, where Ellen serves as Executive Director, and representatives from Buck and Doe Trust, a stewardship partner for the Laurels Preserve which was significantly expanded under Ellen's directorship. Ellen has also provided statewide leadership in her former roles at Pennsylvania Environmental Council and PA DCNR, where she served as both Deputy Secretary for Parks and Forestry as well as Secretary of the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. Read more about Ellen's program and project contributions over many years of conservation leadership: https://weconservepa.org/blog/ellen-ferretti-receives-lifetime-conservation-leadership-award/

04/30/2026

I had the privilege of welcoming over 400 people from around the Commonwealth devoted to conserving and protecting land and waterways for the annual We Conserve PA Conference being held in Lancaster this year. The organization and the conference provide an opportunity for education, tools and networking among individuals and organizations devoted to conserving land, protecting and restoring waterways, implementing sustainable practices, and connecting people to the outdoors. During my speech yesterday I talked about the incredible work of so many people and organizations here in Lancaster County. More than what we do as a community, I delved into how, through collaboration. Appreciate the nice introduction by Jeff Swinehart of the Lancaster Farmland Trust and seeing Fritz Schroeder of the Lancaster Conservancy.

04/22/2026

Happy Earth Day from WeConservePA and a shout-out to our 75 member organizations who work to conserve land, advance watershed health, and promote municipal sustainability across Pennsylvania—thank you for the important work you do every day! Photo: WeConservePA executive director, Andy Loza, has been in California this week at the Land Trust Leadership Council. He had the awe-inspiring chance to visit some redwood trees!

04/07/2026

https://conservationadvocate.org/postcard/
Send a customized postcard 🖼️ and show PA legislators that open spaces and natural areas matter to you! It's easy:

✅ Upload a photo of yourself, your family, or friends enjoying a favorite park, trail, or other PA natural area.
✅ Select a headline & personalize a note of support for conservation and outdoor recreation.
✅ Your postcard will be printed & mailed to your PA legislators so they see the value of state funding for conservation and outdoor recreation.

Thanks for helping us send a strong collective message so PA legislators know that their constituents (you!) care about parks, preserves, trails—and support state investments like the Keystone Recreation, Park and Conservation Fund.

04/01/2026

HIRING: 🎨 Creative Art & Design Intern (Summer 2026)

Start Date: May 19, 2026 (or as agreed upon)
Hours & Pay: $16/hour, 15–22.5 hours/week (depending on intern’s preference)
Location: Harrisburg, PA (hybrid remote/office)

WeConservePA seeks a visually creative, studio art or graphic design student to help develop original artwork and outreach materials that advance conservation and outdoor recreation across Pennsylvania. This is a great opportunity to use your artistic talent to support real-world advocacy—translating ideas into images that inform and inspire action. The internship duration will be approximately 10 weeks, with the potential to continue up to one year per project needs and intern availability.

View past work created by WeConservePA art and design interns:https://weconservepa.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/WeConservePA-Art_Design-Intern-Samples.pdf

Interested in expanding the archive? Apply! Submit a portfolio of sample work (PDF or link) and cover letter by email (subject line: “Summer 2026 Internship”) to [email protected]. Application deadline: April 24. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

03/24/2026

Thanks to all who attended the Land Acquisition & Stewardship Gathering | Pittsburgh last week, hosted by Western Pennsylvania Conservancy. Presentations by conservation leaders at Foundation for Sustainable Forests and Western PA Conservancy highlighted land management strategies, philosophies, and business models for achieving biodiversity, ecosystem health, and potentially sustainable revenue for stewardship. WeConservePA's Legal Director, Justin Hollinger, reviewed the difference between a purchase option and sales agreement. The day ended with open conversation on forest management; due diligence; and oil, gas, and mineral rights.

03/19/2026

Check out the latest news and resources for Environmental Advisory Council members and supporters, including:

✅ Update on Lower Merion Township's new ban on gas-powered leaf blowers

✅ Municipal tools for sidewalks, tree planning, and parks financing

✅ Upcoming events such as the PA Road Salt Action Group with Little Lehigh Watershed Stewards; EAC Meet-and-Greet with Allegheny County Conservation District; and Montgomery County, PA Sustainability Marketplace

✅ Grant funding opportunities
..and more! Want to get EAC news direct to your inbox? Click "Join Our Email List" link in the top-right of your browser view: https://tinyurl.com/48p4afvw