Evergreen Conservancy

04/11/2026

A well-attended presentation at Blue Spruce Lodge last night.

04/07/2026

Relive the greatest historical event 🏙️💧the Great Johnstown Flood on Friday April 10, 2026 at Blue Spruce Lodge beginning at 7 pm. This presentation is sponsored by Evergreen Conservancy, is free and geared to families.

Doug Bosley, Chief of Interpretation/Site Manager of the Allegheny Portage Railroad National Historic Site and Johnstown Flood National Memorial will make the presentation. Doug will cover events that led to the Great Johnstown Flood of May 31, 1889. He will give an overview of the South Fork Fishing and Hunting Club, owners of the South Fork Dam. He will also cover what happened the day of the flood, the aftermath of the flood, the relief efforts, and eventual clean up.

Visit the Johnstown Flood National Memorial’s Website at: https://www.nps.gov/jofl/index.htm

We hope to see you there!

04/07/2026

🌱 The Friends of the Parks & Penguin Court Native Plant Sale is live!
Order your native plants now through May 10, 2026 and pick them up on Saturday, May 16 from 9 AM–12 PM at the Blue Spruce Park Lodge.

Use QR-Code or Shop here: https://indiana-county-friends-of-the-parks-penguin-court-native-plant.square.site/s/shop

Support pollinators, local habitats, and a great cause with every purchase! 🐝🌼

04/04/2026

Ramps are starting up in Indiana County.

03/20/2026

Join us this Saturday March 20 for Family Fun Fest at the Indiana Mall! 🌟Visit Evergreen Conservancy's table near Kohl's and Harbor Freight for a day of family friendly and kids activities.

Celebrate America’s 250th Anniversary at the Annual Family Fun Fest!

Join a day full of excitement, laughter, and hands-on activities for all ages, hosted by AETNA and the Children's Advisory Commission of Indiana County!

With the theme “Red, White & YOU,” enjoy patriotic games, interactive booths, and family-friendly fun for everyone.

Mark your calendars for this unforgettable star-spangled celebration! 🎈⭐

**Be sure to follow America250PA Indiana County for the latest news/event announcements about America's upcoming 250th Anniversary!

03/04/2026

Evergreen Conservancy conducts water monitoring at approximately 25 sites in Indiana County, using a group of dedicated volunteers who download the data every 2 to 3 weeks. Indiana University of PA houses the data. It is also uploaded to the Three Rivers Quest project that monitors water quality in rivers and streams in five states.

12/09/2025

PA Master Naturalist 2026 Spring Program🌲🌎

If you enjoy the outdoors, want to deepen your understanding of our natural world, or hope to make a meaningful local impact, the PA Master Naturalist Program is an excellent fit!

The course runs April 1–June 17, 2026, with weekly Wednesday evening classes (6-8:30) and four Saturday field sessions (April 11, May 2 & 16, June 3). The Indiana County Conservation District is partnering with PA Master Naturalist for this opportunity!

Applications are accepted through January 12, 2026, or until the course is filled. Learn more at pamasternaturalist.org under “Become a Master Naturalist” and “Training Courses.” Scholarships are available.

09/10/2025

Join us this fall for another trash clean-up at Blue Spruce Park on Saturday September 27th at 9:00 am!

Volunteers should park in the lot nearest the park office and will be provided with trash bags, gloves, and orange vests (feel free to bring your own as well!).

The clean-up will involve Blue Spruce Road from Route 110 to the park office, as well as the main road through the park. Volunteers should be aware that Blue Spruce Road is heavily traveled. Appropriate signs will be posted and volunteers should wear their vest at all times. Please be cautious on rough terrain and be aware of tick exposure.

Previous clean-ups have taken less than two hours, please dress appropriately. No prior registration necessary. Please reach out to [email protected] with any questions.

We hope to see you there!

07/10/2025

Yesterday evening was the Annual Meeting.
President Cindy Rogers describes the year in review.

04/13/2025

ENTHUSIASTIC AUDIENCE LEARNS ABOUT THE AMERICAN CHESTNUT
​Evergreen Conservancy’s largest presentation audience in years listed to Mike Tyree explains the blight that affected the American Chestnut and the challenges to restore it.
​The American Chestnut was the dominant tree in eastern forests as we entered the 20th Century. But then a tree brought in for ornamental purposes contained something that our American Chestnut could not withstand – alight. By midcentury the huge American Chestnut forests were wiped out. This had devastating effects to local economies and people and wild animals depending on the trees for food.
​Dr. Tyree went on to detail the difficulties in bringing back the chestnut trees. The blight is still around. IUP is actively involved in American Chestnut planting at the Flight 93 complex. It’s hard to weigh the success of the project because of how long it takes a tree to mature. Deer are the trees worst enemies.
​His presentation was followed with a very active question and action session.