The Western Pennsylvania Conservancy

Moths act crazy around lights...but why? This NPR article explains how artificial light messes with insects' ability to tell up from down. https://n.pr/4cEYT1O #moths #NationalMothWeek

We're all aflutter...it's National Moth Week! Check out some moths our staff has photographed while in our gardens, on our preserves or through their own kitchen door! Did you know: 😮 Scientists estimate that moth species number from 150,000 to 500,000 . 🖐🏽 Moth's sizes range from as small as a pinhead to as big as a human hand! ☀️ Most moths are nocturnal but some fly like butterflies during the day.

What do you do in your spare time? Our Pennsylvania Natural Heritage Program Avian Ecologist David Yeany sometimes raises these beautiful Cecropia moths (Hyalophora cecropia). In addition to enjoying a fun and cool pastime, “I do it for science education for my son and myself…and to maybe give a boost to the local moth population,” David explains. “It’s a good way to have an intimate connection to one of nature's most remarkable processes as a tiny caterpillar changes into one of our largest moths.” According to the National Wildlife Federation (https://www.nwf.org/): 👐 The Cecropia moth’s wingspan of five to seven inches makes it the largest moth found in North America. 💡 These nocturnal moths are found in hardwood forests east of the Rocky Mountains in the United States and Canada. They are attracted to street and porch lights. 🍃 The caterpillars feed on leaves throughout the summer. The adult moths don’t eat at all! Thanks, David, for these beautiful photos and for supporting the moth population! Addendum: In case you are interested in trying this unique hobby, David provided this link, which lays out the whole process in detail: https://lnkd.in/g7Mfbs4q #MothWeek #Moths #CecropiaMoths

We throw a lot of shade! Since 2008, our community greening team, with partners and volunteers, have planted 40,000 trees in 57 municipalities in Allegheny County and 73 City of Pittsburgh neighborhoods! Trees help control stormwater runoff and flooding, give us shade and provide food habitat for insects, birds and small wildlife. Help your community get trees planted on urban streets next spring through TreeVitalize Pittsburgh Learn more here: bit.ly/2GoTu2b. Contact Alicia at 412-586-2386 or [email protected] by October 1 to start the application process. #trees #PlantATree #UrbanForestry #UrbanTreeCanopy

Love these before and after photos from Seneca Resources Company, LLC on one of our stream improvement projects in Elk County. Our watershed team does continual water quality assessments to track improvements.

Through our school grounds greening program, we're providing spaces for children to develop physical skills, creativity, imagination and skills such as problem-solving, discovery, observation, experimentation and social interaction. The space at Pittsburgh Public Schools' Chartiers Early Childhood Center has 19 trees, 14 shrubs, 60 perennials – and many other features – to encourage motor skill development, nurture creativity and stimulate curiosity. In addition to the pollinator-friendly perennials and native trees, the outdoor space includes ADA-accessible pathways, picnic tables, benches and 122 stepping stones. Other sensory elements include two birdhouses, flower-shaped chalkboards and a nature table, maze, play hill, shed, and fruit-stand play store. Learn more about our SGG program and how you can get involved! Register for a free webinar, "School Grounds Greening: Helping Children Learn in and From Nature” on July 31, at noon, ET ➡️https://bit.ly/4cGCnFo Can't attend live? Register and you'll receive a link after the webinar to watch it at your convenience. #NatureBasedLearning #SchoolGroundsGreening #educators

Wet feet no more! Volunteers helped us build small trail bridges at our Helen B. Katz Natural Area in Crawford County, where wetland areas can sometimes cause muddy trail conditions. Tyson Johnson, WPC's land stewardship manager, explains how it's done.

The PA iMapInvasives program needs your help to track invasive species, including bamboo, swallow wort, hammerhead worms, English ivy (shown here) and black jetbead. Register for a July 30 webinar at 11 a.m. to prepare for the annual Invasive Species Scavenger Hunt in August: https://bit.ly/45cfmrk. Can't attend live? Register, and after the webinar you will receive a link to watch the webinar at your convenience.

WPC, one of the largest land trusts in the nation, is hiring a Vice President for Government and Community Relations based in our Pittsburgh office. This high-level leadership position is over government and community relations: inclusive of all programs of the Conservancy, community greening and natural heritage programs. Learn more and apply: https://bit.ly/2pv5UNc

Curious about invasive species in the Great Lakes region and surrounding areas -- -- such as the cattail, goby and phragmites shown here -- and wonder what you can do to combat them? Join us August 3 at 6 p.m. in Tom Ridge Environmental Center for a free screening of our documentary film, “Seeing The Unseen: Aquatic Invaders & What’s at Stake,” executively produced by WPC staff in partnership with Great Lakes Media. Stay for a discussion with a panel of experts. Attendance is free, but online registration is required. Get details and register here: https://bit.ly/4cCVe4d #invasives #LakeErie TREC is located at Presque Isle State Park, managed by the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.