Natural Areas Association is an association of practitioners and scientists focused on the management of ecologically significant landscapes with the intent to protect biodiversity for current and future generations.
The protection of natural areas and the rare species they harbor, in Southwestern Pennsylvania and beyond, takes constant stewardship to mitigate threats, such as invasive species and shifts resulting from a changing climate. Thanks to Colcom Foundation’s generous support, the Natural Areas Association (NAA) has quadrupled the number of practitioners in our network within the region and doubled that number nationally, further expanding access to emerging conservation science, new methodologies, and innovative management strategies. In addition, NAA solidified collaborations with existing regional conservation organizations, providing thought-leadership through participation in the Pennsylvania Environmental Council Forest Health Initiative, facilitating a group of experts exploring forest protection strategies in Western PA, and expanding programming to share vital information at a regional and national level that is essential if we are to move the needle on conservation in SW PA and beyond.
Lisa Smith, Executive Director
Tree Pittsburgh restores and protects the urban forest through tree planting and care, education, advocacy, and land conservation.
Grants from Colcom Foundation have supported Tree Pittsburgh’s work to grow and distribute more than 12,000 trees to Allegheny County residents to date, conserve five acres of riverfront land through the acquisition of our Upper Lawrenceville campus, and provide vital funds for capital improvements and organizational operations.
Danielle Crumrine, Executive Director
The Foundation for Pennsylvania Watersheds invests in efforts to protect, preserve, and restore Pennsylvania’s water resources and watersheds.
The Foundation for Pennsylvania Watersheds (FPW) has worked with Colcom Foundation since 1996 to support, guide, and fund conservation projects in southwest Pennsylvania. The FPW provides grants to community organizations at the forefront of environmental and social change, helping leverage and match private, local, state, and federal funds. The FPW has provided more than 1,600 grants, totaling more than $15.4M and leveraging more than $193.7M in conservation efforts, a 12:1 return on investment. Colcom’s funds have helped improved water quality, improve stream habitat, reduced stormwater impacts, and bring once-dead streams back to life. Colcom Foundation has consistently collaborated with the FPW to enhance and accelerate conservation impact at the local level. Their partnership supports the core mission of FPW to improve and protect Pennsylvania’s water resources.
Deb Nardone, Executive Director