PENNSYLVANIA (WTAJ) \u2014 Projects that are working to protect Pennsylvania\u2019s non-game animals, native plants and their habitats are receiving funding for their mission.<\/p>\n
As part of the Wild Resource Conservation Program<\/a>, nearly $530,000 is being awarded to 15 projects across the state that are working to protect native biodiversity. This year\u2019s grant round includes projects focused on surveying and studying rare plants, wildlife, fungi, and invertebrates to fill critical knowledge gaps and guide conservation.<\/p>\n \u201cEvery species plays a role in keeping Pennsylvania\u2019s natural world healthy and resilient, and science is our most powerful tool to protect them,\u201d Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn said. \u201cThese investments ensure we can better understand the challenges wildlife and plants face and take action to safeguard them. Protecting biodiversity isn\u2019t just environmental work \u2014 it\u2019s our responsibility to future generations.\u201d<\/p>\n Over $4M invested in Pennsylvania manufacturing programs <\/a><\/p>\n Take a look at the projects: <\/p>\n Penn State \u2013 $53,924\u00a0to assess bee biodiversity using DNA barcoding and the Master Gardeners\u2019 monitoring network, creating a statewide database of bee\u2013host plant relationships.<\/p>\n Conemaugh Valley Conservancy \u2013 $30,998\u00a0to create Pennsylvania\u2019s first firefly inventory in partnership with global experts.<\/p>\n Western Pennsylvania Conservancy \u2013 $40,525\u00a0to accurately map green salamander habitat and assess conservation needs.<\/p>\n University of Pennsylvania \u2013 $45,737\u00a0to study rare mountain mints (Pycnanthemum) and improve risk assessments and conservation planning.<\/p>\n Florida A&M University Research Foundation \u2013 $46,550\u00a0to conduct an extensive survey of Pennsylvania amphipod crustaceans and refine taxonomic understanding and range maps.<\/p>\n Carnegie Institute \u2013 $30,353\u00a0to locate rare plant species across western Pennsylvania using historic records and build new plant collections.<\/p>\n Western Pennsylvania Conservancy \u2013 $43,385\u00a0to study regionally rare stoneflies and evaluate habitat, distribution, and threats such as pollution.<\/p>\n Wilkes University \u2013 $27,182\u00a0to examine how forest management affects the breeding and migration of prairie warblers and wood thrush in northeastern Pennsylvania.<\/p>\n Western Pennsylvania Conservancy \u2013 $29,983\u00a0to survey specific rare plant species in eastern Pennsylvania with no reported occurrences in the last 20 years.<\/p>\n University of Pennsylvania \u2013 $50,493\u00a0to develop rapid detection protocols for endangered Allegheny woodrat habitat using trained conservation\u00a0detection dogs.<\/p>\n Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia \u2013 $48,312\u00a0to assess opportunities to reintroduce the bridle shiner and ironcolor shiner, two endangered fish species.<\/p>\n Hawk Mountain Sanctuary \u2013 $42,200\u00a0to study habitat and threats affecting Pennsylvania\u2019s nesting and wintering northern harriers.<\/p>\n Wildlands Conservancy \u2013 $38,400\u00a0to survey rare small mammals using camera traps and update conservation priorities.<\/p>\n Western Pennsylvania Conservancy \u2013 $30,600\u00a0to study conservation needs of several\u00a0Potamogeton\u00a0species, a group of difficult-to-identify submerged aquatic plants.<\/p>\n Philadelphia Mycology Club \u2013 $4,258\u00a0to document, sequence, and accession 1,600 fungi specimens into the Academy of Natural Sciences herbarium.<\/p>\n Get the latest news, weather forecasts and sports stories delivered straight to your inbox! Sign up for our newsletters<\/a>.<\/p>\n \u201cIn Pennsylvania, we have a rich diversity of native bee species that are crucial for our ecosystem\u2019s health,\u201d Dr. Margarita Lopez-Uribe, Lorenzo Langstroth Early Career Associate Professor of Entomology at Penn State, said. \u201cWe have recorded close to 450 species, many of which are rare and depend on floral resources from native plants. With this project, we hope to collect more data on these vulnerable interactions between rare plants and native bees.\u201d<\/p>\n Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.<\/p>\n