The deadline to apply is November 13.
The Conservancy’s CADF provides technical assistance and grants of up to $5,000 for the construction and enhancement of canoe and kayak access locations.
Founded in 2008 by Conservancy donors and outdoor enthusiasts Roy Weil and Mary Shaw, CADF provides grants to watershed organizations and other community groups to make the region’s rivers and streams more accessible for outdoor recreation by developing and improving access sites for canoeists, kayakers and anglers.
Grant funding can be used to stabilize access areas to rivers or streams, add nearby parking areas, purchase riverside access or for other improvements.
The Conservancy has funded 108 canoe access site projects along 40 different waterways in 25 counties in the region.
Previously funded canoe access sites that have successfully completed their 10-year commitment are eligible to reapply for another grant.
An interactive map on the WPC website allows users to explore some of the region’s WPC-funded access sites.
The most recent awardees include Shenango River Watchers for the Riverside Park Launch on the Shenango River and Glendale Industrial Development Association for improvements to Van Ormer Canoe and Kayak Launch on Clearfield Creek.
The Jefferson County Conservation District has received two CADF grants. In 2017, JCCD installed a launch on Sandy Lick Creek in Reynoldsville.
In 2026, with the help of a second CADF grant of $5,000 and other funding sources, the organization installed the Heath Township Canoe Launch on Callen Run in Heath Township.
Ben Smith, JCCD watershed specialist, notes the organization has received technical assistance from WPC with streambank designs, landowner questions and questions on grant funding.
The Heath Township launch provides access to the Wild and Scenic Clarion River at the mouth of Callen Run, just off PA Route 949, six miles north of Clear Creek State Park.
Ben says CADF funds were used for permitting, purchasing materials and hiring a contractor to install the ramp.
“This project has received great support from the community,” Smith says. “The Heath Township Sportsmen’s Club has taken on maintenance responsibilities, keeping the community involved. The launch has been very busy with paddlers and anglers, including a group that showed up as we were finishing construction!”
Kelly Horrell, WPC watershed conservation program administrator, says the fund helps create safe access along our rivers and streams, such as stabilized paths and access areas, providing people of all ages opportunities to explore the natural world by getting on the water.
“Kayaking and canoeing is an immersive way to connect with nature and explore Pennsylvania’s waterways,” she says. “More accessibility provides more opportunities for adventure and exploration along our serene waterways.”
For all the details, visit the WPC’s Canoe Access Development Fund webpage. Questions should be directed to: Kelly Horrell, WPC watershed program administrator, at khorrell@paconserve.org or 724-471-7202, ext. 5100.
The Western Pennsylvania Conservancy enhances the region by protecting and restoring exceptional places.
A private nonprofit conservation organization founded in 1932, WPC has helped establish 11 state parks, conserved more than 297,000 acres of natural lands, protected or restored more than 3,000 miles of rivers and streams, and assessed thousands of wildlife species and their habitats.
The Conservancy owns and operates Frank Lloyd Wright’s Fallingwater, which is on the UNESCO World Heritage List and symbolizes people living in harmony with nature.
In addition, WPC enriches our region’s cities and towns through 125 community gardens and other green spaces and thousands of trees that are planted with the help of more than 7,000 volunteers.
The work of the Conservancy is accomplished through the support of more than 10,000 members.
Related Articles This Week:
-- DCNR Fall Foliage Report Oct. 1-7: Bright Fall Colors Development Across Northern Tier Counties [PaEN]
-- Keystone Trails Assn.: 50+ Trail Advocates Hold Hike Harrisburg Trail Advocacy Day At State Capitol In Harrisburg [PaEN]
-- DCNR State Parks Environmental Ed News: Environmental Literacy Questionnaire Now Available; Fall Teaching Ideas; Professional Development Workshops
-- Western PA Conservancy Now Accepting Applications For Western PA Canoe And Kayak Access Projects [PaEN]
-- Delaware Highlands Conservancy Announces Photo Contest Winners; Exhibition Opens At ARTery Gallery Nov. 14 In Milford, Pike County [PaEN]
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-- Scranton Times: ‘Recovery In Nature’ Substance Abuse Initiative Blooms Highlighting Benefits Of Enjoyment Of State Parks, Nature Areas
-- Morning Call Guest Essay: Open Space Preservation Will Stop A.I. Data Centers In Lehigh County And So Much More - By Lamont McClure, Former Northampton County Executive
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-- TribLive: Allegheny Regional Asset District Board Proposes Nearly $153 Million In Funding For Parks, Libraries And Arts
-- LehighValleyLive: Allentown Park Lands $4 Million Bezos Grant, A First In PA
-- Susquehanna Greenway Partnership Completes First-Of-Its-Kind Accessibility Study Of West Branch Susquehanna River Access Sites
-- Reading Eagle: Improved Schuylkill River Water Trail Access Point Opens In Berks County
-- York Daily Record: Motorcycle Club Replants Community Spirit After Penn Township Park Vandalism
[Posted: October 1, 2026] PA Environment Digest
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