Descendant of Davy Crockett, a Trailblazer in His Own Right
Keynote Speaker for September 13 Wild in the Woods Event

He has been credited with helping to bring life, both economic and environmental, back to his hometown on Chattanooga, Tennessee. He is internationally recognized for his efforts in creating smart growth; in fact, his life mission is to create sustainable 21st century communities. He's got a charisma that's been known to positively influence those who meet him, and he comes by it honestly, being a direct descendant of the original "King of the Wild Frontier," Davy Crockett.

On September 13, at the Bear Run Nature Reserve (home of Fallingwater) in Fayette County, David Crockett will explain how those same efforts that revitalized his hometown could work here in western Pennsylvania. His keynote address "Places of Imagination and Connection," focuses on promoting those principles of sustainability that succeeded in Chattanooga.

"Sustainability is eliminating the 'r-e' prefix; renew, redo, rehabilitate," Crockett said, adding that he believes the time is ripe for innovative alliances across and among citistate regions. "The best you can do is build a culture that can meet the challenges of an unknown future."

Crockett will speak at 11 a.m., following a dedication of a new interpretive center and the WPC Annual Business Meeting. The interpretive center is housed in an historic barn on the Reserve, which was originally built in 1870, and is a stunning update of this community landmark. WPC designed the center to benefit the local community and tourists who come to Fallingwater every year. Community-based programming will provide educational opportunities for our neighbors in the region, and will build understanding of the local human and natural communities for Fallingwater's tourist audience, and expand travelers' interests.

"David Crockett has a wonderful track record of making good things happen, not only in Chattanooga but across the country." said WPC President and CEO Larry Schweiger, "His knowledge and experiences translate well to regions that face the challenge of a shrinking population and an expanding suburban corridor."

In addition to Mr. Crockett, Wild in the Woods features seminars on area birds of prey and our local bat population presented by the Pennsylvania Game Commission, who will be bringing live animals as part of their presentations. The event promises a full day of family and children's activities, including guided hikes, tours of Fallingwater, a petting zoo, demonstrations, horse-drawn hayrides, live music and exhibits. The day begins at 8 a.m., and ends about 4 p.m.

Adults/Children over 12: $5.00 per person (food and refreshments additional)
Children 12 and under: Free

Event fee includes most activities. However, in order to keep event prices affordable, please note that food is not included in the ticket price. Local vendors will be available throughout the day for food to be purchased at an additional cost.

Sponsored by Western Pennsylvania Conservancy
Bear Run Nature Reserve, Mill Run, Pa.

The Reserve is the site of Fallingwater, and is about 1 1/2 hours southeast of Pittsburgh.

For more information about Wild in the Woods, call 412-586-2372 or toll free at 866-564-6972, extension 2372 or e-mail at jrowley@paconserve.org. Invite or bring your friends for the festivities. Non-members are welcome!