Pitt-Greensburg students helped a local conservation agency bolster its public outreach

Students in a Pitt-Greensburg communication course spent the spring 2026 term developing pro bono outreach strategies for the Westmoreland Conservation District. The agency has worked since 1949 to protect water, soil and natural resources across Westmoreland County.

The class was taught by John Prellwitz, an associate professor of communication at Pitt-Greensburg. Students helped the district find ways to raise public awareness of its work, especially around water quality and watershed literacy.

Among their projects, students analyzed the district’s social media and refreshed materials describing its programs. They also developed strategies to drive residents to the district’s YouTube channel of conservation resources.

Photography by Tom Altany