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WHEREAS, in 1948, M. Graham Netting, former director of the Carnegie Museum of Natural History, explored the wilds of Western Pennsylvania in search of an unspoiled, pristine place to establish a biological field station for scientists to study the natural environment; and,
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WHEREAS, in 1956, M. Graham Netting's search ended when he found a tract of land in the Laurel Highland sustained by a stream called Powdermill. He believed this to be the finest natural area in Western Pennsylvania. Netting convinced the owners, the Scaife and Mellon families, to donate 1,100 acres and to provide funds to acquire additional land. Today, it is the internationally known 2,200 acre Powdermill Nature Reserve, revered for its exceptional stream quality, bird banding program and unrivaled diversity of Western Pennsylvania flora and fauna; and,
WHEREAS, Powdermill Nature Reserve is both a place and a philosophy. It stands as a symbol of the human vision for both scientist and philanthropist alike. This most valuable nature reserve is used by scientists to monitor and study changes in the local ecology and wildlife populations. It has served as a refuge for many plants and animals which, as a result of habitat destruction, are now becoming increasingly rare in our region as their habitats are destroyed. Powdermill Run, the mountain spring stream that traverses the mixed deciduous forest property, was found to be one of the very few unpolluted streams available for ongoing studies of aquatic life; and,
WHEREAS, the mission of the Carnegie Museum of Natural History is to collect and care for specimens and artifacts that document the history of life on Earth. Through field studies and collections-based scientific research, the Carnegie Museum of Natural History generates new knowledge and promotes stewardship of the Earth and its natural resources. Through public exhibitions, programs, and educational partnerships, it shares the results of its scientific rese...
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