Harrisburg, PA – Applications are now open for the 2025 Wild Resource Conservation Program (WRCP), which offers grant funding to support research and conservation projects that protect Pennsylvania’s native wildlife, plants, and ecosystems, announced the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.
The WRCP, overseen by DCNR, provides critical support for conserving non-game animals, native plants and fungi, and invertebrates such as insects — species often left out of traditional conservation programs but vital to the Commonwealth’s ecosystems.
“These grants fuel the kind of science-driven, hands-on conservation work that helps protect Pennsylvania’s most vulnerable wildlife and plant species,” said DCNR Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn. “The Shapiro Administration is committed to maintaining our Commonwealth’s rich biodiversity for future generations — and this program is a key part of that mission.”
This year’s WRCP grant priorities include:
- Surveys of at-risk species such as the Allegheny woodrat, northern harrier, green salamander, and state-listed native plants
- Genetic research on native grapes and mountain mint
- Habitat management for wood thrush and other species of concern
Additional focus areas include the rare amphipod species Gammarus and 12 regional stonefly species identified as top conservation priorities.
“The 2025 grant round is focused on supporting recovery and implementation efforts for Pennsylvania’s rare, threatened, and endangered species,” said Rebecca Bowen, DCNR’s chief of Conservation Science and Ecological Resources. “The Wild Resource Conservation Program is unique in that it allows Pennsylvanians to directly support the protection of non-game wildlife and native plants.”
Launched in 1982, WRCP encourages and supports research and protection efforts to conserve Pennsylvania’s diverse native wildlife resources, including bird and mammal species, amphibians and reptiles, insects, wild plants, and fungi.
The Wild Resource Conservation Program's mission fits with the Shapiro Administration's broader commitment to preserving and enhancing Pennsylvania's natural resources. Pennsylvanians can contribute to WRCP through the Eastern Hellbender license plate and the state’s voluntary tax check-off.
In 2024, DCNR awarded $372,000 through WRCP to support field research, habitat restoration, and the conservation of fungi and plant species.
How to Apply
Applications will be accepted now through 4:00 PM on July 7, 2025, through DCNR’s online grant portal. Project proposals that support DCNR’s Wildlife Action Plan or other agency conservation priorities — even if not explicitly listed — are welcomed.
Visit DCNR’s website for full grant criteria, priority species, and application instructions.
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