Tribute to Joshua Whetzel, Jr.

Friend and supporter of Audubon Society of Western Pennsylvania

Josh Whetzel, Jr., long-time supporter of and advocate for Audubon Society of Western Pennsylvania (ASWP), has passed away in Florida.

In 1977, Whetzel, along with his wife Farley and mother-in-law Rachel Mellon Walton, purchased the land that would later become Beechwood Farms Nature Reserve—and donated it to The Western Pennsylvania Conservancy. The Conservancy chose ASWP to manage and operate the property as a nature reserve.

Whetzel was instrumental in raising funds to create the Nature Center at Beechwood, and for the past 35 years remained an engaged member of Audubon.

“Over the years, Josh continued to be a close friend of ASWP, attending many events and supporting our efforts. He leaves behind an impressive legacy of land conservation and protection. His impact on western Pennsylvania, in particular, has been, and will continue to be, tremendous,” according to ASWP Executive Director Jim Bonner.