Hemlock Project: The Quick Success of a Blair County Environmental Effort

At merely 20 years old, Riley Wiesinger of Altoona is on her way to setting up a nonprofit organization that will benefit Blair County and the environment.

Wiesinger started and runs the Hemlock Project, designed to connect the community to the environment. Wiesinger plans environmental service projects at parks, streams, gardens and more.

She partners with educators, farmers, and local/state parks around Blair County, including the Lower Trail in Williamsburg. Volunteers clean up trash, plant trees and remove invasive species.

How It Started

Wiesinger started the Hemlock Project during her Am...