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We are a member-based nonprofit dedicated to protecting and restoring the region’s waters, forests, natural areas and wildlife, planting community trees, gardens and greenspaces, and caring for Frank Lloyd Wright’s Fallingwater. |
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WPC’s PNHP Scientists Help Create PA’s Blueprint for Conserving Wildlife |
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What do red-belted bumblebees, eastern Massasauga rattlesnakes, wood thrushes, least weasels and salamander mussels have in common?
They all are being considered for listing in Pennsylvania’s 2025-2035 Wildlife Action Plan. For inclusion, a species must be ranked as a Species of Greatest Conservation Need in the state.
Every 10 years, the Pennsylvania Game Commission and Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission update the PA Wildlife Action Plan. They rely on the work of WPC’s Pennsylvania Natural Heritage Program staff and other partners, including universities, museums and other organizations, to study rare species – a time-intensive and laborious process that involves extensive field work – and compile existing datasets from experts. They then analyze how rare or threatened a species might be.
The PA WAP “is the official conservation document for animals in Pennsylvania,” explains WPC’s PNHP Invertebrate Zoology Coordinator Mary Walsh. “It’s our blueprint for prioritizing conservation planning and management for the animals in it.” Mary is pictured here with Ecological Assessment Manager Mary Ann Furedi, who snapped this selfie at a mussels survey.
Assessments will be completed by the end of 2024, and we’ll be sure to share the updated plan in 2025. Meanwhile, view the 2015-2025 PA WAP and Species of Greatest Conservation Need list on the PA Game Commission website.
Check out our website to learn more about the PA WAP and how our scientists are studying a few of the species for possible inclusion. |
 Learn about species our scientists are studying |
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WPC Expands State Game Land #277 in Crawford County |
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Outdoor enthusiasts can now enjoy more acreage on State Game Land #277 in the French Creek Watershed near Cambridge Springs, Crawford County.
We acquired a 122-acre property, featuring forest, small feeder streams and a large wetland area, and transferred it to the Pennsylvania Game Commission for public use, in honor of the landowner’s grandfather, who enjoyed hunting and fishing. |
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Visit or Study at Fallingwater This Fall |
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As nature’s lush greens of summer flora turns to autumn’s rich hues, you might be inspired to spend more time outdoors. Have you visited Fallingwater in the fall? Tours fill quickly, but there’s still time to make reservations to experience the house when it's framed by a colorful palette of leaves.
For professionals seeking a deeper connection to design and nature, there are openings for Fallingwater Institute’s Immersive Design residency and Rituals in Architectural Practice Insight/Onsite program. |
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Attend Invasives Film, Discussion on Aug. 3 in Erie |
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Curious about invasive species – such as the phragmites shown here – in Lake Erie and surrounding watersheds, and wonder what you can do to combat them?
Join us on August 3 at 6 p.m., ET, at the Tom Ridge Environmental Center in Presque Isle State Park in Erie for a free screening of and panel discussion about our documentary film, “Seeing The Unseen: Aquatic Invaders & What’s at Stake.” It is is executively produced by WPC staff in partnership with Great Lakes Media. Or watch the film any time. |
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WPC Watershed Program Honored by PA Wilds |
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WPC’s watershed conservation program’s commitment to conserving and stewarding natural resources in the Pennsylvania Wilds garnered them a 2024 Champions of the PA Wilds “Conservation Stewardship Award” from the PA Wilds Center!
In the 13-county northcentral PA region, we’ve assessed 1,500+ road-stream intersections, partnered to restore aquatic organism passage at more than 15 locations, completed abandoned mine land and abandoned mine drainage projects, and funded 28 public canoe access sites. |
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Create Safer Habitats for Birds: Join Aug. 15 Webinar |
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How do Fallingwater, conservation, architecture and bird safety intersect?
Find out when you attend a free webinar hosted by Fallingwater: “Between the City and the Forest: Creating Safer Habitats for Birds,” on Aug. 15 at noon, ET.
With insights from his architecture and conservation biology background, Avian Ecologist Nick Liadis will help us discover how we can create safer habitats for migratory birds. Interested, but can’t attend live? Register and you’ll receive a link to the recording to watch later. |
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Shade Your Neighborhood: Get Trees in Spring 2025 |
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Do you want to increase your home’s property value or bring more foot traffic to your community’s businesses? Plant trees! TreeVitalize Pittsburgh, of which WPC is the managing partner, is accepting applications for spring 2025 tree plantings.
To begin the application process, please review this webpage—where there’s also a link to a list of many great advantages that trees offer—then email Alicia Wehrle or call her at 412-586-2386 through Oct. 1. |
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Download Summer Images |
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Wood turtles (Glyptemys insculpta), considered Species of Greatest Conservation Need in PA, live in riparian areas along clean streams and rivers. Our Pennsylvania Natural Heritage Program staff and conservation partners monitor populations in an effort to conserve the species.
Threats to most turtles include collection as pets, habitat loss due to development or land use changes, water pollution, road fragmentation and vehicles. (Watch this video to learn how to help turtles safely cross roadways.) Download this image and other images for your virtual background. |
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Fallingwater Museum Store: 2025 Fallingwater Calendar |
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We are excited to announce that the 2025 Fallingwater calendar is available to order!
For this calendar we have turned to Pittsburgh-based architecture and interiors photographer Dave Bryce, whose images capture the essence of Fallingwater through beautiful photographs of the house, which is perfectly integrated with its landscape.
Order your 2025 calendar today and enjoy the beauty and harmony of Fallingwater throughout the year. Only available through the Fallingwater Museum Store! |
| Order your 2025 Fallingwater Calendar today |
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PROTECT WILD PLACES AND GREEN SPACES |
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IT'S OUR NATURE! |
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