 |
|
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. |
|
|
|
|
|
Discover WPC Preserves with Tips from Volunteers and Staff |
|
Is June’s warmer weather calling you outdoors? WPC volunteers and staff shared some of their favorite details about WPC preserves where you can hike, fish, paddle, bird and more.
Land stewards Leslie and Walt Krater have volunteered at Bear Run Nature Reserve in Fayette County for decades. “The preserve is large enough to get a good hike in and even camp overnight—all for free,” says Walt, noting that WPC preserves provide solitude and opportunities to experience nature. “My daughters saw their first black bear there more than 20 years ago!”
Jim Tokar, another volunteer land steward, enjoys Lake Pleasant Conservation Area in Erie County. “You can tell the water quality is outstanding because of the clarity and depth, and the presence of aquatic plants,” Jim says. “It’s a great place to enjoy fishing from a kayak or canoe.”
If you’re seeking shorter hikes or natural attractions of special interest to kids, consider these "Five Preserves for Family Fun," with tips from Andy Zadnik, WPC’s director of land stewardship.
You can find preserves that feature your activities of interest by using the filter on our updated Explore Our Preserves webpage. Discover more than 30 miles of trails of various lengths, canoe launches, eBird hotspots and more! Or learn about our preserves through our YouTube “On the Trail” series.
As you enjoy nature, please be a good steward: Clean your shoes to avoid spreading invasive species, stay on trails and carry out your trash. |
 Discover WPC preserves! |
|
|
|
Road Trip to Fallingwater! |
|
Is visiting Fallingwater on your summer bucket list? Plan a road trip to the Laurel Highlands to tour the only site in Western Pennsylvania’s on the UNESCO World Heritage List!
Purchase advance tickets so you can reserve your preferred date and time for a Guided Tour, In Depth Tour, Family Tour and more.
Be sure to stop by the Speyer Gallery in the Visitor Center to view “The Kaufmann Films: A Legacy in Motion,” a new exhibition featuring the Kaufmanns’ home movies. |
|
|
|
|
|
Register for Massasauga Webinar, July 17 |
|
A vital part of our ecosystem, the eastern massasauga rattlesnake (Sistrurus catenatus catenatus) is critically imperiled endangered in Pennsylvania and federally threatened. For a quarter century, WPC has been a leading partner in its conservation and research. Join us for a free webinar July 17 at noon, “Eastern Massasauga Rattlesnake: 25 Years of Conservation in PA.”
Learn about our conservation efforts in partnership with state and federal agencies as well as with landowners, the threats the snake faces and how you can help protect this important species! |
|
|
|
|
|
Volunteer with Us Across the Region |
|
Volunteers are needed from the top to the bottom of Western Pennsylvania during June! In Erie County, help clean up trails at our Lower Elk Creek Nature Reserve. In Lawrence County, help pull invasive plants at our Plain Grove Fens Natural Area. In Allegheny County, help plant our community garden in Squirrel Hill or care for redbuds at Redbuds & Brews on the North Shore. And in Fayette County, help plant our Connellsville garden, assemble benches at our Bear Run Nature Reserve or volunteer at Fallingwater. Get details and register below! |
|
|
|
|
|
70,000 Trees Planted at Lake Pleasant |
|
At our Lake Pleasant Conservation Area in Erie County, Bosland Growth planted 70,000 young trees, now growing on 100 acres impacted by past gravel mining. The project is one of Pennsylvania’s first largescale mine land reforestation initiatives. Several funders and partners supported the planting in May of native white pines, swamp oaks, silky dogwoods and many more species. Two acres of the planting provide experimental test plots to evaluate the impact of adding beneficial funga, microbes and biochar on tree growth and soil regeneration. |
|
|
|
|
|
We’re Hiring! |
|
Put your passion for conservation to work as a conservation administrator with WPC’s land stewardship program, or support our work as a front desk administrator in our Pittsburgh office.
At Fallingwater, share your culinary talents as an executive chef in the Fallingwater Café, demonstrate your people skills as a museum store sales associate, or bring Fallingwater to life for visitors as a part-time educator.
Apply now or share with others. |
|
|
|
|
|
Thank You, Members! |
|
Thank you to the 500 members who attended our Members’ Day event at the Barn at Fallingwater on May 3. People enjoyed presentations by staff, participated in Fallingwater tours and nature hikes to observe birds and wildflowers, observed electrofishing demonstrations, shopped at a native plant sale and much more. Not a member? Don’t miss the fun next year…become a member today! Membership levels include discounted or complimentary Fallingwater admissions, invitations to members-only events, Conserve magazine mailed to your door and more. |
|
|
|
|
|
Download Spring Images |
|
A mature hemlock forest and a floodplain with wetlands are the highlights of WPC’s French Creek Hemlocks Natural Area, a 250-acre preserve in Venango County that borders French Creek, the most biologically diverse stream in the Northeastern United States.
Currently providing opportunities for wildlife watching, birding and fishing, soon the preserve will feature a parking area and a hiking trail. Volunteer on July 12 to continue building the trail and pull invasive plants.
Download this and other spring images through June 19. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fallingwater Boxed Note Card Set |
|
Send greetings year-round with our new Fallingwater Boxed Note Card Set. Featuring stunning new photography, this set includes 20 blank 5”x7” note cards—four each of five different images of Fallingwater captured during all four seasons. With ample space to share your hand-written greetings, these elegant cards are perfect for any occasion. The set, which includes coordinating envelopes, makes a thoughtful gift for just $24. |
| Purchase these elegant cards today |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
PROTECT WILD PLACES AND GREEN SPACES |
|
NATURE NEAR YOU NEEDS YOU! |
|
|
|
|
