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.
41 Places to Protect and Preserve: Nature Near You Needs You
People in record numbers are discovering the restorative effects of spending time in nature. Do you know that there’s a WPC-owned preserve near you? We care for and manage41 places to relax, reflect and rejuvenate while enjoying wildlife and beautiful scenery. To keep these places healthy for wildlife and accessible for all, Conservancy staff and volunteers are always working to improve our preserves. The photo above shows the ADA-accessible trailhead at Toms Run Nature Reserve cleared of overgrowth and sporting an information kiosk. At Lake Pleasant Conservation Area, which offers a trail to a boardwalk and canoe launch, we are doing extensive improvements, including invasive species management. At other preserves, we clear the land of trash and past land use, and build and maintain well-marked trails and parking areas. We keep invasive plants at bay so native plants can thrive. We need support from people like you to continue to improve these special places—the natural places you love need you more than ever. Please support this special initiative and know that these preserves will be protected for you and for future generations.
Managing the Conservancy’s preserves, which host forests, waterways and wild areas where you can recreate and where wildlife call home, takes time and care. Learn more in our free webinar, “Caring for WPC Preserves,” on August 31 from noon to 1 p.m., EDT. Discover how you can help natural areas thrive for future generations to enjoy.
Conservation and watershed groups can now apply for funding for water quality monitoring, watershed restoration, community outreach and youth education projects. Through a partnership with Berkshire Hathaway Energy, our watershed mini grants provide needed funding and awareness for watersheds in 28 counties. Apply by October 1.
Learn About Glass Objects at Fallingwater in August 13 Webinar
Through a virtual livestream, learn about the glass in Fallingwater’s art collection with registrar Rebecca Hagan and glass artist Jason Forck from The Pittsburgh Glass Center. Watch a glass blowing demonstration during, "How it’s Made: Glass Objects at Fallingwater + Live Demo at the Pittsburgh Glass Center," August 13 at 11:30 a.m., EDT.
Conservancy staff is working with the U.S. Forest Service to check the survival and growth rates of juvenile freshwater mussels we’ve placed in “silos” in 13 area rivers and streams. WPC’s Aquatic Zoology Coordinator Mary Walsh explains if populations thrive, we could later introduce thousands of mussels, ultimately improving water quality.
Download Summer Images for Your Desktop or Virtual Meeting
Relax on this bench at our Wolf Creek Narrows Natural Area in Butler County while hiking, walking and wildlife watching. The preserve’s 243 acres feature a floodplain, a fishing stream, mature hardwood forest, scenic cliffs, a 1.5-mile trail and wildflowers. Download this and other free summer images for desktop and virtual backgrounds.
Our 2022 calendar, "Fallingwater, In Harmony with Nature," explores Fallingwater’s intimate relationship with its landscape by presenting a beautiful selection of photographs and reflections by Rick Darke, a Pennsylvania-based consultant, author, photographer and teacher. His work blends art, ecology and cultural geography in the
design and conservation of living landscapes.
Western Pennsylvania Conservancy
800 Waterfront Drive
Pittsburgh, PA 15222
United States
The Western Pennsylvania Conservancy is a nonprofit, tax-exempt charitable organization under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, and 100% of your donation is tax-deductible as allowed by law.
