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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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Explore a New WPC Preserve, Open for All,
in Cambria County |
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Nature enthusiasts can enjoy Basking Hill Nature Reserve, the Conservancy’s new 364-acre natural area, its first in Cambria County! Open to everyone for outdoor recreation such as hiking and wildlife observation, the preserve will offer public fishing access, the first in Cambria County along the West Branch Susquehanna River. Get GPS coordinates for the preserve, located near Northern Cambria and Cherry Tree.
In addition to featuring 264 acres of upland forest and reclaimed mine areas that will eventually be reforested, the protected land safeguards a 1.5-mile corridor of the West Branch and conserves 100 acres of forested floodplain, one of the most intact forested floodplains in Cambria County.
The Kittanning Path, an east-west Native American travel route, is thought to have crossed over or near the preserve’s boundary.
Visit our recently updated Explore Our Preserves webpage to discover outdoor activities, find directions and learn more about WPC’s nature preserves across 20 counties, including Basking Hill Nature Preserve, that are open to all! |
 Discover Basking Hill Nature Reserve |
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March 11 Webinar: Five Women Discuss Careers in Conservation & Preservation |
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In recognition of Women’s History Month, join us for a free webinar on March 11 at noon, "The View From Here: Five Women Discuss Careers in Conservation & Preservation," featuring a panel discussion with staff from WPC and Fallingwater.
They’ll discuss their work, trends in their fields and the value of female presence in community greening, land conservation, conservation science, watershed conservation and museum preservation and collections. |
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Reserve a Preservation-in-Action Tour! |
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Have you ever wondered what it takes to restore Fallingwater?
During pre-season guided preservation tours, March 15 - April 1, you have the unique opportunity to see current World Heritage Preserved preservation work up close.
Also, self-guided Preservation-in-Action Winter Walks are available daily except Wednesdays through March 14, and 2025 Guided Architectural Tours begin April 3. |
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Volunteer to Care for Preserves, Plant Trees, More |
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Are you a nature enthusiast or someone who wants our region to thrive? Volunteer to maintain trails or pull invasive plants at our preserves. Plant or steward one of our 130 community flower gardens.
Plant neighborhood trees to help manage stormwater and provide shade. Or, plant or steward trees along local streams to improve water quality.
You can even volunteer to use your gardening or conversational skills at Fallingwater. Watch for new opportunities throughout spring! |
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Community Veggie Garden Grants: Apply by March 15 |
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Does your organization grow vegetables in a community garden in Allegheny County, but need some materials to keep the garden growing?
Apply through March 15 to our Community Garden Sustainability Fund, a WPC partnership with Grow Pittsburgh!
You could get mulch, topsoil, raised bed components, fencing, seeds, tools or many more items needed to grow fresh, healthy foods for community members. |
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Get Trees Planted This Fall in Your Community |
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Do you want to increase shade on your city streets or help your community manage stormwater runoff? Plant trees! TreeVitalize Pittsburgh, of which WPC is the managing partner, is accepting applications for fall 2025 tree plantings.
To begin the application process, please review this webpage—where there’s also a link to a list of many advantages that trees offer—then contact Alicia Wehrle at awehrle@paconserve.org or 412-586-2386 through April 1. |
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Apply for Jobs, Internships |
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We have job opportunities for a land protection manager, a senior director of operations and sustainability at Fallingwater and a land stewardship AmeriCorps member.
And college students can apply now for paid summer internships in watershed conservation, or in landscape architecture, digital multimedia, education and collections at Fallingwater.
Seeking career inspiration or change? Register for our free webinar on March 11, “A View From Here: Five Women Discuss Careers in Conservation & Preservation.” |
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Landowners, Get Free Riparian Trees! |
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Landowners, do you have open or partially open land near a stream? You can apply through June 2027 to have free native riparian trees planted!
WPC’s Riparian Restoration Tree Planting Initiative provides trees at no cost as part of Pennsylvania’s statewide water quality improvement goals.
Funding covers the cost of native trees and shrubs, tree protection materials and labor to plant the trees and is provided by the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. |
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Save the Date: Members’ Day is May 3 |
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We want to show our gratitude to our members! Join us at WPC’s Members’ Day and Annual Meeting, May 3 from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Meet at The Barn at Fallingwater for free naturalist-led hikes, children’s activities, free tours of Fallingwater with advance reservations and more. Enjoy a free continental breakfast and purchase a catered buffet lunch, or join us with your own lunch. Meet WPC staff and learn about the work you support. Registration begins March 14: Watch for details in mailboxes and inboxes! Not a member? Join today! |
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Download Winter Images |
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During the past five decades, three billion birds across North America have been lost. Once a favorite of birders at winter feeders, the evening grosbeak (Coccothraustes vespertinus) population has seen the steepest decline: 92 percent. Although not well understood, the grosbeak’s decline is likely a combination of several causes, from window collisions to changes in food availability.
WPC is part of an international conservation effort to learn more about the grosbeak’s natural history, ecology and migration movements. Download this and other winter images through March 19. |
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Fallingwater: Living In and With Art |
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An international treasure on the UNESCO World Heritage List, Fallingwater is a total work of art! This book, “Fallingwater: Living In and With Art,” an exciting new look at a masterpiece, is a revelation.
With a release date of April 1, 2025, the book is available for pre-order and can be ordered through our Fallingwater Museum Store. Every purchase supports Fallingwater’s operations. |
| Order your book today! |
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PROTECT WILD PLACES AND GREEN SPACES |
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Nature Near You Needs You! |
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