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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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Discover Diverse Habitats, Geological Features on WPC Preserves |
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Do you love exploring nature during autumn? Visit WPC’s 45 preserves, covering nearly 15,000 acres, that have unique geological features or habitats that amplify the stunning fall landscape!
Tens of thousands of years ago, glaciers scraped across the region’s landscape. Today, you can witness evidence of that glacier activity at several WPC preserves. At Lake Pleasant Conservation Area in Erie County, which features unique plant communities, kayak on the region’s finest example of a glacially formed inland lake. In Butler County, stand in a glacier-formed gorge lined by scenic cliffs at Wolf Creek Narrows Natural Area, and visit a meadow surrounding an esker–a glacier-formed serpentine mound–at Miller Esker Natural Area.
At Bear Run Nature Reserve in Fayette County, marvel at how the shifting of continental plates created sandstone rock outcroppings along Bear Run stream. Then watch a free recorded webinar, the Geology of Fallingwater, to learn how the geological features helped to inspire Fallingwater’s design!
Or, explore “off the beaten path” and discover a diverse array of habitats, from wetlands and fens to old-growth forests, at some of our lesser-visited preserves! For example, at Dutch Hill Forest in Jefferson County, you’ll find a hemlock palustrine forest, where hemlock trees grow in a wetland covered in sphagnum moss. Tryon-Weber Woods in Crawford County features rolling woodland shaded by 150-year-old trees. At Lowville Fen, part of West Branch French Creek Conservation Area in Erie County, you can see wetlands, peat soil and a beaver dam along a one-mile loop trail.
Of course, all of our preserves provide excellent opportunities to see view beautiful red, gold and orange autumn foliage. Discover eight preserves we recommend for leaf peeping, and learn about 10 native trees you might see on your hikes. |
 Discover geology, habitats at WPC preserves |
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Visit Fallingwater in the Fall |
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Check “Visit Fallingwater” off your 2024 bucket list with a visit this fall! As you walk the grounds under a tree canopy peppered in shades of red, yellow and orange, you’ll be reminded of Fallingwater’s intimate relationship with the mountain landscape. The seasonal smells of the forest and natural light heighten the senses.
Experienced educators will help you understand Wright’s philosophy of organic architecture. Interior guided tours are available through Dec. 1, and during weekends in December. Exterior guided tours are available through Oct. 31. |
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Help Clean Up Our Preserves |
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Do you love hiking and exploring our preserves? Care for the places you love by volunteering with our land stewardship team!
We welcome volunteers to join us at Lake Pleasant Conservation Area on Oct. 19, when we’ll undertake tasks including cleanup of the shoreline.
Or join us at Toms Run Nature Reserve on Nov. 9. for invasive plant removal and trail cleanup. Then we'll head to the Pittsburgh office for an optional potluck lunch. |
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Attend Fallingwater Atom Brick Webinar |
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Register for a free webinar on Oct. 29 at noon, Building Fallingwater with the Atom Brick, to see a completely different perspective of Fallingwater!
Atom Brick designer Adam Reed Tucker will discuss the design process behind The Atom Brick Fallingwater building mModel, which features intricate details of the interior and exterior of the house. |
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Volunteer to Plant Trees, Care for Gardens |
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The arrival of fall means it's a time to prepare gardens for winter, and it’s a great time to plant trees, when trees’ roots will have the winter to get established.
We welcome volunteers during October and November to help put several of our community gardens to bed, and celebrate Riparian Buffer Month in October by planting trees along streams in rural areas.
And soon we’ll announce November tree planting opportunities in communities in Allegheny County. |
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Comment on Juniata, French Creek Watershed Plans |
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Residents of the French Creek and Juniata watersheds, we want your suggestions for our watershed improvement plans! The plans expand on watershed improvement projects we've done in both watersheds.
Read and comment on the Juniata Watershed Improvement Plan or the French Creek Watershed Conservation Plan by Oct. 31.
Or attend a community meeting on Oct. 22 to learn about the French Creek plan. |
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Download Fall Images |
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Our Helen B. Katz Natural Area in Crawford County features floodplain, wetland, forest and old field habitats that support a diversity of wildlife, including wood ducks and beavers. A variety of birds, including cerulean warbler and pied-billed grebe, can be found at this Audubon Society Important Bird Area and eBird hotspot.
At Katz and several other preserves, we’ve installed bat boxes to provide roosting habitat and refuge for bats, which are species at risk in Pennsylvania.
Download this and other fall images. |
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Fallingwater Winter Ornament |
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Cooler autumn weather is upon us, bringing changes to how we dress and the activities we enjoy. And as we prepare for winter weather, our thoughts turn to planning holiday celebrations.
This autumn, we bring to you our new Fallingwater ornament just in time for the holiday season! Beacon Design, known for its annual White House ornaments, has created this exclusive ornament of Fallingwater nestled in its winter landscape. The layered design adds a sense of depth to this classic view of Fallingwater.
Our new winter-themed ornament is in stock and available for purchase today. |
| Purchase the Fallingwater winter ornament today |
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Learn how our scientists study bat species at risk.
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Build and install a bat box: Get instructions.
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Plant native night-blooming plants to attract moths, which are food for bats.
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At night, turn off outside lights to help bats navigate.
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PROTECT WILD PLACES AND GREEN SPACES |
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IT'S OUR NATURE! |
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