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.
Land Conserved in Casselman River Conservation Area Protects Scenic Vistas
More wildlife habitat and scenic views in the Laurel Highlands along the Great Allegheny Passage Trail will remain forever intact thanks to the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy’s permanent protection of 50 acres in Black Township, Somerset County. The land is protected through a conservation easement, which will keep the vistas beautiful and scenic by prohibiting disturbances such as the addition of structures. The protection includes steep forested slopes that contain a number of springs, streams and waterfalls, visible from the GAP, that flow into the Casselman River, a conservation priority for WPC and an officially designated water trail. This protection is a continuation of efforts by the Conservancy and its partners along the GAP and Casselman River that have resulted in more than 700 acres of protected land and the creation of the Conservancy’s Casselman River Conservation Area.
Have you visited WPC preserves to hike, fish, watch wildlife, do scientific research, canoe, explore nature or enjoy another activity? Whether you visit one or several preserves regularly, or have yet to discover all they have to offer, we’d love to know what you think. Please take our short survey.
Planting trees is a favorite fall
activity for our dedicated volunteers. After a hiatus in 2020 and early 2021, we are happy to again welcome volunteers to help with TreeVitalize and Pittsburgh Redbud Project plantings through Thanksgiving. For details or to register, please contact Alicia Wehrle at 412-586-2386 or awehrle@paconserve.org,or visit WaterLandLife.org soon.
Conservationists celebrated when Pennsylvania removed peregrine falcons from its threatened species list in September. In 1989, WPC staff observed a pair of peregrines hunting around Pittsburgh’s skyscrapers and launched the effort to save the bird from extinction. Thanks to the support of our donors and many partners, the state’s peregrine falcon population has rebounded.
Preservation work is constant at Fallingwater, at
the house and across the site, including the picturesque Barn at Fallingwater that greets visitors 500 feet from the Fallingwater entrance. This barn’s silo dates back to the 1940s, and recent work to restore it took time, care and precision.
Canoe Access Grant Applications are Available Oct. 18
Our
Canoe Access Development Fund provides grants to the region’s watershed organizations and community groups to improve water access for canoeing and kayaking. Learn about the fund, established by WPC donors Roy Weil and Mary Shaw, and how it’s helping people get on the water.Apply for CADF from Oct. 18 through Nov. 19.
Download Fall Images for Your Desktop or Virtual Meeting
Enjoy fall’s vibrant colors at our 40-acre Joshua C. Whetzel, Jr. Memorial Area in Somerset County. A short trail leads to this overlook with a view of the town of Confluence, parts of the Great Allegheny Passage (GAP) Trail and the Casselman and Youghiogheny rivers. Download this and other free fall images for desktop and virtual backgrounds.
With the change in season comes cooler temperatures, shorter days and a return to indoor activities. Looking for at-home entertainment that can be enjoyed alone or with family and friends? Look no further than the Fallingwater Museum Store! In addition to our bestselling Fallingwater Puzzle, we offer many recreational gifts including three new puzzles featuring fun and colorful designs inspired by Frank Lloyd Wright. Seek and find them here!
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.
