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.
Celebrate 90 Years of Local Conservation
It was 1932, and the country was in the grips of the Great Depression. To alleviate unemployment through public works programs, and to create a positive impact on the region’s natural resources, 10 citizens formed the Greater Pittsburgh Parks Association, which later became The Western Pennsylvania Conservancy. In 1940, the group took on its first project and restored a blighted hillside on Pittsburgh’s Bigelow Boulevard…and the rest
is history. During the past 90 years, thanks to the generous support of Conservancy members, we’ve brought color to riverfronts and neighborhoods by planting trees and gardens, protected and studied plants, habitats and wildlife such as birds, mussels and rare salamanders and combatted invasive plants that threaten our native species.
We’ve conserved 264,000 acres of land and maintained trails on 14,000 acres, restored more 3,000 miles of streams, established 11 state parks and created 41 WPC nature preserves. We’ve instituted programs for youth to learn about nature and architecture and stewarded Fallingwater, which
has earned UNESCO World Heritage status. Members, watch your mailbox or inbox this month for a special 90th anniversary issue of Conserve Magazine. Help us celebrate 90 years—and prepare for the next 90 years of conservation—by making a special gift or renewing your membership.
Help Historic Land in Jeanette Revive as Greenspace
More than 30 acres of forested land that were once home to historic Oakford Park in Jeannette, Westmoreland County, will get new life as a community greenspace, thanks to a land donation to us from Regis and Jamie McHugh.
Community members will be invited to give input on the land’s future at public meetings next spring, and help with restoring, planting trees and more.
Enjoy a weekend day with family or friends at Fallingwater during this holiday season. Imagine what it would be like to sit by the fire at the massive stone hearth and enjoy the pine boughs and poinsettias that add natural color and scent to the rooms.
Interior tours are available during weekends in December as well as Dec. 2, 26, 27, 29 and 30. Reservations are essential.
Apply: Conservation Planner or Fallingwater’s Executive Chef
Do you speak the GIS language? WPC seeks a natural heritage conservation planner to oversee development of Natural Heritage Areas and integrate data into NHAs
and other products, relying heavily on GIS mapping and analysis.
Or perhaps food is your love language? Fallingwater seeks an executive chef who takes inspiration from Appalachia’s culinary heritage to create high-quality offerings for a diverse audience.
Do you have a passion for hiking, improving water quality or
protecting native species and pollinators?
If so, network and volunteer with other like-minded young leaders through our Emerging Leaders Advisory Committee. It’s accepting applications until Jan. 15.
Give back to the community while gaining a deeper knowledge about the nonprofit sector.
Download Images for Your Desktop or Virtual Meeting
The Kaufmanns and their guests enjoyed gathering near Fallingwater’s living room hearth on chilly evenings. The chimney and walls are constructed from Pottsville sandstone quarried near the house by hand by Fayette County craftsmen. The cast iron kettle, which can swing into the fire, was designed for mulling wine.
Warm your virtual space with this image by Christopher Little.
Add a touch of architectural splendor to your holiday décor with the Fallingwater Ornament. This silver classic, a best-selling item, comes with insert card and is presented in a Fallingwater box, making it the perfect gift for the season. Don’t delay. Order today! You must order by Dec. 16 for delivery in time for Christmas.
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.
