 |
|
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. |
|
|
|
|
|
Enjoy One of Nature’s “Best Kept Secrets” on WPC Preserves |
|
“The lush green of spring and summer is refreshing, but the mysterious colors of autumn are an amazing phenomenon!” says Charles Bier, WPC conservation scientist emeritus. He explains that autumn colors exist in spring and summer…we just can’t see them until fall!
Here’s why. Low temperatures and limited sunlight make green chlorophyll scarce in deciduous (annual shedding) tree leaves. “This reveals yellow (xanthophylls) and rich orange (carotenoids) pigments that were present all summer, but hidden by the green,” Charles says.
Meanwhile, leaf sugars convert to red and purple (anthocyanin) pigments. “Drier, colder days make for more colorful landscapes,” he notes, “but if it is too dry, trees can become stressed, turn brown and shut down early.”
Witness this autumnal magic when you visit WPC’s 45 preserves to view the red, gold and orange foliage! Although the days have been rather dry and warm, you can still see fall colors. And you can discover unique geological features and habitats that amplify the fall landscape.
For example, kayak on the region’s finest example of a glacially formed inland lake at our Lake Pleasant Conservation Area. Hike through a gorge formed by glaciers at Wolf Creek Narrows Natural Area. Enjoy a nature walk at Toms Run Nature Reserve or Bennett Branch Forest, or discover 20 miles of trails or camp overnight at Bear Run Nature Reserve. Check out our Google Trekker videos to get the lay of the land.
Discover eight WPC preserves great for leaf peeping, and learn about 10 native trees you might see. Please help keep people and wildlife safe, and our preserves clean and natural, by adhering to our visitor guidelines. |
 Leaf peep, hike and more on WPC preserves |
|
|
|
See Fallingwater in Autumn |
|
Check “Visit Fallingwater” off your 2025 bucket list this fall! Discover Fallingwater’s intimate relationship with the landscape as you walk beneath a tree canopy peppered in shades of red, yellow and orange. Take an interior guided tour through November 30 or on weekends in December.
In October only, enjoy a private twilight tour with access to the hatch, then a chef-prepared dinner on the Pottery Terrace! Or, join us on October 7 for Fallingwater Fireside with Luis Vidal, an evening of discussion in the Living Room. |
|
|
|
|
|
WPC & PA American Water: 25 Years of Sponsorship |
|
For 25 years, Pennsylvania American Water has generously sponsored multiple WPC community flower gardens, resulting in more than $300,000 in garden funding! Its generosity is recognized on signage at 12 of our gardens. In addition, the company has assisted WPC with watershed restoration work, planting fruit trees in a community food garden and more.
Volunteers from the company joined us recently to spruce up our garden at the Point in downtown Pittsburgh. |
|
|
|
|
|
Get Funds for a Canoe Access Site in Your Community |
|
Does your community need a site where people can easily access a stream or river to paddle? Or does an existing site need improvement? Apply through November 17 for a WPC Canoe Access Development Fund grant of up to $5,000. The fund helps our region’s watershed organizations and community groups improve water access, and our staff provides technical assistance.
Learn about this fund established by WPC donors Roy Weil and Mary Shaw. |
|
|
|
|
|
Help Nature Prepare for Winter |
|
Fall is the time to prepare gardens for cold weather, and a great time to plant trees so roots can get established during winter.
Volunteer with us during October and November to help put some of our community gardens to bed and plant trees in communities. Celebrate Riparian Buffer Month in October by planting trees along streams in rural areas.
Or, help clean up trails on October 11 at Bear Run Nature Reserve or on November 8 at Toms Run Nature Reserve. |
|
|
|
|
|
Keep a Messy Winter Garden for Bees and Birds |
|
While you’re removing tired annuals and mulching your flower beds for the fall, it might be tempting to cut down perennial stems, too.
But even though bees and butterflies won’t be visiting for pollen during winter, those stems still provide important benefits for pollinators, birds and wildlife!
Learn why it’s a good idea to leave perennial plants in your garden during the cold months and how to take this easy step to help insects and wildlife. |
|
|
|
|
|
Discover Untold Stories |
|
Celebrate Indigenous Peoples' Day on October 13 by reviewing fascinating information about Indigenous peoples' history and cultural heritage on Western Pennsylvania’s landscape within the Slippery Rock watershed in Butler County.
As part of archaeological research uncovered through our Untold Stories project, you can learn more about sugar mapling and other activities that continue to influence our way of life today. |
|
|
|
|
|
Download Fall Images |
|
Step outdoors in autumn and you'll likely spot one of Pennsylvania's 35 aster species.
Ranging from blue to lavender and pink to white, asters provide pops of color as summer’s green hues fade into fall’s golds, reds and oranges. A few rare species grow only in unique habitats; others thrive in old fields and disturbed areas.
This purple-stemmed aster prefers marshes and wet meadows and woods and can be seen on many of our preserves, such as Toms Run Nature Reserve and West Branch French Creek Conservation Area. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fallingwater Ornament: Back by Popular Demand |
|
Last fall, we launched a new winter-themed Fallingwater ornament just before the holiday season. The ornament was so popular that it sold out in just two months! Due to so many requests, we knew we had to bring it back.
Beacon Design, known for their annual White House ornaments, created this exclusive ornament of Fallingwater nestled in its winter landscape. Its layered design brings depth to the ornament as if seen from Fallingwater’s classic view.
If you missed out last year, please be sure to order yours today before they are gone. |
| Order your Fallingwater ornament today |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
PROTECT WILD PLACES AND GREEN SPACES |
|
IT'S OUR NATURE! |
|
|
|
|
