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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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Nearly 3,400 Acres Protected in December Benefit Outdoor Enthusiasts, Wildlife |
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Outdoor enthusiasts have more forestland to explore and wildlife species have more protected habitat, thanks to the Conservancy’s protection of 5,711 acres of land in 2025, including 3,399 acres in December!
Thanks to generous land donations, we permanently protected 2,490 forested acres on Chestnut Ridge in Westmoreland County. Of those, 2,190 acres are a conservation easement and 300 acres are a new nature preserve.
The Conservancy also permanently protected 183 acres in the heart of the PA Wilds in Grove Township, Cameron County. We immediately conveyed the land, located along the First Fork of Sinnemahoning Creek, to the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources for addition to Elk State Forest.
In Springfield Township, Fayette County, we permanently protected 652 acres and immediately conveyed it to PA DCNR for addition to Forbes State Forest. The property provides a forested buffer along Buck Run, a designated high-quality cold water stream.
And in Erie County, we added 74 acres to our West Branch French Creek Conservation Area. The preserve, now 1,138 acres, features primarily forest and wetlands, and includes more than six miles of frontage along West Branch French Creek.
These are wonderful examples of how your generosity helps to support nature and our community! We’re grateful for you, our generous donors, partners and volunteers, who supported the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy in so many ways in 2025.
From all of us at the Conservancy, thank you and best wishes for a safe, healthy and happy 2026! |
 Read about land protected in Westmoreland County |
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Take a Winter Walk at Fallingwater |
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Experience the crisp mountain air, snow-covered trees and frozen waterfall during a self-guided Winter Walk on the Fallingwater grounds. You’ll see preservation in action as our skilled maintenance team and contractors finish various waterproofing projects at the Main House.
Or reserve your 2026 Guided Interior Tour, Guided Exterior Tour or In-Depth Tour, which begin March 14. Forest to Table Dinners in April, July and October are filling fast, so reserve your spot now! |
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Enjoy Seven Winter Activities at WPC Preserves |
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Do you have cross-country skis or snowshoes that haven’t touched snow since their inaugural run? Or maybe you’re looking for a new, peaceful, secluded place to hike, birdwatch or track wildlife in the snow?
From winter camping at Bear Run Nature Reserve to observing ice formations and snow-capped land features, WPC’s preserves have something for everyone who wants to experience nature during the winter season!
Read our Visitor Guidelines. |
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College students can apply now for paid summer internships in landscape architecture, digital multimedia, education and collections at Fallingwater. Please feel free to share!
Keep an eye out for other internships through WPC, coming soon.
We have job opportunities for an iMapInvasive information assistant in our Pittsburgh office and for a maintenance specialist at Fallingwater. |
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Host a Screening of Our Award-winning Invasives Film |
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Are you concerned about aquatic invasive species affecting our waterways and native plants and wildlife? Spread the word: host a screening of WPC’s award-winning short documentary, "Seeing The Unseen; Aquatic Invasives & What's at Stake." (Hint: February is Invasive Species Awareness Month!)
Your group or organization will learn simple steps to reduce the spread of invasive species in the Lake Erie watershed and beyond. Discussion questions are provided! |
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Students Can Build Homes for Gnomes, Visit Fallingwater Virtually |
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All around Fallingwater's grounds, gnomes make their homes beneath mushrooms.
Students from around the globe can participate in the Gnome House Design Challenge and help create proper homes for gnomes! Teachers receive lesson plans; students can attend the Gnome House Symposium in May.
Or, take a virtual field trip to Fallingwater! Our educators provide guided explorations, including virtual access to interior spaces. |
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Download Winter Images |
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Are you new to birding and are looking for a place to see a variety of birds? Or are you a seasoned birder who loves viewing wetland and marsh birds? Visit WPC's Cussewago Bottom Conservation Area! This 120-acre preserve, located within Pennsylvania Audubon Society’s Cussewago Bottom Important Bird Area, is an eBird hotspot.
Nearly 200 species of birds have been observed within the IBA, including shorebirds during migration and species associated with mature forest and early-successional forests. Download this and other winter images. |
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“Fallingwater: Living With and In Art” |
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Fallingwater is a total work of art! We’re offering an exclusive collectible set featuring our book, Fallingwater: Living With and In Art, signed by editors Justin Gunther, director of Fallingwater, and Scott Perkins, senior director of preservation and collections at Fallingwater.
Accompanying the book is an 8” x 10” signed print of the book’s cover image by photographer Dave Bryce. A true keepsake for any Fallingwater enthusiast!
Every purchase supports Fallingwater’s operations. Secure yours while supplies last! |
| Purchase your exclusive collectible book and print |
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PROTECT WILD PLACES AND GREEN SPACES |
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GIVE BACK TO NATURE NEAR YOU! |
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