 |
|
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. |
|
|
|
|
|
Discover How WPC’s Green Infrastructure Helps Communities Manage Stormwater |
|
Our region is no stranger to frequent rain showers and flood events! When heavy or fast-falling rain doesn’t soak into the ground, it can overwhelm sewage drains, causing flooding and stormwater runoff that carries pollutants and sediment into local rivers and streams.
But there are natural ways to offset the effects of rainfall. With the help of partners and volunteers and the support of donors, the Conservancy plants trees and installs rain gardens and bioswales to help absorb and slow stormwater runoff in communities around the region!
These natural stormwater management projects, also called green infrastructure, use strategically selected and installed native plants and trees to absorb, filter and slow stormwater runoff. Just a few of our projects include:
-
Bioswales in Millvale, Clairton, Point State Park and Pittsburgh’s Hill District. Bioswales are intentionally designed channels that convey stormwater runoff and filter pollutants.
-
A 60-foot rain garden at our Oakford Park Nature Reserve in Westmoreland County, which slowly absorbs stormwater and releases it into a storm drain to prevent flooding at the preserve.
-
Two green parking lots in Carnegie that feature trees, bioswales and native perennial shrubs and flowers that work in conjunction with permeable pavers.
-
Two rain gardens at the Carnegie Science Center in Pittsburgh, which feature native perennial plants that help reduce and capture pollutants from entering the Allegheny River, provide pollinator habitat and offer educational activities and opportunities. Watch this video to discover how a rain garden works.
Want to help us manage stormwater in communities? Become a garden steward or volunteer with us this fall to plant trees and help our gardens thrive. (More volunteer events will be announced on our website soon!) |
 Discover our natural stormwater management projects |
|
|
|
Visit Fallingwater This Fall |
|
Nature will delight your senses when you visit Fallingwater during autumn! Enjoy the view of the house framed by amber and scarlet leaves. Listen to Bear Run flow over the waterfall as you stroll the grounds and feel the cool mountain air.
Interior guided tours are available through November 30, and during weekends in December. Exterior guided tours are available through October 31.
Members: Call 724-329-8501 to take advantage of your discounted or free Fallingwater admission in 2025! |
|
|
|
|
|
Volunteer with Us for the French Creek Cleanup! |
|
Join us at the annual French Creek Cleanup on September 6 to help clean up our Lake Pleasant Conservation Area. We typically haul at least 2,000 pounds of trash at this event!
Or, help maintain trails at Bear Run Nature Reserve October 11 or at Toms Run Nature Reserve November 8.
Fallingwater also offers volunteer opportunities,
including in the museum store, café and landscaping.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Register for Boat Cleaning Awareness Webinar |
|
Boaters and kayakers, join PA iMapInvasives at 10 a.m. Wednesday, September 17 for a free webinar, "Providing Boat Cleaning Stations to Raise Awareness and Prevent the Spread of Aquatic Invasive Species." Learn about new state regulations for cleaning boats and ways to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species. Hear about two new mobile boat cleaning stations acquired by Pennsylvania Lake Management Society.
Can't attend live? Register and you'll receive a link to the webinar recording. |
|
|
|
|
|
Enjoy Elevated Evenings at Fallingwater |
|
Exchange ideas or enjoy an intimate culinary experience during evening visits to Fallingwater. A limited number of tickets are available for Fallingwater Fireside on October 7, offering a salon-style conversation in the Living Room. Guest Luis Vidal will share stories from his career and personal connections to Fallingwater and Frank Lloyd Wright’s architecture. At a limited-seating Forest to Table Dinner on October 17, tour Fallingwater and enjoy hors d’oeuvres, a four-course meal and wine pairings. Call 724-329-8501 for reservations. |
|
|
|
|
|
Learn How We Restored Little Arnot Run |
|
A team of watershed scientists and conservation professionals, including from WPC's natural heritage and watershed conservation teams, added fallen trees and roots to Little Arnot Run, a historically degraded stream in the Allegheny National Forest, to restore its ecology.
Little Arnot Run is a model for Pennsylvania streams that were previously modified and severely impacted by past resource extraction activities but are now considered high-quality headwater ecosystems. |
|
|
|
|
|
We’re Hiring! |
|
Do you love trees and meeting new people? We’re hiring a watershed riparian coordinator to work in our Indiana office. We’re also hiring a part-time gift processor to work in our Pittsburgh office.
At Fallingwater, we have a variety of opportunities, including in the museum store and café.
Learn more and apply today, or share with a friend who might be interested! |
|
|
|
|
|
Download Summer Images |
|
Get away in nature at the Conservancy’s 5,100-acre Bear Run Nature Reserve in the Laurel Highlands. The preserve offers stunning views and 20 miles of blazed trails for a variety of adventure levels. (Volunteer with us October 11 to maintain the trails!) Reserve a backcountry campsite,
hunt or fish. Watch for wildlife such as black bear, fisher, bobcat and more than 53 bird species! The preserve is the setting for
Fallingwater, designed for the Kaufmann family of Pittsburgh by Frank Lloyd Wright.
Download summer images through September 21. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Celebrating 90 Years! |
|
Our 2026 calendar, celebrating Fallingwater’s 90th Anniversary, features contemporary images by seven distinct photographers. Each month is represented by stunning photographs, quotes, facts and archival imagery to highlight key moments in Fallingwater’s history.
A keepsake calendar such as this hasn’t been available since Fallingwater's 75th Anniversary celebration! The 2026 calendar is a must-have for Frank Lloyd Wright fans, collectors and Fallingwater enthusiasts. Order yours today! |
| Purchase your 2026 Fallingwater Calendar |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
PROTECT WILD PLACES AND GREEN SPACES |
|
NATURE NEAR YOU NEEDS YOU! |
|
|
|
|
