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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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Celebrate 60 Years of WPC Stewarding Fallingwater and Bear Run Nature Reserve |
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Sixty years ago, Edgar Kaufmann jr. entrusted Fallingwater and 469 acres of the Bear Run valley to the Conservancy. The preservation of Fallingwater also meant conserving Bear Run’s clear waters and forested landscape. Given the family’s love of the outdoors and long-time conservation ethic, it was a “natural” fit, to save both Fallingwater and the forest for future generations to explore and enjoy under the Conservancy’s care.
His comments at the 1963 dedication ceremony articulated Fallingwater’s significance to the world. "In Fallingwater, Wright captured the perfect essence of our desire to live with nature: to dwell in a forested place and be at home in the natural world,” Kaufmann said. "Such a place cannot be possessed. It is a work of man for man; not by a man for a man.”
Today, you can experience the magic of the house built over a waterfall through a variety of tours and experiences, and enjoy the now 5,118-acre Bear Run Nature Reserve, which provides habitat for more than 500 plant species and a diversity of wildlife. The preserve is open to everyone for hiking, fishing, wildlife observation, camping and more.
Discover why efforts to steward this magnificent example of the marriage of nature and architecture led to Fallingwater’s inscription to the UNESCO World Heritage List in July 2019. |
 Visit Western Pa.’s World Heritage Location |
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Enjoy More State Forest Land in PA Wilds |
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Nature enthusiasts can enjoy more land for birding, fishing, hiking and other outdoor recreation in Susquehannock State Forest, thanks to our permanent protection of 137 acres of forested slopes and riparian forest in Potter County. The land provides 3,500 feet of riparian buffer to protect water quality in Nine Mile Run, a Class A Wild Trout Stream and High Quality-Cold Water Fishery in the Pine Creek Watershed. It provides breeding habitat for many bird species such as scarlet tanager, wood thrush and more. |
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Buy Your Tickets for the Fallingwater Soirée |
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Experience Fallingwater in a whole new way! At the Fallingwater Soirée August 12, tour the house at your leisure in the company of friends, serenaded by the sounds of MCG jazz. Gaze at the waterfall as the sun sets in the Laurel Highlands, while you taste cuisine from local chefs, curated by Chef Kate Romane of Black Radish Kitchen.
This special event raises funds for Fallingwater’s preservation. Tickets are limited. Thanks to our presenting sponsor, Huntington Bank! |
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Volunteer at Fallingwater, in Our Gardens or on Our Preserves |
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Is Fallingwater your happy place? Consider volunteering on site! Share your love of architecture and nature by volunteering as an Ask Me Guide, in the Café, Museum Store, Visitor Center or Collections, with our landscape team, or in many other ways.
Or, help nature thrive by volunteering to steward one of our 130 community flower gardens or care for a WPC nature preserve. |
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Get Grants for Community Veggie Gardens |
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Does your Allegheny County organization grow vegetables in a community garden? Do you need money for tools, seeds, mulch, fencing or other improvements?
We offer Community Garden Sustainability Funds in partnership with Grow Pittsburgh.
Apply through August 1 or let someone else know about this opportunity! |
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Visiting Downtown Pittsburgh? Enjoy the Colorful Blooms |
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Visiting downtown Pittsburgh for a summer festival, concert, play or Pirates game? Watch for colorful blooms filling 420 sidewalk planters and 400 flower baskets hanging along streets and from bridges.
Thank you to Laurel Foundation for funding the baskets for 18 years and to Colcom Foundation for funding the planters for 13 years! |
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Download Summer Background Images |
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The ruby-throated hummingbird and other birds, plus insects, enjoy nectar from common buttonbush. This native plant likes moist soil and thrives in wetlands around Pennsylvania, including at our Bear Run Nature Reserve in Fayette County.
It is a great alternative pollinator plant to the invasive butterfly bush. Select this and other free summer images for your desktop and virtual backgrounds. |
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Fallingwater Pint Glass |
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It’s summertime! Sit back, relax and pour yourself a tall one in our new Fallingwater pint glass. Enjoy 16 ounces of your favorite cool beverage from our lead-free crystal glass etched with the Fallingwater logo. Get one for you and your besties, and celebrate the good times this summer! |
| Get pint glasses for you and your friends |
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BE NATURE'S HERO |
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Give today for a better tomorrow. |
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