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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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We Recently Protected 2,230 Acres, Adding More Land to PA State Forests |
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There are 2,230 new reasons to cast your line in a stream to catch a trout, hike to the highest point in Pennsylvania, walk to a wildflower meadow, listen for an elk bugling or watch an eagle fly! We recently protected a 735-acre property in North Union Township, Fayette County, and a 1,495-acre forest in Benezette Township, Elk County.
Both forested properties have been conveyed to the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources as additions to Forbes State Forest and Moshannon State Forest, respectively. These are among 20 state forests that help to protect wildlife habitats and provide endless recreational opportunities for hunting, fishing, hiking and outdoor exploration. To date, we have conveyed approximately 100,000 acres to DCNR’s Bureau of State Forestry. In total, we have permanently protected more than 290,000 acres in the state!
The Elk County land has a significant riparian area along the Bennett Branch Sinnemahoning Creek. Johnson Run, classified by the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission as a Class A Wild Trout stream, flows through the property.
These additions help connect habitat and landscapes, helping to ensure that plant and animal species have pathways to move to more temperate and tolerable environments as the climate changes. |
 Learn more about these lands |
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Visit Fallingwater in the Fall |
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Visiting Fallingwater during autumn delights the senses! Enjoy the glow of the amber and scarlett leaves as they frame the house. Relax in the natural surroundings as you feel the cool mountain air and listen to the waters of Bear Run flow over the waterfall.
Interior guided tours are available through Dec. 1, and during weekends in December. Exterior guided tours are available through Oct. 31. Members, have you taken advantage of your discounted or free Fallingwater admission in 2024? Call 724-329-8501 for reservations! |
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See Unique Features on WPC Preserves |
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Visit WPC preserves with unique geological features that amplify the fall landscape! Lake Pleasant Conservation Area in Erie County, the region’s finest example of a glacially formed inland lake, features rare and unique plant communities. At Wolf Creek Narrows Natural Area in Butler County, hardwood forests on scenic cliffs line the glacier-formed gorge. At Miller Esker Natural Area in Butler County, view an esker (a glacier-formed serpentine mound) surrounded by a meadow.
Hunting season begins in September: Wear blaze orange! |
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Attend Invasives Film, Discussion at Pitt on Oct. 1 |
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You clean your boat and never take home aquatic animals. What else can you do to combat the spread of invasive species? Learn about aquatic invasive species that threaten the Great Lakes watershed and beyond.
Join us on Oct. 1 at 4 p.m., ET, In the O’Hara Ballroom, University of Pittsburgh, for a free screening and panel discussion about our documentary, “Seeing The Unseen: Aquatic Invaders & What’s at Stake,” produced by WPC staff in partnership with Great Lakes Media. Or watch the film any time. |
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Help Clean Up Preserves, Care for Riparian Trees |
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Join us at the French Creek Cleanup on Sept. 7 to pick up trash on our Lake Pleasant Conservation Area and Mystic Valley Conservation Area. We typically haul at least 2,000 pounds of trash on that day!
Or become a volunteer riparian steward to check on streamside trees. On your own schedule, visit a site to ensure the tree tubes, stakes and trees are straight and sturdy, do light weeding and update staff on trees’ health.
Click the button below to learn more and volunteer. |
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Enjoy Our RAD Days Events |
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Allegheny Regional Asset District funding makes our flower gardens possible in Allegheny County!
To show our appreciation to RAD and taxpayers who make RAD funding possible, we’re participating in RADical Days by hosting “Page Street Accessible Garden Tour” on Sept. 18 (register by Sept. 13), “Garden Cleanup and Seed Saving” on Oct. 1 and “Mums the Word” on Oct. 4 (register by Sept. 27).
Visit our events page for details about these events or other volunteer opportunities. |
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Download Summer Images |
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Towering cliffs, a gorge likely carved by glacier melt and a 1.5-mile loop trail make WPC’s Wolf Creek Narrows Natural Area a popular destination for nature enthusiasts.
Follow trail blazes past a high-quality stream on an active floodplain while you watch for a variety of birds, including belted kingfisher, Louisiana waterthrush and even bald eagle.
Stroll through deciduous forests and rest on a rustic bench to observe wildlife ranging from box turtles to white-tailed deer. Download this and other summer images through September 22. |
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Iconic Architecture Family Card Game, Featuring Fallingwater |
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Based on the Happy Families card game, the Iconic Architecture family card game, featuring Fallingwater, invites players to discover some of the world’s great symbols of contemporary architecture. Classified in eight families—cultural building, museum, exhibition building, sacred space, tower, bridge, collective housing and house (including Fallingwater!)—the 48 cards offer a wide and eclectic overview of architecture of recent decades.
Suitable for two to four players, ages six and older, Iconic Architecture is popular amongst architects, students, designers, travelers and fans of architecture. The Iconic Architecture card game that features Fallingwater is available exclusively through the Museum Store. |
| Get Iconic Architecture featuring Fallingwater! |
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Leave no trace: Please carry out what you carry in.
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Leash and clean up after pets.
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Review WPC preserve guidelines for biking, ATV use and hunting. Hunting season begins in September: Please wear blaze orange!
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Inform someone of your plans or better yet, take a buddy!
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PROTECT WILD PLACES AND GREEN SPACES |
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IT'S OUR NATURE! |
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