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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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Pretty, or Pretty Harmful? You Can Help Control Invasive Species |
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If you’ve ever walked through swarms of spotted lanternflies, fought garlic mustard in your yard, or been dismayed over quagga mussels at Lake Erie, you’ve encountered invasive species.
Introduced to an area outside their native range, invasive species threaten Pennsylvania’s native plants and animals by competing for space and food. Invasives can be attractive, and can trick people, pollinators and animals by evolving to look similar to native species. For example, noxious weeds such as purple loosestrife, giant hogweed and tree-of-heaven resemble natives but can be harmful.
Invasives outcompete native plants, obstruct waterways, devastate agricultural crops, introduce disease and overrun yards and parks. In the photo above, WPC staff and partners work to remove invasive narrow-leaved and hybrid cattail that are spreading through our Lake Pleasant Conservation Area wetlands.
We need your help to control invasive species! Volunteer to help manage invasive species on our preserves, in our community gardens, or on the Fallingwater landscape, or help us plant and care for native species. Learn how to spot invasive plants or insects and report them on PA iMapInvasives, a free database managed by our Pennsylvania Natural Heritage Program staff. The data helps state agencies and organizations make conservation-based decisions and create management plans.
Now is a great time to begin thinking about spring gardening and outdoor plantings. Consider these native plant options rather than some non-native invasives—pretty, but also pretty harmful—that are popular in garden landscaping.
Also, during National Invasive Species Awareness Week, Feb. 26 - March 1, learn how invasive species are making climate change worse and threatening biodiversity. |
 Learn about our work to control invasive species |
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Visit Fallingwater with Someone You Love |
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Looking for a beautiful and romantic setting in nature on Valentine’s Day, or any other day? Experience the winter beauty of Fallingwater’s exterior and its landscape on a Winter Walk through Mar. 15 with the special people in your life.
Or make reservations now for 2024 Guided Interior Tours and Guided Exterior Tours, which begin Mar. 16. |
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Follow Evening Grosbeak Tracking Efforts |
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Do evening grosbeaks visit your backyard feeder? These social birds bring a splash of color to the white and gray of winter. Unfortunately, their populations have declined by 92% since 1970.
Our Pennsylvania Natural Heritage Program team and partners use nanotagging technology (small, lightweight radio transmitters) to track the birds to understand the cause of the decline.
Watch a recorded webinar about the efforts of the Evening Grosbeak Working Group. |
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Apply for Jobs and Summer Internships |
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We are hiring for opportunities at Fallingwater, including in maintenance, visitor services, education, museum store, café and more!
College students can apply now for paid summer internships in watershed conservation at our Indiana and Ridgway offices, or in landscape architecture, digital multimedia, education and collections at Fallingwater. |
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Congratulations, River of the Year! |
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Congratulations to the Allegheny River, 2024 PA River of the Year! Starting in Potter County and flowing into the Ohio River in Pittsburgh, the 325-mile Allegheny River offers opportunities to boat, fish and see wildlife, and provides habitat for numerous birds, fish and animals. WPC’s scientists study freshwater mussels in the Allegheny, including the threatened salamander mussel. Nine-mile Island and Allegheny Islands State Park, both established by WPC, provide beautiful settings for fishing, birdwatching and paddling. |
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Download Winter Images |
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Nature lovers can enjoy hiking, camping and snowshoeing on our 5,118-acre Bear Run Nature Reserve, which provides habitat for more than 500 species of plants, 53 species of birds and abundant wildlife from bobcat to bear.
The preserve also provides the setting for Fallingwater, designed for the Kaufmann family of Pittsburgh by architect Frank Lloyd Wright. In 1963, the Kaufmanns donated Fallingwater to WPC, along with the surrounding 469 acres to establish the reserve. Winter Walks at Fallingwater are now available. |
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Fallingwater Museum Store: A Collection of Treasures for Someone Special |
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Curated especially for February, this selection of personal accessories includes Bulova watches and handmade jewelry from established artists and rising stars.
We hope you discover a treasure to celebrate the ones you love. Shop the collection now through Feb. 29.
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| Shop the collection through Feb. 29 |
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PROTECT WILD PLACES AND GREEN SPACES |
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IT'S OUR NATURE! |
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