Western Pennsylvania Conservancy

06/03/2026

“In Fallingwater, Wright captured the perfect essence of our desire to live with nature.” -- Edgar Kaufmann jr.

During spring, fresh greenery, flowing water and soft light transform Fallingwater into a living work of art. The season reveals the house as Wright meant for it to be experienced: in harmony with nature all around it.

Experience this remarkable connection for yourself. Reserve your tickets today ➡️
https://fallingwater.org/visit/fallingwater-tours/

06/02/2026

We couldn't agree more with Brandon's assessment of our beautiful state in this Pittsburgh Post-Gazette editorial. We're pleased to have helped conserve many of the lands and state parks he mentions! https://bit.ly/439jkkA

It’s a source of continual frustration for me that, by and large, Pennsylvanians don’t think of our state as unusually blessed with natural...

06/02/2026

the tradition of marrying in June dates back to ancient Rome? 💞 (at least, that's one explanation)

June is named after Juno, the Roman goddess of marriage, family and childbirth. Couples believed that marrying under Juno’s watch would bless their union with happiness, prosperity and fertility.

These days, we know that a marriage at any time of year will be blessed. But June is still a great month to plan your 2027 (or beyond) wedding!

If you're looking for a stunning place to celebrate your nuptials surrounded by nature, consider the Barn at Fallingwater ➡️ https://fallingwater.org/visit/events/weddings/

06/02/2026

When you're out hiking on WPC preserves on this Saturday, you might wonder, "What are those markings on trees?"

The painted trail blazes at Toms Run Nature Reserve in Allegheny County, Wolf Creek Narrows Natural Area in Butler County and certain other WPC preserves follow a standard protocol for marking hiking trails in North America.

, check out this short article, which explains what the number and position of the blazes convey ➡️ https://waterlandlife.org/land-conservation/trail-blazes/ (IG link in bio)

At WPC's Bear Run Nature Reserve in Fayette County, several trails (totaling 20 miles) provide a variety of hiking adventures. Watch for colored disks identifying individual trails.

Remember to take plenty of water, leave no trace, clean your boots before and after hiking, protect yourself from ticks and most of all, enjoy nature!

06/01/2026

Under the watchful eye of this furry four-legged supervisor, volunteers recently spent a day planting trees and removing invasive plants at WPC's Oakford Park Nature Reserve in Westmoreland County.

We replaced trees that didn't make it through the winter/spring due to oscillating warm and cold spells.

We replaced several redbud trees, and planted some box elder and black willow. Besides being great-looking native plants, they'll provide habitat in an area that could benefit increased species diversity.

The volunteers also helped staff remove invasive garlic, plus we weedwacked some knotweed to help keep it from going to seed along Brush Creek).

If you'd like to help care for nature preserves by removing invasives, improving trails, planting trees, repairing picnic shelters or removing trash, check out upcoming volunteer ops (including June 3 at Bear Run Nature Reserve!)➡️ https://waterlandlife.org/events-volunteer-opportunities/ (IG llink in bio)

06/01/2026

We're planting 120 native saplings along the GAP trail at WPC's 644-acre Casselman River Conservation Area in Somerset County on Saturday, June 13 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

You're invited to volunteer! Bring a friend and enjoy the nice summer weather while doing good for nature! Stay the whole time, or just part of the time.

Please arrive at this parking area before 9 a.m.: https://gaptrail.org/amenities/gap-access-and-parking-markleton/ (IG link in bio)

If you have questions, please contact Zack Zelazny at [email protected].

05/30/2026

Lots of fish and other aquatic life will soon enjoy cooler, cleaner water thanks to volunteers!

Huge thanks to the many dedicated volunteers who joined our watershed conservation staff on cold rainy days and hot sunny days to plant riparian trees along streams across the region this spring.

The nearly 3,000 riparian trees they planted will cool water, reduce erosion, absorb pollutants and much more.

05/29/2026

Do you live in or visit Green Tree or Pittsburgh's Highland Park, Lawrenceville or Mt. Washington neighborhoods?

Volunteer with WPC to plant and care for our community flower gardens ➡️ https://waterlandlife.org/events-volunteer-opportunities/ (link in bio)

🌻June 2 Highland Park
🌻June 4 Green Tree
🌻June 6 Lawrenceville
🌻June 13 Mt. Washington (Grandview Avenue )

The gardens provide vibrant color in neighborhoods and food and habitat for pollinators and small wildlife!🐝🐦🐝

Feel free to share!

05/29/2026

Why should we maintain healthy forest buffers and protect vegetation around rock habitats? Ask a green salamander!

05/29/2026

Join us to plant 120 native saplings! Details below.

Join volunteers from the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy on June 13 to plant native trees and bushes in a section of the Casselman River Conservation Area along the Great Allegheny Passage near Rockwood that was recently scarred by a landslide. Meet at the Markleton trail access area. Tools will be provided, and this event will be held rain or shine.

More info: https://gaptrail.org/event/casselman-river-conservation-area-workday/