Conserving the Region that Inspired Frank Lloyd Wright
It is impossible to imagine Fallingwater in any context other than the Laurel Highlands. This picturesque region of Western Pennsylvania provided the inspiration for Frank Lloyd Wright’s masterwork – and today, it continues to inspire millions of nature lovers each year.
The Western Pennsylvania Conservancy has been active in the Laurel Highlands for more than five decades, working to permanently protect more than 78,000 acres of ridges, valleys, forests and waterways in this beloved region and provide shelter for its native plants, animals and aquatic life. This conservation work is more important today than ever before, as development pressure in this popular area puts the Laurel Highlands’ remaining wild, natural areas at risk.
With the help of members and supporters, WPC made additional great strides in 2008 to protect valuable lands and waters in the Laurel Highlands. Through acquisitions as well as voluntary conservation agreements with private landowners, WPC protected approximately 5,000 acres in the region in 2008. The vast majority of these properties will be available to the public for recreation, such as hiking, camping, fishing and hunting – and will help to support a growing, nearly $1 billion tourism industry in the Laurel Highlands.
Properties recently conserved by WPC in the Laurel Highlands include:
A 1,300-acre addition to Ohiopyle State Park. Formerly
owned by Pressley Ridge, a Pittsburgh-based nonprofit
organization focused on youth, this large, forested
property offers great recreational opportunities – and holds
significant conservation value. In addition, it connects
previously acquired WPC lands to Ohiopyle State Park,
creating a protected landscape of more than 22,000 acres.
The parcel includes a fishing pond, a rope course and
multiple trails and cabins that will be available to the
public. Purchased by WPC on December 23, 2008 and
funded in part with a $1 million gift from the B.K. Simon
family, the land was subsequently transferred to the
Commonwealth. A portion of this beautiful forest will be
named the B.K. Simon Family Forest to commemorate the
family’s gift, which was given in memory of B. Kenneth
Simon, a Pittsburgh businessman who founded All-Pak
Inc. and held several patents. Mr. Simon was a
philanthropist and a longtime member of WPC.
A 928-acre addition to Prince Gallitzin State Forest.
Located in Jackson Township, Cambria County, this land
was acquired by WPC on December 18, 2008. The
purchase supports WPC’s ongoing efforts to connect large
tracts of forestland in the Laurel Highlands. It nearly
connects a large property that had been conserved in
2006 with state forestland along the Conemaugh Gorge,
including the 250-acre Ferguson Valley Hardwoods
addition acquired by the Conservancy in 2005.
WPC conveyed this land to the Pennsylvania
Department of Conservation and Natural Resources
(DCNR) Bureau of Forestry, which will manage the forest
in cooperation with the Ruffed Grouse Society.
19-acres connecting Ohiopyle State Park to Kentuck Knob. On September 15, 2008, WPC acquired this Fayette County parcel, which provides magnificent views of Sugarloaf Knob, a popular hiking, biking and snowmobiling trail. The property, which was conveyed to DCNR upon closing, permanently conserves the land between Ohiopyle and another Frank Lloyd Wrightdesigned residence, Kentuck Knob.
172-acre agricultural easement. Located in Donegal
Township, Westmoreland County, this working farm was
permanently protected through an agricultural easement, a
voluntary agreement with the landowner that permanently
restricts development of the land. The land includes
2,500 feet of frontage on the Upper Loyalhanna Creek, a
priority stream segment for WPC, as well as valuable
low-elevation forestland. It is less than one mile away from
Forbes State Forest.
WPC acquired the easement on this farm, which
restricts future uses to agriculture and forestry, in
collaboration with the Westmoreland County Agricultural
Lands Preservation Board (WCALP).
The 85-acre Town’s Edge Farm. This property, which is
adjacent to Ligonier Borough in Westmoreland County,
has been farmed continuously since the early 1800s and
was purchased by Bill and Debbie Snyder in 2004. The
farm includes 1,000 feet of frontage on a stream that
drains directly into the Upper Loyalhanna Creek. Due to
its location and access to public water and sewer lines,
this farm had been at risk for development, but the
Snyders purchased the property with the intent to maintain
it as a working farm. The agricultural easement acquired
by WPC on December 30, 2008 in partnership with
WCALP helps them permanently protect their farm for
agriculture or forestry.
The Town’s Edge farm also serves as a model of
sustainable farming practices, which were implemented
through a fruitful collaboration between the Snyders and
WPC’s Watershed Conservation staff members. The
family raises hormone-free beef cattle, hogs, turkey and
chickens on the farm and continues to implement innovative
techniques to minimize the impacts of farming on
the environment.
The significant, lasting conservation outcomes achieved by WPC in 2008 will help to ensure that future generations will experience the splendor of the Laurel Highlands as Frank Lloyd Wright did more than 75 years ago. The Conservancy continues to place a high priority on this region – and expects to protect additional ecologically significant and beautiful places in the Laurel Highlands in 2009.
2009 Members' Day and
Annual Meeting
WPC invites our members to celebrate what we’ve accomplished together. We’d also like to thank you for your loyal membership support.
The Fallingwater Cookbook
The Fallingwater Cookbook takes readers into the kitchen of Fallingwater and the world of the Kaufmanns, who entertained many famous guests at their weekend retreat.
Safeguard Your Future
For 77 years, the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy has protected this region’s land, water and wildlife. We haven’t done it alone – as a loyal member, you have played a vital part.
Become a Member
Our commitment to protect the land, water and life of Western Pennsylvania could not continue without the generous support of members like you.
Volunteer with WPC
Volunteering is an excellent way for WPC members or other concerned citizens to become actively involved. Become a volunteer today!