Three years into a major economic depression, when the Dow had dipped to 41, ten citizens came together to found a non-profit conservation organization. The organization would help alleviate some of the region’s unemployment through public works programs while providing lasting natural benefits for the region. Former WPC director and secretary Dr. M. Graham Netting speculated that the group formed because “they were sincerely devoted to serving the best interests of the community.”

To date, the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy has protected more than 212,000 acres of natural lands in Pennsylvania, restored “dead” watersheds and is responsible for founding six state parks. The organization was so highly regarded that, in 1963, Edgar Kaufmann jr. (sic) entrusted WPC with Fallingwater, his family’s weekend home and Frank Lloyd Wright’s masterwork.

We invite you to explore the challenges and successes that comprise our 75-year history of caring for water, land and life in western Pennsylvania.