WPC's Laurel Highlands Legacy:
More than 50 years devoted to preserving our Laurel Highlands

Western Pennsylvania Conservancy’s long-term commitment to conserve the beautiful and biodiverse ridges and valleys of the Laurel Highlands dates back to the early 1950s. Through the Conservancy’s work, more than 51,000 acres of land in the area have been protected, with much of it now permanently managed by Pennsylvania’s Game Commission and Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. Each year, an estimated 4 million visitors enjoy the extraordinary scenery and a wide range of recreational activities in the Laurel Highlands.

View a map of the Laurel Highlands.

Loyalhanna Gorge Greenway, Recreation and Scenic Area — WPC transferred 1,253 acres of diverse woodland habitat along Loyalhanna Creek to Westmoreland County. Preservation of this land as a public park provides hiking, fishing and hunting opportunities, as well as future biodiversity protection.

Chestnut Ridge — WPC acquired 1,900 acres along the three-mile Conemaugh River Gorge through Chestnut Ridge for protection by the Pennsylvania Game Commission. In addition, WPC has been involved in the protection of the Quebec Run Wild Area, on the eastern slope of Chestnut Ridge.

Ohiopyle State Park — Established from nearly 10,000 acres acquired by WPC along the Youghiogheny River from 1961 to 1968. Additional land acquired from the Indian Creek Valley Railway formed the Yough River Bike Trail in 1991.

WPC’s work in the Laurel Highlands will continue to focus on achieving our conservation goals while enhancing the recreation and forest-based economics of the region to help sustain strong communities linked to a healthy, diverse environment. Working with our partners, public and private, we will continue to conserve the forests of the Laurel Highlands that provide the green backbone of this important region.

Ligonier Valley — Working with private landowners, WPC has protected 5,500 acres in the Ligonier Valley, including a 447-acre conservation easement on Carnegie Museum’s Powdermill Nature Reserve.

Laurel Ridge State Park — WPC acquired more than 11,000 acres along Laurel Ridge, from the Youghiogheny River to the Conemaugh River. The area became a substantial part of Laurel Ridge State Park and the 70-mile Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail. WPC’s 12,000-acre Mountain Streams Project along the west slope of Laurel Ridge, includes 3,500 acres designated as the Roaring Run Natural Area.

Bear Run Nature Reserve — Western Pennsylvania Conservancy’s 5,075-acre Bear Run Nature Reserve protects Bear Run, a state-designated Wild and Scenic Exceptional Value stream. The reserve is home to Fallingwater, the masterpiece home designed by Frank Lloyd Wright and entrusted to WPC by the Kaufmann family in 1963. Nearly 4 million visitors from around the world have toured the famous house built over a waterfall.

Ferncliff Peninsula — Acquired by WPC in 1951, this National Natural Landmark and State Park Natural Area continues to provide habitat for rare plants as well as year-round recreation.

Go to next article, Tree Plantations on the Bear Run Nature Reserve