Conservation and Conservation Science The Western Pennsylvania Conservancy uses science as an essential tool to prioritize the places that it seeks to protect and set long-term conservation goals. Through its conservation science program and the Pennsylvania Natural Heritage Program (PNHP), WPC scientists provide scientific information, expertise and assistance to support the conservation of Pennsylvania's biological diversity. The PNHP is a partnership of the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, the WPC, and the Pennsylvania Game Commission and the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission. First established in 1981, PNHP is responsible for the inventory and monitoring of threatened and endangered species of (both state and federal) and natural communities. The program also maintains the Pennsylvania Natural Diversity Inventory (PNDI) database, which contains records for threatened, endangered and other listed species and communities. Fallingwater The Frank Lloyd Wright-designed Fallingwater house, perched over the Bear Run waterfall at Mill Run, Pennsylvania, is an internationally renowned architectural landmark. Fallingwater was entrusted to the Conservancy by Edgar Kaufmann jr. [sic] in Oct., 1963. Included with this gift was the 1,543 acres of surrounding land known as Bear Run Nature Reserve, now expanded to more than 5,000 acres. The Kaufmann family became acquainted with the Conservancy when they were involved with the early acquisition of Ferncliff Peninsula, later to become the cornerstone of Ohiopyle State Park. The donation was received under a deed of trust that requires the Conservancy to preserve and maintain the buildings. In 2013, more than 160,000 people visited the house and grounds of Fallingwater, and Fallingwater’s total visitation has surpassed five million guests since it opened to the public in 1964. Guided tours are offered daily, except Wednesdays. See also Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission List of Pennsylvania state parks Conservation Architectural conservation References External links official Western Pennsylvania Conservancy website official Fallingwater website Finding aid to the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy Records at the Archives Service Center, University of Pittsburgh Land trusts in Pennsylvania Non-profit organizations based in Pittsburgh Environment of Pennsylvania Organizations based in Pittsburgh