National Volunteer Week - Meet Tom Wolper

Tom Wolper's life has been like a boomerang – he was convinced he needed to go out and see the world when he turned 18, but after working and living overseas, and experiencing what various cultures have to offer, he chose to return to his roots in Pittsburgh. He came home.

As a “city person,” Tom made an effort to get away to the countryside once he returned to Pittsburgh. His ventures to the country began when he participated in hikes sponsored by the Sierra Club. As he became more involved, he was drawn to the Laurel Highlands area where he lead hikes, often in the vicinity of the Bear Run Watershed. A friend who was a Fallingwater volunteer mentioned to WPC staff that Tom might be interested in some of the opportunities to volunteer at Fallingwater. In 2002, Tom became an ‘Ask Me' Guide and found that he enjoyed the combination of learning about Frank Lloyd Wright and the beauty of the Bear Run Watershed. He also found that he enjoyed sharing his enthusiasm with visitors. When Tom learned about the Land of Fallingwater Tours, he quickly volunteered and took the many steps toward becoming a volunteer Land of Fallingwater Guide.

The three-hour hike through the thousands of acres surrounding Fallingwater is popular with visitors who not only want to learn about the famous house, but also the history of the land. “My favorite part of the hike is the reservoir,” says Tom. “I had hiked many times at Bear Run, but nobody I hiked with knew that the reservoir was there, or if they saw it, didn't know what it had been used for.”

For Tom, volunteering at Fallingwater brings the best elements of the region together: its history, natural history and architecture. “As an ‘Ask Me' Guide, I've had an opportunity to discuss engineering with engineers, artistic values with artists, and the house's place in Wright's body of work with Wright enthusiasts. As a Land of Fallingwater Guide, I am able to introduce visitors to the hills, trees, plants, wildlife and streams of the area. I feel privileged to be able to share so much with visitors coming to the area.” Fallingwater is fortunate to have Tom on its team of dedicated volunteers who spend their limited free time sharing their passion with others.

For further details about the Land of Fallingwater Tour, click here.

Volunteer at one of the 170 Community Gardens in 20 western Pa. counties
Be a WPC Volunteer Land Steward

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