Penguin Court and Thomas Road Farm comprise a stunning preserve of 1,089 acres of forests, meadows and open space; a spring-fed reservoir and pond; a 7,000 square-foot conservatory and a 3,700 square-foot greenhouse in Westmoreland County, PA. The property is owned by the Brandywine Conservancy, which is actively engaged in preserving the land and utilizing its resources for community benefit. Staff care for the grounds; grow native plants for wildlife habitat, biodiversity, restoration and education projects; and offer programming to support education, best management practices and the protection of the surrounding ecosystem.
In 2015, Richard M. Scaife bequeathed his family’s estate Penguin Court—named for the ten penguins that once roamed the property—and the Thomas Road Farm to the Brandywine Conservancy. Penguin Court is maintained as a private preserve. As such, it is only open to the public during scheduled programs for which advance registration is required. Offered seasonally, these programs can be found on the Brandywine Conservancy’s events calendar. Click here to see what's coming up next.
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Interested in supporting programs at Penguin Court? Click here to donate to Penguin Court's Education Fund.
Upcoming Penguin Court Native Plant Sales:
2026 Dates:
- Penguin Court is trying to clean out its greenhouse; therefore, it is holding a second online native plant sale with discounted perennials. Online orders will be accepted until Wednesday, May 27, 2026 and orders may be picked up at Penguin Court in Laughlintown, PA on June 2 or 3, 2026. A link to schedule a pickup date and time will be at the bottom of your order confirmation/receipt email. Please see the sale website for more information. Click here to learn more and to shop
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250 New Monarch Waystations in America’s Laurel HighlandsPenguin Court and the Westmoreland Pollinator Partners are working to certify 250 new Monarch Waystations in the Laurel Highlands to celebrate the nation’s 250th anniversary this year! The Laurel Highlands includes Cambria, Fayette, Somerset, and Westmoreland Counties. If your property meets the Monarch Waystation criteria as outlined on this fillable form, please return your completed application to Penguin Court to receive your Monarch Waystation certification and garden sign. |
Become a Volunteer
Volunteer assistance is welcomed to pot up seedlings for our spring native plant sales, care for gardens on the grounds, maintain the orchard or conduct educational programs. Contact us for more information.
Education and Research
Grounds may be used for student or professional research purposes. Contact us for more information.