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.

Sign up for news and updates about Penguin Court

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:

• This year, Penguin Court's sale features over 150 species of native plants, shrubs and tree seedlings, as well as some vegetables and herbs making this the most diverse sale in Penguin Court history. Orders will be accepted online through April 26, 2026 with plant pickups scheduled on May 1 and 2 at Penguin Court. Click here to learn more and to shop
• Penguin Court and Indiana County Friends of the Parks Online Native Plant Sale: Orders through May 10, 2026 with pickups scheduled on Saturday, May 16 at Blue Spruce Park in Indiana, PA. Click here to learn more and to shop

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, conduct educational programs, or complete bird, amphibian, and reptile surveys. Contact us for more information.

Education and Research

Grounds may be used for student or professional research purposes. Contact us for more information.