Moraine State Park grew from the vision of scientist Dr. Frank W. Preston. Born in England, he came to the United States through his work and eventually settled in nearby Meridian, Pennsylvania, where he founded Preston Laboratories, a glass research company. Beyond his profession, he explored the topography and geology of the Muddy Creek Valley and found evidence of an ancient glacial meltwater lake, leading him to imagine the lake that had once filled the valley. That discovery inspired his mission to develop “Moraineland,” a vast new park for recreation and the preservation of wildlife habitat, centered on a lake. On October 21, 1948, Dr. Preston gathered fellow scientists and community leaders on Whippoorwill Hill overlooking the plains of Muddy Creek swamp to share this vision. Many of those present became founders of the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy, which played a key role in creating Moraine and McConnells Mill State Parks and Jennings Environmental Education Center. Generations of visitors have enjoyed Moraine State Park through Dr. Preston’s vision and the cooperative efforts of many people, including members of the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy. In his honor, the Frank W. Preston Conservation Area remains largely undeveloped as natural habitat for both wildlife and people.