This marks an important milestone in ALT's expansive Panhandle Greenway Conservation Project - a long-term effort to proactively conserve green space in an area of the county experiencing rapid growth.
With this latest addition, ALT has now successfully conserved 293 acres of land as part of the Panhandle Greenway, including 91 acres in Collier Township and 202 acres in South Fayette Township.
“These 42 acres protect the living landscape of the Panhandle corridor, where forests, fields and waterways can remain whole and live for generations,” said Carrie Gilbert, ALT President & CEO. “It enables us to expand the trail’s natural beauty while offering welcome shade and relief for everyone who enjoys the trail.”
Conserving this land offers multiple benefits for both people and nature.
The land helps maintain the community’s rural character while expanding access to healthy outdoor recreation.
It supports the Robinson Run Watershed by naturally absorbing stormwater, reducing flood risk and improving air quality by filtering pollutants and storing carbon.
The protected forest also provides important wildlife habitat and maintains a natural buffer along the Panhandle Trail, enhancing experience for walkers, runners and cyclists with shaded, scenic surroundings.
Together, these benefits contribute to a healthier environment and more desirable, resilient communities.
A central goal of the larger Panhandle Greenway effort is to connect key natural and recreational destinations – including Settlers Cabin Park, Pittsburgh Botanical Garden, Collier Township Park, South Fayette’s Preservation Park and the Panhandle and Montour Trails – into a continuous, sustainable green corridor.
The addition of these 42 acres brings ALT one step closer to realizing that vision. Permanent conservation of this land was made possible thanks to funding from The Richard King Mellon Foundation, Katherine Mabis Mckenna Foundation, The Foundation for Pennsylvania Watersheds, Grist House Brewing and many dedicated community members and trail users.
“We are deeply grateful to everyone who helped bring this project to life and demonstrated what’s possible when a community comes together around the land it loves,” said Gilbert. “Protecting the Panhandle Greenway strengthens our regional resilience and fosters a lasting connection to place. We look forward to continuing to inspire connection, conservation and community building in our region.”
Visit the Allegheny Land Trust website to learn more about land conservation.
Related Articles This Week:
-- DCNR Invests Nearly $82 Million In 295 Local Recreation, Conservation Projects And Initiatives in 58 Counties To Expand Trails, Parks, Public Lands; Next Grant Round Now Open [PaEN]
-- DCNR Grants News: Community Conservation Partnership Grant Round Open; Heritage Area Strategic Plan; Community Tree Assistance Program
-- PA Wilds Center Will Accept Applications For Community Engagement Mini Grants Starting Jan. 29 [PaEN]
-- DCNR State Parks Environmental Ed News: Warm Up To Winter Education Ideas Edition [PaEN]
-- RCX Sports Teams Up With PA Recreation & Park Society To Expand Youth Sports Access And Programming [PaEN]
-- Master Watershed Steward Eve Puhalla's Passion For Environment Leads To Public Park Cleanup In Montgomery County [PaEN]
-- Friends of the Wissahickon To Hold Jan. 28 Public Meeting On Plans For Improving Wissahickon Valley Park And Its Visitor Experience In Philadelphia [PaEN]
-- The Arboretum At Penn State Invites Pennsylvania-Based Artists To Submit Proposals For A New Penn’s Woods Outdoor Art Exhibition At The Arboretum [PaEN]
NewsClips:
-- Republican Herald: Schuylkill River Greenways Opens Grant Cycle For 2026 Restoration Fund [PDF of Article]
-- Williamsport Sun: 116 Acre Property Near Hughesville Donated To Northcentral Pennsylvania Conservancy
-- Chesapeake Bay Program: Chesapeake Bay Watershed Partners Protect More Than 9.2 Million Acres Of Land Across Watershed, About 23% Of Land Area [3.7 Million In PA]
-- PennLive: Land Swap To Clear Way For Welcome Center Along Appalachian Trail In Cumberland County
-- The Derrick: Oil City Locals Hit McClintock Trail For Sunny Lunchtime Runs In Venango County [PDF of Article]
-- Post-Gazette: Pittsburgh Skate Park Gains Popularity But Draws Pushback Over Noise, Legal Status
-- LehighValleyLive: Lehigh Valley Forest Bathing: Where to Try Shinrin-Yoku In 2026
-- WHYY: PA Horticultural Society Teases The Roots Of the Upcoming Philadelphia Flower Show Opening Feb. 28
-- WHYY: How Philly’s Avenue Of The Arts Will Be Transformed Into A Green Space
-- Republican Herald: 10 Winter Projects To Help Birds [PDF of Article]
[Posted: January 15, 2026] PA Environment Digest
No comments :
Post a Comment