North Side, Pittsburgh, PA – On July 9, the Three Rivers Agricultural Land Initiative (TRALI) successfully conserved several parcels within the Olde Allegheny community garden in Pittsburgh’s Central Northside, thus permanently protecting the land.
“We’re thrilled to see [the garden’s] future secured,” said community gardener Pritish Iyer. “This is more than just a garden; it’s a vital community hub.”
The site, located at 1309 Arch Street, was previously an abandoned lot that neighbors and various leaders began to improve in the early 1980s. Since its founding, the garden has served as a vibrant community gathering and growing place. Now that it is conserved through TRALI, the land will remain forever green.
TRALI is a joint venture between Grow Pittsburgh and Allegheny Land Trust (ALT). By utilizing both organization’s strengths, the initiative creates the stability necessary to foster a vibrant, sustainable urban agriculture movement in the Pittsburgh region by removing the threat of future sales of agricultural lands for other development purposes and creating opportunity to expand urban agriculture.
“Grow Pittsburgh is proud to support growers who have dedicated time and resources to strengthen their community’s food security, among the many other benefits gardens bring to our neighborhoods,” said Grow Pittsburgh’s director of community projects Dora Walmsley. “With permanent protection through TRALI, Olde Allegheny can continue to build on this work for decades to come.”
Spaces like Olde Allegheny provide environmental benefits by mitigating stormwater, protecting pollinator habitat, creating neighborhood food security and serving as vital places for social connections and community-building. There are more than 120 community gardens and urban farms in Allegheny County, many of which use land without a formal land use agreement or have only temporary permission. TRALI ensures permanent protection for food gardens.
“We’re honored to be a part of this beloved garden’s history by ensuring its permanent conservation with Grow Pittsburgh,” ALT President & CEO Carrie Gilbert said. “Part of our vision is to make green space easily accessible and available to everyone, and we believe the TRALI initiative – and this garden – is helping to fulfill that vision.”
Now that the future of the garden is secure, volunteers can dedicate their energy to long-term improvements. There are 18 gardeners on the plot that is now protected; another 25 gardeners utilize the rest of the space. In addition to keeping up with the current growing season, gardeners are now preparing for the hundreds of visitors brought by the annual Mexican War Streets House Tour.
“Our community garden is more than just a place to grow food—it’s a space where neighbors come together, share knowledge, and cultivate connection,” said gardener Peggi Habets. “It offers a peaceful retreat in the heart of our neighborhood.”
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About Grow Pittsburgh Grow Pittsburgh’s mission is to teach people how to grow food and promote the benefits that gardens bring to our neighborhoods. The organization was founded in 2005 and has been a registered 501c (3) entity since 2008. We use growing food as a platform to bring people and communities together, while inspiring them to be healthier individuals, learn new skills, care for the earth and make our city and region a more livable, equitable and desirable place to be. Please visit our website to learn more about the distinct programs and production sites that provide opportunities for people of all ages to grow their own food. More information can be found at growpittsburgh.org
About Allegheny Land Trust Founded as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit in 1993 in response to the rapidly declining amount of green space in Allegheny County, ALT now conserves more than 4,000 acres of green space to preserve our region’s unique natural beauty, provide accessible outdoor recreational opportunities, improve water quality, sustain biodiversity, and enhance the overall quality of life for all. ALT’s strategic priorities are in land protection, land stewardship, community conservation, and environmental education. More information can be found at alleghenylandtrust.org
About TRALI Three Rivers Agricultural Land Initiative is a partnership between Grow Pittsburgh and Allegheny Land Trust that provides long-term security to local community gardens and urban farms. The sites are owned by Allegheny Land Trust while Grow Pittsburgh provides support to the gardeners. The initiative creates the stability necessary to foster a vibrant, sustainable urban agriculture movement in the Pittsburgh region by removing the threat of future sales of agricultural lands for other development purposes and creating opportunity to expand urban agriculture. More information can be found at growpittsburgh.org/trali
Olde Allegheny Community Garden (link)
1309 Arch Street, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15212
Contact Names:
Gwendolyn Moorer oldeallenghenycg@gmail.com
Randall Burns rburns15212@yahoo.com