The Panhandle Greenway Conservation Project’s Success Grows
South Fayette Township, PA – At the end of December 2025, local land conservation nonprofit Allegheny Land Trust (ALT) completed the purchase and permanent protection of 42 acres of vital green space along the Panhandle Trail in South Fayette Township.
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 Pandhandle 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.”