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RELEASE: ALT Permanently Protects Girty’s Woods

March 30, 2021

For Immediate Release

RESERVE TOWNSHIP, PA – Allegheny Land Trust (ALT), a local land conservation nonprofit, finalized the acquisition of 155 acres of green space located in Reserve Township on March 30.

“The community effort behind protecting this green space was robust, inspiring and instrumental in our success. It was a great opportunity for the residents and businesses of Reserve, Millvale Borough and Shaler Township to work together to protect a large, forested area within a rapidly-urbanized region,” said ALT President & CEO Christopher Beichner.

The campaign was launched at the beginning of the pandemic, leaving ALT and the community concerned about the fate of the project, which required the raising of $703,546 to close. The funding plan relied on at least $40,000 from the surrounding community during an unstable time. However, as other funding sources fell through, the community went above and beyond the goal.

By the campaign’s end, approximately 650 residents donated more than $88,000. The project also received funding from the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (PA DCNR), the Redevelopment Authority of Allegheny County, the Triboro Ecodistrict, Malone Foundation, Posner Foundation, Millvale Borough and from 34 local businesses and organizations.

“We were blown away by the community’s efforts to save Girty’s Woods,” Beichner said. “So many individuals, organizations and local businesses stepped up in difficult financial times to help ensure this land would be protected and improve the quality of life not only for residents today, but also for generations to come.”

The permanent protection of Girty’s Woods will preserve natural scenic beauty, provide close-to-home outdoor recreation and environmental education opportunities, absorb rainwater that would otherwise overwhelm Girty’s Run watershed, protect wildlife habitat for a variety of native flora and fauna already calling the green space home, maintain and improve air and water quality and increase neighboring property values to contribute to the area’s resiliency and sustainability.

“The campaign to Save Girty’s Woods was all heart. At a time when so many are struggling, neighbors of all ages and backgrounds worked tirelessly and together to save our woods,” Triboro Ecodistrict Director Brian Wolovich said. “It is inspiring to see what we can accomplish when we focus on what unites us, instead of what divides us.”

The area has been explored by and cared for by neighbors for years, and a network of informal trails winds through the green space passing scenic overlooks, open fields, wetland areas and a biodiverse forest that supports a variety of documented native birds, mammals and tree species. Located only 3.5 miles from Point State Park, the land is a short walk from thousands of Reserve, Millvale and Shaler residents’ homes.

“This is the culmination of an incredible effort byAllegheny Land Trust and several highly motivated groups of community members who recognize the extreme value of to the Girty’s Woods project. This initiative will not only benefit our environment, but it will connect our people to their public parks, improve public health and strengthen community bonds,” State Representative Sara Innamorato said. “I want to thank everyone involved for preserving this space to create the next generation of environmental stewards to protect our most precious public goods – our water, air, and open spaces.”

ALT will now begin fulfilling national land trust accreditation requirements for the site and addressing stewardship needs on the land.

Girty’s Woods Conservation Area Webpage

RELEASE: DCNR GRANT & COMMUNITY FUNDING BOLSTER GIRTY’S WOODS CONSERVATION PROJECT

October 16, 2020

RESERVE TOWNSHIP, PA – Girty’s Woods conservation project aiming to protect the expansive woodlands within Reserve Township, adjacent to Shaler and Millvale hit two key milestones last week when the PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) awarded a $300,000 grant to Allegheny Land Trust (ALT) for the acquisition of the land and the community raised the full $40,000 for the local funding campaign.

“We are appreciative and elated to have such strong community and state-level support for Girty’s Woods. This gives the project great momentum,” ALT President & CEO Chris Beichner said. “We truly appreciate DCNR’s support of this important community land conservation project, and also appreciate the support of the elected officials and community leaders that helped to make it happen.”

The recent DCNR grant pushes the current total raised from residents, Millvale Borough, local businesses, private foundations, and the Redevelopment Authority of Allegheny County (RAAC) to more than $609,937. ALT has the property under contract to purchase and permanently protect contingent upon its ability to raise the $723,656 necessary by March 2021. Additional grant requests are pending, and discussions are on-going with potential corporate sponsors and other funders to close the $113,719 gap by the early 2021 deadline.

“These public investments in conservation and greenspace in our communities are a welcome move to protect the health of not just our neighbors, but of future generations as well,” Representative Innamorato said. “This year, Pennsylvanians flocked to outdoor areas in record numbers, underlining the importance of these natural spaces in our lives. I have and will continue to support projects like these to ensure that all Pennsylvanians have access to, and can enjoy, the outdoors.”

Girty’s Woods’ land and existing trails are already being enjoyed informally by neighbors of the green space for walking, mountain biking, bird watching, and other outdoor pursuits, and the current pandemic has only underscored the need for its protection.

“For so many, the outdoors have been a place of refuge, peace, and calm during this pandemic,” said Senator Williams. “But we know that the physical and mental benefits that come from access to outdoor recreation are unmatched no matter what is going on in the rest of the world. I’m especially proud to have advocated for funding to these local projects that will ensure that our residents have access to a variety of free, accessible public spaces.”

Directly adjacent to a Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection-designated “Environmental Justice Area,” Girty’s Woods would provide permanent equitable access to the restorative benefits of nature to the 100,000 people who live within a 3-mile radius and to all residents of Southwestern Pennsylvania.

Those interested in supporting the conservation project can choose “Girty’s Woods Conservation Project” on ALT’s online donation form here: alleghenylandtrust.org/donate

RELEASE: MAJOR GRANT PUSHES CHURCHILL VALLEY GREENWAY PROJECT FORWARD

October 14, 2020

Churchill & Penn Hills, PA – The community conservation project to permanently preserve the meadows, woodlands and paved trails of the defunct Churchill Valley Country Club as a 148-acre greenway for public recreation and environmental education received another major boost last week when the PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) awarded a $1,000,000 grant to Allegheny Land Trust (ALT) for the acquisition of the land.

“It would be impossible to overstate the importance of this most recent grant award from DCNR,” said ALT’s President & CEO Chris Beichner. “This is an enormous boost for the project–coming on the heels of the $300,000 of recently awarded private grant funding and continued donations from the community the Churchill Valley Greenway is much, much closer to becoming a reality,” Beichner said. “We truly appreciate the DCNR’s support of this important community conservation project, and also the support of the elected officials that helped to make it happen.”

The recent DCNR grant pushes the current total raised from residents, local businesses, private foundations, the Allegheny County Redevelopment Authority, and the Commonwealth of PA to more than $2,175,000. ALT has the property under contract to purchase and permanently protect contingent upon its ability to raise the $3,000,000 necessary by March 2021. Additional grant requests are pending, and discussions are on-going with potential corporate sponsors and other funders in attempt to close the $800,000 gap by the early 2021 deadline.

“I am happy to help move this project forward and very pleased that DCNR was able to provide this level of support,” said PA State Senator Jay Costa (43^rd District). State Representative Summer Lee (34^th District) said “the protection of the Churchill Valley Greenway will improve the quality of life in our communities and I’m excited to support its progress.” In addition to Costa and Lee, the Greenway project is endorsed by the Churchill Borough Council and a wide range of community groups and civic organizations.

The land and the trails of the proposed Churchill Valley Greenway are already being enjoyed informally by residents of all ages, interests and abilities for walking, biking, bird watching, and other outdoor pursuits, and the current pandemic has only underscored the need for its protection. The proposed greenway, like other parks and trails, has experienced a dramatic increase in visitors in recent months as people flock in record numbers to exercise, find solace in nature or simply to get some fresh air while practicing safe social distancing.

Located in a Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection-designated “Environmental Justice Area,” the greenway would provide equitable, convenient and permanent access to the restorative benefits of nature to the 95,000 people who live within a 3-mile radius and to all residents of Southwestern Pennsylvania.

Those interested in supporting the conservation project can choose “Churchill Valley Greenway Project” on ALT’s online donation form here: alleghenylandtrust.org/donate

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Resulting Coverage:

Penn Live 10/13/2020

PA Environmental Digest 10/15/2020

Tribune Review via Penn Hills Progress 10/15/2020

City Paper 10/19/2020

Inequity in Our Ecosystem

Black Lives Matter. There is inequity in our ecosystem. We know that conserving green space is just one small voice in the overall chorus needed to bring about change, and we are committed to using our capacity as a nonprofit land trust to be an inclusive and equitable organization and to address environmental inequity across our region.

We are devoted to exploring ways our organization can do better and will share those goals publicly in the near future. Please find our complete statement in our June 3rd e-newsletter. We also joined with 30 other Pittsburgh-area environmental groups in signing a letter and promising to continue efforts to address racial inequity in our region. Find the letter here on NextPittsburgh.

PROTECTING 155 ACRES IN GIRTY’S RUN WATERSHED

April 20, 2020 | For Immediate Release

Reserve, PA – Local land conservation non-profit Allegheny Land Trust (ALT) signed an exclusive agreement to acquire and permanently protect 155 acres of green space located in Reserve Township and adjacent to the Borough of Millvale and Shaler Township.

Permanent conservation of this significant green space will preserve natural scenic beauty, provide close-to-home outdoor recreation and environmental education opportunities, absorb rainwater that would otherwise overwhelm Girty’s Run watershed, protect wildlife habitat for a variety of native flora and fauna already calling the green space home, maintain and improve air and water quality, and increase neighboring property values to contribute to the area’s resiliency and sustainability.

“This is a tremendous opportunity for the communities of Reserve, Millvale, and Shaler to work together to provide green space access to thousands of residents, improve stormwater absorption, and permanently protect a rare forest in an urban center,” said Roy Kraynyk, ALT’s VP of Land Protection.

ALT is working with the local community, the municipalities of Reserve and Millvale, and various other local, state, private, and public supporters to make this project a reality.

The area has been explored by and cared for by neighbors for years, and a network of informal trails winds through the green space passing scenic overlooks, open fields, wetland areas, and a biodiverse forest that supports a variety of logged native bird, mammal, and tree species. This green landscape is only 3.5 miles from Point State Park, and offers striking views of the Downtown skyline.

“It’s easy to feel like you’ve stepped into a secret oasis just a few strides into these woods,” Triboro Ecodistrict Director Brian Wolovich said. “Permanently protecting them would make them an incredible resource for all of our neighbors.”

The land, which touches three municipalities, would also connect thousands of other area residents with a green space. The land is within a short walk for thousands of Reserve, Shaler, and Millvale residents’ homes, a 0.2-mile walk from a Porth Authority bus route that runs through Millvale, and a 0.7-mile walk, jog, or bike ride from the Three Rivers Heritage Trail.

“By connecting our people to their public parks, we improve public health and strengthen community bonds,” State Representative Sara Innamorato said. “Community parks create the next generation of environmental stewards who will advocate for and protect our most precious public goods – our water, air, and open spaces.”

Beyond the areas benefits to stormwater retention, natural assets, and connection benefits, green space would also enhance attractiveness of Reserve Township, Millvale Borough, and Shaler Township for prospective young homebuyers as “proximity to open space” is an oft-cited factor in prospective homebuyers’ consideration of where to live. The protection of this land could also increase tax revenue while providing a community asset as proximity to green space can increase property values by 5%-30% based on distance from green space. “This is a rare opportunity for green space that would create access for so many in the surrounding communities,” Kraynyk said. “It would improve the quality of life not only for current generations, but also for generations to come.”

Learn more.

ALT During the Pandemic

last updated 7/1/2022

The health, wellness, and safety of all ALT visitors, volunteers, and staff are our top priority. As we continue to follow this fluid situation with COVID-19, we will adhere to guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control, the PA Department of Health, and local authorities.

Our conservation areas are open and available from dawn to dusk. Visitors should follow recommended guidelines.

We are hosting both virtual and in-person events. Any in-person events will be held with safety precautions in place; no walk-ins are permitted at this time. Individual participants of any pandemic-impacted events will be notified of changes or cancellations via email. Cancelled events will be rescheduled when possible.

ALT personnel are working on an adjusted schedule between home and office, and have access to email and phone messages. There may be some delay in responding, so please be patient with us.

Thank you for continuing to support ALT and please be safe and well.

The ALTeam

ALLEGHENY LAND TRUST TO PROTECT BETHEL GREEN

February 10, 2020 | For Immediate Release

Bethel Park, PA – Local non-profit land conservation organization Allegheny Land Trust (ALT) announced today that it will finalize the acquisition of 40.5 acres of woodlands in Bethel Park before March 31, 2020.

The permanent protection of this rare remaining green space along Route 88 near its intersection with Valley Drive has been ensured by ALT after working for almost a year in cooperation with the Municipality of Bethel Park, the local community, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and other supporting partners.

“We’re proud to conserve one of the largest remaining green spaces in Bethel Park for the health, well-being, and enjoyment of current residents and future generations,” said Tom Dougherty, ALT Vice President of External Affairs. “It took a real team effort, and ALT is extremely grateful for the support of local residents, Bethel Municipal Council, Senator Pam Iovino, and Representative Natalie Mihalek.”

Over the past year, ALT worked to arrange funding for the acquisition through a successful community fundraising campaign, a contribution from the Municipality of Bethel Park, and grants from the Redevelopment Authority of Allegheny County, the PA Department of Community and Economic Development, and the PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.

“The permanent protection of this land is well-aligned with the Keep Bethel Green imperative as outlined in our recently completed strategic plan,” said Bethel Park Municipal Council President Tim Moury. “It will be a true asset to our community in so many ways.”

Bethel Green is within walking distance of several thousand neighbors, and features an informal network of hiking trails, remnants of the area’s mining history, and a variety of resilient plant and animal species that have recently reclaimed it as a natural space. Its protection will preserve scenic beauty, provide a close to home place for healthy exercise, absorb thousands of gallons of rainwater at the head of the flood-prone Saw Mill Run watershed, enhance local property values, and provide opportunities for historical and environmental education.

The new conservation area will be owned and managed by ALT with volunteer support from interested community members and civic organizations.

“The creation of this permanently protected green space took a collaborative effort, and we look forward to working together on an ongoing basis with friends and neighbors to make it the best it can be,” said Dougherty.

Long-time Bethel Park Ward 5 Councilman Don Harrison expressed his excitement about the success of this conservation effort.

“There have been many different proposals for the use of that land over the years,” he said, “but this one will provide a lasting benefit to Bethel Park.”

ALT will host a public event to celebrate the acquisition of the property and discuss 2020 plans and opportunities for volunteer participation:

March 11 | 6 pm – 8 pm | Cool Springs Sports Complex, 3001 Cool Springs Drive, Bethel Park, PA

All interested parties are welcome, and are asked to RSVP at:

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/bethel-green-meet-greet-and-plan-registration-81988013355

ALLEGHENY LAND TRUST PROTECTS LAND ALONG MONTOUR TRAIL

October 17, 2019 | For Immediate Release

Moon Township, PA – Local land conservation non-profit Allegheny Land Trust (ALT) has acquired 38.5 acres of woodlands along the Montour Trail and Montour Run in Moon Township.

ALT finalized the purchase of this green space today after a year-long fundraising campaign ensuring that the natural landscape along this portion of the popular trail and stream will remain forever wild.

“This section of the Montour Valley is among the most scenic and natural parts of the entire trail, and it is also one of the most heavily used sections,” said Roy Kraynyk, ALT’s VP of Land Protection. “We and our partners in the project felt that it was critical that it be preserved in its natural state for current users and future generations.”

The conservation of this land significantly increases the amount of protected lands along the lower Montour Run corridor maintaining several miles of undeveloped trailside for the enjoyment of thousands of users each week while also mitigating downstream flooding, helping to maintain water and air quality, preserving contiguous wildlife habitat and enhancing nearby property values.

ALT enlisted the support of the Montour Trail Council and the Hollow Oak Land Trust to raise awareness and funding for the project and received significant grant support from the Garden Club of Allegheny County, the Katherine Mabis McKenna Foundation, and anticipated support from the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. Members of the local community also rallied to raise more than $20,000 for the project.

“Conservation projects like this take real collaboration and broad-based support and we are grateful to our partners and all of our supporters who helped to make this happen,” said Kraynyk.

Garden Club of Allegheny County president Delia Egan said “Our mission at Garden Club is to promote conservation, prudent civic planning and community horticultural activities, and we felt that this conservation project aligns well with each of these goals. We are pleased to be able to provide grant support to such a beneficial community project to protect the region’s natural beauty and ensure permanent habitat for native flora and fauna.”

Linda Mckenna Boxx, Chairperson of the Katherine Mabis McKenna Foundation concurs.

“Conserving land along trail corridors preserves the natural experience for trail users while also protecting the trails themselves from slides and flooding,” Boxx said. “We are pleased to support the Allegheny Land Trust in protecting this special and popular portion of the Montour Trail and nearby Montour Run.”

The new conservation area, located around milepost one on the Montour Trail, does not have any formal trails at this time, but is open for public exploration.

June 19 Community Meeting, Big Sewickley Creek

June 1, 2019

For Immediate Release

PUBLIC INPUT SOUGHT BY LOCAL NONPROFIT FOR WATERSHED PLANNING PROJECT

Sewickley, PA – Local land conservation nonprofit Allegheny Land Trust (ALT) invites the residents surrounding the Big Sewickley Creek Watershed to attend a June 19, 2019 community meeting surrounding the “Rivers Conservation and Stewardship Plan”, which it launched in Spring 2019.

Hosted by ALT and consultants from Pashek + MTR, the meeting will provide community members with a description, update, and opportunity for ideas and comments on the planning process for this watershed.

“Water is a vital resource, one that we all enjoy, but one whose importance is often overlooked,” Community Conservation Director Alyson Fearon said. “We’re launching this effort, so we can later apply the tool belt of land conservation to address water quality, flooding, recreation opportunities, land use, and other issues that may come to light in this watershed. And because the project resulted from conversations with community members, we’re hosting this meeting to ensure the plan is created with their concerns, goals, and ideas in-mind.”

The purpose of the plan is to provide a better public understanding of the watershed’s natural and cultural assets, identify threats to water quality and property due to flooding, recommend resolutions to competing interests, and prioritize opportunities to maintain the watershed as a beautiful and healthy place to reside and recreate.

ALT is also seeking input from residents of the watershed area prior to the meeting, whether or not the individual is attending. Please find a map of the watershed on page two of this release. Those who wish to provide input can do so here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/G5NT9GL

Big Sewickley Creek Watershed Community Meeting

WHEN: June 19, 2019 | 6:30-8:00 P.M.

WHERE: Marshall Township Municipal Building

525 Pleasant Hill Road | Wexford, PA | 15090

*Parking and entrance at the back of the building

RSVP encouraged but not required:

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/big-sewickley-creek-community-meeting-registration-62954439423

Facebook Event Link:

https://www.facebook.com/events/2206847456057974/

Plan webpage:

New Year, New Green Spaces, New Record

February 5, 2019

For Immediate Release

ALLEGHENY LAND TRUST POSTS RECORD YEAR FOR CONSERVATION

Sewickley, PA – The completion of several conservation acquisitions in early January wrapped-up an extremely active year for Allegheny Land Trust (ALT). The local, land conservation non-profit celebrated its 25^th anniversary year by protecting or putting under contract for protection 411 acres of green space across ten projects in seven different Allegheny County municipalities in 2018. This was a record number of new conservation areas created in a single year and increased the total acreage under ALT’s protection to more than 2,500.

“These projects serve as excellent examples of how our quarter century of land protection work is beginning to create vital connections to existing green space in the region,” said ALT VP of Land Protection Roy Kraynyk.

Many of the newly acquired green spaces create immediate or potential connections to existing green space. Land protected in Monroeville expanded ALT’s existing Mosside Slopes conservation area and connected it to Monroeville Park East; parcels acquired in Hampton Township are adjacent to or near North Park, in Franklin Park property was acquired that is across the street from the municipality’s Acorn Park; an ALT acquisition in Bell Acres connects to the community ball park complex, and a project soon to close in Moon will create wooded buffer along the Montour Trail and provide access to Montour Run.

In a time when Allegheny County is losing more than 2,000 acres of green space each year to development, the nonprofit is working to protect lands like these to address some of the region’s most pressing issues by protecting air, water, and wildlife habitat quality; preventing flooding, landslides, and combined sewer overflow (CSO) and creating opportunities for food security, recreation, and environmental education.

“We’re urgently working to do more to help enhance the quality of life for all in our region by protecting one of its defining assets: nature,” Kraynyk said.

ALT already has four projects totaling 142 acres under contract for protection in 2019 and anticipates more to arise as the year progresses. The land trust currently protects more than 2,500 acres of green space in 30 municipalities across the Pittsburgh region.

To learn more about ALT’s existing protected green space and upcoming projects, visit the nonprofit’s website at alleghenylandtrust.org.