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SUMMARY | This effort is part of our years-long Panhandle Greenway Conservation Project – a landscape-scale effort to proactively conserve green space in an area of the county experiencing rapid, sprawling development. A goal of the project is to create an ecological, recreational, and place-making greenway unlike any in the region. Through this effort, Allegheny Land Trust (ALT) aims to bridge Settlers Cabin Park, Pittsburgh Botanical Garden, Collier Township Park, South Fayette’s Preservation Park, other public and privately conserved lands, and the Panhandle and Montour Trails for the benefit of current and future generations.

CURRENT EFFORTS | ALT has a 30-acre parcel under contract in Collier Township adjacent to Settlers Cabin Park (see map), and is working to raise awareness and funds to conserve the land by March 2026.

 

BACKGROUND | Since 2023, Allegheny Land Trust and its community partners have collaborated on this landscape-scale effort. So far, ALT has successfully conserved 293 acres of green space (91 acres in Collier Township and 202 acres in South Fayette Township). THANK YOU to all who supported the first three phases of this effort. There will be many phases to come in this ongoing effort to conserve woodlands in the rapidly developing and flood-vulnerable Robinson Run Watershed and along the scenic corridor of the popular Panhandle Trail.   

BENEFITS | Conserving this land will forever protect and enhance the quality of life in surrounding communities by preserving rural character and scenic beauty, expanding healthy recreational opportunities, contributing to local and regional resiliency, protecting critical wildlife habitat, and providing an economic boost through enhanced desirability of the communities and new opportunities for recreation-related businesses. 

CURRENT STATUS & FUNDING | ALT has these 30 acres under exclusive contract to purchase and permanently protect, contingent upon successfully raising the necessary funds for closing in March 2026. The project has received funds from the PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Allegheny County, RK Mellon, PA Watersheds, and a local foundation. Additional applications are pending. 

The final, critical component of the funding puzzle is contributions from community members – like you. 

HOW YOU CAN HELP | We need your help! We need a total of $40,000 from the community to protect this land. Donations from individuals are essential to help close the funding gap and serve as the local matching dollars required to unlock state grants. 

 

Current Community Funding Status (updated: 2/10/2026)

$26,292 / $40,000