ALT Conserves Local Land, Creates Greenway Connecting Municipal Parks

April 23, 2024

For Immediate Release 

Monroeville, PA

Local land conservation non-profit Allegheny Land Trust (ALT) acquired 97 acres called the Gateway Woods Conservation Project in the Municipality of Monroeville, thus creating a 398-acre contiguous greenway by connecting Monroeville Community Park West, Monroeville Community Park East, Sugar Camp Park, and Mosside Slopes conservation area.

“Conserving this land helps to expand the growing, green amenities of Monroeville and Pitcairn to support expanded outdoor recreation and enjoyment of nature, while also improving regional resiliency through the many benefits preserved green space has to offer,” ALT President and CEO Chris Beichner said.

As a permanently conserved green space, this land supports the resiliency of Monroeville and Pitcairn by preserving natural scenic beauty, providing a place for close-to-home outdoor recreation and environmental education, mitigating downstream flooding in the Turtle Creek Watershed, providing cleaner air by sequestering 381,000 pounds of carbon and 6,800 pounds of other pollutants annually, preventing further traffic congestion and enhancing the attractiveness of nearby communities for current and prospective homeowners.

The project received letters of support from the Municipality of Monroeville, the Borough of Forest Hills, the Borough of Pitcairn, US Congresswoman Summer Lee, PA Senator Jim Brewster, PA Rep Brandon Markosek, Allegheny County Council Rep Michelle Naccarati-Chapkis, the Garden Club of Allegheny County (GCAC), Turtle Creek Watershed Association and Sustainable Monroeville.

“Gateway Woods’ conservation is a big win for our communities today and for years to come,” said Pennsylvania State Representative Brandon Markosek. “We were glad to support this effort and connect existing lands to create expanded benefits for all.”

ALT worked over a one-year period to raise the $1,092,955 needed to purchase the land. Support was provided by 100 individual donors who gave more than $42,000, as well as support from the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation & Natural Resources, GCAC, the Pittsburgh Foundation and Arconic Foundation.

Additionally, the timing of the March 2024 closing date was facilitated by a short-term loan from the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy through their Colcom Foundation Revolving Fund for local land trusts to provide liquidity until the proceeds of other funding sources are received.

Now that ownership of the land is secured, ALT will create a management plan for the site to ensure its conservation value is maintained and improved.