DCNR Funding Supports The Permanent Protection Of Urban Farmland, Forests And Regional Greenways.
October 19, 2026 | For Immediate Release
Allegheny County, PA – On October 7, Allegheny Land Trust (ALT) was awarded $548,800 in state funding to support three important conservation projects across Allegheny County. Awarded by the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (PA DCNR) through the Keystone Recreation, Park and Conservation Fund, the grants support a recently completed acquisition and two ongoing efforts to permanently protect local land.
“Protecting local land takes time, resources and a lot of people working together,” ALT President and CEO Carrie Gilbert said. “We’re grateful to DCNR, Governor Shapiro, our state legislators and the many partners and supporters who recognize the value of these places. This funding is an important investment in our communities and brings us closer to realizing the long-term vision for each of these projects.”
Three Projects, Lasting Community Benefits:
The Hilltop Urban Farm Conservation Project | City of Pittsburgh | $24,900
In Pittsburgh’s St. Clair neighborhood, ALT and Hilltop Urban Farm are working together to permanently protect an important community asset that brings together urban agriculture, food access, education and neighborhood revitalization. Once Home to the St. Clair Village housing development, the site has been transformed through community leadership into a working urban farm and green space. The DCNR grant provides funds toward purchasing a 2.4-acre portion of the total 23-acre working urban farm that contains a community orchard and youth farm education area. This conservation effort will help Hilltop Urban Farm continue its work in food production, youth education and farm business incubation while also protecting surrounding urban green space.
Lowries Run Expansion Project | Ross Township | $277,200
ALT is pursuing the protection of 27 acres that would expand its existing Lowries Run Conservation Area and contribute to an emerging greenway across municipal boundaries, including 27 acres owned by Ross Township and 138 acres recently acquired by Ohio Township. The DCNR grant will support the acquisition and permanent conservation of this property, preserving wildlife habitat, protecting water quality and maintaining natural areas that absorb rainfall and slow stormwater runoff.
Panhandle Greenway Conservation Project | South Fayette Township | $246,700
ALT recently acquired 42 acres in South Fayette Township directly along the Panhandle Trail, preserving the wooded landscape that provides shade, scenic beauty and wildlife habitat in the trail corridor. DCNR funds will help fund this completed acquisition, which brings ALT’s Panhandle Greenway conservation effort to 293 acres protected across Collier and South Fayette Townships. This larger initiative aims to connect parks, trails and natural areas, while also conserving the forests and open spaces that contribute to the health and resilience of the Robinson Run Watershed.
“Creating and protecting green space is a fantastic investment in the health and well-being of everyone in our communities,” said State Representative Emily Kinkead regarding the Lowries Run Expansion Project. “I am proud to have worked with Senator Lindsey Williams in securing this investment to improve our air quality, help with stormwater mitigation, and allow more local residents to enjoy nature.”
These grants were awarded through PA DCNR’s Community Conservation Partnership Program, with funding from the Keystone Recreation, Park and Conservation Fund. Since 1993, the Keystone Fund has supported conservation, parks, trails, and outdoor recreation projects across Pennsylvania. ALT is grateful for the continued support of the Commonwealth, elected officials, donors, foundations and community partners who help make these conservation efforts possible.
While these grants represent important progress, additional fundraising and community support are still needed to complete the Lowries Run and Hilltop Urban Farm acquisitions. To learn more about these projects and how to support their permanent protection, visit https://alleghenylandtrust.org/current-projects/