Time Running Out on Local Land Conservation Project – $110,000 Funding Gap Threatens Closing

April 8, 2022­­­

For Immediate Release

 

SEWICKLEY HILLS, PA – Local land conservation nonprofit Allegheny Land Trust (ALT) has been working to acquire 90 acres over three different purchases that help to connect ALT conservation areas and multiple municipal parks in Ohio Township, Franklin Park Borough and Sewickley Hills Borough.

ALT has raised the funding necessary to complete two of the three purchases. However, an additional $110,000 must be raised before April 30, 2022, for the organization to acquire the 75-acre Buerkle Woodlands parcel at the northwest corner of the Mount Nebo Interchange along Blackburn Road in Sewickley Hills. The original closing date on the property was March 31, 2022, but the seller agreed to a 30-day contract extension to provide more time to raise the necessary funds.

“These woodlands are a very visible gateway to Sewickley Hills, Sewickley Heights and other Northwest Allegheny County communities,” ALT President & CEO Chris Beichner said. “Together with local residents, we’ve worked hard over the last year to raise the funding for this important conservation project.”

Just over $1 million was needed to complete the Buerkle Woodlands acquisition. ALT secured a major grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) and rallied support from the community and other donors to reduce the funding gap to the current $110,000.

In addition to protecting the scenic beauty of this area, conserving this land will also add to the growing network of connected green space contributing to the health and well-being of our northwest Allegheny County communities by providing clean water, fresh air, quiet tranquility, wildlife habitat and close-to-home outdoor recreation opportunities.

“We now face a short window to close the funding gap to ensure this land is protected,” Beichner said. “We will need additional support from those who stand to benefit the most from this land’s conservation – the surrounding community.”