Allegheny Land Trust has launched a new outdoor and environmental education initiative and hired two staff members to manage the new education programs.

The land trust welcomes Jessica Kester and Julie Travaglini, both formerly of The Outdoor Classroom, to create additional educational opportunities, especially for school-aged children, at the land trust’s conservation areas. The Outdoor Classroom, a 501c3 based in Upper St. Clair, decided to wind down their operations effective June 1st, opening an opportunity for the Allegheny Land Trust.

“This is a tremendous opportunity to attract two experienced, well-respected teachers as part of the land trust team,” states Chris Beichner, President and CEO of the land trust. “For over two years, we have been exploring ways to increase outdoor and environmental education opportunities on our conservation areas. We are very pleased to have Jessie and Julie on our team as we look to educate current and future generations.”

The land trust will develop new programs over the coming months for children and adults and those programs will be offered at various locations across the region. Allegheny Land Trust intends to partner with municipalities, school districts, counties, non-profits and others to provide far-reaching access to the programming.

Allegheny Land Trust helps local people save local land, and has protected more than 2,000 acres in Allegheny and Washington Counties since 1993. To learn more about the Allegheny Land Trust’s education programs, please contact Jessica Kester at 412.741.2750 x210 or [email protected].