Westmoreland Land Trust and WeConservePA Co-Host Site Visit to Ongoing Conservation Project

by Brad Barkdoll, WeConservePA Advocacy Manager

The Westmoreland Land Trust (WLT) and WeConservePA’s Brad Barkdoll partnered to host a site visit of the ongoing Carl A. Schwarz Memorial Park farm conservation project outside of Greensburg, PA. At this visit, they were joined by Representative Eric Nelson, Hempfield Township Board of Supervisors members, Murrysville Council and EAC members, County Commissioner staff, as well as staff and affiliates from WLT.

On March 11, 2021, the WLT acquired the 96-acre Schwarz farm on Beech Hills Road in Hempfield Township with the help of funding from Colcom Foundation and Allegheny Foundation, and other supporters.  The farm is located three miles (6 minutes by car) from downtown Greensburg. It will be conserved as a nature and art park, with meadows to provide habitat for pollinator and upland meadow bird species.

The WLT has engaged LaQuatra Bonci to conduct preliminary planning for the future park.  This effort will include gathering input from residents of nearby communities and others interested in the project. For some time the property will only be open to the public during Visitors Days announced on the WLT’s website and Facebook page.

For more information on this unique (and ongoing) conservation project, see the WLT website and click on Conservation of Schwarz Farm.