Press release by Westmoreland Land Trust posted 9 July 2026
Westmoreland Land Trust (WLT) is pleased to announce their successful acquisition of a 23-acre wooded property in Trafford bordering the Westmoreland Heritage Trail and Turtle Creek, permanently protecting a significant scenic and ecologically important natural corridor in the region. The land is located in Westmoreland County between the Forbes Road trailhead near Parkside Plaza and the Saunders Station Road trailhead.
“This acquisition is a powerful reminder that land protection is a team effort,” said Leanna Bird, Executive Director of Westmoreland Land Trust. “Private landowners, conservation and recreation partners, philanthropy, and local government each played an important role in protecting this remarkable stretch of the Turtle Creek Gorge. Together, we’ve ensured this landscape will remain permanently protected for future generations.”
The acquisition represents the culmination of nearly two years of effort by the Westmoreland Land Trust alongside private landowners, donors, and fellow conservation organizations, including the Murrysville Area Watershed Association, whose partnership helped strengthen the effort to protect the landscape.
The area is celebrated for its biodiversity, serving as an important natural greenway and an officially recognized Core Habitat by the Pennsylvania Natural Heritage Program. It protects a remarkable stretch of the Turtle Creek Gorge, reserving mature forest, towering rock outcroppings, and the natural beauty experienced by thousands of visitors along the Westmoreland Heritage Trail each year. Beyond its scenic value, the property provides important wildlife habitat, strengthens ecological connectivity, and ensures this unique landscape will remain undeveloped and protected for generations to come.
“This joint effort represents the very best of environmental stewardship and will help protect important watershed resources for years to come,” Ben Sampson, President, Murrysville Area Watershed Association.
The property will be permanently protected and stewarded as part of Westmoreland Land Trust’s growing network of conserved lands across Westmoreland County, now totaling over 740 acres.
Westmoreland Land Trust extends its sincere appreciation to those whose generosity and partnership made this acquisition possible, including a private donor, Murrysville Area Watershed Association, and WeConservePA, as well as the Westmoreland Heritage Trail, Westmoreland County Parks and Recreation, Westmoreland County Land Bank, Turtle Creek Watershed Association, Westmoreland Conservancy, and the many others who have dedicated years of effort to protecting and enhancing the lands, waters, and trails of the Turtle Creek Gorge corridor.
About Westmoreland Land Trust
The mission of Westmoreland Land Trust is to conserve and steward land in Westmoreland County of special ecological, cultural, or recreational value, for public benefit.
Throughout Westmoreland County open space and recreational land abounds, water resources are protected, and wildlife flourishes, and Westmoreland County is known to families, businesses, and visitors for its high quality of life.
