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Thank you!

Thanks so much to everyone who contributes assistance or funding to the Westmoreland Land Trust!  It is your support and assistance that make our work possible, and we are deeply grateful.

Westmoreland Rambles

In recognition of the 250th Anniversary of Westmoreland County and Hempfield Township, the 2023 Westmoreland Ramble follows part of the route of the historic Forbes Road.  This scenic drive of about 53 minutes and 23.5 miles is a great way to enjoy our fall color.  A printable version of the 2023 Ramble is available online, or you may email your mailing address if you would like to receive a hard copy.  Enjoy the Ramble!

Exciting news

PixCams, working as part of an ongoing collaboration with Dr. James Kellam at St. Vincent College, has donated cameras and associated infrastructure to establish live streaming of the occupants of three nest boxes at the St. Xavier Nature Preserve near Latrobe! Find the streams at https://pixcams.com/wlt-bird-nest-boxes/.

Westmoreland Nature Backpacks

To help you explore nature in Westmoreland County, WLT AmeriCorps Service Member Loree Speedy led a project to enable you to borrow a Westmoreland Nature Backpack, available throughout the Westmoreland Library Network (WLN).

There are different backpacks for exploring Streams & Forests, Birds, and Flowers & Pollinators.

WLT created the backpacks in partnership with the WLN to make high quality tools, materials, and nature guides available for  children’s and families’ use.

Online STEM Workshops Available for Public Schools

The WLT is excited to offer excellent online STEM nature workshops free of charge to Westmoreland County public schools, to the extent that funding permits.  Dr. Paula Purnell, our Coordinator ofEducational Programming, has developed Earthworm Wonders, Microgreen Gardeners, and Feathered Friends workshops under Pennsylvania’s Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) program featuring engaging videos, narrated PowerPoints, and supplementary activities and handouts.

Natural Areas book

The Westmoreland Bird and Nature Club offers an excellent book, Natural Areas in and around Westmoreland County.  It is the combined work of over 35 members of the WB&N Club, the Audubon Society and local naturalists, most of whom are self-taught and have a love for the local Pennsylvania landscape.  It was edited by long time club leader Dick Byers, and is a guide to 98 natural areas within 35 miles of Greensburg.

The book has something for everyone—hikers, birders, wildflower enthusiasts, and history buffs. A little bit of the history of each site is included, as well as a list of birds and plants that the visitor is likely to see. Scenic views and can’t-miss features are given. Even for those who are new to exploring nature, or looking for a short excursion for the kids, the book is an excellent resource.

If you would like to see the book, each of the member libraries of the Westmoreland Library Network has a copy.

Green by Design

Here is a story map about our project, Green by Design, to evaluate land across Westmoreland County.  Please contact us or stop by for a brochure about the project, or to learn more about our work.  The story map was financed in part by a grant from the Community Conservation and Partnerships Program Environmental Stewardship Fund, under the administration of the PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, through Pennsylvania Environmental Council’s Laurel Highlands mini grant program.

Upcoming Events

Apr
6
Sat
Spring Clean-up Volunteer Day @ St. Xavier Nature Preserve
Apr 6 @ 9:00 am – 12:00 pm

Volunteer with the Westmoreland Land Trust! 

Join Americorps Service Members Sarah Poklembo and Dominic Demangone for a spring clean-up at WLT’s newest nature preserve. Tools, gloves, and light refreshments will be provided

Apr
8
Mon
Green Gathering: Ecology Games and Converation @ Schwarz Farm Future Nature & Art Park
Apr 8 @ 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm

Join the staff of the Westmoreland Land Trust for a free board game night.  Explore Schwarz Farm Future Nature and Art Park and learn how to play ecology-themed games like Wingspan, Ecologies, Mariposas, and more!

Apr
10
Wed
Guided Bird Walk with Dr. Jim Kellam @ St. Xavier Nature Preserve
Apr 10 @ 7:30 am – 8:15 am

Join Dr. Jim Kellam of Saint Vincent College to observe spring birds at the St. Xavier Nature Preserve.  Please bring binoculars, wear sturdy shoes, and dress for the weather.

Apr
21
Sun
Geology and Watershed Walk with TCWA @ Ackermann Nature Preserve
Apr 21 @ 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm

Explore the ancient and modern environments of the Otto and Magdalene Ackermann Nature Preserve on this (almost) Earth Day walk with the Westmoreland Land Trust and Turtle Creek Watershed Association.  We will explore a hilltop sandstone quarry as well as a modern floodplain.  The walk will be on steep unimproved trails, so wear sturdy hiking shoes and dress for the weather.  Sun screen and insect repellent are strongly recommended.

May
1
Wed
Birding Talk on “Spring Migration” by Dr. Andy Mack @ St. Xavier Nature Preserve
May 1 @ 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm

Calling all local birders! Ornithologist Dr. Andy Mack will present a birding talk on “Spring Migration” at the Bellbrook headquarters of the St. Xavier Nature Preserve. This evening lecture will be followed by a Saturday morning bird walk through the fields and forests of St. Xavier.  This is the first of four “Birds Across the Seasons” paired events presented by Dr. Mack.  All events are open to the public and free to attend.

May
4
Sat
“Spring Migration” Bird Walk @ St. Xavier Nature Preserve
May 4 @ 7:00 am – 10:00 am

Following his evening lecture, ornithologist Dr. Andy Mack will lead a “Spring Migration” bird walk through the grounds of the St. Xavier Nature Preserve. The walk is free and open to the public, and all participants are welcome whether or not they attended the evening lecture.  Bring binoculars and dress for the weather.

WLT Volunteer Work-day @ St. Xavier Nature Preserve
May 4 @ 9:00 am – 12:00 pm

Volunteer with the Westmoreland Land Trust! 

The staff of the Westmoreland Land Trust invites all interested volunteers to join them for a morning of environmental restoration work at the St. Xavier Nature Preserve. This morning’s work will focus on the historic grotto and the trails around it, relicts of the days when the nature preserve was once a boarding academy run by the Sisters of Mercy.  Please wear sturdy shoes, sunscreen, and insect repellent.

May
11
Sat
Spring Birding Nature Walk @ Ackermann Nature Preserve
May 11 @ 7:00 am – 10:00 am

Join us for a spring bird walk at the Otto and Magdalene Ackermann Nature Preserve in North Huntingdon Township.  The forested slopes and open floodplain of this secluded property are a good place to see many of our native birds as well as the occasional spring migrant.  This guided walk will be slow-paced, but will involve clambering down some steep sections of trail. Please bring binoculars and wear sturdy shoes, sunscreen, and insect repellent.

May
13
Mon
Green Gathering – Ecology Games & Conversation @ Schwarz Farm Future Nature & Art Park
May 13 @ 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm

Join the staff of the Westmoreland Land Trust for a free board game night.  Explore Schwarz Farm Future Nature and Art Park and learn how to play ecology-themed games like Wingspan, Ecologies, Mariposas, and more!

May
17
Fri
Westmoreland Land Trust Board of Directors Meeting @ Westmoreland Conservation District Barn
May 17 @ 9:00 am – 10:30 am