A New Chapter for WLT – Leadership Update

December 11, 2025 – The Westmoreland Land Trust (WLT) announced today that Leanna Bird has been named its new Executive Director. Leanna brings to WLT more than 10 years of experience in nonprofit management, program development, grant writing and fundraising, and community partnership-building across the fields of environmental conservation and public health in Southwestern Pennsylvania. She holds a Master of Public Policy and Management and Master of Arts in Teaching, both from the University of Pittsburgh.

She began her career with the Student Conservation Association—a national nonprofit dedicated to building the next generation of conservation leaders—coordinating youth conservation and trail restoration programs in city and county parks in underserved communities in Southwestern PA. She later served as program and communications coordinator for the Cambria County Conservation and Recreation Authority, where she developed recreation and volunteer programs, managed community partnerships, and led the organization’s marketing and outreach.

Directly prior to joining the Land Trust, Leanna worked at Allegheny Health Network Center for Inclusion Health, securing funding support for initiatives that provide low-barrier healthcare to underserved communities and populations, such as people living with substance use disorder, mental illness, and individuals experiencing homelessness. Leanna currently serves on the Board of Directors for Women for a Healthy Environment and has previously served on boards for the Conemaugh Valley Conservancy, Cambria County Library System, and Cambria County Conservation and Recreation Authority. Leanna has also supported youth wellness as a community coordinator for the Healthy Kids Running Series – Johnstown. Leanna lives in the Laurel Highlands with her husband and two young sons – they enjoy hiking on the Laurel Ridge and exploring along Mill Creek, searching for salamanders, crayfish, and little brook trout.

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Application for Land Trust Alliance Accreditation

As of November 2025, Westmoreland Land Trust (WLT) has applied for national accreditation with the Land Trust Accreditation Commission (LTAC).  If awarded, this distinction will certify that WLT meets the highest standards for excellence, ethical standards, and conservation permanence.   WLT anticipates the decision of the Land Trust Accreditation Commission early in 2026.

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.

STEM Workshops Available for Public Schools

The WLT is excited to offer excellent STEM nature workshops free of charge to Westmoreland County public schools, to the extent that funding permits.  Dr. Paula Purnell, our Coordinator of Educational Programming, has developed Earthworm Wonders; Microgreen Gardeners; Feathered Friends; and Bees, Bugs & Butterflies workshops under Pennsylvania’s Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) program featuring hands-on learning opportunities.

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.

Many thanks to our Educational Improvement Tax Credit Sponsors