Application for Land Trust Alliance Accreditation

Westmoreland Land Trust (WLT) is applying 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.

As part of the review process, LTAC welcomes public comments.  Comments must relate to how WLT complies with national quality standards which can be viewed at this link: http://www.landtrustaccreditation.org/help-and-resources/indicator-practices.

To learn more about accreditation or to submit a comment, visit www.landtrustaccreditation.org, or email your comment to [email protected].  Comments may also be mailed to the Land Trust Accreditation Commission, Attn: Public Comments, 36 Phila Street, Suite 2, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866.

Comments on WLT’s application will be most useful if received by June 21, 2025.

Thank you!

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

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