On Thursday, August 6th, the Westmoreland Land Trust hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the conservation of 23 acres of the Turtle Creek Gorge property along the Westmoreland Trail in Trafford. Attendees included local partners, neighbors, elected officials, volunteers, trail users, and community members. The event highlighted the importance of protecting these special places and granted the Westmoreland Land Trust the opportunity to thank and recognize the many individuals and organizations who made the achievement possible.
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, preserving 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. 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.
During the ceremony local conservation partners and local leaders from Westmoreland County shared remarks about the importance of protecting Turtle Creek Gorge and preserving special natural places for generations to come. Remarks were given by Ted Kopas, Westmoreland County PA Commissioner; Rich Fitzgerald, Executive Director of Southwest Pennsylvania Commission; Stan Rudge, President of Westmoreland Heritage Trail; Melissa Church, Executive Director of Murrysville Area Watershed Association; and Kylie Schultz, Westmoreland Conservation District.
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.
