From hands-on nature programs and family activities to community celebrations and opportunities to explore the outdoors, 2026 has so far been a year of growth, connection, and discovery for the Westmoreland Land Trust. Throughout the year, community members, visitors, and volunteers have had the opportunity to learn about the Westmoreland Land Trust’s programs, properties, and the many ways they can connect with nature.
One of the year’s highlights was the ribbon-cutting ceremony, celebrating the Westmoreland Land Trust’s newest property: 23 acres of the Turtle Creek Gorge along the Westmoreland Heritage Trail. The event brought together local partners, neighbors, elected officials, volunteers, trail users, and community members. The event highlighted the importance of community collaboration and how it truly does take a village to protect and conserve these special places.
Throughout the year, the Westmoreland Land Trust continued to encourage visitors to explore its many properties. One of the new programs introduced was the weekly Summer Nature Make and Take series at Meadowlark Nature & Art Park and Saint Xavier Nature Preserve, offering 18 themed sessions filled with hands-on activities and opportunities to learn about nature. The series welcomed an average of 30 participants each week, providing community members with a fun, engaging, way to spend time outdoors. Other programs included an Earth Day event implemented in collaboration with Seton Hill University, an Earth Day Watershed Walk, a Spring Bird Walk, Twilight Firefly Walk, Firefly Fest, and Nature Night: Owls and Bats.
The Westmoreland Land Trust is grateful for the community members, volunteers, staff, and partners who have made each event throughout the year so special. Their continued support and collaboration has helped strengthen the Westmoreland Land Trust’s connection with the community and helped to provide special places where everyone can go and enjoy.
As the year continues, the Westmoreland Land Trust looks forward to finishing up the 2026 year strong with more opportunities to grow and create opportunities for the community to come together. Westmoreland Land Trust looks forward to continuing to create meaningful experiences and connect the community with nature for the remainder of the year.
