During the 2025–2026 school year, WLT’s Coordinator of Education Programming delivered 260 in-school workshops, reaching more than 6,500 students in grades K–6 across 11 Westmoreland County school districts. WLT also provides free educational programming for children at our nature preserves and at public libraries, welcoming nearly 1,600 additional participants to on-site programs in 2026 so far.
One of the many accomplishments of the year was the Westmoreland Land Trust’s partnership with Jeannette McKee Elementary School through the SEED (Student, Explore, Engage, and Discover) Nature Journaling Project. In partnership with Jeannette City School District, the program brought nature journaling into the fourth-grade curriculum, connecting science, English, and art through hands-on outdoor learning. The project provided 63 students with nature journaling kits and two field trip opportunities to explore Meadowlark Nature and Art Park while developing curiosity, creativity, and a deeper connection to nature.
The SEED program concluded with the celebration of the Remake Learning Day event, where students had the opportunity to showcase their nature journaling and invited family and friends to participate in hands-on demonstrations. The celebration highlighted the skills the students learned throughout the program. The success of the SEED program was made possible through the dedication and hard work of Paula Purnell, the Westmoreland Land Trust’s Coordinator of Educational Programming, who guided the program and helped create a meaningful experience for the children.
This year has been filled with opportunities for nature-based education, exploration, and discovery. The Westmoreland Land Trust takes pride in its commitment to educating the community about the importance of land conservation and preservation, while encouraging people of all ages to get out and explore the natural world.
