For nearly two decades, Westmoreland Land Trust has worked alongside landowners and conservation partners to permanently protect the forests, streams, trails, and historic landscapes that make our county unique.
Today, more than 740 acres are protected forever—and we’re just getting started.
Land protection is at the heart of everything we do. Every acre we acquire protects wildlife habitat, safeguards clean water, preserves scenic landscapes, creates opportunities for outdoor recreation, and ensures future generations can experience the natural beauty of Westmoreland County.
At the same time, our preserves have become outdoor classrooms where thousands of children and families connect with nature each year through hands-on environmental education, volunteer stewardship, and community programming.
For Landowners
Discover forests, meadows, waterfalls, historic landscapes, wildlife, and miles of scenic trails across Westmoreland County. Admission is always free.
Visit Our Preserves
Explore Programs
Every conservation success begins with people who care. Become a member, volunteer, sponsor an event, or make a gift that helps protect Westmoreland County’s most special places forever.
Ways to Give
Our preserves are open to the public for hiking, education programs, and wildlife observation.
Every child and adult deserves the opportunity to experience nature. Through partnerships with schools, libraries, and community clubs and organizations, Westmoreland Land Trust provides free, hands-on nature education that inspires curiosity, supports STEELS standards, and builds the next generation of conservation leaders.
Each year, our educator delivers more than 260 programs engaging over 8,000 people in learning.
The Sisters of Mercy were deeply committed to preserving the land at St. Xavier. Rather than allowing the property to be lost to development, they chose to protect it.
The Ackermann family donated the land for public enjoyment and to ensure its protection in perpetuity. Each also contributed funds toward its long-term stewardship.
A nearby landowner and organizations, including Murrysville Area Watershed Association, worked with WLT to protect land along the Westmoreland Heritage Trail.
NATIONAL RECOGNITION
Accredited through the Land Trust Accreditation Commission
Choosing to permanently protect your land is one of the most important decisions you’ll ever make. As one of only 475 nationally accredited land trusts, Westmoreland Land Trust meets the highest standards for ethical governance, financial accountability, land stewardship, and perpetual conservation.
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
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
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,
PROTECT
Together, We can Protect More
