- 530 Beech Hills Road, Jeannette, PA 15644
- Dawn to Dusk
- 96 Acres
UNIQUE FEATURES
Discover the Preserve
From panoramic views to wide open spaces, the preserve packs landscape and history into its 96 acres.
Bats & Barn Swallows
Meadowlark provides habitat for Big Brown Bat and Barn Swallow colonies. Thanks to PixCams, visitors can observe wildlife behavior via live-streaming cameras and onsite during programs.
Historic Barn
Built in the 1920s, Meadowlark’s historic barn reflects Westmoreland County’s agricultural heritage. Home to the county’s first electric dairy farm, it now serves as a landmark and feature for community education.
Panorama Views
Perched on one of the property’s highest points, Meadowlark offers panoramic views of the Laurel Highlands. These scenic vistas showcase the beauty of Westmoreland County in every season.
ABOUT THE PRESERVE
Where History Meets the Land
Meadowlark Nature & Art Park is a 96-acre community preserve in Hempfield Township where conservation, history, education, agriculture, and recreation come together. Once a working dairy farm, the property has been transformed into a public destination featuring public walking trails, meadows, farmland, an historic barn, and farmhouse classroom. The preserve serves as a hub for nature education, hosting school field trips, and community events throughout the year.
The property offers expansive views in Westmoreland County, with sweeping vistas stretching across the Laurel Highlands toward Chestnut Ridge. In 2023, a Property Phased Development Plan was completed, and significant progress has been made. Recent successes have included ADA-accessible improvements, two parking lots, educational gathering spaces, & meadow establishment. The plan also envisions a Nature Discovery Area and placement of significant works of art along the trails.
Click to view high resolution images.Â
HISTORY
Evolution of Schwarz Farm
Meadowlark Nature and Art Park was formerly known as Schwarz Farm and owned by Carl and Roberta N. Schwarz. Following Carl’s passing, Roberta established the Carl A. Schwarz Memorial Park Foundation to preserve the land, and in 2021, the property became part of Westmoreland Land Trust, ensuring its permanent protection and public use.
Before the Schwarz’ ownership, the property was operated as the Baur Dairy Farm, which gained regional recognition in 1931 when hundreds of farmers attended a West Penn Power and Westinghouse Electric demonstration showcasing modern agricultural technology. The farm was considered one of the first fully electrified dairy operations in Westmoreland County, highlighting innovations such as electric feed grinding, silo filling, home lighting, and electric cooking.
GETTING AROUND
Trail Guide
he preserve’s trails range from easy walks to more challenging hillside routes.
All are free, open to the public, and navigable without technical equipment.
Meadowlark Nature & Art Park Trail Map
Includes walking paths, parking, and points of interest.
NATURE
Flora & Fauna
Meadowlark’s habitats support a variety of native plants and wildlife, including the Eastern Meadowlark. Forest edges, wetlands, streams, and meadow habitats provide important resources for birds, pollinators, amphibians, and mammals throughout the year. Native meadow and grasslands restoration efforts are increasing habitat quality while creating vibrant seasonal displays for visitors to enjoy.
The preserve is home to a Big Brown Bat colony, Barn Swallow colony, butterflies, native bees, migratory songbirds, turkeys, and many other species. Through a partnership with PixCams, visitors and online viewers can observe nesting activity and wildlife behavior through live-streaming cameras that bring the preserve’s wildlife to audiences around the world.
Photos taken at Meadowlark.
GETTING HERE
Plan Your Visit
Visitors can enjoy open meadows, farmland, scenic vistas, and sweeping views of the Laurel Highlands when on the property. The preserve is open year-round from dawn to dusk and is free to visit.
The property currently features mowed walking paths and open spaces for exploration, nature observation, photography, birdwatching, and family outings. A comprehensive trail system is currently in development. Future improvements will include expanded walking trails, interpretive features, overlooks, meadows, & art installations.
Know Before You Go
- Leashed pets welcome
- Carry in, carry out
- Free parking at trailhead
The preserve is open daily from dawn to dusk. No admission fee. Please help us keep this natural treasure pristine for everyone. WLT embraces the principles of the Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics.
PROTECT
Conservation & Stewardship
Current stewardship efforts at Meadowlark focus on habitat restoration through the development of native wildflower meadows and grasslands habitat for dependent wildlife. Efforts will provide critical habitat for several species, including threatened and endangered birds such as the Eastern Meadowlark, American Kestrel, and Loggerhead Shrike.
GET INVOLVED
Volunteer at Meadowlark
Volunteers play an essential role in the continued growth and success of Meadowlark Nature and Art Park. Opportunities include trail maintenance, invasive species removal, habitat restoration, gardening, event support, educational programming, and special improvement projects.