CORE OBJECTIVE 4: CONNECT WITH PARKS AND NATURE

NATURAL LANDSCAPES ACROSS WESTMORELAND TAKE SHAPE

When it comes to parks, open space, trails, and the like, it seems like recreational spaces are one of those amenities that people can never get enough of. Not only do they provide safe places for people to get active and connect with each other and nature, they are also critical spaces to help protect native plants and animals, reduce air and water pollution, and keep our communities cool, among other benefits. As natural land is one of the most abundant land uses contributing to the character and setting of Westmoreland County, preserving and protecting these assets is essential to improving and sustaining a high quality of life. As such, preserving and protecting natural assets is a goal outlined in the county’s comprehensive plan, Reimagining Our Westmoreland

Helping implement this goal throughout Westmoreland County, one organization – the Westmoreland Land Trust (WLT) – is making a big impact. Formed in 2007 in response to resident interest in preserving and retaining Westmoreland’s rural character, the WLT’s mission is to conserve and steward land in the county for ecological, cultural, and recreational value for the public’s benefit. Recently, the WLT acquired two new historical properties that are planned for preservation and passive recreation, benefitting several local communities.

Thanks to funding from the Colcom Foundation, Allegheny Foundation, and other supporters, the WLT acquired a scenic 96-acre farm in Hempfield Township in 2021. Located just three miles north of downtown Greensburg, the property known as the Schwarz Farm, is well-situated in central Westmoreland County with easy access both from Greensburg and the PA Turnpike. Once a dairy farm, the property’s previous owners, the Schwarz family, established a foundation in hopes that it could one day be redeveloped into an art and nature park.

After a series of steering committee and community input meetings and extensive analysis and discussion, the WLT worked with LaQuatra Bonci Associates to create a phased development plan for the property. Through five phases, the plan lays out steps for how the former farm will be conserved and transformed into a nature and art park. Complete with planted meadows of native grasses and wildflowers, and featuring sculptures and other outdoor works of art, the park will provide residents and visitors with low-impact enjoyment of the natural property.

“The forthcoming nature and art park will be known as Carl A. Schwarz Memorial Park, and features a hilltop overlooking mountain ridges to the east which will be perfect for photography and painting,” said Betsy Aiken, Executive Director of the Westmoreland Land Trust.

Local leaders anticipate that the park will have considerable value for tourism and economic development and will provide high-quality open space for families from Jeannette, Greensburg, Hempfield Township, and other nearby communities. Once established, the park also has the potential to serve as a base for adult and children's educational programming to celebrate nature and art through events, classes or workshops, exhibits, and other programming. The WLT expects that the property will be open for visits and exploration later in 2023.

Schwarz Farm isn’t the only significant property the WLT is planning on conserving and transforming into a passive recreation site. In 2023 the WLT acquired 250 acres of property previously known as the St. Xavier Academy and Convent. Recently purchased from the Sisters of Mercy with the help of a $1.1 million grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, the site is located off of Route 30 in central Unity Township.

While the Academy and Convent were demolished after a devastating fire, Bellbrook, a building used as a retreat center is now the only structure on the property. The WLT plans to establish new trails, utilize existing ones, and add interpretive materials for people to view and learn as they explore. While there is no planned use for Bellbrook yet, the rest of the site is intended to be open to the public for exploration.

Whether you call Westmoreland County home or you simply work or visit here, the county’s natural lands – its parks, open spaces, or trails –are prominent features that contribute positively to our quality of life. Thanks to local organizations like the Westmoreland Land Trust that continue to invest in, restore, and conserve valuable natural spaces, residents and visitors alike have access to high-quality protected natural lands in our own backyards. To follow along with the conservation and transformation efforts of WLT properties, visit https://westmoreland-landtrust.org/.