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Frequently Asked Questions
Some questions and answers regarding the
Westmoreland Conservancy:
Q: What is the Westmoreland
Conservancy?
A: The Westmoreland Conservancy
is a non-profit land trust located in Murrysville, Pennsylvania; about
20 miles east of Pittsburgh in Westmoreland County. The organization was
founded in 1991, and has always been run by community volunteers. The
purpose of the Westmoreland Conservancy is to acquire and preserve rural
and rustic land for the public good. The Westmoreland Conservancy has
preserved 273 acres of land in the Murrysville area. Hiking trails are
provided on most of the Conservancy's nature reserves for the enjoyment
of the public. The Westmoreland Conservancy also participates in
educational outreach activities, the most recognized of which is a
popular exhibit at the annual Community Day.
Q: Why does the Westmoreland
Conservancy need my help?
A: At our present growth rate,
it's easy to see that, unless action is taken now, the natural spaces we
all take for granted will become a thing of the past. At the Conservancy
we believe in taking action by:
- Purchasing and accepting gifts of land.
- Keeping the public informed on conservation issues within our
community.
- Sponsoring community and school activities with environmental
themes.
- Providing the public with educational opportunities to explore
conservation issues and increase knowledge of our local environment.
These activities are made possible only
through the financial support of members, volunteer assistance,
foundation funding, matching grants, and the commitment of the
community.
Q: There are many organizations
competing for my time and money. Why should I contribute to the
Westmoreland Conservancy?
A: Your tax-deductible
contribution to the Conservancy goes directly back into your community.
The preserved public lands will benefit everyone by:
- protecting wildlife
- conserving soil and water by providing erosion and run-off
control
- providing educational opportunities for local schools
- providing recreational opportunities
- reducing noise and pollution
- reducing congestion
- enhancing property values
Q: What are the Westmoreland
Conservancy's short term objectives?
A: We maintain and keep this
land open to the public. This includes activities like forging and
maintaining access trails for the enjoyment by the public. We also try
to rid the reserves of invasive plant species- this is ongoing and labor
intensive. The Conservancy recognizes that invasive plants are a real
threat to biodiversity across Pennsylvania and the country and is
working to combat that threat.
Another objective is to connect green spaces in order to provide for
wildlife corridors. Continuous tracts of undisturbed woodland also
benefits biodiversity, wildlife habitat, scenic beauty and walking trail
opportunities.
The Westmoreland Conservancy is therefore looking for opportunities
to acquire additional lands which advance our conservation objectives.
If you have land yourself, or know of someone who is interested in
contributing land, we will be happy to discuss any help we may be able
to offer you in your quest to confer your gift today and as a legacy for
future generations to enjoy - perhaps we can make it our next major
project. Our land is a valuable commodity which cannot be replaced, that
which we ought to preserve for the next generation.
Q: How can I help?
A: You can help in a number of
ways:
- Contribute your time. Members with
fresh ideas are our most precious commodity.
-
Become a member.
Show your support by joining the Conservancy.
- Contribute money or services. Your
financial contribution will go towards maintaining the community we
all cherish.
A copy of the official registration of
the Westmoreland Conservancy may be obtained from the PA Dept. of State
by calling toll free, within PA, 1-800-732-0999. Registration does not
imply endorsement.
Many mature communities failed to plan
for open spaces during their growth. These communities are now
over-developed, congested and have high taxes. The Pittsburgh area
abounds with examples of such communities - perhaps you moved from one
yourself. Your investment in Murrysville's desirable rural character is
very real. When planning your annual home maintenance budget, it makes
financial good sense to spend some money on neighborhood and community
maintenance.
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