Celebrating Conservation
Since 1991
Our Vision
To preserve natural, rural, and historic landscapes for Nature’s benefit and the enrichment of future generations.
Our Mission
Westmoreland Conservancy preserves, enhances, and connects land, habitat, and green space through acquisition, stewardship, and cooperation with local communities and other organizations.
Contact Us:
Westmoreland Conservancy
1 Priority Lane, Unit 446
Murrysville, PA 15668
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724.325.5523
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Interested in attending an event?
Please let us know by filling out the registration at
www.westmorelandconservancy.org/event-registration
We always look forward to seeing new faces and familiar friends!
Upcoming Activities:
Autumn Excursion to
McConnell's Mill 10/05
Super Hunter's Moon 10/17
Witch Hazel Hike 10/19
OptOutside Hike 11/29
Hot Chocolate Hike at the McGinnis Reserve 12/14
Winter Solstice Walk 12/21
First Day Hike 01/01/2025
Watch for our events
See our calendar!
PLUS
Birdwatching
Year-round Geocaching
2024 Monthly Meetings:
Delmont Public Library 7PM
October 23
November 20*
December 18*
*Holiday Schedule
The mission of Westmoreland Conservancy is to preserve, enhance, and connect land, habitat, and green space through acquisition, stewardship, and cooperation with local communities and other organizations.
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80% of the Conservancy's 600+ acres has been donated by folks wishing their land and legacy be protected in a natural, undeveloped state.
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Should you have property that you would like to preserve for nature and future generations, we would like to talk with you. We have the resources to assist you.
Call us at 724-325-5523 or email contact@westmorelandconservancy.org
Hot Chocolate Hike
W/Murrysville Rec Dept
Saturday, December 14
McGinnis Reserve, 10AM
Hike at the McGinnis Reserve with Murrysville Recreation. Leaving the parking lot on Hunter Drive at 10AM, we’ll hike up the yellow trail to the blue loop and see what birds might overwinter locally. This reserve is a favorite stopover for migrating birds and local residents alike, so there should be plenty of activity in the branches.
When we finish, we’ll enjoy some hot chocolate back at the parking lot!​https://www.westmorelandconservancy.org/event-registration
Autumn Excursion
McConnells Mills
Saturday, October 5
10AM Point Parking Area
Meet at 10AM at the Point Parking Area (or email us to arrange carpooling by Monday, September 30) We'll explore the historic gristmill and follow the Kildoo Trail along Slippery Rock Creek to Eckert Bridge and back. Then we'll enjoy a nice lunch at a local restaurant.
Witch Hazel Hike
McGinnis Reserve
Saturday, October 19, 10AM
The McGinnis Reserve on Hunter Drive is home to all sorts of interesting flora. It boasts large colonies of the autumn-blooming Witch Hazel, a native shrub known for its medicinal qualities.
The group will leave the parking lot at 10AM and follow the blue trail to the meadow and into the woods. The delicate yellow blooms are a lovely addition to the colors of the autumn leaves!
https://www.westmorelandconservancy.org/event-registration
Winter Solstice Walk
Friday, December 20
Sunset is at 4:56PM on this shortest day of the year. We will leave the UPT lot and head down the trail at 4:15 sharp. That will give us sufficient time to make our way around to the scenic observation platform in the east field to watch the sunset.
Please register in advance:
Supermoon/Hunter's Moon
Evening Walk at Morosini
6:15PM October 17
UPT Lot
The full moon will reach peak illumination around 7:30. It will be below the horizon at the official moonrise at 6:30PM, so we will walk up the trail to the observation platform and wait until sunset to watch it rise and take its place in the sky.
OptOutside November 29
DHCT Hike
Prior to Covid, the day after Thanksgiving (Black Friday) meant standing in lines at stores to get bargain sales. Now we'll opt to go outside and walk off some of that wonderful turkey dinner and tryptophan! Bring your walking stick and register on our website:
www.westmorelandconservancy.org/event-registration.
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The Don Harrison Community Trail (DHCT) is a 5-mile trail extending from the Townsend Park Ballfields to the Walter Reserve on Weistertown Road.
We will meet at the Murrysville Municipal Building and set out at 10AM along the newly restored habitat areas along Haymaker Run. The King/Potter lot on Crowfoot Rd. will allow us to re-group before setting off into the next segment of the trail. The Caywood lot (Hills Church Rd) is just over 1.75 miles, and the trailhead at the Walter Reserve lot on Weistertown Road is roughly 4.25 miles from the starting point. Allow 3+ hours depending on group size.
Please plan accordingly: bring walking sticks, sturdy hiking shoes and protective clothing. Carpool with friends, leaving a vehicle at your chosen destination and another at the municipal lot.
​https://www.westmorelandconservancy.org/event-registration
Geocaching
with
Westmoreland Conservancy
https://www.geocaching.com/p/default.aspx?tab=geocaches#profilepanel
Westmoreland Conservancy has always been happy to host geocaches and events at our reserves. we have cache trails designed to help explore unique features and areas of the properties. Some are even educational!
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We invite you to get out and enjoy our reserves, and if you have a suggestion for or would like to help create a new cache trail on one of the properties not already boasting one, please reach out!
Westmoreland Conservancy reserves are privately owned lands that are available to the public for permitted use
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Dogs are to be on-leash, and waste is to be removed
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NO MOTORIZED VEHICLES aside from PEDESTRIAN mobility aids
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PLEASE observe Leave No Trace sensibilities and take out out anything you bring in
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DO NOT leave trash at the reserves
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Birdwatching
at the
Morosini Reserve
There is always an incredible variety of birds to observe at the Morosini Reserve.
Why?
Because the 183-acre reserve boasts diverse habitat areas. You'll experience a shaded pond, dense woodlands, open fields, and edge habitat all within a 30-minute walk. if you take your time and observe closely, you'll see and hear all SORTS of birds, both migratory and local residents!
One never tires of seeing a beautiful cardinal or bluebird, but an indigo bunting, yellowthroat or cedar waxwing is an exciting rush!
As always, you are invited to enjoy the reserve even without a guided event. Just please, leave no trace.
First Day Hike
at the
Walter Reserve
Start the 2025 New Year with a walk at the Walter Reserve. We'll leave the lot on Weistertown Rd. at 11AM and head up the yellow trail to the white loop, reconnect with the yellow trail and then take the blue trail back to the lot. The trail system is about 1.25 miles with some elevation and several interesting habitat areas. There is a magnificent stand of Devil's Walking Stick, a small white pine "plantation" where we often find owl pellets, and a large paw paw colony to note a few features.
Please register in advance:
Share YOUR images from the reserves with us! Visit our Facebook page
American Woodcock
Westmoreland Conservancy is an all-volunteer, private 501(c) 3 non-profit organization committed to conservation. We are not affiliated with the Municipality of Murrysville, nor with Westmoreland County Government.
We do not receive taxpayer monies. Our organization is funded by our donors.
About
Westmoreland Conservancy preserves, enhances and connects land, habitat and green space through acquisition, stewardship, and cooperation with local communities and other organizations.
Our vision is to preserve natural, rural, and historic landscapes for Nature's benefit and the enrichment of future generations. Since 1991 Westmoreland Conservancy has protected more than 600 acres of land.
Westmoreland Conservancy is devoted to conservation of land in Westmoreland County. We are an accredited 501c-3 non-profit organization.
westmorelandconservancy.org generously hosted by donation
Get Involved
Becoming a volunteer provides a unique opportunity to contribute directly to protecting our region’s clean waters, natural areas, and sustainable local economies now and for future generations. You play an important role in conserving the waters, meadows, and woodlands of your community. You will meet wonderful people, too! Volunteering at the Conservancy is productive work, and it’s fun!
Tell us what you would like to do: stewardship; special events; hikes; fundraising; website; newsletters/email news... contact us at the email address or phone number above!
