Allegheny Land Trust Launches Fundraising Campaign to Preserve Sewickley Hills Acreage

The Sewickley-based Allegheny Land Trust has launched a $660,000 fundraising campaign to purchase and protect 48 acres of property in Sewickley Hills.  

Chris Beichner, executive director of Allegheny Land Trust, made the announcement Friday during a ceremony attended by local and state officials in Sewickley Hills.  

Located on Magee Road, the 48-acre parcel is  adjacent to Sewickley Hills Park land and to property the land trust already owns.

Purchasing the land will tie together 1,500 acres of greenway connecting Sewickley Heights Park to the Sewickley Hills Park.

Beichner said the Sewickley Hills acreage, which spans to Interstate 79, was recognized as “priority” by the land trust.  In addition to absorbing about 40 million gallons of rainwater annually, the land has mature woodlands, walking trails, streams, and a diverse wildlife, he said.

Preserving the land would mean higher property values, trails, wildlife habitat and other benefits, which goes along with the land trust's mission to protect and manage lands that support the scenic, recreational and environmental well-being of Allegheny County communities. 

Beichner said the land trust has submitted a $500,000 grant request to the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources to help acquire the property.

That leaves about $160,000 that has to be raised locally in the community—and $120,000 of that must be in hand by Sept. 30. The land trust has the property under contract with a closing scheduled for late October.

Beichner said local funding from the community is critical to leverage state and federal funds the land trust hopes to receive later this year. 

The campaign comes at a time when the land trust is simultaneously raising funds to purchase more than 100 acres that make up the old Pittsburgh Cut Flower property in Richland Township.

"This is an exciting challenge we face," he said. 

Sewickley Hills Council President Cindy Phillips said the borough has surveyed its residents and the consensus has been to keep the community's rural character and green space for recreational purposes.

Sen. Matt Smith and State Rep. Mark Mustio vowed to work together and offered their support of the project and the state grant application to DCNR. 

Smith, D-Mt. Lebanon, called it a unique team effort that involves the entire community. 

"It really is a perfect example of where the state should come in with sound strategic investment," Smith said.

Mustio, R-Moon, thanked the land trust for their work in educating the community and elected officials on the preservation benefits.