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
The mission of Westmoreland Conservancy is to acquire and preserve rural and rustic lands for the public good
Contact Us:
Westmoreland Conservancy
1 Priority Lane, Unit 446
Murrysville, PA 15668
724.325.5523
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!
NOTICE: Westmoreland Conservancy makes every effort to keep our trails safe. If you find a downed or damaged tree, please report it to us as soon as possible.
Upcoming Activities:
Wildflower Seed Gathering
Morosini Reserve UPT, 3PM
9/30/26
Witch Hazel Hike
10/03/26
New Moon Orionids Meteor Shower Watch
10/09/26
Sounds of the Night Walk
10/24/26
DHCT Opt-Outside Hike
11/27/26
Watch for our events
See our calendar!
Reach out to us at
contact@westmorelandconservancy.org
2026 Monthly Meeting Dates
Delmont Public Library
7PM
October 28
November 18**
December 16**
(**Holiday Schedule)
Westmoreland Conservancy protects land and wildlife habitat. We make nature available so that people of all ages and abilities may benefit from the experience.
The Universal Pedestrian Trail (UPT) at the Morosini Reserve was in need of repair. This is necessary to continue to allow those with wheelchairs, walkers and strollers to enjoy these amenities. We also extended the surface by another 400’. We hope that the improvements make the trail that much more enjoyable for those that require the amenities.
Your support is always appreciated. We are your local land trust, part of your community, working to make our world a bit better for everyone.
New Moon Orionids Meteor Shower Watch at Morosini
10/09 at Parking Lot #1
7PM
* THIS EVENT IS WEATHER-DEPENDENT!*
Enjoy an Autumn evening under a dark, New Moon sky.
It should be a fairly dark night, perfect for checking out the stars and planets.
You might even listen for owls!
Park at lot #1, on the left side of Morosini Farm Road at the bend after coming under the trestle. Our events are always free; but PLEASE register on our website: www.westmorelandconservancy.org/event-registration
Witch Hazel Hike at
McGinnis Reserve
10/3 at 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!
Please register on our website:
The mission of Westmoreland Conservancy is to acquire and preserve rural and rustic lands for the public good
80% of the Conservancy's 600+ acres has been donated by folks wishing their land and legacy be protected in a natural, undeveloped state.
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
Scenes From Recent Events
April 22, 2026 Annual Meeting & Elections
Stepping down at the end of his term: Alan Halperin. We appreciate you! Thank you for remaining active!
Renewing their terms: Bob Sloboda & Chip Brown.
Joining the Board: Ella Stewart, Jimmy Zimmerman,
Eloise Milligan,
Sadie Sarver (Student),
Lily Sacherich (Student) and
Skylar Duchamp (Student).
2026/27 Westmoreland
Conservancy Officers:
President: Shelly Tichy
Vice President: Eloise Milligan
Treasurer: Chip Brown
Secretary: Bob Sloboda
Congratulations All!
Sounds of the Night
Evening Walk at Morosini
10/24 at 7PM
Autumn nights are cool! (Literally AND figuratively!) Leaves fall and grasses rustle in a breeze, nuts and apples hit the ground, mice and rabbits skitter about... but you won't hear the owl gliding past!
Join us at the Universal Pedestrian Trail (UPT) kiosk at the upper parking lot by 7PM. Be ready to exercise your imagination and your ears as we quietly explore the sounds of nature in the dark!
Please register at www.westmorelandconservancy.org/event-registration
DHCT Opt-Outside Hike
11/27 at 11AM
The Don Harrison Community Trail (DHCT) is a 5.25 mile east/west trail across Murrysville.
We invite you to join us at the Townsend Park Ballfield Trailhead by 11AM Black Friday (because who needs to battle crowds anymore??) The trail utilizes 4 Westmoreland Conservancy Reserves, 3 Murrysville parks/properties, a Sloan School/Franklin Regional trail agreement and 3 trail easements. It is truly a COMMUNITY trail. Don Harrison was president of Westmoreland Conservancy from 1996-2000, during which time the organization experienced transformational growth and vision. It took many years to realize the greenway he envisioned, and we celebrate each year by walking off the annual turkey stupor.
Leave a car at the Walter Reserve lot on Weistertown Rd. to experience the entire trail. The Caywood lot on Hills Church Rd. is the midpoint if you prefer a shorter outing.
Sign up! www.westmorelandconservancy.org/event-registration.
Migration at the Morosini Reserve
Photos courtesy of
Alex Busato
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
Camporee 250
Mother's Day Birdwatching Hike at the Morosini Reserve with Alex Busato
Winter Solstice Walk at Morosini 12/21 at 4:30PM
Park at the upper lot at the end of Morosini Farm Road. Winter officially arrives at 3:50.
We’ll leave the UPT kiosk at 4:30PM, working our way around the trails. We'll take in the first sunset of Winter at 5:10PM from our observation platform in the eastern field! Please register:
First Day Hike at the McGinnis Reserve
01/01/2027 at 11AM
We'll welcome 2027 at the McGinnis Reserve on Hunter Drive. It will be our 1st First Day Hike at this reserve! Come out and join us as we continue our quest to show that Nature is beautiful ALL YEAR!
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.
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.
Geocaching
with
Westmoreland Conservancy
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!
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!
You may see a common thread throughout these images: POLLINATORS! Bees. Butterflies. Color....
Collecting seeds, particularly those that grow naturally in a particular environment, allows us to ensure that we will keep those plants available to the pollinator species that depend on them. The seeds we collect will be used at both the Graft Pollinator Meadow and in the Wildflower Meadow on the Morosini Reserve.
We will schedule (dependent entirely upon Mother Nature) opportunities for seed collection in September and possibly October. Watch for these on Facebook or on this website. Better yet, EMAIL us at: contact@westmorelandconservancy.org with SEED GATHERING in the topic line so that we can reach out to you directly.
Hot Chocolate Hike with
Murrysville Recreation at the
Tomer Reserve
Hike at the Tomer Reserve on Twin Oaks Drive North with Murrysville Recreation. We’ll be leaving the
parking lot at 10AM to hike yellow trail loops around the reserve.
We can see what birds might overwinter locally. There
should be plenty of activity in the branches.
We’ll enjoy some hot chocolate back at the parking lot!
Please register: www.westmorelandconservancy.org/event-registration
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!
