In November, Shaler Area and North Hills students successfully conserved a piece of land in Ross Township. The land that the students helped to save is right next to the Ross Municipal Park. It is the highest point in the Girty’s Run Watershed, so if it were developed and paved, the water would become runoff. Runoff picks up many pollutants along the way, which can be detrimental to the health of our community. Through fundraising, donations, and support from the community, the students as well as The Allegheny Land Trust, helped to keep an important part of our community green.

The Allegheny Land Trust is a non-profit organization with the goal of saving land in the Pittsburgh area. Since 1993 Allegheny Land Trust has aided our community by protecting land and improving the quality of life.

The process of saving land is not an easy one. Typically this process is 12-18 months long. During this time students and the Allegheny Land Trust worked with local officials and people living close to the land.

Then came the process of funding the project. The total cost to save the land was $386,562. Through the federal, state, and local government, and, most importantly, local community members, the Allegheny Land Trust was able to fund the project. 

“Donations from individuals are a crucial component to every ALT land conservation project as they provide required matching dollars to unlock the full funds from state agencies and they also provide funds to fill any funding gaps,” Lindsay Dill, Senior Director of Marketing and Community Engagement, said. 

The community provided $45,000 of funding for the project. These donations met the community funding goal. Students from North Hills and Shaler Area High School were key contributors to the funding. Ms. Abbey Nilson and the Shaler Area Sustainability students worked to raise funds through selling reusable cloth bags as well as hosting an event at the Ross Community Center.

The event featured live music, food, drinks, and an amazing opportunity for the community to connect with nature.

“The leadership of the teachers and students from Shaler Area and North Hills High Schools was critical to that success,” Dill said.

Shaler Area junior Taylor London designed a reusable bag to sell as a part of this successful fundraising.

“Protecting the land is really important to me. When we take care of nature, it takes care of us,” London said.

This space can now be enjoyed by the community for decades to come.

“Allegheny Land Trust transferred ownership to Ross Township for permanent conservation as it is directly adjacent to the municipal building, ballfield, and park land,” Dill said. “By simply conserving land, we’re able to ensure the benefits that untouched green space provides are forever protected. Ross Township’s Parks & Recreation Department has said it will gauge public interest in developing low-impact amenities that are within the conservation goals of the land, such as a small trail development.”

Thanks to the Allegheny Land Trust, Shaler Area High School, and North Hills High School, Ross Township became a little bit greener. 

The Allegheny Land Trust isn’t stopping there. The program is always looking for new ways to make our community better.

“Allegheny Land Trust is constantly working to conserve critical lands in our region. Each year, we put lands under contract that meet our conservation criteria and are at threat of development if not prioritized,” Dill said.