Allegheny Land Trust nears goal to conserve 30 acres in Collier for park expansion

The Allegheny Land Trust is a step closer to conserving about 30 acres of property in Collier.

The trust is receiving $659,100 from the state’s Department of Conservation and Natural Resources to put toward the acquisition of the approximately 30 acres in Collier for an addition to Settlers Cabin County Park.

The 1,600-acre park is spread across Collier, North Fayette and Robinson townships.

Lindsay Dill, spokeswoman for the Allegheny Land Trust, said the 30 acres in Collier meets the tests’ criteria to support conservation of the area’s science character, ecological health, and air and water quality.

“Purchasing this land will support the resilience of this part of our county by protecting those attributes,” she said. “It will also buffer and protect the experience of park visitors by preserving a natural, green buffer for Settlers Cabin Park.”

Dill said the trust has about 95% of the $840,000 it needs to conserve the 30 acres. About $46,000 is still needed by March 31, Dill said.

In addition to the state grant, the trust also has received funding from RK Mellon, Allegheny County, Massey Charitable Trust, PA Watersheds and individual donors.

Upon conservation, the trust will transfer the land to Allegheny County for permanent protection as conservation land only, Dill said. It will be part of Settlers Cabin Park.

Acquisition also contributes to the trust’s larger Panhandle Greenway Conservation Project. The project aims to bridge Settlers Cabin Park, Pittsburgh Botanical Garden, Collier Township Park, South Fayette’s Preservation Park, public and privately conserved lands, and the Panhandle and Montour trails, Dill said.

Since 2023, the trust has conserved 293 acres — 91 acres in Collier and 202 in South Fayette — as part of the larger project.

“These 30 acres are adjacent to Settlers Cabin Park; by conserving them, we create a connection to the lower trail that leads to a waterfall — a very popular spot for hikers,” Dill said. “The connection means the county can choose to extend or develop a new sustainable trail for visitors to enjoy.

“Conserving these acres could protect a natural, green buffer to the rest of the park, supporting the air visitors breath during their visit, the water quality of the stream for visitors and wildlife to enjoy, and supporting stormwater absorption during heavy rain events to prevent flooding in the Robinson Run — thus also the Chartiers Creek — watershed.”