Helping People Use ResourcesWisely

Stable soils…clean streams…healthy forests…productive farms…sustainable communities.

For nearly 60 years, the Westmoreland Conservation District has been promoting the thoughtful, wise use of the natural resources we all share.

The District’s most recent major project – GreenForge – is the first green rehabilitation of a commercial building in Westmoreland County.  GreenForge demonstrates a variety of innovative conservation, alternative energy, and green building features, including: a roof planted with living green plants, solar power, geothermal heat, and recycled building materials.  More About The District

Congratulations, Envirothon winners!

Results of the 2008 Envirothon, held at Twin Lakes Park on May 5 –

First place: Westmoreland Enrichment Classes

Second place: Yough Senior High School

Third place: Kiski Area High School

The Westmoreland Enrichment Classes will now go on to compete for the  Pennsylvania State Championship on Monday and Tuesday, May 19 and 20, at Penn State University, University Park, in Centre County.  GOOD LUCK!

The Envirothon is a fun outdoor competition that tests high school students’ knowledge of the natural world. Topics include: forests, soil, wildlife, aquatic environments, and a special challenge, which this year was  “recreational impacts on the natural environment.” 

To get information on how your team can compete in 2009, contact Mimi Thomas-Brooker at mimi@wcdpa.com or 724-837-5271, ext. 211.

This photo of District staff appears in The Community Foundation of Westmoreland County’s most recent annual report.

The report highlights select area organizations that have benefited from CFWC’s philanthropy.

The Community Foundation of Westmoreland County made several gifts to the District when that it was transforming a barn into an education center.

The foundation administers a range of funds that help not only conservation, but also with efforts that improve the cultural, educational, health service, social service, and other aspects of life in our community.

Pictured l-r, standing are District staff Dan Griffith, nutrient management specialist/agricultural conservation technician; Chris Droste, erosion control specialist; Rob Cronauer, watershed specialist; and seated:  Christie Sebek, secretary; Greg Phillips, district manager/CEO.

County Growing Greener II Funding Makes It Possible -

Mill Creek improvements benefit Ligonier, Latrobe, New Alex and communities downstream

Severely eroding streambanks near the community of Oak Grove were adding large amounts of sediment to Mill Creek, compromising the quality of this important stream that provides drinking water for some residents of Ligonier Township and increasing the likelihood of downstream flooding.

This summer, the District and a coalition of partners re-graded the streambanks; added logs, stone, and tree roots to slow the force of the water; and planted trees, grass, and shrubs to stabilize the bank.  Read more…

Mill Creek is one of six water-quality projects to be done for streams in the county -- in Allegheny Township, New Kensington, Mount Pleasant Township, Derry Township, and Donegal Township – under the Growing Greener II County Environmental Initiative.  The Westmoreland County Board of Commissioners, working with the Westmoreland Conservation District identified the projects last fall.