Allegheny Land Trust (ALT) only needs $3,500 before December 31 to reach its goal to protect the property on the South Side of Mount Washington to expand Emerald View Park.

“We need every gift large and small now to show state and foundation funders that the local community supports this project,” says ALT Executive Director Roy Kraynyk. A group of local neighbors has pledged a total of $6,000 in matching gifts as part of a Matching Funds Challenge.

In partnership with the Mount Washington Community Development Corporation, ALT has raised $220,500 toward the total project cost of $224,000. Major government and foundation funding for the project has been provided by the PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, the Katherine Mabis McKenna Foundation, The Pittsburgh Foundation, Laurel Foundation, Colcom Foundation, and The Heinz Endowments.

With the protection of this property, Emerald View Park will expand to encompass 257 acres. A 19-mile trail system is planned for the Park and the properties protected by Allegheny Land Trust are critical to connecting the South Side of Mount Washington to existing park trails.

Contributions can be made securely online at www.alleghenylandtrust.org, by calling 412-741-2750 or payable to Allegheny Land Trust (mark the memo line of your check with “Mount Washington”) at 409 Broad St., Ste. 206A, Sewickley, PA 15143.

Most recently, ALT has received national accreditation for its land conservation standards and practices. Since its incorporation in 1993 ALT has protected close to 1,500 acres in 22 municipalities in Allegheny and Washington Counties.

In 2010, the MWCDC will begin implementing the Park's trail plan to restore or construct nearly 20 miles of trails in the Park.

To learn more about Allegheny Land Trust visit www.alleghenylandtrust.org or call 412-741-2750.