Westmoreland Land Trust invites public to explore site of proposed nature and art park

Jeff Himler, Tribune-Review, Greensburg, Pa.
·2 min read

Oct. 6—The Westmoreland Land Trust will hold visitor days Saturday and Sunday, when it will invite the public to explore one of its newest properties, the Schwarz Farm in Hempfield.

Those attending between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. each day will have the opportunity to take an SUV tour of the 96-acre site while also viewing its barn and farmhouse. The farm is located at 504 Beech Hills Road, about 3 miles north of Greensburg.

Visitors will learn about and be able to discuss preliminary plans for converting the farm into a nature and art park.

Based on public engagement to date, "There's been much enthusiasm about the idea of the park and recognition that it will be a valuable amenity for the community," said Betsy Aiken, executive director of the land trust.

The trust has proposed placing modern outdoor sculptures at the farm that would complement the natural setting.

Aiken has noted the farm's hilltop location provides scenic views of the Laurel and Chestnut ridges to the east, making it an ideal spot for creating art.

During the visitor days, area plein air painters and photographers — referring to the practice of being outdoors to capture natural light, color and movement — will be on hand to capture images of the farm and the event.

The event also will feature Celtic harp music, refreshments, a chance to visit some goats and other family-friendly activities.

Initial plans for the park call for adding modest parking facilities, converting the farm's fields to meadows, with wildflowers and native grasses, and mowing paths to provide access. The land trust is continuing to lease fields to local farmer Dennis Frye, who grows sweet corn.

With the help of funding from the Colcom Foundation and Allegheny Foundation, the land trust purchased the farm from the Roberta N. Schwarz Charitable Foundation.

The farmhouse previously was the home of Schwarz and her husband, Carl. Aiken said it likely will serve as a base of operations for the park and of related educational programs.

A series of public meetings is planned in early November to gain further input from the community on plans for the farm.

For more information, contact the land trust at westmorelandlandtrust@gmail.com or 724 325-3031.

Jeff Himler is a Tribune-Review staff writer. You can contact Jeff by email at jhimler@triblive.com or via Twitter .