Those using the Montour Trail should be aware of the work of another organization that tries to protect the land surrounding the Trail in the Montour Run valley. The Hollow Oak Land Trust was incorporated in 1991, about the same time as the Montour Trail Council, and has been an active participant in many of the events celebrating the progress of the Trail.

HOLT's mission is to preserve a legacy of protected green space in southwestern Pennsylvania by acquiring and managing land and by educating the public about the importance of our region's natural resources. Members are concerned about the rapid loss of open space, particularly in the area of the Pittsburgh International Airport, which results in a decrease of water quality, recreational and educational opportunities, and wildlife habitat, sometimes accompanied by flooding and stream bank erosion.

HOLT has an active land acquisition program and seeks to acquire land surrounding the Trail (see insert page). The six properties currently owned by HOLT and totaling over 300 acres are dedicated as "conservation areas" and maintained as open space. Three of these parcels are located in the Montour Run Watershed: the Clemmons Conservation Area on Petrie Road abuts Montour Run across from Mile Post O; the Meeks Run Conservation Area is at the end of Downing Drive and protects a long stretch of Meeks Run; and the large Frank Santucci Conservation Area covers hilltop and hillsides near Mile Post 2.

Unfortunately, not all of the undeveloped land around the Montour Trail can be purchased! Consequently, HOLT has created an education and outreach program that informs the public about the environment of their communities and the importance of protecting those natural resources. In addition to a series of programs on local environmental issues and resources, HOLT staff and volunteers work with local schools to support environmental courses that connect students to the natural resources of their communities. For example, HOLT initiated and helped raise funding for a 3-year bat conservation program conducted by students at the Sewickley Academy. Students built bat houses and installed them at a HOLT conservation area.

In February of this year the HOLT office was moved to the Nimick House in Robin Hill Park on Thorn Run Road in Moon Township. Please stop by or call (412) 264-5354 for more information about HOLT's efforts to protect the green spaces around the Montour Trail!

Janet Thorne, Executive Director HOLT