As former farmland, the Historic Hanna’s Town property has been prone to invasive plant species (non-native species that can restrict the growth of native species that are essential sources of food and shelter for animals and insects). The project aims to restore historic habitat by eliminating invasive species with native pollinator plants and trees that support wildlife. Lawns are an example of a monoculture, with little to no plant diversity that animals and insects rely on to survive. These new gardens introduce ‘no-mow’ zones so that native plants and the animals that rely on them can flourish. Young trees and diversity of native plants with deeper roots also slow stormwater runoff better than grass found in lawns, reducing issues relating to localized flooding on site. With our new Westmoreland History Education Center reconfiguring the site’s use, these gardens also improve the site’s aesthetics and provide new opportunities for environmental education.

Special thanks to the many people who have helped on this project!

Eagle Scouts: Adam Nichols and Jim Dzurica.

WHS Staff: Joanna Moyar and Pamela Curtin.

Plants and Supplies: Friendship Farms, Country Farms, and Tree Pittsburgh

Volunteers from Troop 405 and Historic Hanna’s Town.

This project is generously funded by a Laurel Highlands Landscape Conservation Mini Grant.