Greenways & Economic Development - Hollow Oak Land Trust

A New Model for Land Conservation

Hollow Oak Land Trust is pioneering a new model for land conservation—one that builds on Pittsburgh’s natural strengths and community spirit.

Across our region, there’s a growing recognition of how vital greenspace is to our quality of life. Western Pennsylvania’s rivers, hills, and forests are being rediscovered as sources of pride, recreation, and connection. Rails-to-trails conversions and riverfront pathways have transformed Pittsburgh’s landscape, turning our waterways into the city’s “front yard” and linking our region directly to the nation’s capital through an expansive trail network. Outdoor recreation is thriving, and local demand for trails and natural spaces continues to grow.

To meet this momentum, Hollow Oak Land Trust partners with municipalities—including Moon and Robinson Townships, Coraopolis Borough, and the Avonworth Municipal Authority—to create interconnected greenways that link parks, conservation areas, and communities. These greenways serve as both wildlife corridors and trail connectors, expanding access to nature while protecting habitat and improving environmental resilience.

By combining conservation with connectivity, Hollow Oak is reimagining what land protection can achieve—uniting ecological stewardship, outdoor recreation, and community collaboration. Our goal is to replicate this successful approach throughout the Airport Corridor, creating a regional network of greenways that keep both people and nature thriving.

Greenway Trail Corridors

What sets Hollow Oak apart is the creation of Greenway Trail Corridors, which not only permanently protect natural lands, but also connect them. Three Greenway projects are the current focus for Hollow Oak in acquiring land acquisition and easements, as well as managing those lands in perpetuity:

The Montour Woods Greenway

Working with Moon Township and local landowners, Hollow Oak seeks to establish a 10-mile trail loop linking three local natural amenities: Moon Township Park, 46-mile Montour Trail, and Hollow Oak Land Trust’s 300-acre Montour Woods Conservation Area. The loop will lead from Moon Park down the wooded stream valley of Meeks Run (below Hassam Road) to the Montour Trail, then continue up the Montour Trail about three miles to Trout Run and follow that wooded stream valley (below Hookstown Grade Road) up to the public Moon Golf Club, where it will reconnect to Moon Park via property owned by Pittsburgh International Airport. At one end of this trail loop, Hollow Oak has established The Trout Run Conservation Area as a nature-based destination.

Thorn Run Greenway

10-mile trail system linking 4 Ohio River tributaries within a trail corridor extending from Robert Morris University to the slopes above the Sewickley Bridge to Thorn Run Conservation Area and Robin Hill Park, plus future links to Coraopolis Riverfront Park and the Montour Trail. Status: Land acquisitions and trail construction coming in 2026.

North Boros Greenway

15-mile trail corridor from Sewickley to Pittsburgh to link clusters of greenspace in the school districts of Quaker Valley, Avonworth, Northgate, and Pittsburgh. This trail corridor will span 10 municipalities, 7 public parks, and 3 conservation areas, including Vinegar Hollow in Ben Avon/Kilbuck/Emsworth.

Benefits of Greenways

Hollow Oak’s greenway projects do more than connect trails—they connect people, wildlife, and communities. By protecting land and linking natural areas, we bring access to nature closer to where people live and work while improving environmental health, community well-being, and local economies.

Environmental Benefits
Greenways naturally filter air and water, protect wildlife corridors, and reduce flooding by allowing rainwater to soak into the ground. According to a study by Carnegie Mellon University and the Urban Redevelopment Authority of Pittsburgh, properties within 2,000 feet of a greenway can increase in value by as much as $40,000—and municipalities can save tens of thousands of dollars in stormwater management costs. Unlike built infrastructure, natural systems maintain themselves. Trees, wetlands, and native plants clean our air, absorb rain, and “mop up after their own storms.”

Community and Health Benefits
In today’s busy, screen-centered world, many families have limited time for unstructured outdoor recreation. Greenways provide easy access to trails for hiking, biking, and exploration—helping reconnect people, especially children, to nature. Research shows that time outdoors reduces stress, supports physical health, and strengthens community ties. Local trails close to home make it possible for everyone to enjoy these benefits—no admission fee required.

Economic and Collaborative Benefits
Greenways make communities more attractive to residents and businesses alike. By connecting parks, neighborhoods, and commercial centers, they stimulate local economies and encourage outdoor recreation tourism. The partnership between Moon Township and Hollow Oak Land Trust demonstrates how collaboration can conserve greenspace, reduce municipal expenses, and spur smart, sustainable development.

Hollow Oak currently protects land in six municipalities and continues to work with new partners to expand a regional greenway network throughout the Airport Corridor—linking people, places, and nature for generations to come.