Westmoreland Conservancy adds 10th reserve in Murrysville

With the tranquil setting, beautiful horse stables and stately trees, there is plenty to like about the Westmoreland Conservancy’s 10th and newest nature reserve.

Conservancy director Shelly Tichy’s favorite part, however, is that the property was already paid for and ready to donate.

Tichy and other conservancy members helped to officially open the Peaceful Stable Reserve on July 29. The nearly 4-acre field originally was part of a much larger farm owned by the McMullen family and located in the heart of Murrysville off School Road North. It was purchased and donated by Barbara Molicki, a retired nurse who worked in the original J&L Steel Mill on Pittsburgh’s East Carson Street.

“She bought it, then came to us,” Tichy said. “There’s a fabulous old stable that we plan to use for education and events, as well as older varieties of apple trees that we’ll rehab and maintain. We’d like to add some additional fruit and nut trees to the mix.”

Situated on a large, sloping hill, the reserve offers pastoral views and a natural green space for neighbors on Windover and Cherry drives. Slated for development a few years ago, Molicki took the opportunity to purchase it with the sole intention of donating it to the Westmoreland Conservancy.

Conservancy officials are excited to make it a permanent community green space.

“We plan to put in a pollinator meadow to help reduce rain runoff,” Tichy said. “We’re also looking into stormwater management with the Westmoreland Conservation District.”

Since its establishment in 1991, the Westmoreland Conservancy has acquired more than 600 acres across its 10 reserves, preserving the land for recreational activity, hunting and the enjoyment of the community.