Allegheny County Conservation District

Join ACCD, Tree Pittsburgh, Sustainable Pittsburgh, Green Building Alliance and Allegheny Land Trust for a five-part workshop series designed to empower municipalities and citizens! Learn how to secure funding, promote sustainability and enhance community health to build vibrant communities. Workshops start September 24th through spring 2025. Register now: https://lnkd.in/ghNbZjBs

The Environmental Finance Collaborative (EFC) is #hiring a Chief Financial Officer (CFO). The EFC provides participating organizations with CFO-level skills which are typically out of reach of small nonprofits. This collaboration enhances financial sophistication for five environmental organizations, including ACCD, Construction Junction, Grounded Strategies, Tree Pittsburgh and Upstream Pittsburgh. #CFOjobs #Pittsburghjobs

ACCD had the honor of hosting Terry Cosby, Chief of USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, Denise Coleman, NRCS State Conservationist, and Heidi Secord, USDA Farm Service Agency State Executive Director for an urban grower listening session. Together, we heard firsthand from partners, including Farmer Girl Eb, Soil Sisters Plant Nursery, and Be.wild.er Farm, about critical needs, opportunities, and challenges in #urbanagriculture. The visit also featured tours of Tree Pittsburgh and Grow Pittsburgh to celebrate increased funding to bolster agriculture throughout the region.

ACCD partnered with Blackberry Meadows Farm for a field day showcasing #agricultural conservation in Allegheny County. Together with the farm’s owners, ACCD staff demonstrated how programs, funding, and landowner initiatives are working to enhance farmland health and boost ecological resilience. Special thanks to Senator Lindsey Williams and Representative Mandy Steele who joined us to see these practices firsthand.

ACCD is thrilled to welcome Olivia Perfetti as the new Municipal Engagement Manager. With a background in public policy, environmental science, and advocacy, Olivia will support municipalities in accessing ACCD’s technical services to strengthen local conservation efforts. She’ll also collaborate with the Pittsburgh Canopy Alliance, promoting funding opportunities to expand tree canopy and greenspaces in #environmentaljustice communities.

More than a third of the nearly $900K awarded to ACCD will go directly to urban farmers in the form of sub-grants, providing resources like soil health improvements and raised garden beds. As one of 10 U.S. cities selected as part of a $9M federal investment, this USDA grant will boost #urbanfarming in Allegheny County through outreach, education, and technical assistance. ?? Thanks to 90.5 WESA for covering this important grant

ACCD and the Environmental Finance Collaborative (EFC) are #hiring a Shared Chief Financial Officer. The EFC, established in 2011, exists to provide participating organizations with access to CFO-level skills which are typically out of reach of small nonprofits. This collaboration brings increased financial sophistication to five environmental organizations, including ACCD, Tree Pittsburgh, Grounded Strategies, Construction Junction and Upstream PGH. #Pittsburghjobs #CFOjobs

?? NEWS ALERT: U.S. Department of Agriculture selected ACCD and partners to provide outreach, education and technical assistance to urban agricultural producers. ACCD was awarded $894,000 to collaborate with Pasa Sustainable Agriculture, Chatham University, Grow Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh Food Policy Council and Hilltop Urban Farm to assist urban farmers in learning about and accessing resources. 38 percent of funding will go directly to urban farmers in the form of micro-grants to develop critical farm infrastructure, while additional support will enhance programs led by partner organizations. This grant application was made possibly by SWPA Municipal Project Hub. ?? Read More: https://lnkd.in/exXuPi_h

ACCD is thrilled to announce the addition of new staff and board members. Combined, they bring expertise in #agriculture, #economicdevelopment and #publicpolicy to further our mission of protecting, preserving and restoring Allegheny County’s natural resources. Welcome Municipal Engagement Manager Olivia Perfetti, Lisa Freeman from Freeman Family Farm & Greenhouse and Juan Garrett from Riverside Center for Innovation. Read More: https://lnkd.in/es8ieJ5c

Join us for Building Vibrant Communities, a five-part workshop series starting Tuesday, September 24th! This series is designed for #municipalities and residents looking to secure funding, promote sustainability and enhance #communityhealth. Don’t miss out—register now to attend the series.