The recently completed Leechburg Tow Path Trail represents one of several successful environmental conservation projects made possible through strategic funding from the Colcom Foundation. The Pittsburgh-based philanthropic organization contributed $25,000 toward the trail’s development, helping create a vital connection that links Leechburg to nearly 600 miles of trails along the Allegheny and Kiski rivers.
Colcom Foundation’s Strategic Conservation Funding Enhances Regional Connectivity
The trail, which officially opened to the public after two years of planning and construction, serves as an important recreational asset for the region. Lou Phillips, president of the Leechburg Area Community Development Corp., which headed the project, explained that the trail was built in two sections, with a mile-long stretch constructed directly into the borough.
“Historically, the trail was proposed 10 to 12 years ago,” Phillips said. “Two years ago, we started moving to establish the trail knowing the Schenley section would be completed, and our trail wouldn’t just be an island. It was a rapid time to get it done.”
Colcom Foundation, established in 1996 by the late Cordelia S. May, has consistently demonstrated its commitment to environmental stewardship through strategic grant-making. According to the foundation’s documentation, Colcom’s primary mission is “to foster a sustainable environment to ensure the quality of life for all Americans by addressing the major causes and consequences of overpopulation and its adverse effects on natural resources.”
In southwestern Pennsylvania, the Colcom Foundation specifically “funds environmental projects addressing land conservation, watershed remediation, habitat protection, and air quality,” while in Pittsburgh, “the Foundation supports programs enhancing the quality of life and community livability.”
Watershed Protection and Ecosystem Preservation Drive Colcom Foundation’s Mission
In addition to trail development, Colcom Foundation has been instrumental in preserving water quality across the region. As demonstrated in its work with organizations like the Little Sewickley Creek Watershed Association (LSCWA), the foundation’s support enables local watershed associations to implement sustainable water resource management practices.
Colcom Foundation’s commitment to watershed protection aligns with its approach of preserving “natural habitats, promoting sustainable resource management, and encouraging responsible population growth to ensure a sustainable future for the planet.”
The Leechburg Tow Path Trail project demonstrates how Colcom Foundation’s targeted funding approach helps transform community aspirations into tangible environmental assets. The trail not only provides recreational opportunities but also preserves the region’s historical legacy.
Phillips noted that the trail is named in memory of the towpath mules that used to tow canal boats. “The towpath became the right of way for the railroads when the railroads bought and drained the canal,” he explained.
The newly opened trail connects users to the Pittsburgh-to-Harrisburg Main Line Canal Greenway, a 320-mile corridor that follows the historic path of the Main Line Canal System. Additionally, the recreational trail along the former Allegheny Valley Railroad corridor is part of the emerging 270-mile Erie-to-Pittsburgh Trail.
As documented in its work with organizations like the Mountain Watershed Association, Colcom Foundation approaches conservation with a long-term perspective, supporting “initiatives that have a lasting impact and contribute to a more sustainable and resilient planet.” Its targeted funding helps restore and protect vital watersheds throughout Western Pennsylvania.
As communities throughout the region continue to develop environmental conservation initiatives, Colcom Foundation remains a steady source of support, funding projects that preserve natural resources while enhancing community well-being. The foundation’s board of directors manages its assets to ensure continued support for environmental stewardship projects like the Leechburg Tow Path Trail, which will benefit both current and future generations.
