Vinegar Hollow preserved

&emsp;&emsp;Although the woods of Vinegar Hollow have long been a treasure for area residents who enjoy a short hike close to home or an afternoon exploring nature with family, there always was a possibility that the privately owned land could disappear beneath the bulldozers of an enterprising builder. That concern no longer exists, as the entire 46 acres of green space has been acquired by a nonprofit land trust that is dedicated to conservation.&emsp;&emsp;Vinegar Hollow, located primarily in Kilbuck Township, extends from the communities of Emsworth, Ben Avon and Ben Avon Heights to connect them with the property already owned and maintained by the Avonworth Municipal Authority. Avonworth Community Park, which is financially supported by all five Avonworth municipalities, lies in Kilbuck and Ohio townships and is accessible off Camp Horne Road.&emsp;&emsp;The park leadership has been working with the Hollow Oak Land Trust for years to raise funds and acquire the undeveloped green space. That goal was met thanks to grants of $329,000 from the Allegheny County Trail Development Fund and $200,000 from the Colcom Foundation. &emsp;&emsp;"We're grateful that, with community leadership and support, we've been able to protect this unique community asset," said Sean Brady, Hollow Oak Land Trust executive director. "The funding from the Allegheny County Trail Development Fund and the Colcom Foundation were crucial to the success of this project, and we're excited to begin refining this greenspace."&emsp;&emsp;"It's a dream come true for us," said park executive board member Kristin Hahn of Emsworth. She said that volunteers will be organized to develop and care for trails in the Hollow.&emsp;&emsp;The public has access to two-plus miles of trails through a trailhead on Center Avenue in Ben Avon. Hollow Oak will be working with community members and volunteers to improve and add more trails to the greenspace. The Stewardship Fund is accepting donations to boost improvements and management of Vinegar Hollow by Hollow Oak Land Trust; for more information, please visit https://bit.ly/HOLTDonations