Waynesburg University, in conjunction with the EQT Foundation, hosted a dedication ceremony for the Waynesburg Unity Trail Wednesday, April 25. Completed in 2017, the trail project was funded through a $20,000 grant from the EQT Foundation, the philanthropic arm of EQT Corporation.
“One of the priorities of the EQT Foundation is to support projects that enhance the wellbeing of communities and the residents who live there," said Ellen Rossi, EQT Foundation manager. "By encouraging active lifestyles and providing educational opportunities along the way, this new trail gives students, faculty and nearby residents a reason to experience the beauty and wonder that await outside their doors.”
The event included remarks by Waynesburg University President Douglas G. Lee; Stacey Brodak, vice president for Institutional Advancement and University Relations; Dr. Janet Paladino, assistant professor of biology; and Rossi.
A dedication sign at the beginning of the trail reads, “Built by the students of Waynesburg University to promote creation care and cooperation with the Borough of Waynesburg.”
The Waynesburg Unity Trail consists of approximately 2 square miles, including 1.5 miles of walking trails and wooded areas that will be preserved for student research and environmental restoration.
“I am grateful to EQT for funding this project and for the 2000 hours of community service that have been logged so far by students at Waynesburg University,” said Paladino. “The goal of the Unity Trail is becoming a reality. We have engaged the community and the University in a partnership of environmental stewardship by creating a place for all to take quiet walks in the forest and to appreciate that nature teaches us many things. It is our hope that more community members will get involved with work and activities on the Unity Trail.”
The University’s goal is for the trail to be a safe place for students to learn, research and spend time with nature, while also offering the greater Waynesburg community the opportunity to enjoy and appreciate nature in an urban setting.
About the EQT Foundation
The EQT Foundation was established by EQT Corporation, the nation’s leading energy producer, and is committed to the social and economic vitality of our operating regions. The EQT Foundation believes in meaningful engagement with the communities it calls home, and takes great pride in the role as both a responsible and responsive corporate citizen. The EQT Foundation has developed strong partnerships with a variety of nonprofit organizations to enrich the diversity and viability of our communities, sustain the principles of continuous learning, and focus on environmental protection efforts. Read more at: www.eqt.com/our-communities/eqt-foundation.
About Waynesburg University
Founded in 1849 by the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, Waynesburg University is located on a traditional campus in the hills of southwestern Pennsylvania, with three additional sites located in the Pittsburgh region. The University is one of only 22 Bonner Scholar schools in the country, offering local, regional and international opportunities to touch the lives of others through service.
