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Pennsylvania Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding joined Allegheny County Conservation District (ACCD) for a tour of two urban agriculture sites in Wilkinsburg, highlighting local growers’ investment in community and soil health. 


 

The tour included visits to be.wild.er Farm and Rebecca Avenue Community Garden, both working alongside ACCD through the Community Agriculture and Soils Program to address heavy metal contamination. Pasa Sustainable Agriculture provided technical assistance on both sites. 

“ACCD provides critical lead screenings that empower community members with information to safely address potential soil contamination,” said Megan Gallagher of be.wild.er Farm. “The services that ACCD offered our farm allowed us to undertake an exciting research project and equipped us with the data to know the impact of our remediation efforts.” 

ACCD partnered with both sites to implement targeted strategies designed to reduce the risk of lead exposure while improving overall soil health. These strategies included excavating contaminated soil, adding clean materials such as wood chips, and planting cover crops to improve soil conditions. These approaches work to dilute lead concentrations and bind contaminants in place, making them less likely to be absorbed by people or plants. 

After just one year, testing at be.wild.er Farm revealed a statistically significant reduction in lead levels across the site, demonstrating a practical, effective model for making urban soils more viable for food production. Statistical analysis was conducted by Chatham University.  

“While many urban areas face legacy heavy metal contamination, these site stewards are leading the way by reducing risks, improving soil safety, and growing thriving agricultural businesses that expand access to fresh, locally grown food. We’re proud to partner with them,” said Heather Manzo, Executive Director. 

This tour highlighted the importance of community-driven solutions in addressing contamination and advancing urban agriculture across Allegheny County. 
 

 

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ACCD Stands with State Leaders to Announce Investment in Urban Agriculture

ACCD was proud to stand alongside Lt. Governor Austin Davis and Secretary Russell Redding as Executive Director Heather Manzo helped announce 21 Urban Agriculture Infrastructure Grants at Landforce's Mill in Wilkinsburg. Nearly $500,000 will support projects that strengthen urban farming and expand access to fresh, locally grown food statewide.

"We're out in the fields, vacant lots, and neighborhoods working alongside land stewards. It's an example of caring for each other, walking hand-in-hand with growers and offering scientific expertise to improve natural resources and help produce food for each other. It's a privilege to support these communities," said Heather Manzo, Executive Director.

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Photo: Pennsylvania Government | PAcast.com