2006 – Ann Rudd Saxman
Designer and Shaper of Landscapes
For nearly 50 years, Ann Rudd Saxman could be found, shovel in hand, at most every important landscape project in this region – from the gentle tending of the natural areas at Fallingwater, to the planning and planting of the arboretum at the Greensburg Garden Center.
A skilled horticultural designer and trained botanist, she was a consumate volunteer who also worked professionally to create landscapes for industry, churches, schools, libraries, and private homeowners throughout our region. Many of these landscapes remain today.
But it was her personal passion for conservation – especially soil and water conservation, composting, and open space preservation – that had the most lasting effect on the landscape of our county.
Ann’s progressive thinking and enthusiasm helped to launch important new conservation initiatives. Her compelling belief that, in gardening as well as in the community, nothing should be wasted led her to become a driving force in establishing municipal composting in our county.
And she was one of the earliest advocates for the preservation of open space. In 1960, at her urging, the Westmoreland County Commissioners set aside a large tract of undeveloped land for a nature park that has since been named in her honor. In the process of preserving this land, Ann also set in motion another important initiative – the county park system.
Ann’s respect for soil, plants, and everything in the natural world was contagious and, through her volunteer service with many organizations, including the Westmoreland Conservation District (Associate Director, 1969-1990), her classroom teaching, community slide shows, and local radio program, she touched many lives and inspired generations of community leaders who are continuing her legacy.