The Voice Making the Grass Greener in Our Own Back Yards • Frick, Highland, Riverview & Schenley Parks
Plaza Premieres in June
Schenley Park Lake Needs To Be Restored By Amy Ripley
page 3 Best Party of 2005
Polluted, stagnant water poses a threat for fish and wildlife that inhabit Panther Hollow Lake.
t the turn of the 20th century, Pittsburghers were drawn to Panther Hollow Lake and Boathouse in Schenley Park for leisurely fishing and boating, wintertime ice skating, a lunch break during the work day, or perhaps a romantic interlude. Today, there is no boathouse and no more boaters. What was once a grand gathering space is now largely unknown
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Winter 2006
to many Pittsburgh residents, and the site is suffering from pollution, severe erosion, crumbling infrastructure and declining populations of native plants and wildlife. Access is difficult and involves confusing, downhill trails and unstable steps. The boathouse was demolished in 1979. For years, both PPC and the City Department of Public Works have worked in the upper portions of the Panther Hollow watershed to remedy erosion and rampant invasive plant populations – the first steps in reestablishing an environment that could sustain the lake’s eventual restoration. PPC is now laying groundwork for the ecological rehabilitation of the lake and the surrounding hillsides and landscape. The Panther Hollow watershed is formed from two naturally wooded ravines that begin near Carnegie Mellon University and the western edge of Squirrel Hill. The valley runs behind the Schenley Park Visitor Center, and the small waterways feed into Panther Hollow Lake, which was excavated for boating in 1909. The lake and its surrounding landscape have borne the brunt of collapsed drainage systems within the hollow. It has silted to half its original depth and is inhospitable to many forms of life. Cahill Associates, specialists in sustainable watershed SEE
LAKE RESTORATION, PAGE 4
Great Gift for Parks
High School Interns Restore Parks By Alice Enz
By Alice Enz
or the past four months Ryan Laib and Hilary Morgan have used Pittsburgh’s parks as a learning laboratory. On a weekly basis they have been learning about ecology and also helping to restore the health of the four regional parks. The work that they do has a two-fold impact. In doing park restoration they are also receiving credit toward high school graduation. Their work includes invasive plant removal, collection of
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native plant seeds and replanting park meadows. For Morgan the experience will direct her decisions about her career path as she heads to college next year. “I want to study biology and ecology when I go to college,” she said. “It’s nice to have a real life experience and know what I’m getting myself into. Who knows, I could have hated being SEE INTERNS, PAGE
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Alice Enz
Pictured at left are interns Ryan Laib and Hilary Morgan with PPC field coordinator Jake Milofsky. They have just ended a day of removing invasive Porcelain berry from the slopes of Schenley Park.
Carol Hershey is a long-time supporter of Pittsburgh’s parks.
arol Hershey has been a park user since she first came to Pittsburgh in fifties to attend the University of Pittsburgh. During her years in the city she spent a great deal of time in the parks and credits her daughter’s love of the natural world to Schenley Park. As a long time park user she witnessed the parks falling into disrepair in the 80s and 90s and many futile short-term restoration efforts. It wasn’t until a concerned group of citizens got together and formed the
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MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT
Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy Newsletter
Donors Strengthen the Parks
ust nine years ago, a group of citizens tired of witnessing the neglect and deterioration of our city’s largest parks, joined together and formed the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy. This small handful of citizens had a great vision to restore our urban green spaces. Today, this vision is backed by a donor base of more than 7,000 people. These donors share the conviction that parks are so important to their quality of life that these green spaces are worth their attention, time, and money. Seven thousand people trust the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy to wisely channel support toward the transformation of our city’s declining natural areas. We can’t thank you enough for your vote of confidence. Without your decision to support the PPC, the resounding collective power of our constituency, would be nonexistent. Through your gifts of time, financial support or simple care of our parks, you show our neighborhoods, our corporate and foundation community, and our government that parks are valuable.
Richard Kelly
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With you standing behind us adding credence to our mission and provide a driving force in our ability to secure federal, state and city funding. Businesses are proud to support the PPC because they see thousands of citizens demonstrating that parks are a vital resource to them. Philanthropic foundations feel they can make a difference by funding work that so many enthusiastically support. Your decision to be an actively support the PPC exponentially increases our progress in revitalizing our parks as sources of personal renewal, havens for diverse flora and wildlife, and centers of recreational enjoyment. On behalf of the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy I am so grateful that you share our vision for restoring Pittsburgh’s great parks. We have come quite far in nine years, having completed six capital park projects and ecologically restored many acres of parkland. But our work is far from complete and I encourage you to continue voicing your support of Pittsburgh’s parks through our organization. Every donation counts, every volunteer hour helps, and every act of stewardship is significant.
Memories of Highland Park
Do You Know All the Ways You Can Help? id you know in 2005 alone more than 10,000 volunteer hours were logged by dedicated Park Friends like you working within the 1,700 acres of urban park land? Our committed friends removed invasive plant species, curbed erosion, improved trails, and planted native species in the four great parks – Frick, Highland, Riverview, and Schenley.
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Your volunteer hours make a difference in our parks! There is still so much more to be done. Here is how you can help:
The above photo, circa 1910, shows the community partaking in the popular pastime of ice skating on Highland Park’s Lake Carnegie.
hile growing up in Pittsburgh’s East End, my brothers, sister and I spent our summer afternoons swimming at the Highland Park pools. At that time, there were two large pools side by side – one that started at one foot depth and went to four feet. Outside the pool grounds, facing Lake Carnegie (which we called the “Pond”), was a refreshment stand, the steps of which are still visible. When cold weather froze the water in the pond with enough ice to support skaters, the refreshment stand’s “windows” were covered and the stand was heated and had park benches
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inside for skaters to use to change into their skates and to warm up in between spins. Young hockey players used the far end of the pond where a wooden walkway separated them from the recreational skaters. That walkway is now cement. When I married in 1962, I moved to the suburbs. In 2000, my husband and I moved back into the city. Again, I swim at Highland Park pool, one of the best pools for lap swimming in the city or anywhere. It is a treasure! Lynne F. Soltis, Shadyside
Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy Staff Meg Cheever President and CEO Debbie Beck Chief Financial Officer Philip J. Gruszka Director of Park Management and Maintenance Policies Jessica Todd Development Coordinator Alice Enz Communications Manager Amy Ripley Projects Coordinator
Mary Beth Steisslinger Restoration Coordinator Beth Bodamer Administrative Assistant Gudrun Wells Volunteer Education Coordinator Jake Milofsky Field Coordinator 2000 Technology Drive, Suite 300 Pittsburgh, PA 15219 412-682-PARK (7275) www.pittsburghparks.org
Volunteer in the Parks – Everyone is welcome to participate in our regular volunteer days to remove invasive species, plant natives, and control erosion. Become an Urban EcoSteward – Join as an individual, family or with a group of friends to maintain a specific site in any of the four parks. Lead Park Walks – Nature-lovers who are comfortable talking to small groups can be of great service by volunteering to lead park walks as docents. Advocate for Our Parks – Attend City Council meetings, write to your representatives, have a voice in the policies that are affecting our park system. Communicate With Us – We always want to hear from the public. So if you read an interesting article in a magazine or newspaper, send it to us. If you know of a website that is full of useful information, let us know. If you want to share with us why parks are so important to you – we would love to hear. Tell Your Friends – Word of mouth is the best form of communication. Let your friends, neighbors, and co-workers know what good things we are doing in the parks. Encourage them to volunteer or become a member. The more of us that are in this together, the further we can go. Use the Parks – These treasured green spaces have so much to offer as places of refuge, recreation, socialization, and just plain fun. Get out there and enjoy them!
To learn more about these fun and exciting volunteer opportunities, please call us at 412-682-7275.
Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy Newsletter
Schenley Plaza to Premiere in June
Alice Enz
By Jessica Todd
In the foreground are two of four food kiosks that will open soon in Schenley Plaza. Everything from breakfast sandwiches to sushi to gourmet bratwurst will be available when the plaza opens in June.
he grand opening of Schenley Plaza as the dynamic entrance to Schenley Park is slated for June.
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“Schenley Plaza will be the hot spot in Oakland, especially during lunch when people can get out the office, into the fresh air and outdoors to enjoy a quick bite with friends and co-workers,” said Meg Cheever, PPC president. Four food and drink kiosks will line the main promenade. The locallyrun kiosks will offer a variety of food choices. Gourmet hot dogs and bratwurst are planned as the specialty at The Dog House, which will also offer a variety of salads, wings and milkshakes. Schenley Pizza will offer Italian fare including pizza, stromboli, pasta and salads. Fresh sushi will highlight the Asia Tea House menu along with other favorites such as, General Tso Chicken, fried rice and egg rolls. And the Bagel Factory will offer breakfast and lunch options including breakfast bagels, pastries, coffee, and a variety of more than 20 bagel sandwiches.
GIFT, FROM PAGE 1 Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy that she really started to see major improvements in the park. “I didn't feel empowered to do anything by myself. For the first time there was a group that was advocating for longterm solutions, not just quick fixes,” Hershey said. “The Conservancy has been so essential to long-term planning. The people in the Conservancy have been able to provide the expertise to both the city and to people like myself who want to do things in the parks.” Hershey has always been an active member of the PPC and is a former board member, but it wasn’t until recently that she decided she wanted to make a more targeted gift to the park. “I had been looking for a way to contribute to the park and I didn't want to wait and just leave something in my will. I wanted to see that things were happening and and that’s when I made the commitment of the money for this year. It took me a year or so to get it together. We’re not wealthy donors, we’re very comfortable, but we’re putting resources where our hearts are. I love the idea of being part of something growing. And I can see it happening.” Carol made a $10,000 contribution to the PPC. She designated funds to go toward a bench in the Panther Hollow that sits in the meadow. In addition, she also designated a portion of the gift to go toward deer protection in Frick Park. “I asked Phil Gruszka, the PPC Director of Park Management and Maintenance, where my support would help most. He told me that without tree tubes and fencing in Nine Mile Run in Frick Park many of the new trees and plants wouldn’t make it because of deer browse,” Hershey said. “It wasn’t the most glamorous of gifts, but it is having a huge impact on the ecological health of the park.” The PPC is thrilled to receive such a wonderful and lasting gift. If you are interested in making a designated gift to Pittsburgh’s parks call 412-682-7275 for more information.
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In 2007, the Plaza will offer even more variety for the lunch and dinner crowd when Atria’s opens as a full-service restaurant with indoor and outdoor dining. Schenley Plaza will offer a large lawn with chairs and café tables, and stylized benches surrounded by colorful gardens all of which will act as a gathering space for the Oakland community. “I love the fact that Schenley Plaza is practically in our front yard,” said Barbara Mistick, director of the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh. “The Plaza creates an interesting partnership between libraries and parks where families can enjoy each others’ company in an environment that is free from admission fees. The new space brings an unlimited amount of possibilities to Carnegie Library as we begin to expand our reach outside the library’s walls. I’m expecting to see many parents reading to their children in between turns at the new carousel.” The Victorian-style carousel, will be adorned with 15 animals, a handicap accessible chariot and a spinning tub suitable for the smallest children and their parents. Rides will cost $1.25 and the carousel area can be rented for private parties and special events. There will be a diverse palate of programming at the plaza. Every weekday, people can enjoy live local music during their lunch break. Docentled walks every Sunday will share the history, ecology, and culture of Schenley Park. And for evening fun, it is expected that a National Geographic film series will be held in July. IT’S NOT TOO LATE TO SPONSOR A BENCH OR BRICK For more IN SCHENLEY PLAZA. FOR MORE INFORMATION ON information please DONOR RECOGNITION OPPORTUNITIES CALL contact the PPC 412-682-7275. offices at ALL DONATIONS OF $10,000 AND ABOVE WILL BE 412-682-7275. RECOGNIZED ON A PERMANENT PLAQUE IN THE PLAZA.
PPC’s Madcap Masquerade Named 2005’s Best Party Photos by Mary Jane Bent
At left are Robbee Kosak, Tom Kosak and Hilary?? who went all out for the occasion. Below a runway model wearing a local designer’s dress and mask.
he first annual Madcap Masquerade was a dazzling evening to raise money for Pittsburgh’s parks. Entertainment went well into the night with performances by the Zany Umbrella Circus, a tribute Beatles band, the Tom Roberts Quartet and a Couture Noire fashion show sponsored by Pittsburgh Metropolitan Magazine and Pittsburgh 365 TV. Ariba was the presenting sponsor. If you missed this wonderful event, rated by the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette as the best party of 2005, be sure to mark your calendar for this year’s event on October 28, at the Hunt Armory.
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Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy Newsletter
LAKE RESTORATION, FROM PAGE 1
Students involved in the Pennsylvania Community Intensive Supervision Program get into the park and plan elm trees along Schenley Drive in Schenley Park.
Panther Hollow by night: in its heyday of the early 1900s.
management, are developing the lake’s restoration plan. “Before we develop a program for the physical restoration of the lake site, we need to understand the basic dynamics of the watershed – for example, the flow of storm-water runoff and the watershed’s pollutant load,” said Tom Cahill, president and founder of Cahill Associates. “Then we can create a plan to turn this polluted, smelly body of water into the centerpiece of the Panther Hollow restoration.” PPC is working with a variety of community and government groups and leaders to research the watershed’s hydrological balance, as well as determine how to improve pedestrian and vehicular access to the site. More than 30 scientific and educational leaders from various universities have voiced interest in participating in an academic study team. Large-scale student volunteer days are being scheduled to implement erosion-control measures in Panther Hollow. “The central idea to this restoration is using community resources to restore a valuable community asset,” said Meg Cheever, PPC president. “This is important. Restoring the lake is no small undertaking and we need all hands on deck. Fortunately, it seems that people want to see the lake restored to the way it once was – or even better. And they’re willing to help.”
New Orleans City Park Begins to Rebuild Four months after Hurricane Katrina struck, New Orleans City Park is starting to look like a park again. Approximately 95% of the 1,000 trees the park has lost, as well as other debris, have been picked up and removed. Birds and ducks have returned to the lagoons and so too have children to feed them. Unfortunately nearly all the park’s revenue producing facilities remain closed. The 1,300-acre park normally raises 98% of its $10.8 million operating budget each year. With facilities closed, the park’s severe cash crunch continues. To make a donation or learn more about the park, visit http://www.neworleanscitypark.com.
INTERNS, FROM PAGE 1 outside and around plants and trees.” Morgan attends City High School and has to complete an internship and final project to graduate. For her final project she will steward a quarter-mile site in Frick Park and present the improvements in ecological biodiversity and erosion to her classmates. Laib, a sophomore, home-schooled student, has thoroughly enjoyed everything from collecting native wildflower seeds to learning about the chemistry of the Norway maple and how its emits chemicals into the soil which inhibit the grown of our native species. “This has been a great experience and I think more people should do it,” said Laib. His final project will be a hybrid of ecology and art, an “educational and actionpacked” comic book about invasive plants. He hopes to produce multiple copies that will be available to the public. Look for Morgan and Laib on Thursdays in one of the regional parks. They’ll be happy to give an impromptu lesson on the difference between invasive Porcelain berry and our native grape.
PPC Wins Arbor Day Award The International Society of Arborculture honored the PPC with their highest award of “Most Outstanding Arbor Day Activity.” The award recognized the PPC’s efforts to plant elm trees in Schenley Park with kids from the PA Community Intensive Supervision
The Invasive Advisor: Garlic Mustard
Keep your eyes peeled and begin removal in early spring. Invasive plants are choking out the biodiversity of our natural areas – and it starts in our own back yards. These invasive, non-native plants are not part of our original habitat, but were introduced from other countries, often for gardens and landscaping. With few or no natural enemies, you can now see these plants taking over entire landscapes like roadsides, disturbed woodlands and our parks.
Learn more about how to identify and remove invasive Garlic mustard. Come to a Highland Park Volunteer Day April 1st 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Call 412-682-7275 for more information. Common name: Garlic mustard Scientific name: Alliaria petiolata Origin: Europe, likely introduced for
At left, the Garlic mustard flower. Make sure to remove the plant while it is flowering before it goes to seed.
food and medicinal purposes. Threat: Garlic mustard displaces many native spring wildflowers that occur in the same habitat. Habitat: It occurs in a wide range of moist to dry habitats including roadsides, floodplains, and forest edges and interiors. Size: Flowering plants range from one to four feet in height. Identifying characteristics: Crushed leaves and stems have a garlic-like odor. First-year plants have a rosette of kidney-shaped leaves that stay green through winter. In its second year, a rapidly growing shoot forms with clusters of small white flowers in early spring. Look-alikes: Toothworts, sweet cicely, and anise. Control techniques: Because seeds can survive in Above are first-year leaves of Garlic the soil for more than five years, management requires mustard. a long-term commitment. It is most effective to remove plants in early spring before they go to seed. Simply pull plants out by the roots for effective removal. After plants have gone to seed be sure to bag them (June-August). Native alternatives: Wild ginger, lady fern, creeping phlox