Spring 2013
Volunteers make a difference. Hundreds of healthy trees are added to Pittsburgh’s parks each year through the efforts of individual volunteers and volunteers from organizations and businesses. At left, a dedicated volunteer at Highland Park protects a tree and at right, young volunteers join Pittsburgh City Councilman Corey O’Connor and Parks Conservancy education director Marijke Hecht.
Parks Volunteers Plant More than 700 Trees The fact that every day is Earth Day for the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy was never more apparent this year, as committed volunteers and
enthusiastic staff of the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy planted about 700 trees by late April, including 356 trees in Frick Park for Earth Day 2013. Rain or shine, enthusiastic volunteers (both individuals and those working with organizations) planted sycamores, birches, hickories, pines, dogwoods, maples and many other species throughout Schenley, Riverview, Frick and Highland parks on Volunteer Days. “We want to thank all of our volunteer groups and individuals who are just so enthusiastic,” said Taiji Nelson, Conservancy education coordinator and director of the volunteer work days. “When we think of the value of these efforts and the impact this will have on our urban parks well into the future, we know that generations will benefit.” Healthy trees benefit a city and its parks in many ways, both in terms of economic value and contributing to the overall health of the region and its population. Park trees improve water and air quality, shade and property values. Trees also provide beneficial habitats and erosion control. A recent study by Tree Pittsburgh put the value of Pittsburgh’s urban street trees alone at $2.4 million.
Companies Can Earn Tax Credits and Benefit Parks Conservancy Innovative Education Programs Since the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy’s environmental education program for High School Urban EcoStewards was approved to receive Pennsylvania
Education Improvement Tax Credits (EITC) in 2012, a number of contributions have been received from regional companies, including Range Resources, First Commonwealth Bank and Highmark Casualty Insurance Company. The Pennsylvania EITC program allows corporations to earn tax credits worth 75-90% of their contribution amount when they donate to approved education programs within the state, including programs run by the Conservancy. EITC is providing a major boost to important education opportunities that are considered innovative and not part of a regular academic program offered at a school, while mapping to state academic standards. The Parks Conservancy plans to apply to this program for Mission Ground Truth, so we’ll keep you posted. Find out if your company participates in the EITC program and encourage them to support the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy’s educational programming. Applications for the credits are accepted by the state Department of Community and Economic Development each year, beginning July 1.
Patricia Naleepa, vice president and office manager of First Commonwealth Bank (second from left), recently presented First Commonwealth’s contributions to Meg Cheever, Richard Reed and Marijke Hecht.
in this issue Schenley Plaza Open for Season page 2
Join Our Community
Spring Hat Luncheon page 3
Calendar of Events page 8
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Message from the President Dear Friend of Pittsburgh’s Parks:
Stan Franzos
More than 400 volunteers have planted trees throughout Schenley, Riverview, Frick, and Highland parks this spring. In preparation for warmer weather, many groups volunteered to clear garden beds, and plant bulbs, annuals and shrubs, including students from several area universities, businesses and organizations. These efforts have lasting value and are strong community exercises of support. When 425 students from Duquesne University and 145 community volunteers removed a total of 925 bags of trash, cleared 40 garden beds, and planted bulbs and annuals at various sites around the Hill District this spring, they made a lasting difference. Schenley Plaza continues to be one of our most active parks, offering outdoor respite, activities and a place to refresh. We know that more than a half million visitors used Schenley Plaza in 2012, participating in programs, eating at restaurants, and enjoying our kiosks. We are
expecting to break another attendance record in 2013. Current capital projects underway this summer include restoration of the historic Mellon Square downtown, repairs to McKinley Park in Beltzhoover and Cliffside Park in the Hill District and the continuation of the restoration of the Panther Hollow Watershed. We’re also pleased with the rapid growth and expansion of our environmental education programming. Hundreds of area school children benefitted from using the parks as classrooms this past year. I hope you are able to get out in the parks often to enjoy their beauty and all the benefits they provide to this City and its residents, while appreciating the amount of effort that goes into maintaining and improving them. See you in the Park! Meg Cheever President & CEO
Schenley Plaza Open for Season New Kiosks, Oakland Farmers Market Make Appearance
Staff Meg Cheever, President & CEO Richard Reed, Senior Vice President Kate Freed, Vice President, Development Laurie Anderson, Director of Grants Administration Jim Griffin, Director of Facilities Phil Gruszka, Director of Park Management and Maintenance Marijke Hecht, Director of Education Susan Rademacher, Parks Curator Heather Sage, Director of Community Projects Teresa Thomas, Director of Marketing and Communications Kim Barner, Senior Accountant Beth Bodamer, Executive Assistant Joyce Collier, Development Officer – Annual Fund Erin Copeland, Restoration Ecologist Bryan Dolney, Field Ecologist Kathleen Gaines, Development Associate Taiji Nelson, Education Program Coordinator Holly Stayton, Digital Marketing Manager Bailey Warren, Education Program Assistant, AmeriCorps Public Allies Angela Yuele, Horticulturist
Board of Directors Alan Ackerman Ritchie Battle Dan Booker, Chair Linda Burke Meg Cheever, ex officio G. Reynolds Clark Ann Davis Susie Dorrance Curt Ellenberg Jeremy Feinstein Elise Frick Harry Henninger Dan Holthaus Robert Hoyt Robbee Kosak
Nancy Levine John P. Levis III Inez Miles Gary Mulholland Brian Mullins Marlee S. Myers Mildred S. Myers Illah R. Nourbakhsh Jim Rogal William C. Rudolph Michael Sullivan Jerry Voros Christy Wiegand Michael G. Zanic
Government Representatives: Luke Ravenstahl, Mayor, City of Pittsburgh Dan Frankel, State Representative Duane T. Ashley, Director of Operations, City of Pittsburgh Noor Ismail, Director of City Planning, City of Pittsburgh Rob Kaczorowski, Director of Public Works, City of Pittsburgh The Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy improves quality of life for the people of Pittsburgh by restoring the park system to excellence in partnership with government and community partners. Questions and comments about the newsletter can be directed to Teresa Thomas: tthomas@pittsburghparks.org
Listen to music. Ride the PNC Carousel. Strengthen your diet with fresh
Community members help create and design the project, which enjoyed a long run at a location in East Liberty before moving to Schenley Plaza. Conflict countries have included Venezuela, Iran, Afghanistan and Cuba. Waffallonia station, just doesn’t offer ordinary waffles. It makes authentic Liège sugar waffles – the same ones served on the streets and in the cafes of Brussels, Antwerp, Bruges and of course, Liège. Visitors will be sure to enjoy the tasty offerings, dressed with carmelized Belgian pearl sugar and a choice of delicious toppings, including Nutella, fresh fruit and ice cream.
produce from local farmers. Break bread with people from lands in conflict with the United States at a unique new takeout kiosk or enjoy a delicious waffle. You can do all this and more this spring and summer at the Schenley Plaza. A classic urban gathering spot, Schenley Plaza offers a range of activities that delight brown baggers, walkers and visitors. The Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy staff PNC Carousel Opens: Oakland Farmers works throughout the winter on programming to Market Starts In June welcome a wide range of visitors to the parks once The PNC Carousel opened in April, with warm weather returns. hours from noon to 6 p.m., weather permitting. Given the relaxed atmosphere, it’s difficult Children delight in to imagine that the Schenley Plaza will likely multiple rides and see more than 300,000 visitors – or that more wise parents should than 200 public events are planned. But it is a look to buy passes. commitment to a seamless experience, based on Another real win for the best green design principles and the latest in this green space is thinking in parks planning, that makes Schenley the addition of the Plaza so special and so much fun. Oakland Farmer’s “Our parks are important gathering places Market. The Market for the community. We try to run the Plaza with Carousel horse is moving from a point of view that allows us to say, welcome, Sennott Street in come join us,” says Jim Griffin, director of facilities Oakland and debuts in June. It runs until the such as Schenley frost is on the pumpkin in October. Plaza and Mellon Square. Griffin Free Tai Chi and Yoga and others come Parks provide important recreational up with a schedule opportunities – using them is like writing yourself that reflects a green prescription. That’s especially true at the classic, anticipated Schenley Plaza. Griffin said that outdoor group programming exercise is a natural match for the area. You’ll see while producing groups doing yoga led by Folding Space Yoga this some new and spring and summer on Saturdays and Mondays. Conflict Kitchen unexpected multi- On Fridays, tai chi with the Tao Applied will be cultural offerings offered. There is no cost for participation. that further define Schenley Plaza. Here’s a quick look at what visitors and Music and the Parks: A Natural Fit regulars will see at Schenley Plaza: Music soothes mind, body and spirit and so a lot of programming in Schenley Plaza is devoted Popular Conflict Kitchen, Waffallonia to offering an assortment of sounds. New and Join Kiosks making three appearances this year on June 7, July Conflict Kitchen and Waffallonia joined 12, and Aug. 23 are the acoustic folk, country and the current kiosks offering drinks and other good blues band the Squirrel Hillbillies. The popular food including OPA Gyros and Asia Tea House. WYEP Summer Music Festival kicks off on Friday Conflict Kitchen, an interdisciplinary project that nights beginning June 28. BOB fm 96.9 and started at nearby Carnegie Mellon University, is Q92.9 alternate programming on Tuesdays at a take-out restaurant that serves cuisine from a lunch time, July through October. nation with which the United States is in conflict.
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Spring 2013
The PNC Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy Spring Hat Luncheon Celebrates 15 years Schenley Park Overlook and Perfect Weather Thrill Guests Held the first Saturday in May each year, the Spring Hat Luncheon’s massive tents
rotate between our city’s four regional parks – Frick, Highland, Riverview and Schenley. In doing so, the event gives attendees the opportunity to see how the parks continue to change as a result of the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy’s presence. This year’s event, held at the beautiful Schenley Park Overlook brought in nearly 600 guests and raised more than $536,000 for the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy. After 15 years of lunching in our parks, close to 10,000 people have attended and supported the Hat Luncheon and more than $6 million has been raised. Because the Conservancy is a privately funded non-profit, the unrestricted funds raised by the Luncheon are vital to the organization’s mission-critical activities. Presenting sponsor PNC Bank has provided leadership funding since the beginning and in doing so, has helped to ensure the longevity of this important event for our city parks. The Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy is thankful for the continued generosity of its many supporters. Trees and shrubs were offered for adoption and will be planted at the Westinghouse Memorial and in surrounding landscapes to benefit the renewal of this beloved park space. “Schenley Park is home to one of the largest and most ambitious projects the Conservancy will undertake to date – the restoration of the Panther Hollow Watershed, including the George Westinghouse Memorial, culminating in the eventual rebirth of Panther Hollow Lake,” said President and CEO Meg Cheever. WTAE Anchor Sally Wiggin was host for the speaking program, introducing speakers including Eva Blum, President of The PNC Foundation, and Allegheny County Executive Rich Fitzgerald.
Thank You to the Generous Sponsors of the 2013 PNC Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy Spring Hat Luncheon:
Platinum Ritchie Battle
Diamond
Susie Dorrance EQT Audrey Hillman Fisher
Emerald
Nadine E. Bognar Howard Hanna Real Estate Services Gabriela Porges
Gold
Christy Wiegand & Barbara Wiegand
Silver
Co-Chairs Gabriela Porges, Jessica O’Brien, Debbie Demchak and Annie Hanna Engel
Jane D. Burton Carnegie Mellon University Helen and Stephen Casey Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield The Hillman Company HM Insurance Group
Macy’s Pietragallo Gordon Alfano Bosick & Raspanti, LLP PJ Dick & Trumbull Pittsburgh Magazine Jessica O’Brien University of Pittsburgh
Bronze
Eva Blum, President of The PNC Foundation, and Meg Cheever, CEO and President of the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy Helen and Stephen Casey generously sponsored the Patron Cocktail Reception.
Allison McGeary Florist Debra Kline Demchak Dignity and Respect Greater Pittsburgh Eat ‘n Park Hospitality Group Gus & Annie Hanna Engel Federated Investors Foundation, Inc. Dawn and Christopher Fleischner
Giant Eagle Greenprints Landscaping and Design Henne Jewelers The H.J. Heinz Company Pepper Hamilton, LLP Reed Smith Robb Leonard Mulvihill, LLP UPMC Health Plan
2013 Co-Chairs
2013 Vice-Chairs
Debbie Demchak Annie Hanna Engel Jessica O’Brien Gabriela Porges
Vivian Benter Federica Dallavecchia Laura Dawson Emily Mack Jamison Mary McKinney Charlene Petrelli Kiya Tomlin Signe Warner Watson Christy Wiegand Latasha Wilson-Batch
Honorary Co-Chairs Ritchie Battle Audrey Hillman Fisher Teresa Heinz
The Schenley Overlook tent
Hat Luncheon festive dessert
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the VOICE New Mobile Donate Page: Giving Has Never Been Easier
Give a gift that keeps on giving! Setting up a sustaining gift to the parks has never been easier. Scan our QR code using your mobile device and be taken directly to our easy, new mobile donate page. You will be able to select both the amount and frequency of your sustaining gift or give a one-time donation at the swipe of a finger. You will need a QR-code scanner on your mobile device, which can be downloaded for free through most app stores.
Concrete pouring at Mellon Square
Mellon Square Marches Toward Completion When the glory of the fountains erupt in Mellon Square, it will be easy for most of us to forget the months of site preparation that has gone on during the project. Some of the most particular and painstaking work has been
the plumbing, including pipes that extend for miles beneath the plaza into the parking garage and connect the dots for the feeds to supply the Central Fountain and Cascade Fountain. Work this winter by contractors in many trades included installation of pumps, pipes and tubes, navigation in narrow crawlspaces, plans for stormwater management and a vast array of meticulous infrastructure improvements to the parking garage that will contribute to the site’s green reputation, while benefitting the public and the Pittsburgh Parking Authority. Although bad weather in March slowed some parts of the project, completion of Mellon Square is scheduled for this summer.
You Tweet, We Listen: Staying Healthy With the Parks
“
Follow Us @pittsburghparks @pittsburghparks One of my resolutions is to hike a new trail each month—plan to do one in Riverview Park this month. – @kellylynnthomas I thought a run thru #frick @pittsburghparks was a better option than the treadmill. – @JamesPGH @PGHMarathon training runs can be tranquil and fun! Seek and u shall find! @pittsburghparks @SteelCityRRC #frick – @JamesPGH
”
For runners snow should be a bonus not an excuse! @pittsburghparks #schenley #justrun – @NiecyBaby
What YOU are telling us:
#$% 541 9 out of 10 The number people who ranked parks as being “Very Important” or “Critical” to their quality of life.
#$% 541
“I believe the condition, use, and safety of urban parks is one of the key indicators of a city’s health and welfare…(the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy’s) accomplishments are almost directly correlated to Pittsburgh’s recognition as America’s most livable city.” —online donor
#$% 541 1 in 3 The number of surveyed voters who use Pittsburgh’s parks weekly.
#$% 541 1 in 2 The number of surveyed voters with children who use the parks weekly.
#$% 541 80% The percent of surveyed voters who believe parks are important to recruiting new businesses.
#$% 541 93% The percent of surveyed voters who use the parks for selfdirected activities like walking, picnics and relaxing.
#$% 541 SOURCES: Parks Conservancy donor survey and Anzalone Liszt phone survey of registered voters in the City of Pittsburgh
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Spring 2013 Taking a Walk on the Wild Side: Notes from the Conservancy Blog Take a walk on the wild side—or at least the greener side—through the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy blog.
Holly Stayton, Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy digital marketing manager, recently told Edible Allegheny Magazine: “The Parks Conservancy is fortunate to be part of a community that shares its love of Pittsburgh’s majestic green spaces.” Each blog post is a way to further share that appreciation through photos and stories about volunteer work, new projects undertaken to care for the parks, and updates on what’s blooming where. Stayton manages the blog, but she thinks of herself more as a “blog curator,” as she frequently features the voices of volunteers, horticultural experts and community members. “They have such great stories to tell about the parks that it’s great to hear their unique voices on what the parks mean to them,” she says. Keep in touch with the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy blog. You can catch up with past postings at pittsburghparks.wordpress.com. Here is a sample:
Mission Ground Truth: Teacher Training
(By Bailey Warren, Education Program Assistant) Despite the frigid temperatures, the wind chill, and a two-hour delay, 10 teachers showed up to the Frick Environmental Center for our first ever Mission Ground Truth teacher training. Mission Ground Truth is an inquiry-based experiential science curriculum that gives middle school students the opportunity to investigate the health and value of forest and freshwater stream ecosystems. Combining classroom and field sessions, Mission Ground Truth gives students a glimpse into the everyday life of an ecologist. After piloting the program in the spring with the seventh grade science classes at Propel Montour, we have expanded our reach this school year to include Propel Homestead, Propel McKeesport, Winchester Thurston, The Ellis School, and the Environmental Charter School. Teacher trainings are an important part of developing a partnership between informal educators and classroom teachers. We have different styles, different objectives, and different experiences to bring to the table. The training was a chance for everyone to get to know each other, establish appropriate roles and expectations, and to introduce new teachers to the content of the program. We wanted to provide a space where they could ask questions, give feedback, and learn from Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy staff and teachers who have previously gone through the program. Many of the teachers had limited experience teaching outdoors and wanted some tips to prepare their class and themselves. As an
Hands on experiences outdoors
informal educator, (I believe) two of the most integral aspects of a successful program are ensuring that students are dressed appropriately for the weather and having an enthusiastic and involved teacher on board. Really, it all comes back to communicating expectations to others. As much as the training is for the teachers to become comfortable and acquainted with the program, it was also a space for us to get feedback on the curriculum content. From these discussions, we developed an Environmental Education tip sheet to share with all of our program partner teachers.
Urban EcoSteward Crew Leader Training (By Jake Baechle, Greenprint Park Steward)
Unlike most trips I make to REI Southside, I wasn’t here this morning to get a new piece of gear, although I’ll admit I did look. I was here for the Urban EcoSteward Crew Leader Training. This wasn’t my first time learning to lead crews. In fact, my crew leading experience began right here in Pittsburgh three years ago when I attended the 2010 Urban EcoSteward Crew Leader Training and became a crew leader that summer. I enjoyed working with volunteer crews so much that I soon journeyed to Southern California to lead volunteers in trail maintenance on the Pacific Crest Trail. It wasn’t long before I was off on my next adventure leading crews of college students throughout the Rocky Mountains in Colorado and Wyoming. Now, I’m happy to be back in the City of Pittsburgh where it all started, working as the new Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy Greenprint Park Steward. The Greenprint is a comprehensive plan that aims to build on the natural landscapes throughout the Hill District. These greening projects will add value to the neighborhood by raising property values, providing community gathering spaces, and improving air quality.
Bringing Westinghouse Memorial’s Place in History to Light The Westinghouse Memorial and Lily Pond are distinctive features of Schenley Park, yet for years they seemed to be orphans. Now, the City and the Parks Conservancy
Vandalism (now repaired) and disrepair have plagued the Westinghouse Memorial.
are undertaking a comprehensive plan to restore the site from disrepair to glory. The Parks Conservancy featured the needs for maintenance of this landmark at its annual Hat Luncheon this spring. This follows a very successful fundraiser in the fall of 2012. With good news that more than half the funds have been raised for the $2 million project, much more needs to be done. Steps for public outreach include installation of a sign that tells the story of how donations from more than 55,000 Westinghouse employees helped to finance the Memorial. A former Westinghouse employee also is maintaining a website with information on the historical importance of the site and many Westinghouse employees and volunteers are helping correct problems upstream of the pond. Plans developed by the City of Pittsburgh and the Parks Conservancy call for sculptural elements to be lighted to make the site inviting and for restoration of the memorial and the sculptures, including “American Youth” by Daniel Chester French, perhaps the most famous American sculptor of his time. French was assisted by sculptor Paul Fjelde, who is credited with the flanking panels depicting Westinghouse’s contributions. As designed by MTR Landscape Architects, the Lily Pond will return to its 1930 contours, adorned with water lilies and kept fresh with submerged aeration. The memorial and pond will gain protection from the ravages of stormwater thanks to the installation of upstream improvements and a new meadow. The renewal of the Westinghouse memorial and landscape will include a permanent fund for ongoing maintenance of the site.
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A photo-realistic image of the Environmental Center at Frick Park from Bohlin Cywinski Jackson
Project Updates: A Whirlwind of Work Pays Off for Park Users Frick Environmental Center: A Hub of Education and Activity
Plans are almost complete to build a new Frick Environmental Center and to refashion the surrounding area into a hub of environmental education for schools and camps, volunteer activities and community outreach programs. At an estimated cost of around $15 million, nearly half of which has already been pledged, the work is ambitious. But if successful in meeting the “Living Building Challenge,” the new design will, in the words of the Conservancy’s director of education, Marijke Hecht, “keep Pittsburgh on the leading edge of green design.” The goal is to showcase how buildings and nature can complement one another through the use of the latest in green technology and sound design principles. The City and Parks Conservancy are working with a design team consisting of architects, landscape architects, artists, environmental restoration specialists and engineers to make the center a diverse, engaging, environmentally smart facility. Outdoor learning spaces will be functional and allow Center staff to interpret the landscape, its ecology and history.
Panther Hollow Watershed Report Will Provide Analysis; Suggest Improvements
The significance of a watershed to the ecological health of a community is enormous. The Panther Hollow Watershed, which encompasses Oakland, Squirrel Hill, and Schenley Park, has changed a great deal as the community around it has grown. Urbanization of the watershed, combined with a “beheaded” stream system, has contributed to significant loss of groundwater recharge and base flow in the watershed. Many other problems, from dry eroded stream channels to lack of a consistent and sufficient source of water for the stream base flow, contribute to the lack of water quality to Panther Hollow Lake. Work performed in the Panther Hollow has potential for inspiring Pittsburgh’s continued evolution as a green community. The Parks Conservancy is compiling a comprehensive report that records the hydrological and ecological analysis of the watershed, an important first step in developing improvements and making the case for funding of watershed issues. Dry Weather
Heritage Of the Hill Central to Redesign of Cliffside Park
The Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy is devoting much care and attention to resurrecting a playground park at Cliffside in the Hill District. Parks Curator Susan Rademacher says it will be important to signal to the community “that a park is here.” As the park’s name suggests, the topography of the playground is unique and poses a challenge, particularly as the goal is for the park to be completely accessible. The park design takes advantage of the steep pitch of the grounds and includes a two-level playground, with slide, climbing net and bridge. A key aspect of the park will be the movement of water through it. At the heart of the park, there will be a sloping lawn and rain garden, complete with a rill lined with rocks and plantings. Retaining walls will hold the park together in a physical sense and these walls, adorned with quotes from the noted Pittsburgh playwright August Wilson, will bring together a sense of community for the park. Wilson grew up only blocks away from Cliffside. Plans also call for art elements on retaining walls and fences that recall the rich cultural history of the Hill District. The Conservancy is working to secure permits in preparation for its groundbreaking this summer.
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Spring into McKinley Park This Spring
Get ready, McKinley Park. This spring is yours! Scheduled for completion this spring, the park will become more appealing and accessible by repairing the historic stone wall and steps, constructing a 20-space parking area that absorbs rainwater, and building walkways to the playgrounds and basketball court. In addition to providing lighting, the park will be graced by a new entry sign, bike racks, trash receptacles and benches. Funding for the project was provided by the Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program, the City Community Development Block Grant Program and the Birmingham Foundation.
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Spring 2013 Park Tree Update from Phil Gruszka
Stan Franzos
Making the 100-year decision: A parks tree action plan progress report In the Pittsburgh region, we are entering our third year of dealing with the destructiveness of emerald ash borer (EAB) and oak wilt disease. Our parks have tens of thousands of susceptible trees in the woodlands. Thanks to the efforts of numerous funders, we have been able to preserve 158 ash trees, selecting historically significant, specimen landscape and woodland trees. Why 158 out of the thousands that exist? The effort of preserving these trees goes well into the future. The hope is that these trees will be the parent generation for emerald ash borer resistant hybrid trees. This model has been exemplified by the breeding efforts done on the American chestnut tree and the American elm tree. Today, we are planting blight resistant chestnut and elm tree cultivars in our parks. We hope to be able to do this with ash trees in the future. This year we can expect to see lots of dead and dying ash trees. We are not preemptively cutting trees down. Part of our preservation strategy is to find ash trees that survive EAB infestation without being treated with pesticides. These trees will be extremely valuable to a future restoration effort. (Call the
city 311 line if you see dead trees that appear to be hazardous.)
ground in late June through July, call us or the city 311 line to help save our oak trees.
The ash story is sad but the oak wilt story is much more promising. Red and white oaks represent the vast majority of large trees
What is great is that we’re all at the table, working on a mitigation strategy. No one organization is bearing this torch alone. The city has ultimate responsibility for park trees but the team that has formed to aid in the process starts with the United States Department of Agriculture Forest Service, Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, and a long list of non-profit organizations including the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy. Foundation and corporate entities and concerned citizens are also invested in this issue. These destructive organisms know no political boundaries so a coordinated plan is essential.
What is great is that we’re all at the table, working on a mitigation strategy. No one organization is bearing this torch alone. The destructive organisms attacking our trees know no political boundaries.
growing in our woodlands. When trees are infected, they must be removed in a timely manner. Unlike EAB, this is a battle we can win. Early detection of oak wilt limits the eradication site to a handful of trees. Inaction leads to acres of trees having to be cut. We continue to provide training on what the symptoms look like. If you see green dried out oak leaves on the
Freed, Thomas Join Conservancy in Fundraising and Communications Two new staff members have joined the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy in the fields of fundraising and public relations. Kate
Freed has joined the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy as vice president of development. Teresa Thomas joins the Parks Conservancy as director of marketing and communications. Freed was most recently Assistant Vice President for Corporate, Foundation and Government Relations at Chatham University where she developed and implemented a comprehensive fundraising program to acquire capital, annual and restricted gifts from a variety of sources. Freed also supported the efforts of faculty and staff to receive other government funding for programs and research. For some years prior to joining Chatham, Freed was a Senior Associate at Meadowcroft & Associates offering organizational capacity building efforts to organizations with a focus on planning and practical program evaluation. She is a graduate of the Freed University of Pittsburgh with a B.A. in Urban Studies and a Master’s degree from GSPIA in Public and International Affairs.
Thomas is director of marketing and communications for the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy, where she manages digital and traditional communications channels and positions the Conservancy’s brand and key messages. She comes to the Parks Conservancy from Carnegie Mellon University, where she supervised award-winning programs of media relations and internal communications. Thomas has extensive Thomas experience in media relations with regional, national and international media, including the New York Times, The Washington Post, the Wall Street Journal and Associated Press. Before leading Carnegie Mellon’s central media relations department, Thomas created marketing communications campaigns for student recruitment, donor involvement and alumni outreach for several colleges at the university. She has been the editor and publisher of a national award-winning newsletter and magazine, and was publisher of the Carnegie Mellon faculty and staff newspaper, which earned communications honors among nonprofits in the mid-Atlantic region. She is a graduate of the University of Pittsburgh.
Upcoming Events Calendar: Write Yourself a Green Prescription Urban Ecostewards Underway with Sessions for Summer, Fall Planned Throughout the Region
Now Open PNC Carousel
Noon–6 p.m., Schenley Plaza Daily through Oct. 13
June 7 Oakland Farmers’ Market Begins
3–6 p.m., Schenley Plaza
Our Urban Ecostewards have already been hard at work, holding their winter gathering and crew leader training programs. But there’s more in the works for this enthusiastic group of volunteers, who give back to their communities by adopting a specific section of park to maintain. Volunteers do a load of good work, from removing invasive species to planting native flora and slowing erosion. The parks are also the best green prescription around. Here you’ll find a sample of programming provided around Pittsburgh’s parks.
June 8
Fridays Through Oct. 25
Sept. 12
Fall Invasives
Sept. 12, 6–8 p.m. Emerald View Park, Location TBD Learn how to identify and when to effectively remove common invasive plants in the fall and hear tips to differentiate them from their native lookalikes.
Oct. 12 June 22 Greenprint Volunteer Day
9 a.m.–1 p.m., Kennard Field Parking Lot Register at www.pittsburghparks.org/ volunteerdays or call 412-682-7275, ext. 214
June 28
Summer Gathering
June 8, 10 a.m. to noon Steel City Rowing Club, 101 Arch St., Verona, PA 15147 Join us for food and fellowship as we kayak around Sycamore Island and learn how to identify native trees and shrubs.
July 27
WYEP Summer Music Festival Begins
Schenley Plaza
Native Plant Propagation
Sat. Oct. 12, 9 a.m. to noon Frick Environmental Center, 2005 Beechwood Blvd., Pittsburgh, PA 15217 Learn how to grow native trees, shrubs and wildflowers from seed or cuttings to replant and repopulate your EcoSteward site.
Ongoing Weeding Tuesdays and Wednesdays
5–7 p.m. Mellon Park Walled Garden (Tuesdays, June 11, June 25, July 9, July 23, Aug. 6 and Aug. 20) Highland Park Entry Garden (Wednesdays, June 12, June 26, July 1, July 24, Aug. 7 and Aug. 21) Attendance is flexible. Tools, gloves and guidance are provided
Acid Mine Drainage
July 27, 6–8 p.m. Wingfield Pines, 1541 Mayview Rd., Upper St. Clair, PA 15147 Acid mine drainage resulting from Pittsburgh’s legacy of coal and steel production can drastically impact the pH of soil and waterways. Learn what we can do to help.
Urban Ecostewards is a partnership of the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy, Allegheny Cleanways, the Allegheny Land Trust, the Frick Environmental Center, Mount Washington CDC, and Nine Mile Run Watershed Association. You can find more program details at www.pittsburghparks.org/ues
Special Thanks to Our Volunteer Crew of Earth Day Tree Planters!