PNC PITTSBURGH PARKS CONSERVANCY
Spring Hat Luncheon

We are thrilled to announce the return of the PNC Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy Spring Hat Luncheon. After a two-year hiatus, this beloved event will blossom once again this spring with a few refreshed and exciting surprises. While the event will look new to some, what is not novel is the continued need in Pittsburgh’s public parks. In fact, these treasured green spaces that have been sanctuaries for us during the pandemic have never been in greater need of our support.

Make your calendars for Saturday, May 7, and get ready to join us in Highland Park for our largest fundraising event of the year!

CELEBRATE EARTH MONTH

At the Parks Conservancy, every day is Earth Day! This year, we’re hosting another month-long celebration highlighting the importance of protecting our planet. We hope you can join us for one (or more!) of our many Earth Day activities!

Together, let's honor our planet and leave it better than we found it. Whether litter picking in the parks, participating in a virtual event, or supporting the Parks Conservancy by giving a gift to restore Pittsburgh's parks system to excellence, there's something for everyone to do this Earth Day...and every day!

PURCHASE YOUR PNC CAROUSEL PASS

Carousel season is right around the corner, but season tickets are on sale now! For only $60, you can purchase a pass for you and your family to ride the carousel all season long!

P.S. Carousel passes also make great gifts for family or friends with children.

LIGHTS OUTS, PITTSBURGH

Many cities around the world have developed dark sky ordinances to reduce light pollution for multiple reasons, including public health, improved potential for astronomical observations, and wildlife conservation. Lights Out Pittsburgh will be kicking off once again this season on March 15!

UPCOMING PROGRAMS IN YOUR PARKS

March 13: Story Hike at the Frick Environmental Center
Listen to a reading of 'Squirrels Leap, Squirrels Sleep' by April Pulley Sayre and take a hike to see our local furry acrobats in action. Come prepared to be outside for the majority of the program. 
Click here to register!
 
March 14: Birding Pittsburgh's Parks
Join Naturalist Educator Stephen Bucklin for an early morning hike through Highland Park to observe and learn about birds. No prior experience is required, and we will have extra binoculars for those who would like to borrow a pair. 
Click here to register!
 
March 20: Forest Bathing in Frick Park
Enjoy the magic at the beginning of spring through Forest Bathing. We will meander in the woods and look for signs of awakening life. Slowing down gives us a chance to notice the little changes popping up to signal the coming of warmer weather. 
Click here to register!

DIGGING INTO SPRING

As the garden spaces mature, observations are made. What performs well? What gets browsed by deer, rabbits, groundhogs, and other critters? Once those observations are made, and questions are answered, the fun begins! We get to plan out these beautiful garden spaces.

STOPPING THE INVASIVE KUDZU VINE

Kudzu is an invasive species of vine that is posing a threat to our urban forests. This particular vine can reach lengths up to 100 feet and will destroy other plants by wrapping around them with force. While efforts are consistently being made to stop this invasive plant, it is important to report any sightings while you are in and around Pittsburgh’s parks.

EQUITY IN YOUR PARKS

The Parks Conservancy entered its 25th year with a continued focus on equity, one of the organization's foundational tenets. Equity efforts these past two years were highlighted by the development of an equitable investment strategy for the entire park system. Working closely with the City of Pittsburgh, the equitable investment strategy is a data-driven plan to improve parks that have suffered due to decades of systemic disinvestment.

Now, we're embarking on a year-long training to address diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) concepts, focusing on racial equity and guidance on how to best support Black Pittsburghers and park users.

HONORING THE FERN HOLLOW BRIDGE

"Tranquil Trail is icy and muddy. My boots alternate noises on the different textures of ground, a squish-crunch, squish-crunch, as I make my way down to Fern Hollow. It’s been almost three weeks since the bridge collapsed, sending a flurry of tweets, text messages, phone calls, photos, and of course, memes throughout the city..."