FRICK ENVIRONMENTAL CENTER SENSORY CLASSROOM PROJECT

Join us for a public meeting about the Frick Environmental Center Outdoor Sensory Classroom project!

The Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy and its design team will present concept designs for the Outdoor Sensory Classroom for your input and feedback. The project is the first outdoor classroom space in a Pittsburgh park geared toward learners with exceptionalities.This outdoor classroom will create sensory experiences and teaching moments of various sizes and scales, organized along an accessible route that winds through the natural landscape at the Frick Environmental Center. The space will provide structured learning, play, discovery, observation, and gathering opportunities, especially for learners with exceptionalities.

Please register for one of the meeting below! 

January 24 > 12:00 - 1:00 p.m. (virtual)

January 26 > 6:00 - 7:30 p.m. (in-person)

January 28 > 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. (in-person)

HAYS WOODS

We're thrilled to announce that the Parks Conservancy was awarded $233,000 from the R.K. Mellon Foundation to support critical ecological work in Hays Woods.

Located in the 31st ward of the City of Pittsburgh and neighboring Baldwin Borough, Hays Woods is a 626-acre swath of land bought in 2016 by the Pittsburgh Urban Redevelopment Authority with support from various philanthropic foundations to preserve most of this urban wilderness as park space. 

In alignment with the recommendations of the community-driven Hays Woods Task Force, the Parks Conservancy will use the awarded grant to focus on invasive species management, public engagement, and restoration planning. 

Stay tuned for more information about this exciting new project! 

WINTER PROGRAMS ARE HERE

Winter is here, but that doesn't mean the outdoor fun has to end! There are tons of programs happening throughout your parks all winter long. We hope you'll join us for nature therapy walks, birding excursions, tea-time, and so much more.

Check out our Winter Programs and stay updated on the latest events happening near you!

VALENTINE' S FLOWER ARRANGING CLASS

Love is in the air! Join Parks Conservancy horticulturalist Angela Yuele for an exclusive Valentine's themed flower arranging class at the beautiful Schenley Park Cafe and Visitor Center. 

The class will take place on Monday, February 13, and the Parks Conservancy will provide all the materials needed to create your one-of-a-kind arrangement.

Please note that this is a paid event, and space is limited.

PARKS RX WINTER ACTIVITIES 

Pittsburgh's parks are yours for playing! Getting outside is one of the best and most enjoyable ways to stay healthy. Through Pittsburgh ParksRx, kids and families head to their local parks and greenspaces to keep fit and have fun. And although Pittsburgh winters are often cold (and gray!), there are plenty of ways to enjoy your parks, even on the chilliest days.

Explore our Parks Rx activity sheets, geared for every Pittsburgh season!

VOLUNTEER SUPERHEROES 

As part of a goal set by local brand 412 to plant 412 trees across the Pittsburgh Parks system, the popular company assembled a group of volunteers to plant more than 100 trees in the Clayton Hill area of Frick Park late last year.

The volunteer day was an extension of 412's ongoing partnership with the Parks Conservancy that began with the launch of a parks-themed apparel and accessories line in May 2021 and in celebration of the brand's 15th year of business. 412 has donated 25% of the proceeds from each sale of the 'Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy x 412' collections to the organization and will continue to do so for future launches. 

"We have enjoyed expanding our partnership with the Conservancy over the past few years," explained Christian Kinkela, 412. "We share the same values and passion for protecting and contributing to the nature surrounding us. Being able to get your hands dirty, knowing you're helping to improve the city you love and call home, is a satisfying feeling. We're putting the saying, 'The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago; the next best time is now,' into action. We are eager to do our part by planting four hundred and twelve trees with our community."