Friends, 2021 marked the 25th anniversary of the Parks Conservancy, and it certainly was an unforgettable year for all of us. 

From the launch of our original podcast, "For the Love of Parks," to "Picnic in Your Park," to our weekend-long celebration known as "Making Your Parks Shine," and every moment in between, thank you for helping us make our 25th year one we will never forget!

Here's to a brand-new year of park adventures, programs, and projects!

Click here to check out our top five moments of 2021! 

We're wishing you and your loved ones a healthy and prosperous new year. 

We hope you enjoyed the first six episodes of "For the Love of Parks," an original podcast created by the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy. We are delighted to announce that the next set of episodes will be available NEXT WEEK! 

Can you think of a better way to kick off the new year than with stories from your favorite local parks? No? We can't either!

Beginning January 10, we'll release new episodes every Monday morning. In the meantime, catch up on the first six episodes released last fall.  

Stream online or visit pittsburghparks.org/podcast to learn more.

We experience our essential interdependence and resourcefulness by connecting with the natural world.

In a recent workshop series presented by Age-Friendly Greater Pittsburgh, Lively Pittsburgh and the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy, residents aged 55+ joined Isaac Bower, local artist and workshop facilitator, in exploring themes of refuge, resilience and renewal. 

Through connecting with nature, collaborating with others, and engaging in the creative process, the art exhibit displays the unique and creative ways that each participant responded to the workshop’s themes. Now, their works of art are on display at the Frick Environmental Center for all to admire. 

Stop by the Frick Environmental Center to experience these original works of art for yourself, or click here to visit the virtual exhibit! 

A new year is among us, and with that comes a refreshed sense of health and wellness in our everyday lives. Spending time in your local parks is a great way to connect your mind and body with nature.

Today, we are delighted to announce our latest partnership with PittsburghAde, created by Pittsburgh legend, Franco Harris!

PittsburghAde is a super hydration drink mix made to replenish, recover, and re-energize our bodies throughout the day, making it the perfect drink for your park adventures! 

Our partnership with PittsburghAde seeks to promote health, wellness, and hydration to the Pittsburgh community and will also support our Campership program, which provides scholarships for children from low-income families who wish to attend summer camp at the Frick Environmental Center.

We're thrilled to start this new journey with PittsburghAde! Click here to learn more about AdeNation.

We 💚 our volunteer superheroes!

Volunteer events are not only a tremendous help to the parks, but they are a great way to get together with friends, family, teammates, and colleagues for a great cause. 

In 2021, the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy hosted hundreds of volunteer events that helped make your parks a greener place for all to enjoy.

Now is the time to make a positive impact in your local park! Plan a day of adventure, fun, and philanthropy by hosting a volunteer day with your friends, family, and the Parks Conservancy! Projects are based on park needs, such as planting trees, gardening, litter picking, and so much more.

Click here to learn more and complete a group volunteer request form. 

Get paid to create lessons through the Frick Environmental Center Educator Cohort! 

This is an opportunity for educators who work with high school-aged students to create sustainability lessons, activities, and other learning experiences based on the interactive data featured on the Frick Environmental Center Building Dashboard, while also being compensated. Participants will receive in-depth training on the building dashboard, a $250 stipend, and a virtual or in-person tour of the Frick Environmental Center for their class. Act 48 credits are also available.

Click here to register for one of the upcoming FEC Educator Cohorts. 

Pittsburgh's parks have something for everyone to explore! 

From endless trails to 165 park sites, Pittsburgh is the perfect place for you and your loved ones to spend time together while safely experiencing the outdoors all season long. Though the weather outside might be a bit frightful, there's always time to step outside and discover the many sights and sounds of nature in the city! 

Not sure where to begin? Here are a few ideas to get you started on your next adventure:   

• Visit a park you've never seen before! There's 165 Pittsburgh Parks to explore! 
• Find your new favorite trail! Here's a list of the top-rated Pittsburgh trails. 
• Discover Pittsburgh's Historic Landmarks! VisitPittsburgh will help you plan your trip!
• Hike your way through Western PA! Embark on a road trip to these awesome trails. 

How do you enjoy parks in the winter? Share your stories by tagging us on social media @pittsburghparks or emailing jjameson@pittsburghparks.org.

Do you want to expand and embrace your love of nature while gaining valuable job experience? Now is the perfect time to apply for a 2022 internship with the Conservancy! We're currently looking for hardworking, dedicated students to join our team this spring. Internship positions are available in the Marketing and Communications, Community Engagement, Environmental Education, and Restoration departments.

Click here to learn more about available internships and how to apply.