Earth Day
Celebrating Earth Day
At the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy, every day is Earth Day! Celebrating Earth Day is something each one of us can do daily. And at the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy, we understand the importance of protecting and honoring the planet. In 2020, Pittsburgh's park use reached historic numbers, as more people than ever escaped to their parks and outdoor spaces for respite during the height of the pandemic.
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!
What the Muck?! Annual Lake Elizabeth Clean Up
When: Tuesday, April 6 @ 8:00 A.M.
Where: Allegheny Commons Park
What: Year after year, dozens of volunteers join the effort to clean the beloved Lake Elizabeth in Allegheny Commons Park. This is THE dirtiest volunteer event of the year! Are you up to the challenge?
Click here to register.
What the Muck?! Annual Lake Elizabeth Clean Up
When: Wednesday, April 7 @ 8:00 A.M.
Where: Allegheny Commons Park
What: Year after year, dozens of volunteers join the effort to clean the beloved Lake Elizabeth in Allegheny Commons Park. This is THE dirtiest volunteer event of the year! Are you up to the challenge?
Click here to register.
Intro to Hatha Yoga
When: Wednesday, April 7 @ 5:00 P.M.
Where: McKinley Park
What: The introduction to Hatha Yoga will focus on sitting positions and the demonstration and practice of nine yoga poses. It will also include a 15-minute deep relaxation demonstration and practice of breathing techniques.
Click here to register.
Story Hike: A Rock Can Be
When: Saturday, April 10 @ 10:00 A.M.
Where: Allegheny Commons Park
What: Rocks have lots of important jobs to do. Whether it's a tall mountain or a park fountain, we see them every day in one form or another. Join a Naturalist Educator to read "A Rock Can Be" by Laura Purdie Salas, then take a walk around Allegheny Commons and look for rocks in different forms!
Click here to register.
Healing Hike
When: Saturday, April 10 @ 11:00 A.M.
Where: West End Park
What: Come and benefit from the healing properties of nature! It's been a long year of uncertainty and stress. Many of us have suffered as a result of the pandemic. But, Spring is here, and nature has what we need to find balance and rejuvenation! These hikes will provide centering and balancing activities and a return to what nature has offered all along.
Click here to register.
Registration is required and space is limited.
Please note this hike is geared towards people ages 14+.
Wild Edibles Hike
When: Saturday, April 10 @ 11:00 A.M.
Where: South Side Park
What: Join Melissa Sokulski of Food Under Foot as we identify wild edible plants found in Pittsburgh's parks! We will learn how to identify, sustainably harvest, and use many plants found in early spring, such as Japanese knotweed, garlic mustard, burdock, dandelion, and many more.
Click here to register.
Healing Hike
When: Sunday, April 12 @ 2:00 P.M.
Where: South Side Park
What: Come and benefit from the healing properties of nature! It's been a long year of uncertainty and stress. Many of us have suffered as a result of the pandemic. But, Spring is here, and nature has what we need to find balance and rejuvenation! These hikes will provide centering and balancing activities and a return to what nature has offered all along.
Click here to register.
Registration is required and space is limited.
Please note this hike is geared towards people ages 14+.
Animal Signs Hike
When: Sunday, April 11 @ 1:00 P.M.
Where: McKinley Park
What: Signs of animals are all around us! We might see their tracks, hear their calls, or even smell what they've left behind. Join us for a self-guided animal signs hike experience! We will provide each family with materials to venture outside and search for different signs of animals here in Pittsburgh.
Click here to register.
Meet the Trees of McKinley Park
When: Monday, April 12 @ 5:30 P.M.
Where: McKinley Park
What: Trees are our neighbors! Getting to know them helps us understand our neighborhoods, planets, and ourselves better. This hike will allow you to meet the trees that live around you!
Click here to register.
Please note this activity is geared towards people ages 14+.
Ranger Explorer Days @ Citiparks Recreation Center
Hosted by: CitiParks
When: Wednesday, April 14 from 2:30 P.M. - 3:30 P.M.
Where: Brookline
What: Explorers @ Brookline - This event is for elementary aged kids and will introduce kids to the Explorer's program by exploring nature in the parks and green space near the recreation centers. Kids will be encouraged to also participate in the virtual explorer's program!
Click here to register and to explore all of the upcoming programs hosted by CitiParks throughout April!
Intro to Hatha Yoga
When: Wednesday, April 14 @ 5:00 P.M.
Where: Frick Environmental Center
What: The introduction to Hatha Yoga will focus on sitting positions and the demonstration and practice of nine yoga poses. It will also include a 15-minute deep relaxation demonstration and practice of breathing techniques.
Click here to register.
Hike with a Naturalist: Spring Mushrooms
When: Friday, April 16 @ 9:00 A.M.
Where: Highland Park
What: While spring is typically associated with blooming flowers or singing birds, an entirely different group of organisms is also springing to life this month – fungi! Join Naturalist Educator and President of the Western Pennsylvania Mushroom Club Stephen Bucklin on a walk through Highland Park to learn about what species are out this month, how to identify them, and what these different fungi are up to in our parks.
Click here to register.
Ranger Explorer Days @ Citiparks Recreation Center
Hosted by: CitiParks
When: Friday, April 16 from 10:00 A.M. - 11:00 A.M.
Where: Ormsby Park
What: Little Explorers @ Ormsby Park - This event is geared towards young children who will explore nature in Ormsby Park.
Click here to register and to explore all of the upcoming programs hosted by CitiParks throughout April!
Forest Bathing
When: Saturday, April 17 @ 8:00 A.M.
Where: Frick Environmental Center
What: This Forest Bathing session is a 90 minute guided visit into the forest where we will slow down, awaken our senses, and nurture our relationship with nature. Through a series of guided invitations, you will find your own ways of connecting with the forest as you relax into being present with the sights, smells, sounds, textures, and tastes of the woods. There’s no rush, and there’s no right or wrong way to do it. Come as you are and witness the beauty of your own relationship with nature. Trained guide, Sandi Miller, will walk you through the practice of forest bathing.
Click here to register.
Please note this activity is geared towards people ages 14+.
Phillips Park Volunteer Clean Up
When: Saturday, April 17 @ 9:00 A.M.
Where: Phillips Park
What: Sign up to help beautify the Veteran's Monument adjacent to the park by participating in a spring cleaning of the landscaping around the recreation center and picking up litter across the park.
Thank you to our partners at Citiparks, Councilman Coghill, and the Friends of Phillips Park!
Click here to register.
Forest Bathing
When: Saturday, April 17 @ 10:00 A.M.
Where: Frick Environmental Center
What: This Forest Bathing session is a 90 minute guided visit into the forest where we will slow down, awaken our senses, and nurture our relationship with nature. Through a series of guided invitations, you will find your own ways of connecting with the forest as you relax into being present with the sights, smells, sounds, textures, and tastes of the woods. There’s no rush, and there’s no right or wrong way to do it. Come as you are and witness the beauty of your own relationship with nature. Trained guide, Sandi Miller, will walk you through the practice of forest bathing.
Click here to register.
Please note this activity is geared towards people ages 14+.
Sheraden Park Clean Up
When: Saturday, April 17 @ 11:30 A.M.
Where: Sheraden Park
What: Sign up to help clean up and perform trail maintenance in Sheraden Park!
Thank you to our partners at Boy Scouts of Western PA, KEYS, and Council President Kail-Smith!
Click here to register.
Hike-U: Haiku Hike
When: Saturday, April 17 @ 1:00 P.M.
Where: Schenley Park
What: Engaging your senses adds another layer to your nature experience. See, hear, touch, and smell the nature around you in Schenley Park’s Woodlands! At the end of your hike, you’ll draw upon your observations to write your very own haiku, a traditional 17-syllable Japanese poem—reserve one ticket for your entire group.
Click here to register for the available time slots.
Trash Pick-Up in Grandview Park
Hosted by: City of Pittsburgh Park Rangers
When: Monday, April 19 from 5:30 P.M. - 7:00 P.M.
Where: Grandview Park
What: Come help us keep Grandview Park beautiful! Trash pickup equipment provided! Meet at the bandstand in Grandview Park and walk down around the trails and up on the hill to pickup trash with the city rangers. Trash pick up equipment provided.
Click here to register.
Pausing and Hiking for Balance
When: Monday, April 19 @ 6:00 P.M.
Where: Frick Park
What: During this 90 minute session, we learn few simple practices that help us relax and open our awareness in each given moment. We will learn to connect with the natural world, both in the park and within us. After a short relaxation session at the Frick Environmental Center outdoor classroom, we will do a 30-minute self-paced hike around the center before reconvening to share our experiences.
Click here to register.
Please note this activity is geared towards people ages 14+.
Plant Five for Life Tree Planting
Hosted by: Plant Five for Life
When: Tuesday, April 20
Where: Frick Park
What: Volunteers from Plant Five for Life will plant trees in the Clayton Hill area of Frick Park!
Kick-off to "Tabling Tuesday's"
Hosted by: City of Pittsburgh Park Rangers
When: Tuesday, April 20 from 4:30 P.M. - 6:00 P.M.
Where: Highland Park Super Playground
What: Join the Park Rangers for a free event where people of all ages can make pinecone bird feeders! All are welcome!
Click here to register and to explore all of the upcoming programs hosted by CitiParks throughout April!
Ranger Explorer Days @ Citiparks Recreation Center
Hosted by: CitiParks
When: Wednesday, April 21 from 2:30 P.M. - 3:30 P.M.
Where: Magee
What: Explorers @ Magee - This event is for elementary aged kids and will introduce kids to the Explorer's program by exploring nature in the parks and green space near the recreation centers. Kids will be encouraged to also participate in the virtual explorer's program!
Click here to register and to explore all of the upcoming programs hosted by CitiParks throughout April!
Intro to Hatha Yoga
When: Wednesday, April 21 @ 5:00 P.M.
Where: Sheraden Park
What: The introduction to Hatha Yoga will focus on sitting positions and the demonstration and practice of nine yoga poses. It will also include a 15-minute deep relaxation demonstration and practice of breathing techniques.
Click here to register.
From Slavery to Freedom Film Series: Urban Roots
When: Wednesday, April 21 @ 5:30 P.M.
Where: Online
What: The From Slavery to Freedom Film Series, in partnership with the Frick Environmental Center of the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy, examines themes from the History Center’s award-winning exhibition through the presentation of film screenings throughout the year.
In “Urban Roots,” a small group of dedicated citizens has started an urban environmental movement with the potential to transform a city. With the most vacant lots in the country, Detroiters are reclaiming their spirits by growing food. A timely, moving, and inspiring film, “Urban Roots” speaks to a nation grappling with collapsed industrial towns and the need to forge a sustainable and prosperous future.
Click here to register.
Nature in Your Neighborhood: Hike with a Naturalist
When: Thursday, April 22, 2021 @ 10:00 A.M.
Where: Facebook Live - @pittsburghparks
What: There's life everywhere you look. Join naturalist, Nyjah Cephas, on Facebook live for a "nature in your neighborhood" exploration and learn about the nature that might be right outside your door!
Children's Activities: Birds and Kites
When: Thursday, April 22 @ 4:00 P.M.
Where: Schenley Plaza
What: Join us for two family-friendly activities: kite-making and a bird scavenger hunt! Search for common birds cleverly hidden around Schenley Plaza. We'll also have a kite-making station and lots of room to fly your creations!
All are welcome!
Nature in Your Neighborhood: Colors of Spring
When: Thursday, April 22, 2021 @ 5:00 P.M.
Where: Facebook Live - @pittsburghparks
What: Colors of all kinds pop up in nature at this time of year - from the blue sky to the many colored flowers. Welcome spring with a neighborhood hike live on Facebook to appreciate the many colors of the season.
Intro to Hatha Yoga
When: Thursday, April 22 @ 5:00 P.M.
Where: Schenley Plaza
What: The introduction to Hatha Yoga will focus on sitting positions and the demonstration and practice of nine yoga poses. It will also include a 15-minute deep relaxation demonstration and practice of breathing techniques.
Click here to register.
First Lady's Earth Day Event
Learn more by visiting: https://www.residence.pa.gov/Pages/default.aspx
Ranger Explorer Days @ Citiparks Recreation Center
Hosted by: CitiParks
When: Friday, April 23 from 10:00 A.M. - 11:00 A.M.
Where: Ormsby Park
What: Little Explorers @ Ormsby Park - This event is geared towards young children who will explore nature in Ormsby Park.
Early Pittsburgh Hike in Duquesne Heights
When: Saturday, April 24 @ 12:00 P.M.
Where: Emerald View Park
What: Please join living historian and outdoor musician John McNulty, for a modest, fun-filled, and informative hike where we explore Pittsburgh's early history while taking in the city's best views along a portion of the Emerald View Park trail. Each mini-history stop will be followed by a famous song or two from Pittsburgh, so don't be shy to ask questions and join in the fun!
Click here to register.
Riverview Park Mushroom Walk
When: Sunday, April 25 @ 10:00 A.M.
Where: Riverview Park
What: Join Mycologist Jim Tunney of the Western Pennsylvania Mushroom Club on a walk through the mature oak woodlands of Riverview Park in search of spring fungi.
Click here to register.
Please note this activity is geared towards people ages 14+.
Hill Hike
When: Sunday, April 25 @ 11:00 A.M.
Where: August Wilson Park
What: Meeting in Pittsburgh's August Wilson Park, we will discuss the playwright and Pittsburgh's Hill District's rich history. We'll embark on a city walk covering about 3 miles, stopping along the way to visit historical monuments and murals. Our stops will include the August Wilson home, Freedom Corner, New Granada Theater, the Crawford Grill, and several churches. Once considered the Harlem of Pittsburgh, the Hill district is known for hosting dozens of Black jazz musicians, so plan to listen to some music along the way.
Special thanks to Outdoor Afro Pittsburgh for partnering with us on this event!
Click here to register.
Wild Edibles Hike
When: Sunday, April 25 @ 11:00 A.M.
Where: Frick Environmental Center
What: Join Melissa Sokulski of Food Under Foot as we identify wild edible plants found in Pittsburgh's parks! We will learn how to identify, sustainably harvest, and use many plants found in early spring, such as Japanese knotweed, garlic mustard, burdock, dandelion, and many more.
Click here to register.
Earth Month Concert in the Park
When: Sunday, April 25 @ 12:00 P.M.
Where: Frick Park
What: Wrap up the celebration of Earth Month with a Concert in Frick Park! Pre-register your spot in the park to catch live, local music!
Featuring local artists and celebrating our local parks, this concert is powered by solar energy from sustainable energy partner ZeroFossil and sponsored by Green Mountain Energy. Please consider donating to support the local artists. Space is limited due to COVID-19 precautions, so please register in advance for yourself and invite your friends! Social Distancing and masks will be encouraged.
Click here to register.
Kick-off to "Tabling Tuesday's"
Hosted by: City of Pittsburgh Park Rangers
When: Tuesday, April 27 from 4:30 P.M. - 6:00 P.M.
Where: Frick Park - Blue Slide
What: Join the Park Rangers for a free event where people of all ages can participate in Park Jeopardy! Winners will receive Kentucky Coffee Tree Saplings.
All are welcome!
Click here to register and to explore all of the upcoming programs hosted by CitiParks throughout April!
Ranger Explorer Days @ Citiparks Recreation Center
Hosted by: CitiParks
When: Wednesday, April 28 from 2:30 P.M. - 3:30 P.M.
Where: Phillips Park
What: Explorers @ Phillips - This event is for elementary aged kids and will introduce kids to the Explorer's program by exploring nature in the parks and green space near the recreation centers. Kids will be encouraged to also participate in the virtual explorer's program!
Click here to register and to explore all of the upcoming programs hosted by CitiParks throughout April!
Intro to Hatha Yoga
When: Wednesday, April 28 @ 5:00 P.M.
Where: Riverview Park
What: The introduction to Hatha Yoga will focus on sitting positions and the demonstration and practice of nine yoga poses. It will also include a 15-minute deep relaxation demonstration and practice of breathing techniques.
Click here to register.
More than Morels: Spring Mushroom Webinar
When: Wednesday, April 28, 2021 @ 6:00 P.M.
Where: Zoom! Click here to register.
What: When most people think of spring mushrooms, their attention is fully on the prized edible morel species found throughout the region. But there is a whole world of spring fungi beyond these prized morsels for the curious observer exploring a spring woodland. Join Naturalist Educator Stephen Bucklin to learn about some of the different species of fungi you might find on your next hike in a Pittsburgh park.
Virtual Hike with a Naturalist: City Nature Challenge
When: Friday, April 30, 2021 @ 12:00 P.M.
Where: Facebook Live - @pittsburghparks
What: Have you been noticing plants and animals on your walks that you wish you knew more about? Do you love snapping pictures of nature while you’re out in our parks? Combine your interests with the iNaturalist app and join thousands of other curious people participating in the City Nature Challenge this weekend! On this virtual hike with Naturalist Educator Stephen Bucklin, you’ll learn how to use the iNaturalist app to help you identify the plants, animals, fungi, and other cool things you see in Pittsburgh’s parks. Then you can get out and collect your own observations to help bring Pittsburgh to the top of this weekend-long international BioBlitz!
Park Champions: Solo Park Clean Ups
Parks and green spaces have meant so much to so many throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Parks are here for us during these unprecedented times and now it's time for us to give back to them. Please consider giving back to one of Pittsburgh's many parks through a unique volunteer clean up effort. Not only are you helping to care for the parks, but you also have the chance to explore a new park or trail at the same time!
Click here to begin.
Agents of Discovery - Hike-U Mission
Through April, download the Agents of Discovery Hike-U mission and embark on a challenge to create a hike-inspired poem. Starting at the Frick Environmental Center's fountain, the app will guide you on a hike to use your senses as you walk the woodland trail and use your experience to create a haiku.
Discover Simple Treasures In Your Neighborhood
Enjoy a nature-themed scavenger hunt from the comfort of your home or at your neighborhood parks!
Click here to begin exploring!
WE ARE ALL IN. ARE YOU?
Pittsburghers need parks. They're where families create lasting memories together, where people of all ages connect to nature, and where all of us can simply enjoy a breath of fresh air. Parks, in return, do more than we realize. They clean the air, filter stormwater, lower stress, and provide a natural sanctuary.
We believe in the power of parks. We are all in. Are you?