Hays Woods Stewardship Days

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Contribute to environmental stewardship in Pittsburgh’s brand new 626-acre urban forest park, Hays Woods!  Come learn about this amazing greenspace and what you can do to restore crucial ecosystems.  Enjoy a hike on the beautiful trails while you’re at it!

Hays Woods Park offers crucial habitat for native plant communities, wildlife, and migratory birds.  Before the City of Pittsburgh purchased the land, it was left unmanaged for decades, and many areas of the forest have been ravaged by invasive species, especially vines tearing down the tree canopy.  We now must work together to preserve and restore Hays Woods as an ecological gem for future generations to come.

This event will be led by Jared Belsky, Ecological Restoration Coordinator for the PPC.  He will determine the scope of work for the day based on park needs.  His email is jbelsky@pittsburghparks.org.

• Meeting Location: Agnew Rd Trailhead, Hays Woods (https://maps.app.goo.gl/1Z6rjqf2wYExFbQL9)
• Parking: Lot available on site, free parking (backflow along Agnew Road on the woods side, not the house side
• Bathrooms: Public Port-o-John available at the trailhead (EXCEPT for in winter months!)
• Equipment: Orange vests, gloves and tools will be provided by the PPC, as well as bug spray and Tecnu when necessary.
• Attire: If heat exposure is likely, please wear appropriate protective layers and sunscreen.  When it is cold, dress appropriately.  Sturdy, close-toed shoes (especially with ankle support) allow for safe maneuvering on challenging terrain.  Long pants and long sleeves offer a good first layer of protection for poison ivy and thorny shrubbery, as well as for ticks (light colors recommended) and other biting insects.
• No Running Water: Please bring a water bottle to stay hydrated.
• Safety: Work will often occur off-trail amidst sometimes dense vegetation moderate-to-steep slopes.  Please be aware that there are no formal trail markings or permanent signs in the park, so it is easy to get lost if you don’t know where you are going.  We will all work to stay close together when working in a space and use a buddy system when walking the trails.

Our work in Hays Woods Park is proudly supported by Richard King Mellon Foundation, Duquesne Light and Pennsylvania American Water.

IMPORTANT: Please click here to read the safety guidelines, Hold Harmless and Release of Liability Waiver.

Please note that a photographer may be on-site to capture photos and video from the program. The photos/video captured may be used to help the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy further promote its mission. Please advise the photographer on-site if you DO NOT want your photo/video taken.

The Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy is currently following all CDC guidelines regarding the coronavirus/COVID-19 pandemic. The Parks Conservancy asks program and special event attendees to follow all current safety measures outlined by the CDC and local health agencies. Please note that the Conservancy cannot be held liable for any exposure to the COVID-19 virus. Additionally, the Conservancy cannot guarantee that program and special event attendees will not become infected by the coronavirus/COVID-19.

Release and Indemnity Note: By attending this event, I agree to release the City of Pittsburgh, The Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy and their employees (collectively the “CITY” or the “PPC”) and agree to indemnify and hold the CITY and PPC, harmless from all claims, damages, or actions of any kind which might result from participation in, or attendance at, Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy Events resulting from any of the CITY’s or the PPC’s acts of omissions whether negligent or otherwise.