Mucking for a Mission: Volunteers needed for annual Lake Elizabeth cleanup

Registration Now Open for Local Volunteers to Assist with Debris Removal

PITTSBURGH – MARCH 3, 2025 – The Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy today announced the return of 'What the Muck?', the annual three-day cleanup event at Lake Elizabeth in Allegheny Commons Park. This year's event will take place on April 10, 11, and 12, 2025, from 8:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Volunteers will join forces to remove organic material—including remnants left behind by the park's sizable goose population—and other debris that accumulates in the lake throughout the year.

The Parks Conservancy and the City of Pittsburgh's Department of Public Works (DPW) are again partnering with Allegheny CleanWays, a local nonprofit dedicated to eliminating litter and illegal dumping in Pittsburgh's waterways and green spaces. As one of the Parks Conservancy's most popular and hands-on volunteer initiatives, 'What the Muck?' draws hundreds of participants yearly, including Parks Conservancy staff, DPW employees, and Allegheny CleanWays team members.

"'What the Muck?' is one of our most unique and rewarding volunteer experiences," said Erin Tobin, Assistant Director of Community Engagement at the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy. "Lake Elizabeth is an essential part of Allegheny Commons Park, and thanks to our dedicated volunteers, we're able to restore and maintain this cherished space for the community to enjoy."

Pipitone Group, an integrated marketing agency based in the Northside's Observatory Hill neighborhood, is the event's title sponsor for the fourth consecutive year. A team of volunteers from Pipitone Group will participate in the cleanup effort.

“Volunteering as a team can be messy, fun, and rewarding,” said Scott Pipitone, president, and CEO of Pipitone. “We’re proud to continue to partner with the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy with events like What the Muck!?”

Allegheny Commons Park has been the focus of several major revitalization efforts led by the Parks Conservancy in recent years, including the restoration of the Patricia Rooney Memorial Fountain and the completion of the North Promenade project. These improvements have helped to enhance the park's accessibility, aesthetics, and overall environmental sustainability.

This event raises over $6,500 each year, removes five tons of muck, and mulches 350 trees—all in just three days of impactful work. With invaluable support from the City of Pittsburgh, Allegheny Commons Initiative, and Northside Leadership Conference, this community-powered effort showcases the collective strength of volunteers and sponsors alike.

"Even though our crew works on multiple illegal dumpsites each week, 'What the Muck?' is still the slimiest and smelliest event Allegheny CleanWays participates in every year," said Lyssa Eberhardt, Program Director at Allegheny CleanWays. "Our crew members are proud to have the opportunity to offer their skills and waste transportation services to help make Lake Elizabeth a safe and enjoyable location for the public."

Volunteer registration is officially open. For more information or to register as a volunteer for 'What the Muck?', visit www.pittsburghparks.org/what-the-muck.

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