Group Volunteer Opportunities Tree Planting

RESTORATION TREE PLANTING (March) FRICK Park

VOLUNTEER EVENT DETAILS

WHERE

Frick Park - Clayton Hill (East of the Frick Environmental Center)

Frick Park is challenged by the presence of non-native, highly invasive plant species such as: bush and vining honeysuckles, garlic mustard, mile a minute weed, Canada thistle and others. The Parks Conservancy has been working with the City of Pittsburgh park crews and other partner organizations to restore native habitat to Frick woods. Clayton Hill is a major portion of the restoration effort. Goats have been grazing on the invasive plants and once they are complete, native trees need to be planted. Vibrant native forests provide essential habitat for all the species of insects and animals that live here. These critters will happily spread the seed of our native plants if you provide the opportunity. 

SAFETY

You will be working in the woods. You must wear long pants, good work shoes, as well as a long sleeve shirt and jacket if necessary. Insect repellant and sunscreen are advisable, as well as rain gear. Physical exertion includes shoveling, lifting and bending.   

DONATE

This important work cannot be done without your financial support and sweat equity. The suggested donation of $75 per tree pays for the tree and staff time to water it during the upcoming dry months. 

Person holding a potted tree

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Number of  Volunteers: 10
Event duration: Two Hours
Season: Late March (3/29 - 3/31)
Work Type:  Ecological Restoration 
Difficulty: Easy
Funding support: Not supported
Contingent on Donation: Yes
Staff:  Two Staff Members
Internal Lead: Phil
Bathrooms: Yes
Parking: Free

QUESTIONS?

Contact Phil Gruszka (pgruszka@pittsburghparks.org) for more information. 

LANDSCAPE TREE PLANTING (April) Mellon Park

VOLUNTEER EVENT DETAIL 

WHERE

Mellon Park, 1047 Shady Ave. Pittsburgh, PA. 15232

Very large and old trees have died in the park and had to be removed for safety purposes. This planting will help replace the tree canopy that was once in Mellon Park. In park landscapes, we can plant both native and non-native tree species. The non-native species the Parks Conservancy plants do not become environmentally invasive and are not a threat to the ecological health of the Pittsburgh Urban Forest. By planting both natives and non-natives, we are increasing the genetic diversity of the urban forest.   

SAFETY

You will be exerting yourself to 'muscle' heavy clumps of soil and woody stems into planting sites. You must wear long pants, good work shoes, as well as a long sleeve shirt and jacket if necessary. Insect repellant and sunscreen are advisable, as well as rain gear. Physical exertion includes shoveling, lifting and bending.   

DONATE

This important work cannot be done without your financial support and sweat equity. The suggested donation of $800 per tree pays for the tree and staff time to water it during the upcoming dry months. 

Two people planting balled and burlap trees in a park.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Number of  Volunteers: 10
Event duration: Three Hours
Season: Early April (4/5 - 4/7)
Work Type:  Large Tree Planting
Difficulty: Hard/Heavy Exertion 
Funding support: Not supported
Contingent on Donation: Yes
Staff:  Two Staff Members
Internal Lead: Phil
Bathrooms: Yes (port-o-potty)
Parking: Yes (Paid parking in nearby lot)

QUESTIONS?

Contact Phil Gruszka (pgruszka@pittsburghparks.org) for more information.