Leaders:
Erin Copeland (Sr. Restoration Ecologist, Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy)
Anna Johnson (Conservation Planning Communication Specialist, Western Pennsylvania Conservancy)
Depart: 8:45 a.m.
Return: 3:45 p.m.
Difficulty: Intermediate. There will be several miles of hiking in varied landscapes, from flat paths to more rugged terrain.
Destination: Urban parks and greenspaces in the City of Pittsburgh
Conference themes: Urban Natural Areas
The Pittsburgh Urban Wilds Field Workshop will highlight projects and programs that recognize the inherent benefits and issues that surround city wild lands. The group, which will be guided by Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy (PPC) staff, will make stops relevant to integrated pest management, watershed, forest and meadow restoration, green stormwater infrastructure, engaging young people, trail building, and workforce development.
Stop 1: The Western Pennsylvania Conservancy's Treevitalize program will show us two lead projects? work at Point State Park.
Stop 2: Attendees will join LandForce and Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy staff at Emerald View Park. While there we'll briefly go over how this park was conceived and planned for, while focusing on the trail plan and network that has been developed across the park. We'll meet at the East Sycamore Street trailhead to experience this trail and hike to a well-loved view.
Stop 3: See McKinley Park's newest green stormwater infrastructure installation. It will be partially built, so that we will be able to see the interior workings of the project. Also, Pittsburgh's City Forester will explain project partnership successes.
Stop 4: Visit the Great Allegheny Passage (GAP) in Homestead along the Monongahela River to see one of our most interesting integrated pest management practitioners. Allegheny Goatscape will be on location to speak to us about their herds, lessons learned, and thoughts of expansion.
Stop 5: We'll take a hike through Schenley Park and hear from Civil & Environmental Consultant Inc. staff regarding watershed restoration that encompasses the park to reduce combined sewer overflow (CSO). This stop also offers an opportunity to learn about landslide remediation planning and invasive plant management needed for a full watershed restoration. Then we'll hike to see installed green stormwater infrastructure and hear about the adaptive management techniques that were used to elevate their functioning.
Stop 6: Next, we'll travel to Frick Park to and hear about the Student Conservation Association's (SCA) role in project sites in this largest park in the city of Pittsburgh. While there, we'll get a brief tour of the super-green Frick Environmental Center (FEC) as we hear about the stewardship, learning, and job opportunities that the young people of Pittsburgh experience in the programs at the FEC.
Fee: $75
Capacity: 30
Transportation: Bus from Conference Venue
Join the people who protect and manage our natural areas.
