High School Urban EcoStewards

The Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy is excited to begin our third year of the High School Urban EcoSteward program! The High School Urban EcoSteward program gives young people the opportunity to learn more about the value of our parks and green spaces and to help make these spaces healthy and beautiful.

In 2011-2012 we will be working with students from The Academy at Westinghouse, City Charter High School, The Ellis School, Perry High School, Science and Technology Academy, and University Prep. 

Click on your school to download the application.

The Ellis School  - All applications must be submitted by Wednesday September 21, 2011 at 5 p.m.

City Charter High School - All applications must be submitted by Thursday, September 29, 2011 at 5 p.m.

Pittsburgh Public Schools - All applications must be submitted by 5 p.m. on the specified dates below.

University Prep: Wednesday, September 28, 2011
The Academy at Westinghouse: Tuesday, October 11, 2011
Science and Technology Academy: Friday, October 21, 2011
Perry High School: TBA

Please contact Assistant Education Coordinator Dee Abasute with questions: 412-682-7275 ext. 214 or dabasute@pittsburghparks.org

High School Urban EcoStewards are committed students who play an invaluable role in protecting our urban green spaces. Participants visit the parks at least 6 times throughout the school year and complete key environmental improvement projects, learn how parks and watersheds are vital urban ecosystems, and improve their observation and literacy skills through nature journaling.

Watch some City Charter HS students talk about their experiences as Urban EcoStewards here.

Listen to Aisha Hughes' inspirational story about her time as a High School Urban EcoSteward (recorded on The Allegheny Front radio program).

Our goals:

  • Engage youth in urban environmental stewardship
  • Help restore urban parks and ecosystems
  • Have fun while making a real difference for Pittsburgh’s parks

What students do as Urban EcoStewards:

  • Connect with local green space
  • Learn about urban ecosystems
  • Contribute to the improvement of parks through hands-on restoration projects
  • Learn about careers in the environmental field
  • Understand the benefits of urban parks and green spaces and how humans impact them
  • Increase scientific observation and journaling skills
  • Work and learn outside in all weather (sessions will be cancelled only for extreme conditions)

The Parks Conservancy is looking for youth who are:

  • Committed to making a difference for our local environment
  • Willing to get dirty and work hard in an outdoor setting
  • Able to behave responsibly off school grounds
  • Interested in learning about parks and the urban environment

Upcoming Events

Spring volunteer work days start up in March. Check out the schedule and help keep our parks beautiful. 

See photos of the restoration progress at Mellon Square on our Flickr site.

Stay up-to-date with our current projects on our blog.

Info for Volunteers

What to bring: Long pants, closed-toe shoes with good tread, all-weather clothing, a reusable water bottle (if you have one).

What will be provided: All necessary tools, gloves, materials, snacks, and instruction.

What to expect:  Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy volunteer work days are typically 4 hours long, rain or shine, and involve some type of ecological restoration work such as planting trees or wildflowers, controlling erosion, building trails, managing invasive species, or cleaning up dumpsites. We’ll teach you everything you need to know about safety and technique, provide you with tools and materials, and help you make a difference in our amazing parks. Expect to have fun, meet people who love the outdoors, and get dirty!