Training Dates and Events
Join us for our Urban EcoSteward training events to learn more about how to take care of our parks. All events are free and open to the public. Please register using the form below or by calling 412-682-7275.
Winter Gathering
Saturday, January 23, 2:00 - 4:00pm
Schenley Park Cafe and Visitor Center
Come celebrate Urban EcoSteward successes of the past year and learn about plans for 2010 while enjoying some tasty treats and beverages.
Crew Leader Training
Sunday, February 21, 1:00 - 4:00pm
Highland Park Farmhouse
Learn best practices for leading volunteer crews of 5-15 people, then sign up as a crew leader for volunteer park activities this year.
Schenley Park EcoSteward Volunteer Day
Saturday, February 27, 9:00am - 12:00pm
Schenley Park Cafe and Visitor Center
Schenley Park EcoStewards, help us get a leg up on invasive vines in Panther Hollow. Hot chocolate, snacks, and work gloves will be provided, but dress warmly. This volunteer day is limited to 10 Schenley Park EcoStewards, so sign up today using the form below!
Erosion Control
Sunday, March 14, 11:00am - 2:00pm
Mt. Washington Point of View at Grandview Avenue and Sweetbriar St.
Learn techniques for keeping valuable soil from washing away using plants and other restoration techniques.
Woodland Wildflower Walk and Evening Campfire
Thursday, April 22, 5:30 - 7:30pm
Frick Environmental Center
Celebrate the 40th anniversary of Earth Day by learning to identify our region's spring wildflowers. The walk will be followed by a campfire and marshmallow roast.
Early Season Invasive Plants
Saturday, May 15, 9:00am - noon
Frick Park, lower Frick Park parking lot off Lancaster Ave.
Learn how to identify and remove invasive plants early in the season.
Shrub and Tree Identification
Wednesday, June 2, 6:00 - 8:00pm
Riverview Park, Chapel Shelter
Learn some useful tools for field identification of native and non-native trees and shrubs.
Late Season Invasive Plants
Tuesday, September 14, 6:00 - 8:00pm
Highland Park, Elm Grove Shelter
Find out how to identify and remove invasive plants later in the season, focusing on limiting seed dispersal.
Walking Tour and Work Session for Highland EcoStewards
Saturday, September 25, 9:00am - noon
Highland Park, Sycamore Shelter near water microfiltration plant
During the session we will be:
- Visiting many of the Highland Park sites from the Babbling Brook on down to the seasonal pools
- Building improved deer protection with new fencing at multiple sites (say goodbye to frustrating floppy fencing and substandard stakes!)
- Reviewing our late season invasive and native plant ID skills
Marijke Hecht (Parks Conservancy Director of Education and Highland Park UES Coordinator) and Sara Homol (Highland Park volunteer park coordinator) will both be on hand and hope that you can all join us. Please feel free to bring a friend who you think may want to become an EcoSteward. We would love to grow our ranks.
Native Seed Collection
Saturday, October 9, 9:30am - 12:30pm
Frick Environmental Center
Join Kathy McGregor of Sylvania Natives for this always popular hands-on workshop on collecting and storing native seeds.
Planting Techniques
Saturday, November 6, 9:00am - noon
Frick Park, Falls Ravine Shelter
Learn how to plant trees, shrubs, and herbs for long-term success.
For a printable list of 2010 training dates, click here.
Register for a Training
* required