Training Dates and Events

Join us for our 2012 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 contacting Taiji Nelson at 412-682-7275 x232 or tnelson@pittsburghparks.org.  

Winter Gathering

January 21, 12-3pm 
UCP/Class Center,1400 S. Braddock Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15218

Come celebrate Urban EcoSteward successes of the past year and learn about plans for 2012 while enjoying some tasty treats and beverages.

Crew Leader Training

February 25, 9am-12pm
REI on the Southside, 412 S. 27th Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15203

Learn best practices for leading volunteer crews of 5-15 people; then sign-up to help us lead volunteer activities in the parks this year.

Dumpsite Cleanup

March 11, 9am-1pm
Highland Park, Pool Grove Shelter, Lake Drive

Allegheny Cleanways will present techniques for safely and efficiently removing trash from Pittsburgh’s hillsides.

Erosion Control

March 18, 9am-12noon
Riverview Park, Chapel Shelter, Riverview Ave

Learn restoration techniques you can use on your EcoSteward site to stop erosion and keep valuable soil from washing away.

Wildflower Walk & Campfire

May 1, 6pm-8pm
Frick Environmental Center, 2005 Beechwood Blvd, Pittsburgh, PA 15217

Learn to identify our region’s spring wildflowers and enjoy a campfire and marshmallow roast.

Shrub and Tree Identification

June 12, 6pm-8pm
Emerald View Park, Grandview Park entrance, 499 Bailey Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15211

Be a scientist for a day; learn to identify native and non-native trees and shrubs using their leaves, bark and branches.

Invasive Plant ID/Control

July 19, 6pm-8pm
Wingfield Pines, Royce Rd, Upper St Clair, PA 15241

Find out how to properly identify and remove invasive plants at this golf course turned nature preserve.

Native Seed Collection

October 13, 9am-12pm
Frick Environmental Center, 2005 Beechwood Blvd, Pittsburgh, PA 15217

Join Kathy McGregor of Sylvania Natives for this always popular hands-on workshop on collecting and storing native seeds.

Planting Techniques

November 10, 9:30am-12:30pm
Frick Park, Lower Frick Parking Lot, Lancaster Ave

Learn how to properly plant and protect trees and shrubs, for long term success in the Nine Mile Run Restoration Area.

Register Here


* Which Urban EcoSteward trainings would you like to sign up for? Check all that apply.
1/21 Winter Gathering
2/25 Crew Leader Training
3/11 Dumpsite Cleanup
3/18 Erosion Control
5/1 Wildflower Walk & Campfire
6/12 Shrub & Tree Identification
7/19 Invasive Plant ID/Control
10/13 Native Seed Collection
11/10 Planting Techniques
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* Are you a current Urban EcoSteward?
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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!