2022 PPC Spring Programming Guide

2022 Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy Spring Programming Guide

Pairtetsfbunurfgorha’sllp! arks Year-after-year, the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy’s Visitor Experience, Education, and Community Outreach teams work hard to create a robust schedule of free programs for people of all ages to enjoy no matter the season. In addition, the teams work endlessly to ensure that all park visitors enjoy a memorable and fun trip to their favorite park! To register for upcoming programs in the parks, visit pittsburghparks.org/events

At the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy, we’re thrilled to offer an expanded lineup of free events throughout the year in several iconic park spaces. All of our seasonal programs and events are free and open to the public, so all can enjoy and partake in these exciting activities! Catherine Qureshi President and Chief Executive Officer PROGRAM CATEGORY LEGEND Look for the following symbols throughout this guide and explore programs that you’re interested in attending this spring! Family MWeelnltnaelss Cto oNnanteucrteion Fitness Community Cultural

Allegheny Commons PROGRAMS Special thanks to The Buhl Foundation for sponsoring our spring and summer programs in Allegheny Commons Park! What the Muck?! Annual Lake Elizabeth Clean Up Wednesday, April 5 > 8:30 a.m. Thursday, April 6 > 8:30 a.m. Saturday, April 9 > 9:00 a.m. Year after year, dozens of volunteers join the effort to clean the beloved Lake Elizabeth in Allegheny Commons Park. This is THE dirtiest volunteer event of the year! Are you up to the challenge? Story Hike: Wild Ones Sunday, April 10 > 1:00 p.m. The city is a unique habitat full of animals that have adapted to live alongside humans. Join a naturalist educator for a reading of Wild Ones: Observing City Critters by Carol L. Malnor and search for critters in Allegheny Commons. Birding Pittsburgh’s Park Monday, April 11 > 8:00 a.m. Join Naturalist Educator Stephen Bucklin on a birding walk. No prior experience required, and binoculars will be available for those who would like to borrow a pair for the walk. This month’s walk will meet in Allegheny Commons at the Patricia Rooney Memorial Fountain. Suggested Suggested Walking Route: Walking Route: The Lake Elizabeth path is Start at Cedar/Lockhart and approximately 1 mile. See walk to Allegheny General walks.ventureoutdoors.org Hospital, make a left at for details. Patricia Rooney Memorial 4 Fountain, and continue to West North/Brighton equals .85 miles (1.7 miles round trip)

Spring Parade Sunday, April 17 > 12:00 p.m. Also known as the Easter Parade, this unofficial parade is an opportunity to don your best spring-inspired attire and most creative bonnet. Stroll through Allegheny Commons, the oldest park in the city, to celebrate Spring. For inspiration, watch Irving Berlin’s Easter Parade starring Judy Garland, Fred Astaire, Peter Lawford and Ann Miller. Bring your camera! Tree Hugger Yoga Sunday, April 24 > 11:00 a.m. Yoga for Tree Huggers is a class that celebrates Earth Day by nodding to the very organisms that help us to breathe easier and stand taller. This gentle yoga class will include focus on breathing, meditating, and deepening our connection with Planet Earth. Group Exercise, Rotating Class Schedule Wednesdays, June 1, 8, 15, 22 and 29 > 6:30 p.m. Join YMCA fitness instructors in the park for weekly exercise classes. Meet at North Ave. by Lake Elizabeth. Plant Walk with Community Herbalist, Annie Fox Thursday, June 2 > 6:00 p.m. > Rooney Memorial Fountain On this walk, we will learn how to identify local edible and medicinal plants, review safe and ethical foraging practices, and connect with the plant life of our region. Yoga by Counseling & Wellness Center of Pittsburgh Saturdays, June 4, 11, 18 and 25 > 10:00 a.m. > West Commons Come and flow with some of Pittsburgh’s best yoga instructors in this free all levels yoga event. Bring your kids and enjoy the feeling of practicing yoga beneath the trees in this city park! Participants should bring their own mat. Family Day - Sponsored by Green Mountain Energy Third Sunday of the month, June through October > 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. > Allegeheny Commons East Playground Visit Allegheny Commons for free activities for children (and  children at heart) including balloon artist, craft activities, with special guests and performers! Registration not required. Check out pittsburghparks.org for up-to-date information on all Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy events! 5

Frick Environmental Center PROGRAMS Forest Bathing Tuesdays, April 5, 12, 19 and 26 > 6:00 p.m. What is Forest Bathing? It is a 90-minute guided visit into the natural world where we will slow down, awaken our senses and nurture our relationship with nature. Through a series of invitations, you will find your own ways of connecting with nature as you relax into being present with the sights, smells, sounds, textures, and tastes of the woods. Story Hike: Hiking Day Sunday, April 10 > 10:00 a.m. Come out for a Hiking Day in Frick Park! Join a naturalist educator for a reading of Hiking Day by Anne Rockwell and a guided hike along the trails. Frick Environmental Center Tour Saturday, April 16 > 10:30 a.m. and Sunday, April 24 > 12:00 p.m. Join us to explore the Frick Environmental Center (FEC), one of the greenest public buildings in the world. With both Living Building Challenge and LEED Platinum certifications, FEC demonstrates how our buildings can create more energy than they use, improve human health, and benefit our environment! Wild Edibles Walk Saturday, April 16 > 1:00 p.m. We will identify wild edible plants and discuss how to harvest them and use as food. This hike/activity is best for families with older children (ages 8+). Spring Wildflower Hike Saturday, April 16 > 10:00 a.m. Enjoy the spectacular displays of spring wildflowers. This leisurely paced 1.5-mile hike will focus on viewing and identifying the many types of wildflowers found in Frick Park, including Virginia 6 bluebell, spring-beauty, trout-lily, and white trillium.

Hike with a Naturalist: Spring Mushrooms in Frick Park Sunday, April 17 > 10:00 a.m. Join Naturalist Educator and President of the Western Pennsylvania Mushroom Club Stephen Bucklin on a walk through Frick Park to learn about the different species found in spring, how to identify them, and what these different fungi are up to in our parks. Western PA Mushroom Club (WPMC) Monthly Meeting Tuesday, April 19 > 7:00 p.m. This year WPMC will host their meetings at the Frick Environmental Center. As current President of the club, Naturalist Educator Stephen Bucklin will open the meeting with updates on club activities. This month, Dr. Matt Kasson from West Virginia University will present his lab’s research on entomopathogenic fungi, as well as various fungal plant pathogens. Meetings are free and open to the public. Tuesday, May 17 > 7:00 p.m. Espo Wilcox will present DIY, low-tech methods of cultivating edible mushrooms at home. The meeting is free and open to the public; members of the Western PA Mushroom Club are entitled to a take-home oyster mushroom cultivation kit and may bring a log (preferably oak, must be cut within past 3 months) to inoculate with shiitake mushrooms for outdoor cultivation. Membership is $15 for an individual, $20 for a household. Accessible Birding for Beginners Saturday, April 23 > 9:00 a.m. Join us for a casual morning of watching, listening to, and enjoying birds! This event is inclusive and accessible for beginner birders and folks who experience accessibility challenges. Instead of a long hike, we will spend our time on the paved paths near the bird feeders of the Frick Environmental Center, utilizing elevators as needed to access lower levels of the building for different views of the birds. Extra binoculars, folding chairs, coffee, and tea will be available for attendees. Birding Pittsburgh’s Park Suggested 7 Monday, May 9 > 8:00 a.m. Join Naturalist Educator Walking Route: Stephen Bucklin on a birding Frick Park - Environmental walk. No prior experience Center Woodland Trail is required, and binoculars will proximately .4 miles. See be available for those who walks.ventureoutdoors.org would like to borrow a pair for the walk. for details.

World Migratory Bird Day Saturday, May 14 > 6:30 a.m. World Migratory Bird Day celebrates the diversity of birds that live among us and is a chance to learn about our ability to protect these animals as they travel extraordinary distances each year. We will celebrate with the Allegheny Bird Conservation Alliance, The Carnegie Museum of Natural History, Western Pennsylvania Conservancy, and Allegheny Goatscape. We will have various activities for learners of all ages, from fledgling to adult, that teaches ways to appreciate and help birds in our backyards. World Migratory Bird Day Story Hike: Warbler Wave Saturday, May 14 > 10:00 a.m. Join naturalist educators on World Migratory Bird Day for a reading of Warbler Wave by April Pulley Syre and make your own little warbler to take home! This hike is recommended for families with children ages 2-8 years of age. Nature Play Date for National Kids to Parks Day Saturday, May 21 > 2:00 p.m. A national day of outdoor play celebrated annually, this day connects kids and families with their local, state, and national parks and public lands. Celebrate the day at the Frick Environmental Center’s Nature Play Area where kids can build and create using natural materials. Our mud kitchen will be open so prepare to get messy! Program recommended for families with children ages 2-10 years of age. Jr. Garden Buds: The Secret Garden of George Washington Carver Sunday, May 22 > 10:00 a.m. The From Slavery to Freedom Garden is an extension of the Heinz History Center’s From Slavery to Freedom Exhibit. Come to the garden to learn about prominent Black agricultural scientist George Washington Carver. We will read The Secret Garden of George Washington Carver by Gene Barretta and plant vegetables in the garden beds. This program is recommended for families with children ages 2-8. Backpack Lending Program Available during Visitor Center hours of operation. Enhance your time in your parks by reserving one of our themed backpacks. Choose between four different backpacks, each with their own unique materials and resources to help experience the park in a new way. Any age may use, but must have valid ID to checkout. 8

Historic Hill District PROGRAMS Special thanks to F.N.B. Corporation for sponsoring our spring and summer programs in the Hill District. Tree Hugger Yoga Wednesday, April 6 > 6:00 p.m. This yoga class that celebrates Earth Day by nodding to the very organisms that help us to breathe easier and stand taller. This gentle yoga class will include focus on breathing, meditating, and deepening our connection with Planet Earth. Hill Hike Saturday, April 9 > 11:00 a.m. - August Wilson Park Join Kim for our second urban Hill District Hike. We’ll begin in August Wilson Park, honoring the brilliant playwright, and continue through a 2.5 mile loop. We’ll stop along the way to pay our respects to historic landmarks and colorful murals while listening to the tunes of famous Pittsburgh Jazz musicians. City Nature Challenge Saturday, April 30 > 12:00 p.m. - August Wilson Park Join naturalists to explore some of the different types of plants, animals, fungi, and other fascinating organisms that call our city home. Learn how to use the iNaturalist app to document things living in and around your neighborhood – the observations we make on this walk will count towards Pittsburgh’s stats in the City Nature Challenge, a weekend-long annual global BioBlitz. #HillYoga May 11 and June 8 > 6:00 p.m. - August Wilson Park May 25 and June 22 > 6:00 p.m. - Robert E. Williams Park Join us as we enjoy #HillYoga this spring and summer with Naomi of Apple Tree Yoga Studio! We will TAKE deep breathes and be mindful to ourselves, while enjoying the evening sunset. Dance and Be Fit with Roland Ford Wednesday, June 15 > 6:00 p.m. Get your body active during the spring and summer months! These movements are inclusive to all and will have you feeling great! 9

Mellon Square PROGRAMS Summer at the Square Fridays, June 3, 10, 17 and 24 > 12:00 p.m. Enjoy live music while you soak in the summer sun in downtown’s urban oasis. Tea Lounge Friday, June 17 > 6:00 p.m. This event series highlights Pittsburgh’s parks, dynamic local musicians, and plant-based dishes. Visit facebook.com/brunchhousepgh. Summer at the Square Block Party Thursday, June 30 > 5:00 p.m. Join us for the Summer at the Square block party! Enjoy live music, larger-than-life games, and food and drink specials! McKinley Park PROGRAMS Tree Hugger Yoga Wednesday, April 13 > 6:00 p.m. Yoga for Tree Huggers is a class that celebrates Earth Day by nodding to the very organisms that help us to breathe easier and stand taller. This gentle yoga class will include focus on breathing, meditating, and deepening our connection with Planet Earth. Planting Beans from Seeds Saturday, April 16 > 12:00 p.m. Come join Soil Sisters for a season starting discussion and demonstration. We’ll share gardening tips on how to plant and care for beans! This hike/activity is truly for all ages! Dance and Be Fit with Roland Ford Saturday, April 16 > 2:00 p.m. Join Roland of Dance & Be Fit and get your body active! These movements are inclusive to all and will have you feeling great! Plant Walk with Community Herbalist, Annie Fox Friday, April 22 and Thursday, June 10 > 6:00 p.m. On this walk, we will learn how to identify local edible and medicinal plants, review safe and ethical foraging practices, 10 and connect with the plant life of our region.

ScShuernrloeuyndPilnagzaA&reas PROGRAMS PNC Carousel April 11 – October 16 > 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. 7 days a week Holiday schedule > noon – 5:00 p.m. (weather dependent) $2 per ride / $60 family pass Adults accompanying children under the age of 3 ride free. The classically styled amusement ride with its brightly colored diverse animals give the merry-go-round its distinct nostalgic character. Erected in 2006, it’s one of the few wheelchair- accessible amusement rides in the region. Glow Stick Egg Hunt Friday, April 15 > 7:30 p.m. Enjoy a festive egg hunt during the evening hours in Schenley Plaza! You’ll search for eggs in the dark with your complimentary glow stick. Eggs will be filled with candy, toys and prizes. “Meet Me in the Park” Children’s Activities Friday, April 22 > 4:00 p.m. Join us for some family-friendly activities to celebrate Earth Month. Make a kite and fly it in the wind. Decorate binoculars and go on a bird scavenger hunt. Enjoy time outdoors with simple nature activities! Suggested Tea Lounge Friday, April 22 > 6:00 p.m. Walking Route: This event series highlights Pittsburgh’s 3 ½ laps around the parks, dynamic local musicians, and perimeter of Schenley plant-based dishes.Visit Plaza equals 1 mile facebook.com/brunchhousepgh. Oakland Pop Festival 11 Saturday, April 23 > 1:00 p.m. Enjoy songs from local musicians as they bring Schenley Plaza to life with this special event for all to enjoy!

Marathon Cheer Party Sunday, May 1 > 7:00 a.m. Gather in Schenley Plaza to cheer on the runners of the Pittsburgh Marathon. Enjoy music, lawn games, make signs and pick up noise makers to cheer on friends and family. Coffee and donuts will be provided. Table-Top Tuesday Tuesdays, May 3, 10, 17, 24, 31 and June 7, 14, 21, 28 > 11:00 a.m. Playing board games is not only entertaining, but it can increase brain function, reduce stress, while meeting new people. Check out a game every Tuesday under the tent at Schenley Plaza. Dance and Be Fit with Roland Ford Thursdays, May 26 and June 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 > 6:30 p.m. Join Roland of Dance & Be Fit and get your body active during the spring and summer months! These movements are inclusive to all and will have you feeling great! E-Parks Fridays, May 20 and June 17 > 7:30 p.m. Join like-minded gamers as you play video games projected on the Schenley Plaza Oval Tent while listing to beats from a guest DJ. National Kids to Parks Day Saturday, May 21 > 12:00 P.M. Join the Parks Conservancy as we enjoy a performance by Squonk Opera, a story board walk, and additional family-friendly activities. Senior Fit Sundays, May 22, 29 and June 5, 12, 19, 26 > 9:00 a.m. The number one way to improve health, increase longevity, reduce pain, and sleep better – exercise! This class is ideal for older adults as movements are taught for every ability level allowing anyone to improve week after week! Bring a water bottle. Special thanks to Group Exercise, Zumba Wednesdays, June 1, 8, 15, 22 UPMC Health Plan and 29 > 6:00 p.m. for sponsoring our Get fit, stay fit with this fun dance-based exercise class! Schenley Plaza Zumba is a fitness program fitness programs. that involves cardio and Latin-inspired dance. 12

Storytime Fridays, June 3, 10, 17 and 24 > 11:00 a.m. Bring your children and enjoy a story under the Schenley Plaza tent. After story time, enjoy a free ride on the PNC Carousel. Power Vinyasa Yoga with Folding Space Yoga Saturdays, June 4, 11, 18, 25 > 10:00 a.m. Mondays, June 6, 13, 20, 27 > 12:00 p.m. The class is a Vinyassa style beginning with the sun salutations, and moves through different poses throughout class. Vinyassa means “without separation” — each pose is matched to an inhale or exhalation breath. Participants should bring a mat. Kid’s Day in Schenley Plaza Sunday, June 12 > 12:00 p.m. Come to Schenley Plaza for free activities for children (and children at heart) including balloon artist, craft activities, special guests and performers, and free rides on the PNC Carousel! Registration is not required. WYEP Summer Music Festival Saturday, June 25 Enjoy a showcase from local musicians as they bring Schenley Plaza to life with this extra special event for all to enjoy! Schenley Park Visitor’s Center Plant Walk with Community Herbalist, Annie Fox Thursday, June 24 > 6:00 p.m. On this walk, we will learn how to identify local edible and medicinal plants, review safe and ethical foraging practices, and connect with the plant life of our region. Backpack Lending Program Available during Visitor Center hours of operation. Enhance your time in your parks by reserving one of our themed backpacks. Choose between four different backpacks, each with their own unique materials and resources to help experience the park in a new way. Any age may use, but must have valid ID to checkout. Westinghouse Memorial, Schenley Park Brunchouse This event series highlights Pittsburgh’s parks, dynamic local musicians, and plant-based dishes. Visit facebook.com/ brunchhousepgh. Please note this is a ticketed event. 13

Neighborhood Park PROGRAMS Emerald View Park Full Moon Party & Hike Wednesday, April 13 > 8:00 p.m. One of the things that makes Earth special is our beautiful, bright moon! Learn about how with the City of Pittsburgh Park Rangers. Join us to an up close view of its craters while it’s nearly full through a telescope, discuss what the moon means to us, and/or take a walk on the trails using its light as our guide! Mellon Park (North) Dance and Be Fit with Roland Ford Saturday, April 2 > 2:00 p.m. Join Roland of Dance & Be Fit and get your body active during Earth Month! These movements are inclusive to all and will have you feeling great! Tree Hugger Yoga Wednesday, April 27 > 6:00 p.m. This class celebrates Earth Day by nodding to the very organisms that help us to breathe easier and stand taller. This gentle yoga class will focusing on breathing, meditating, and deepening our connection with Planet Earth. Phillips Park Wildlife Encounter Saturday, April 2 > 11:00 a.m. Learn about and meet a live animal ambassador from the Wildlife Rehabilitation Center at Humane Animal Rescue of Pittsburgh! Our education team leads an interactive presentation with an education ambassador animal, discussing the native PA animals’ 14 natural history, adaptations, rehabilitation story, and more!

Riverview Park Plant Walk with Community Herbalist, Annie Fox Friday, April 29 and June 17 > 6:00 p.m. - Meet at the Visitor Center Cabin On this walk, we will learn how to identify local edible and medicinal plants, review safe and ethical foraging practices, and connect with the plant life of our region. Sheraden Park Tree Hugger Yoga Wednesday, April 20 > 6:00 p.m This class celebrates Earth Day by nodding to the very organisms that help us to breathe easier and stand taller. This gentle yoga class will focusing on breathing, meditating, and deepening our connection with Planet Earth. “Meet Me in the Park” Children’s Activities When: Wednesday, April 20 > 3:30 p.m. Join us for some family-friendly activities to celebrate Earth Month. Make a kite and fly it in the wind. Decorate binoculars and go on a bird scavenger hunt. Enjoy time outdoors with simple nature activities! Southside Park Wild Edibles Walk Saturday, April 9 > 1:00 p.m. Bandi Schaum Community Garden We will identify wild edible plants and discuss how to harvest them and use as food. This hike/activity is best for families with older children (ages 8+). Westinghouse Park \"Meet Me in the Park\" Children's Activities Thursday, April 7 > 3:30 p.m. Join us for family-friendly activities to celebrate Earth Month. Make a kite to fly in the wind. Decorate binoculars to go on a bird scavenger hunt. Enjoy time outdoors with simple nature activities! Westinghouse Park Family Tree Hike Thursday, April 7 > 4:00 p.m. Join the Parks Conservancy for an engaging, family-friendly hike where we'll focus identifying the variety of tree species in the park. No prior tree identification skills needed! 15

This Spring Ritchie Battle Programming Vivian & Bill Benter Guide is made Susie Dorrance Audrey Hillman Fisher possible thanks Ramsey & Mike Lyons to the generous Patsy & Don McKinney support of: Jim Spencer & Michael Lin 317 East Carson Street West Tower, Suite 230 Pittsburgh, PA 15219 It’s possible dates/times may change due to unforseen reasons. For program additions, new details/information, and to see how you can get out in nature, visit: pittsburghparks.org/events