FRIENDS OF SOUTH PARK SUPPORT THE CASCADES OF SOUTH PARK PROJECT WITH $10,000 COMMITMENT!!!!

From left: Bernadette Finke, Co-Chair of the Council of Friends, South Park; Barbara Brewton, ACPF Development and Project Manager; and Sharon Adams, Co-Chair of the Council of Friends, South Park.

The Allegheny County Parks Foundation is grateful that the Council of Friends, South Park, has unanimously agreed to a $10,000 commitment to the Cascades of South Park restoration project. The Council took the action at its February meeting, following a presentation by Barbara Brewton, ACPF Development and Projects Manager, who also acknowledged that several individual donors have supported this exciting project. Sharon A. Adams, Council Co-Chair, said: "The Council of the Friends of South Park decided not to use the money raised for 'gifts' this year, but to participate in the exciting project at the Cascades. We know how special this restoration is to our community, so we decided to be part of this exciting project with our donation of $10,000, which came from all of our fundraisers throughout the years. We hope by donating this money that some investors will see that a small volunteer group is committed to our future South Park, and that this donation will open avenues for the Foundation and Allegheny County to obtain the additional funds for this outstanding project!" Built in 1927, this historic site was designed by landscape architect Paul Riis, our first director of Allegheny County Parks. It was a popular summertime retreat but was closed in the 1970s when the County opened the wave pool. In addition to the Friends of South Park, the restoration is being funded by the Pittsburgh Penguins Foundation, Citrone Thirty-Three Foundation, Allegheny County, Allegheny County Parks Foundation, the PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and individual donors. The Friends of South Park are an advocacy organization dedicated to the beautification of South Park. The Council members of the Friends are appointed by the Allegheny County Council elected officials and serve as voting members of the group.  Friends meetings are open to the public. For more information about their organization or to see their meeting schedule, click HERE!

Architectural rendering of the completed Cascades at South Park.

DONATE TO THE CASCADES!

Join ACPF Executive Director Caren Glotfelty as she marks the opening of the gallery exhibition of nature photographer Mary Pegher! The Parks Foundation is hosting the March 22 opening of Pegher's works. We took an interest in her because of her striking wildlife and nature images. Much of Pegher's work is taken when she ventures into the Allegheny County Parks in the pre-dawn hours. Please join us for a free reception from 5:30 to 7:30 pm at Ketchup City Creative gallery at 612 Main Street, Sharpsburg, 15215. See the attached flyer for additional gallery dates featuring Pegher's works. No registration necessary! Just drop by.

Boyce Park Indian Hill Meadow gets a SHOUT-OUT!!

Thanks to the Allegheny County Conservation District for highlighting our Boyce Park Indian Hill Meadow in its recent newsletter! The Conservation District was the generous funder of this meadow! Check out the article HERE :

Wildlands Philanthropy from Patagonia to Pittsburgh "Freedom, Liberty and Habitat for All"

Allegheny County Executive Director Caren Glotfelty brought the regional perspective to a lively forum on saving wildlands through philanthropic purchases. Sponsored by the University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public and International Affairs, the forum was moderated by Kathleen Buechel, Senior Lecturer in Public and International Affairs at GSPIA and Executive Director, Benter Foundation. The Forum took place at The University Club on February 13 and attracted about 200 guests. Using a breathtaking array of photographs, Tom Butler, Vice President for Conservation Advocacy, Tompkins Conservation, detailed successful programs of protecting wildlands in South America and other international regions. These conserved lands are now protected from commercial development and have been dedicated to public enjoyment and recreational use. Likewise, Larry Selzer, President and CEO, The Conservation Fund, outlined the efforts taking place to protect lands from development across the United States. He stressed the value that undeveloped lands have in the fight against climate change, a factor he says doesn't receive enough attention. Caren Glotfelty explained the role of the Parks Foundation, working in collaboration with Allegheny County Parks, to improve and restore one of the largest park systems in the country. She said that while 60 percent of the land in our nine parks is undeveloped, some areas are threatened by forest diseases, pests and invasive species, concerns ACPF is tackling through its comprehensive Ecological Assessments and Action Plans of each park.

ACPF Executive Director Caren Glotfelty shares details about the nine Allegheny County Parks. (From left) Kathleen Buechel; Tom Butler; Larry Selzer; Caren Glotfelty.

Birds of the Allegheny County Parks! Stop by one of our informational booths to pick up our new BIRD BOOKMARK! These amazing photographs were captured and donated by volunteer photographer Dave Brooke. Dave spends lots of time in the Allegheny County Parks, primarily Harrison Hills, which draws birders for its wide variety of species. We consulted with the Allegheny County Park Rangers to select the birds for this bookmark. We'll be handing these out at our next booth appearance on Wednesday, March 13, at the Patagonia store in Shadyside at 5509 Walnut Street. Stop by at 6:30 p.m. to meet us and learn more about our role in improving and restoring all nine Allegheny County Parks. At 7:30, Patagonia is hosting documentary filmmaker Greg Balkin, who will show his short film, Welcome to Gwichyaa Zhee which is free and open to the public. The film details the Gwich'in residents' fight to protect the lands of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge from oil and gas development. Balkin will be available along with the film's narrator, after the film for questions and discussion. The program is free and open to the public. Snacks and refreshments will be provided.

SAVE THE DATE!

SATURDAY, MAY 4 Head out to South Park for your Mother's Day plants! The Friends of South Park are selling hanging baskets, patio containers and flats of annuals on Saturday, May 4 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Home Economics Building off Brownsville Road. These items will be available for pre-order on their website: Friends of South Park . Watch this space for more information!

ALLEGHENY COUNTY PARKS FOUNDATION l 724.327.7627 acparksfoundation.org l info@acparksfoundation.org

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