Cheers to Community and Conservation at Our Events

This year’s Park 'til Dark and Pour at the Park events were filled with great music, good company and lasting impact. From planting trees during Park ’til Dark to raising thousands to support park improvements, these events celebrated the power of community coming together for the parks we all love. Read the full recap of our Park 'til Dark and Pour at the Park event series on our blog!

Parks Foundation Tour of Pittsburgh Botanical Gardens and Settlers Cabin Park

Our staff recently spent a wonderful afternoon exploring the Pittsburgh Botanic Garden and Settlers Cabin Park! At the park, we visited the project site of our Abandoned Mine Drainage Treatment system for discharge #4, which has drastically improved the water chemistry in Pinkerton's Run since being installed in 2022.

More Settlers Cabin Park Entrance Updates!

Exciting improvements are coming to the east entrance of Settlers Cabin Park on Ridge Road! The west entrance received upgraded landscaping in June 2025, featuring new trees and plantings that enhance natural beauty and support wildlife habitat. Next, work will focus on the east entrance, with plantings scheduled for spring 2026. Thanks to funding from FedEx, these new plantings, which were recommendations from the park’s Ecological Assessment and Action Plan, will create a more welcoming, sustainable gateway for all visitors.

Tree Planting in South Park with NiSource & Columbia Gas

On October 2, 28 dedicated volunteers from the NiSource Charitable Foundation and Columbia Gas helped plant 175 native trees along the Paul Riis Trail near the Cascades in South Park. From Serviceberry and Dogwood to Persimmon and Magnolia, these trees will help restore the diminishing tree canopy in the area, improve wildlife habitat by providing food and shelter for countless wildlife species.

Led by the Allegheny County Parks Rangers and our Parks Foundation team, volunteers not only planted trees but also learned about the history of this unique park area and past projects nearby. A heartfelt thank you to everyone who rolled up their sleeves to make an impact in South Park and to our friends at Tree Pittsburgh for growing the trees.

Park 'til Dark & Pour at the Park Recap

Park 'til Dark Impact

On October 11, 17 volunteers helped make a lasting impact in North Park during Park ’til Dark by planting 100 native trees near the Dek Hockey Rink. We extend a huge thank you to the volunteers, to the Allegheny County Park Rangers for leading us and to the funder, The Garden Club of Allegheny County. These plantings will help strengthen the park’s tree canopy, reduce stormwater runoff and ensure a healthy forest for generations to come. This growing volunteer tradition continues to show how small actions add up to big results for our county parks!

Pour at the Park Experience

As the day turned to evening, the celebration continued with Pour at the Park, an unforgettable fall gathering filled with community, music and good cheer. More than 250 guests came together to enjoy live music by The Altered Egos, cozy up by the L.L. Bean campfire, and take in the lively outdoor scene complete with kids’ activities, food trucks and local craft beverages.

Guests sampled offerings from 18 beverage vendors, two food trucks and a dessert vendor, all supported by 13 generous sponsors who helped make the event possible. It was the perfect way to toast another season of community and conservation in our parks!

Presenting Sponsor

Share your favorite park story, memory or what you love about the parks! We would love to feature your love of the county parks in our newsletter or on our social media.

November Park Ranger

Featured Event

This November, join the Park Rangers to celebrate National Hiking Day on November 15 in Settlers Cabin Park or November 16 in South Park. Learn more about these events or discover all of Allegheny County events HERE!

info@acparksfoundation.org | acparksfoundation.org | 724.327.7627