|
What to Expect in a First Year Meadow
A new meadow doesn’t look like a wildflower field overnight, and that what we expect! Each of our meadows is shaped by its unique environment, but they all share the same goals: supporting pollinators, reducing mowing and improving stormwater management. In our latest blog, we take a closer look at the Deer Lakes Barn Solar Meadow and share what you can expect to see in the first year, including key species to watch, like Virginia Wildrye, Oats, Wild Bergamot and Black-eyed Susan. We also give some advice on starting a meadow of your own! Read it now!
| | |
Welcome to the Parks Foundation, Michelle!
Michelle Zaffary is the Park Foundation's new Development Coordinator! She is excited to bring people, resources and ideas together to keep our nine county parks vibrant and welcoming for everyone. From coordinating fundraising and volunteer programs to helping plan special events, Michelle loves creating opportunities for the community to connect with and care for these special places. She’s especially passionate about equity and sustainability, and when she’s not at work, you can usually find her enjoying the outdoors with her family and their dog.
| | |
Allegheny County's Climate Action Plan

Allegheny County’s Climate Action Plan will create a vision and roadmap for greener, healthier communities, sustainable, efficient county operations and programs that reflect the voices of the community. We encourage you to join Allegheny County at an upcoming public meeting on 10/14 in Wilkinsburg, 10/16 in McKees Rocks, 10/23 virtually or 10/29 in Glassport.
Hearing from as many Allegheny County residents, organizations, businesses and public agencies as possible is a critical priority in the development of their Climate Action Plan. During Phase 1, Allegheny County's Sustainability staff directly engaged with over 2,400 people across 80 different community events and meetings. Their team also completed Phase 2 energy audits for major county facilities, county-wide and county operations-specific greenhouse gas inventories and an Allegheny County operational assessment. There will be 3 different online surveys during this process, with a new set of survey questions opening in mid-October. Throughout the process, you can also submit feedback on their website.
| | |
Round Hill Park Meadow Seeded
This September, the Upper Allée Meadow at Round Hill Park was seeded with the support of our partner, Allegheny County Parks. This 3.5-acre meadow was graciously funded by EQT Corporation and supports recommendations in our Ecological Assessment and Action Plan for the park. Meadows are an important part of our work with Allegheny County Parks. By replacing traditional mowed lawns with diverse native grasses and wildflowers, we create habitat for pollinators like bees and butterflies and provide natural stormwater management as rain infiltrates into the soil. This new meadow also continues the green infrastructure started last year with the Visitors Center Rain Garden, bringing more sustainable beauty to Round Hill Park. We can’t wait to watch this meadow grow and thrive for both people and wildlife!
| | |
Tree Planting in Settlers Cabin Park with EQT
On September 23, we partnered with 23 incredible volunteers from EQT Corporation, in honor of their Fall Volunteer Day, to plant 300 native trees behind Shawnee Shelter in Settlers Cabin Park. Despite the rain, volunteers worked hard alongside Allegheny County Parks Rangers, Landscape Architects, Horticulturists and our Parks Foundation team to make this planting possible. These trees will help manage stormwater, provide food and habitat for wildlife, and restore and expand the forest edge that was recently cleared of invasive species. The trees planted included a variety of native species, all grown by our friends at Tree Pittsburgh. A huge thank you to everyone who made today a success - your hard work leaves a lasting impact on the nine Allegheny County parks!
| | |
Park 'til Dark & Pour at the Park | North Park
Saturday, October 11, 2025
| | |
A Few Spots Left to Volunteer at Park 'til Dark
Join us for a hands-on day of impact in the parks! Together, we’ll plant 100 new trees near the Dek Hockey Rink at North Park, helping to restore the landscape and create a lasting legacy for generations to enjoy. This free, family-friendly event is open to all ages but anyone under 18 needs to be accompanied by an adult. Come get your hands dirty, make memories and make a difference!
| | |
Your Parks Need You!
Get Tickets to Pour at the Park
Supporting your parks can be as easy as buying a ticket to Pour at the Park on Saturday, October 11 in North Park. Every ticket directly supports the Parks Foundation’s work to enhance trails, conserve natural habitats, restore historic park features and improve all 12,000 acres of the 9 Allegheny County Parks. Ticket levels include VIP, General Admission, Designated Driver and Children's Ticket (includes children’s activities). Kids under 5 are free.
| | |
🍻 VIP and General Admission ticketholders will enjoy tastings of beer, cider, seltzer, spirits & non-alcoholic drinks in your customized, stainless steel Pour at the Park cup! Drinks will be provided by:
- A Few Bad Apples Cider
- Acrospire Brewing Co.
- Athletic Brewing
- Blind Lemon Hard Lemonade
- Firewhistle Brewing
- Full Pint Beer
- Late Addition Brewing
- Local Remedy Brewing
- Lolev Brewing
- Lucky Sign Spirits
- Nasty Beast - Hard Tea
- Penn Brewery
- The Beast - Malt Beverage
- Top Dog Cocktails
- Voodoo Brewing Company
- Wild Basin Hard Seltze
🍴 Everyone can savor local food favorites! Food is included for VIP tickets and available for purchase for all other guests.
- Nothing Bundt Cakes
- The Oven Pizza Company
🎶 The event atmosphere will be enhanced with live entertainment by The Altered Egos.
âš˝ Children will enjoy Discovery Activities with Coach Dave of CDG Sports.
🎟️ Guests can give back even more by supporting our fabulous raffle for great prizes!
Raise a glass for your parks and join us!
| | |
Celebrate Bat Week at Latodami
Join Latodami while they celebrate National Bat Week on Saturday, October 25 with movie, bat viewing and popcorn! You can learn about these adorable pest-eaters by watching The Invisible Mammal, a film about the importance of preserving the world's only flying mammal. Then, head out at dusk for a chance to catch a glimpse of Latodami Nature Center's maternal bat colony! Learn more and register!
| | | |
October Park Ranger
Featured Event
This October, join the Park Rangers to learn about what owls eat by dissecting pellets on October 25 in Harrison Hills Park or October 26 in North Park. Learn more about this event or discover all of Allegheny County events HERE!
| | |
Plan a Meaningful Gift for Your Parks

Have you ever wished you could make a lasting difference in your community? You can by leaving a planned gift to the Allegheny County Parks Foundation. Planned giving is a powerful way to support the parks you love well into the future, often without impacting your finances today.
You might choose to include us in your will, designate us as a beneficiary of an IRA, or transfer stock or other qualified investments. Whatever the form, your gift ensures that the parks continue to thrive for generations to come.
Learn more on our website or connect with our Director of Development, Caitlin Harpster, to explore the options.
| |
Boyce Park | Deer Lakes Park | Harrison Hills Park | Hartwood Acres Park
North Park | Round Hill Park | Settlers Cabin Park | South Park | White Oak Park
| | | | |
