Public Gardens + Green Spaces
AUDOBON SOCIETY OF WESTERN PA, BEECHWOOD FARMS NATURE RESERVE:
412/963-6100, Website
614 Dorseyville Rd., Fox Chapel
Headquarters of the Audubon Society of Western Pennsylvania and home to the Audubon Center for Native Plants and Audubon Nature Store. A nature sanctuary focused on environmental education, ASWP features walking paths through woods and meadows showing off diverse plant, animal and bird species. Education programs are offered for children and adults. Call or visit aswp.org for a calendar of events and educational opportunities.
JENNINGS ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION CENTER:
724/794-6011, Website
2951 Prospect Rd., Brady Twp., Butler County
300-acre state park with woodlands, stream valleys. Jennings also maintains the only preserved and managed prairie ecosystem in the commonwealth, blooming with butterflies in late summer. Environmental program opportunities for the family, school groups and educators. Open from sunrise to sunset 365 days a year for hiking and other nature-oriented activities.
RODEF SHALOM BIBLICAL BOTANICAL GARDEN:
412/621-6566, Website
4905 Fifth Ave., Oakland
Collection of plants mentioned in the Bible and plants with biblical names: Job’s Tears, Moses in the Basket, Joseph’s Coat, date palms, cinnamon, pistachio, myrtle, olive and many more. Plant exhibits, tours, lectures, programs, group tours by appointment (8 or more), handicapped-accessible. Gift shop. Check Web site for hours, calendar of events.
SCHENLEY PLAZA:
Website
Forbes Ave., Oakland
The Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy presents a variety of upcoming events in the newly constructed Schenley Plaza. Learn the history of Schenley Plaza and Park with a free, docent-led walking tour, Sundays at 1:00 from June 11 through Oct. 29. Visit the Web site for more information and a full calendar of upcoming events.
THE DIAMOND:
724/238-4200, Website
120 E. Main St., Ligonier
The Diamond has traditionally been the center of community activities in Ligonier since its founding. Sunday-evening band-concert series at the bandstand in summer; home to the annual Ft. Ligonier Days. Full calendar of events available online.
THE MATTRESS FACTORY URBAN GARDEN:
412/231-3169, Website
500 Sampsonia Way, North Side
Designed by sculptor Winifred Lutz, the garden is a pastiche of architectural features, man-made and natural, and indigenous plants. Features ambient sound-piece “Music for a Garden” by Rolf Julius. Open during museum hours.
Hours: T-Sat, 10am-5pm; Sun, 1-5pm.
TRILLIUM TRAIL:
Website
Fox Chapel
Named for the trillium flowers that used to bloom in vast numbers. Visit Web site for resources and Trailways Map.
WAY PARK:
412/741-2866, Website
Edgeworth
Triangular-shaped, passive recreation area with benches, trees and a creek. Donated to the borough by Way family as a nature park.
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