Events

Friends of Mellon Park 3rd annual Arbor Day Celebration!

Last year was the second year of the arboretum in Mellon Park so Friends of Mellon Park decided to have a public celebration to mark the occasion. It was such a success that we’re making it an annual event!

Who: Friends of Mellon Park in partnership with The City of Pittsburgh and Tree Pittsburgh
What: Arbor Day Celebration
Where: Mellon Park (south side)
When: Saturday, April 29 (rain or shine!) 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Arbor Day in Mellon Park is a family-friendly event sponsored by Friends of Mellon Park, the City of Pittsburgh, and Tree Pittsburgh. The goal is to create an opportunity for people to get to know Friends of Mellon Park, celebrate the environment, educate kids about the importance of caring for trees, animals and green spaces, to give community groups a chance to showcase their work, and to bring people from the surrounding neighborhoods together to have fun in the park.

There will be lots happening! Here are some highlights of what will be offered:

• A kids tree-climbing setup sponsored by City Park Rangers.
• Tree walks, table activities and– from Tree Pittsburgh.
• Lots of science and art activities for kids to do.
• Music by Lee Robinson, The Sunburst School of Music (with a set especially for kids) and an appearance by members of drum line and dance team from Obama 6-12 Academy.
• Food from LaPalapa Food Truck and Sweet Treats from Sandy Boo’s Delights @Dana’s Bakery … and much more!

So save the date … come celebrate!

The City of Pittsburgh is celebrating 17 years as a Tree City USA. The Tree City Certification Program is operated by the Arbor Day Foundation and has several requirements, including:

• An annual budget of at least $2 per capita for tree work
• An annual proclamation recognizing Arbor Day
• An annual tree planting celebration
• Shade Tree Commission in place to preserve and protect trees

We traditionally fly our Tree City USA flag on Mt. Washington from Earth Day to Arbor Day (April 22nd to April 30th), and will be kicking off our green season with a service day at the Forestry field office by planting one spruce tree for every year we have been a Tree City USA!

The City isn’t the only group standing out in support of Arbor Day and our City’s tree canopy. Greenfield Elementary has been nominated as the first k-12 Tree Campus in the City of Pittsburgh, and is one of only two k-12 schools statewide to be in the running for this honor. Duquesne University has earned the status of Tree Campus USA certified institution through the Arbor Day Foundation, joining Pitt, Chatham and Carnegie Mellon University in showing our City’s commitment to a health urban forest.

There are many opportunities available to volunteer to plant trees this spring!

• Treevitalize has neighborhood plantings across the City of Pittsburgh and Allegheny County: https://waterlandlife.org/events-volunteer-opportunities/
• Tree Pittsburgh has restoration tree plantings and nursery volunteer days: https://www.treepittsburgh.org/events/
• The Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy has several planting, tree care, and stewardship options: https://pittsburghparks.org/volunteer/

Duquesne Light Company will also be planting trees in partnership with the City this Arbor Day around the walking path and play area in the Larimer Playground. 15 Shade trees will be installed to provide shade for and clean air for residents taking advantage of the playground and central lawn.

Don’t forget to register your privately planted trees with the tree canopy alliance (apart from those received as part of Tree Pittsburgh’s giveaway trees) so that your contribution to our city-wide goal of planting 100,000 trees. Details can be found at https://pittsburghcanopyalliance.org/

Haven’t got any trees to plant, request one using our tree request form!

Street Tree Equity Work

The City Equitable Street Tree Investment Strategy is rolling out its community engagement and outreach phase as part of our plan to ensure that the health benefits of trees are available to all our citizens. In recognition of the launch of this program, the City will be planting a tree in each of first ten neighborhoods.

Flowering Trees of Pittsburgh

Washington DC may have its cherry blossoms, but did you know that in the City of Pittsburgh has over 6000 trees that flower in the month of April! From apples and pears to redbuds, you can find all of our trees with this handy interactive map.

Coming Soon!

The City of Pittsburgh Significant Tree Registry will provide residents the opportunity to nominate outstanding or historic trees in public spaces for special status and recognition.