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The Allegheny Land Trust protects land in Allegheny County in order to conserve our natural heritage as a benefit to the total community. One of their properties is Wingfield Pines on Mayview Road in Upper St. Clair. Allegheny Land Trust [ALT] hosted a day to celebrate the many conservation/environmental efforts that are occurring in the Chartiers Creek Watershed. The event was held all day on Sunday, June 10, 2006. Duquesne University joined other environmental organizations that are active in the Chartiers Creek Watershed in an effort to educate the residents and general public about the many projects that are taking place in their community with regard to environmental issues in their watershed.
Frick Park is home to the Frick Environmental Center. Much of this park, with its 455 acres of woodlands, is land once owned by industrialist Henry Clay Frick. As part of a 20 year master plan, the city is looking for ways to improve the woodlands, streams and trails for wildlife and an escape into the woods for residents of Squirrel Hill, Swissvale and Homewood. There is a huge deer population which necessitates fences around new tree and planting to keep them from being eaten by the deer. Recommended carrying capacity is 19 deer/mile, but Frick Park presently has 130/mile, which is not good.
The URP students were active in two facets:
• Riparian Planting of trees and shrubs along an intermediate stream Riparian zones, those areas adjacent to streams, have an ability to filter water, provide shade, temperature control and provide food for both aquatic and terrestrial species of wildlife. Streamside areas are the link between land and water and vegetation is a vital component of a healthy stream ecosystem.
• Identify invasive species of plants and tug, pull and twist them up by their roots! The spread of invasive plants is considered a serious ecological problem that can result in habitat destruction. These aliens have been introduced into an environment where they did not evolve and often have no natural enemies. They are currently estimated to infest 30% of the acreage of the National Park System.
This summer camp is for teens that have completed grades 6 -10. Its goal is to provide each camper with a creative and enriching experience. We, the URP volunteers provided the science! One major goal for us that day was to show that it is OK to like science.
Project Activities “Exploration in Science”
• How does a plant grow? Structure and needs
• What is good soil for plants?
• I.D. of common plants along with their history.
• Math activities with trees
There was a multitude of hands-on activities conducted with the campers that day. The students' varied talents, ideas and interests were applied.
The Sewickley Community Center, in operation with a limited budget, depends on volunteers and staff workers to maintain the center. Undergraduate research students volunteered to give the center a needed face lift.
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