Parks and Recreation Events

Did you know herons and egrets sleep standing up? Or, that they swallow their food whole? Join a Naturalist to discover the amazing world of herons and egrets and examine their super abilities to survive in the wetlands, rivers and streams. Explore their wetland habitat as we take a hike in search of these large, beautiful birds. We will end the morning with a craft and activities to take home. Registrants must be accompanied by a chaperone for the duration of the program.

This workshop will get you started with basic djembe drumming skills and give you a taste of West African Rhythm! In just one hour, you will learn about the melodic quality of these hand drums, learn to play music in a group and understand the cultural significance of traditional West African drumming. Even if you've never touched a drum, you'll be playing music together by the end of the class. Bring your djembe, if you have one, or we will have extras to use. A Park Rx wellness program sponsored by Highmark Blue Shield. Advance registration is required, space is limited.

Welcome fall with a festival celebrating the old-time ways of life at our annual Fort Hunter Day celebration presented by UPMC! Visitors will find arts and crafts, family-friendly games and activities, historic demonstrations and exhibits, live entertainment, antique cars and tractors, and even farm equipment from the collection that is not frequently seen by the public. Stop by the Friends of Fort Hunter bake sale or visit any of the food trucks for a delicious meal. There will also be live animals, hay wagon rides, and so much more!

Save the Date! Help us celebrate Wildwood Park with a nature-themed afternoon! Learn about butterflies, birds, reptiles and more. Enjoy live music from Shine and Grace. Participate in kid’s activities and pumpkin painting; grab some good eats and plan to attend a variety of guided walks including a self-guided storywalk on the Delta Boardwalk.

October is a good month to see the transition of migrant bird species as they come and go. Join Rick and Peggy Price to look for fall warblers and other songbirds heading south; raptors including Broad-winged and Sharp-shinned Hawks are on the move; and year-round resident birds are still active. Meet in front of the Nature Center.

Ready to take your running off-road? Join us at Detweiler Park—an ideal program for beginners or road runners looking to explore the trails. Guided by experienced runners and set in the beautiful, wooded hills of Detweiler Park, this program covers trail running basics including proper form, pacing, safety, and how to tackle varied terrain with confidence.

Join us for a 1.25-mile walk at Reservoir Park! This Walk With A Doc program is designed to provide some general health information and a moderately-paced walk around Reservoir Park and the National Civil War Museum including a portion of the Greenbelt. The group will meet up in the parking are of the National Civil War Museum then walk the 1.25-mile loop around Reservoir Park and the National Civil War Museum. This is a FREE walk, but we ask that you pre-register.

Join Natural Dyer Carol Reed for her signature Eucalyptus Magic Workshop. Participants will get to naturally dye a one-of-a-kind 14” x 72” silk scarf using fresh eucalyptus leaves to create a unique pattern. Through the magic of eco dyeing, the leaves impart their color to the cloth.

Join the Friends of Fort Hunter on a bus trip curated by Dr. Donald Koones to Sagamore Hill. the home of President Theodore Roosevelt and the Oheka Castle Hotel & Estate!

Join us for a Walk with a Doc on the Greenbelt Connector starting at Fort Hunter Park. The walk will be approximately 2 miles in length, but it is a well-marked path and you can choose to do as much or as little as you would like. The pathway is paved and wheelchair accessible. Meet Up Location: Heckton Church at the end of the Fort Hunter Parking Lot where the Greenbelt Connector begins. his is a FREE walk, but we ask that you pre-register.