1. pets
2. reptiles

Earth Day 2015 Walk Schedule
Sunday, April 19
Walk Descriptions
A Day in the Life of a Turtle
What would it be like to live the life of a turtle? On this walk, learn about a turtle’s habits, habitat, and
cuisine, including an encounter with a live turtle! (Mount Washington Community Development
Corporation/Emerald View Park: www.mwcdc.org). *Family-Friendly. 12:00 & 2:00
Bird Walk
Identify the birds of Frick Park by sight and by sound with local bird enthusiasts. Beginners welcome!
Bring binoculars and field guides. (Three Rivers Birding Club: www.3RBC.org). *Geared for ages 11
and up. 1:00 & 2:00
Bugs! Bugs! Bugs!
Grab a net and hit the trails as we catch and examine the bugs that call Frick Park home. You’ll learn
tips to identify the bugs in your backyard and observe the many ways that bugs are adapted to move,
eat and survive in their habitat. We’ll enter the exciting world of butterflies, beetles, ants and aphids so
that everyone leaves as a true bug geek. (Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy: www.pittsburghparks.org)
*All ages. 12:00 & 1:00
Build Your Own Hike
This self-guided hike is designed to fit your needs, because you design it yourself. The trail is lined with
stops for activities and information about Frick Park. Spend as much or as little time at each stop, which
include creating nature art, exploring the stream, or just seeing the park in a whole new way.
(Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy: www.pittsburghparks.org) *All ages. On-going.
Critters in the Litter
Hunt for creatures that live in leaf litter and learn about the vital role they play in our ecosystem. In
addition to snails and slugs, we expect to see earthworms, spiders, millipedes and more. (Carnegie
Museum of Natural History, Section of Mollusks: www.carnegiemnh.org/mollusks) *All ages. 12:00,
1:00, 2:00, 3:00
Foraged Flavors: A Wild Edible Hike
Join us on this leisurely and informative hike to learn about some of nature’s most common tasty treats.
Learn how to identify these plants as they grow in the wild and take an opportunity to sample some as
well! (Alyssa Crawford, Independent Programmer) *Geared for Adults. 12:00 & 2:00
Forest Fort Building
Work together to build a forest fort with sticks, rocks, and other natural materials. (Pittsburgh Parks
Conservancy: www.pittsburghparks.org) *All ages. 12:00 & 2:00
Pittsburgh’s (Deep) Past: A Geological Exploration
Pittsburgh’s deep past can be read, like a story, in the rocks underfoot. On this walk we’ll explore rocks
and fossils and learn what they tell us about a time when the environment and inhabitants of this area
were very different from what we see today. We’ll also look at living plants and their connections to the
past. (Carnegie Museum of Natural History: www.carnegiemnh.org) *All ages. 12:00, 1:00, 2:00, 3:00
Go Dog Go: Taking a Hike with your Hound!
Enjoy the trails while taking a walk in the woods with your dog. (Go Dog Go: www.godoggo.biz)
*Geared for Adults. 12:00
Lovin’ Lichen Walk
Learn about the lichens that inhabit Frick Park, where they live and why. On this walk we’ll introduce
you to lichens, how to identify them and their role in the ecosystem. We will also discuss common
species, habitat requirements and symbiotic partners. (Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy:
www.pittsburghparks.org) *Geared for Adults. 12:00, 1:00, 2:00, 3:00
Medicinal Plants of Frick Park
Venture out on a medicinal plant walk. Our landscape has a wide variety of native and non-native
species that can nourish and heal the body. We will discuss first-aid for the outdoors, nourishing herbal
tonics, and medicinal plants for specific needs. (Native Apothecary: www.nativeapothecary.net)
*Geared for Adults. 12:00, 1:00, 2:00, 3:00
Investigating Tiny Ecosystems
Take a walk in the park to investigate, explore and record the dynamics of micro-ecosystems. Gain a
better understanding of the small life inside a fallen tree or underneath a large rock and how important
these decomposers are in maintaining equilibrium in the ecosystem. (Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy:
www.pittsburghparks.org) *Family-Friendly. 12:00, 1:00, 2:00, 3:00
Mushroom Foray
Collect and identify mushrooms with local experts. Bring a basket and a knife for collecting! (Western
Pennsylvania Mushroom Club: www.wpamushroomclub.org) *All ages. 12:00 & 2:00
Nature & Art Walk
On this walk, search for eye catching flora and fauna on the trails and stop to engage in some short art
activities spiced with science. (The Outdoor Classroom: www.theoutdoorclassroompa.org) * All ages.
12:00, 1:00, 2:00, 3:00
Nature Bingo Hike
Challenge your observation skills with this fun nature-themed bingo hike! (Pittsburgh Parks
Conservancy: www.pittsburghparks.org) * Family-Friendly. 12:00, 1:00, 2:00, 3:00
Nature Journaling: A Discovery Expedition
Inspired by the adventures and journals of Merriwether Lewis and William Clark during their expedition
of the Western U.S., this walk will encourage hikers to evaluate and write about the land as if they are
discovering the area for the first time through observations about their surroundings and Frick Park.
(Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy: www.pittsburghparks.org) * All ages. 1:00 & 3:00
Nature Photography Walk in the Nine Mile Run Stream and Wetland Ecosystem
On this family-friendly leisure walk, the restoration of the wetland and stream ecosystems will be
highlighted, along with select flora and fauna to be photographed. Cell phone and traditional cameras
are welcome! (John Moyer, Photographer: www.ninemilerun.org) * All ages. 3:00
Sound Explorers: The Music All Around Us
Explore the park with your ears! Families will become “sound detectives,” listening and documenting
the sounds they hear on the walk by creating written symbols. Once collected, learn how to turn the
sounds into a musical piece that captures the mood and rhythms of the park. (Opera Theater of
Pittsburgh: www.otsummerfest.org) * Family-Friendly. 2:00
Spider Walk
Learn about common spiders in Frick Park then head out to catch, identify and release spiders. Spider
hunting techniques and web identification will also be discussed. (Amy Bianco, Independent
Programmer) * All ages. 12:00, 1:00, 2:00, 3:00 *Note: parts of trail may be steep.
Stream Exploration
The streams of Frick Park are full of life to discover! We’ll dip our toes into Fern Hollow stream, turning
over rocks and logs to find different organisms that depend on a healthy stream habitat. Salamanders,
crayfish and scuds are all hiding amongst the rocks, leaves and mud. You may get wet on this ride.
(Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy: www.pittsburghparks.org) * All ages. 2:00 & 3:00
The People’s Forest! A Hundred Years of Re-Making Penn’s Woods
Though Pennsylvania’s forests seem timeless, they are always changing. On this walk, we will explore
how humans here played an important role in creating the forests we work, play or live in. (Pittsburgh
Parks Conservancy: www.pittsburghparks.org) *Geared for ages 13 and up. 12:00 & 2:00 *Note: steep
trail!
The Myth of the Mighty Maple
Hear the tales, legends and science of our local mighty maple trees while enjoying a scenic walk
through Frick Park woodlands. The walk will close with an opportunity to create your own tree myth.
(Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy: www.pittsburghparks.org) *Geared for ages 7 and up. 1:00 & 3:00
*Note: steep trail!
Topographic Map and Compass Orienteering
On this walk we will cover the basics of using a compass, identifying terrain features, a description and
reading of a topographic orienteering map, and finding features and objects in the park using the map.
(Western Pennsylvania Orienteering Club: www.wpoc.org) * All ages. 12:00, 1:00, 2:00
Tree ID Hike
Learn about tree characteristics such as soil and light conditions, flowers, fruit, fragrance, leaf color,
and texture. General tree identification using leaves, buds, and bark will be covered. (Pittsburgh Parks
Conservancy: www.pittsburghparks.org) *Geared for Adults. 12:00, 1:00, 2:00, 3:00
Wild Edibles Walk
Join local experts for an easy park walk to discuss how to identify, harvest and use many of the wild
edibles that grow locally. We’ll talk about safe, sustainable harvesting and share our favorite recipes.
(Food Under Foot: http://FoodUnderFoot.com) * All ages. 1:00 & 3:00
Nine Mile Run Restoration Tour
The Nine Mile Run Aquatic Ecosystem Restoration is one of the largest and most successful projects of
its kind in the United States. Walk with us through Fern Hollow and along Nine Mile Run and learn what
was done and why, how it is maintained, and what you can do to help further improve water quality in
the stream and in the rivers of Pittsburgh. (Nine Mile Run Watershed Association:
www.ninemilerun.org) *Geared for Adults. 2:00
Walk Schedule
Walks begin on the hour at 12:00, 1:00, 2:00 & 3:00. Day-of sign-ups required. Space is limited.
12:00
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1:00
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A Day in the Life of a Turtle
Bugs, Bugs, Bugs
Build Your Own Hike
Critters in the Litter
Foraged Flavors: A Wild Edible Hike
Forest Fort Building
Go Dog Go: A Hike with Your Hound
Lovin’ Lichen Walk
Medical Plants of Frick
Investigating Tiny Ecosystems
Mushroom Foray
Nature & Art Walk
Nature BINGO
Pittsburgh’s (Deep) Past: A Geological
Exploration
Spider Walk
The People’s Forest! A Hundred Years of
Remaking Penns Woods
Topographic Map & Compass Orienteering
Tree ID Hike
Bird Walk
Bugs, Bugs, Bugs
Build Your Own Hike
Critters in the Litter
Lovin’ Lichen Walk
Medical Plants of Frick
Investigating Tiny Ecosystems
Nature & Art Walk
Nature BINGO
Nature Journaling: A Discovery Expedition
Pittsburgh’s (Deep) Past: A Geological
Exploration
Spider Walk
The Myth of the Mighty Maple
Topographic Map & Compass Orienteering
Tree ID Hike
Wild Edibles Walk
2:00
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A Day in the Life of a Turtle
Bird Walk
Build Your Own Hike
Critters in the Litter
Foraged Flavors: A Wild Edible Hike
Forest Fort Building
Lovin’ Lichen Walk
Medical Plants of Frick
Investigating Tiny Ecosystems
Mushroom Foray
Nature & Art Walk
Nature BINGO
Pittsburgh’s (Deep) Past: A Geological
Exploration
Sound Explorers: The Music All Around Us
Spider Walk
Stream Exploration
The People’s Forest! A Hundred Years of
Remaking Penns Woods
Topographic Map & Compass Orienteering
Tree ID Hike
Nine Mile Run Restoration Tour
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3:00
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Build Your Own Hike
Critters in the Litter
Lovin’ Lichen Walk
Medical Plants of Frick
Investigating Tiny Ecosystems
Nature & Art Walk
Nature BINGO
Nature Journaling: A Discovery
Expedition
Nature Photography Walk in the Nine
Mile Run
Pittsburgh’s (Deep) Past: A
Geological Exploration
Spider Walk
Stream Exploration
The Myth of the Mighty Maple
Tree ID Hike
Wild Edibles Walk