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Hollow Oak News
"I think having land and not ruining it is the most beautiful art
that anybody could ever want to own."
- Andy Warhol
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August 9, 2013
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Volume 1, Number 5
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New Hollow Oak Web Site
We recently launched a new web site for Hollow Oak to provide a wide range of information to our members, partners, visitors and friends. You now have online access to maps of all of Hollow Oak's conservation areas, programs & initiatives, as well as organizational history, press coverage, partners, plus easy membership and donation forms to support conservation of wildlife habitat and public access to outdoor recreation.
We would like to thank web developer and cartographer, Bruce Cridlebaugh, of pghbridges.com, who not only developed this beautiful web site, but also created our wonderful property maps as well. Bruce is a volunteer trip leader for Venture Outdoors, recently leading three of their hiking "Quests," which explored the Rachel Carson Trail, Allegheny County Parks, and the Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail.
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Heinz Endowments Grant
The Hollow Oak Land Trust has been awarded a $20,000 grant from The Heinz Endowments in support of our conservation work. Goals for the grant include 1) increasing organizational capacity through membership growth, corporate engagement and municipal partnerships; 2) building relationships with other organizations; 3) developing new trails; 4) acquisition of land and easements; and 5) expanding online and print communications.
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Partnership Spotlight
Hollow Oak Land Trust works with other organizations toward a regional approach to conservation. Here are some recent collaborative efforts:
- PTAG (Pittsburgh Trails Advocacy Group) brought volunteers to the Montour Woods Conservation Area in July to help extend our sustainable trail system. Afterward, a delicious cookout was provided by Hollow Oak's Board of Directors. Thanks to PTAG...a good time was had by all!
- The Mall at Robinson brought nine hearty volunteers to improve trail drainage at the Montour Woods Conservation Area. Heavy rainfall the very next day proved it to be quality work...the water followed the new rainwater feature instead of the trail. Big thanks to Beth Edwards and her team, including Puffs-n-Stuff cigar shop, who really brought their A-game getting down and dirty on the trail!
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Crew Leader Training
Do you enjoy spending time outdoors in a team-oriented environment? Do you like learning new skills and teaching others? Do you enjoy physical work with your hands and seeing tangible results from your efforts? If so, you are a great candidate for the Crew Leader program at Hollow Oak Land Trust.
Crew leaders are taught skills in sustainable trail development, outdoor leadership and risk management. The first Crew Leader training session is scheduled Tuesday, Aug. 13, 6:30-8:30pm in Moon Township. You can also join us any Wednesday evening to begin skill development. RSVP to info@hollowoak.org or (412) 417-5825.
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Weekly Trail Wednesdays
Hassam Road Parking Lot, 5:30 - 7:30 PM
Hollow Oak volunteers meet every Wednesday at the Hassam Road parking area (just uphill from Montour Trail) to develop new sustainable trails for hiking and biking in the 260-acre Montour Woods Conservation Area. Activities include pruning vegetation, trail clearing and digging rainwater features. Work gloves and water provided, refreshments served afterward. If interested, please contact info@hollowoak.org or (412) 417-5825.
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Nature Notes: Black Cohosh (Actaea racemosa)
Black cohosh is a native wildflower in the buttercup family, 4-6 feet tall, whose long white blossoms appear in early summer. This handsome plant is prevalent in the rich soils and shady woodlands of Hollow Oak Land Trust conservation areas.
"Cohosh" comes from an Algonquin term meaning "rough," referring to the plant's rhizomes. Native Americans used it to treat snakebite, lending its other common name, "black snakeroot."
Black cohosh currently is sold commercially for relief of menopausal symptoms, possibly through estrogenic activity.
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Hollow Oak Land Trust | PO Box 741 | Coraopolis, PA 15108
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