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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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September 6, 2013
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Volume 1, Number 6
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Nature Notes: Chicken of the Woods (Laetiporus sulphureus)
As its name implies, this beautiful woodland denizen is perhaps the tastiest fungus among us. The fruiting body appears in summer and fall, usually on dead or dying oak trees. Such shelf fungi have no stems and their semi-circular growth resembles wood. The chicken's brilliant yellow-orange color provides another common name, "sulphur shelf." Although David Arora, author of "Mushrooms Demystified," calls it one of the "foolproof four" as an unmistakable mushroom, one look-alike that grows specifically on conifer trees can be poisonous. But this is probably the easiest edible fungus to identify and, when cooked thoroughly, makes a sumptuous sauté, simmer or boil...just substitute for actual chicken in recipes. Chicken of the woods is common in our region's woods, but only a portion of the fruiting body should be harvested to ensure it will return. The outer parts are the most tender.
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Pittsburgh Day of Giving
October 3, 2013
Please mark Wednesday, October 3 on your calendar for Pittsburgh's Day of Giving, when donations to Hollow Oak Land Trust will be matched by PittsburghGives in support of protection of land in the Pittsburgh area, with an emphasis on the Airport corridor. It's a great day to become a Hollow Oak member or to renew your membership!
To receive a match of your fully tax-deductible donation on that day, simply click the DonateNow button on the PittsburghGives web site and select Hollow Oak Land Trust. This button will appear at midnight the day before and any time on October 3 is a great time for your online donation. HOLT will receive an extra match for every dollar you contribute online in the 24-hour period. Thank you for your support of our work to protect and connect greenspace in southwestern PA for wildlife habitat and public access to outdoor recreation!
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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:
- Robert Morris University (RMU) brought over 100 volunteers to the Montour Woods Conservation Area in August to help improve the Montour Woods trail system. Upperclass Residential Advisors, Freshmen and staff alike helped remove scrap metal, improve stormwater drainage and smooth-out sections of trail. Joe Divack and the Allegheny CleanWays Dump Busters led the cleanup effort. A big Thank You to our partners and RMU's biggest freshman class ever!
- FedEx Ground joined Hollow Oak's volunteer effort with a hearty crew who re-routed a steep section of trail at the Montour Woods Conservation Area. A big Bravo Zulu goes out to Beth Rosa, who braved a nest of yellow jackets and still picked up lunch for everyone! Thanks to PTAG whose crew leaders, Robert Habegger and Mary Lynn Marisco, helped make the day a success.
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Ohio River Trail Council Gear & Cheer Music Festival
September 8 - Brady's Run Park
Volunteers are invited to represent Hollow Oak Land Trust at this fantastic annual event. Our tabletop display will be set up by Hollow Oak Board member, Jenny Fiscus, who welcomes other members and friends to share in the fun.
Festival activities include mountain biking, road cycling, stand up paddle boarding, kayaking & canoeing, rock climbing wall, auctions, raffles, arts & crafts, live music, food, drink, wine and craft beer tasting and a 5K run/walk!
See the event web site for more details including live music and activities schedule. Please RSVP to volunteer for the 2-hour time slot of your choice by calling (412) 255-1250 or send e-mail to: info@hollowoak.org
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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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Hollow Oak Land Trust | PO Box 741 | Coraopolis, PA 15108
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