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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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April 30, 2014
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Volume 2, Number 3
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Nature Notes
Trout Lily (Erythronium americanum)
This unique spring ephemeral can be found in April near streams and in forested bottom lands. Aptly named, the mottled waxy leaves start appearing around the opening day of trout season and resemble the dorsal coloration of our state fish, the brook trout. The trout lily's nodding yellow flowers point downward and open during the day for pollination by ants.
Brook Trout (Salvelinus fontinalis)
 Known locally as "natives", brook trout are the only members of the trout family native to PA. Rainbow trout (aka "steelhead") were introduced from America's west coast, where they swim far up freshwater rivers from the Pacific Ocean to spawn. Brown trout were imported from Germany in the 1880's to suit the tastes of imported anglers.
Brook trout require colder temperatures than the introduced species and will perish when the water exceeds 72F, compared to 77F for rainbows and 81F for brown trout. Few fish can compare to their spectacular color combination of scarlet fins edged in black & white and sides draped in red-blue-yellow-orange spots across a deep olive background. These natives are both aggressive and wary, attacking any small insect that hits the water until a threat is perceived. An angler must approach on bended knee to surprise the ever-watchful brook trout in its forested, spring-fed lair.
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Day of Giving
May 6, 2014
Please mark your calendar for Tuesday, May 6 as Pittsburgh's 2014 Day of Giving, when donations to Hollow Oak Land Trust will be partially matched by PittsburghGives in support of land protection and trail development in the Pittsburgh area. 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 May 6, simply click the DonateNow button on the PittsburghGives web site and select Hollow Oak Land Trust. This button will appear from 6:00 a.m. to midnight on May 6 for online donations. Hollow Oak Land Trust will receive an extra match for online donations of $25 to $1,000 made that day. Thank you for your support of our mission to protect and connect local wildlife habitat!
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 Tales from the Trail
Tree Planting at Montour Woods Conservation Area
April 19, 2014 was a pivotal day for Hollow Oak Land Trust as we began the process of habitat restoration in the Meeks Run valley. Thanks to a 2014 TreeVitalize grant, 20 volunteers spent the day with staff from Hollow Oak Land Trust, TreeVitalize and Tree Pittsburgh to re-vegetate the flood plain with dogwoods, black willows, swamp white oaks, white pines, black gums, elderberry and other native species.
 As one of the cleanest streams in Allegheny County, Meeks Run is a precious natural resource supporting at least 16 species of fish. But invasive plant species and sewer infrastructure have severely impacted this area ecologically and aesthetically. Thanks to our sponsors and volunteers, including PA State Senator Matt Smith and his daughter, Delaney, the confluence of Meeks Run and Montour Run will once again be a wonderful place to enjoy nature.
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Brook Trout Reintroduction to Meeks Run
 On April 24, Hollow Oak hosted Mr. Frank Todd's 8th grade science students from Moon Area Middle School, who released 100 brook trout into Meeks Run.
Mr. Todd's students raised the trout from eggs as part of the Trout in the Classroom project sponsored by the PA Fish and Boat Commission. Survival rates of the young "brookies" will be monitored by Duquesne University Environmental Science grad student intern, Rob Dubas.
The students tested water quality, collected and identified macro invertebrates and hiked two miles on the nature trails of the Montour Woods Conservation Area. On the Hollow Oak-led hike led, the students learned about native and invasive plants, predator-prey relationships, vernal pools, amphibian ecology, and riparian habitat restoration.
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 New Boardwalk at Montour Woods
To improve community access and to reduce impact to the Montour Woods Conservation Area, Hollow Oak members and volunteers installed a new boardwalk April 26 at the Downing Drive trailhead.
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Sustainable Trails Workshop
 May 27, 6:00 - 8:30 pm
Robin Hill Park, Moon Township
This workshop is for local residents who would like to join the Hollow Oak Trail Crew as we design and implement trail systems in Moon, Kennedy, Robinson, North Fayette and Franklin Park. All participants will have the opportunity to get their hands dirty to learn the tools of the trade. All participants receive a potted native perennial wildflower! RSVP to info@hollowoak.org or (412) 417-5825.
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ATVs & Motorcycles - Trail Marshals Wanted
 The good work done by hundreds of volunteers is being undermined by a few people ignoring Hollow Oak signage and choosing to damage the trails with motorcycles and ATVs. Montour Woods Conservation Area is registered as a cooperative zone with the PA Game Commission, which is now issuing substantial fines to motorized trespassers.
But we need the help of volunteer Marshals to patrol the trails and document these individuals so they can provide community service to repair the damage. Volunteers can simply take photos and write descriptions of the vehicles and the individuals so law enforcement officials can take it from there. For more info: (412) 417-5825 or info@hollowoak.org
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Recent and Upcoming Press
Keep your eyes (and ears) peeled for upcoming articles on the partnership of Hollow Oak Land Trust and Moon Area Middle School, re: Trout in the Classroom at Meeks Run.
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Beaver County Times - Trout in the Classroom, Meeks Run - April 25, 2014
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Allegheny West Magazine - May/June issue
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Pittsburgh Post-Gazette - Thursday, May 1
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Allegheny Front Radio 90.5 FM - Saturday, May 3, 7:30am
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Weekly Trail Wednesdays
Check our Facebook Page for Location
Hollow Oak volunteers meet every Wednesday to develop new sustainable trails for hiking and biking. 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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