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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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July 31, 2014
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Volume 2, Number 5
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Volunteer Profile: Paul Trusty
 What inspired you to volunteer with Hollow Oak?
Having green spaces that afford opportunities to enjoy the outdoors and which provide ecological services and animal habitat are very important to me, especially in this urban setting. Volunteering with Hollow Oak was a great opportunity to give back to an organization that has given me the opportunity to bike and hike in a natural setting very close to where I live. Also, when I first moved to the Pittsburgh area, I asked a friend who was originally from here what to do when I wanted to bike in wet conditions. His advice was just to ride because it is always a little wet here and then do trail work to fix any damage that I might cause. Seemed like a fair deal to me.
What do you like most about Hollow Oak?
Hollow Oak has great trails and protects quality conservation areas, but my favorite aspect of the organization are the friends that I have made volunteering and the many activities that we now do together both at Hollow Oak properties and elsewhere. The Gala Work Day every year is also a highlight; getting to meet many people from the area that really care and are involved in making where they live a better place.
Any tips for aspiring volunteers?
Stop by for a special event, such as Trick or Trails Day in the fall, or a regular trail day (Wednesdays 5:30PM, Facebook page has location) and see what you like. Everyone is friendly and no one asks that you do more than you can. The hardest thing is just getting out the door sometimes, but I promise you won't regret any time you spend in the woods. Students should come down and put some of their newly acquired skills to practice. Nothing is more impressive to colleges or potential employers than practical experience. No matter what your field, you have something to offer Hollow Oak.
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Nature Notes: Northern Ringneck Snake
(Diadophis punctatus edwardsii)
The Ringneck Snake is a slender, handsome snake averaging about a foot in length with a distinctive yellow/orange ring around the neck and matching yellow/orange belly. These harmless creatures do not bite upon capture, but release an unpleasant musk to deter predators when disturbed. Preferring rocky habitat near streams and fields, they primarily eat salamanders and worms, but also will take lizards, frogs, slugs and insects. Mating occurs in the spring after emergence from hibernation, with females laying 2 to 10 eggs under rocks and logs or in burrows and crevices. A lovely specimen was photographed recently on the Meeks Run Trail at Montour Woods.
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Eaton Silver Sponsor
Corporate Land Stewardship Program
 Eaton is leading the way for other area companies by proving a $1,000 grant to Hollow Oak Land Trust in support of our mission to protect and connect greenspace in the Pittsburgh Airport corridor. Eaton Corporation encourages community involvement by employees to create healthy, sustainable places in which they work. Eaton Project Manager and Hollow Oak Board Member, Tom Hodges, noted that, "The work of Hollow Oak Land Trust is the perfect match for Eaton's emphasis on employee health and community improvement."
Hollow Oak Land Trust partners with Pittsburgh area corporations to improve quality of life in local communities by preserving greenspace, restoring wildlife habitat and developing trail systems. Volunteer trail projects boost quality of life and economic development in the Pittsburgh Airport corridor.
Sponsorship packages include financial and volunteer support:
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GOLD $2,500 donation + 50 volunteer hours
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SILVER $1,000 donation + 30 volunteer hours
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BRONZE $500 donation + 20 volunteer hours
Companies interested in the Hollow Oak Land Stewardship Program can contact Sean Brady for more information at sbrady@hollowoak.org or (412) 264-5354.
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Hollow Oak Seeks Committee Members
 Save the Date: HOLT Annual Meeting November 5, 2014
Would you like to get more involved with Hollow Oak Land Trust at the planning level? We have several volunteer committees focusing on programs, communications, community outreach, land management and land acquisition. Experience in real estate, PR/marketing, law or volunteerism is a plus - but most important is your desire for active participation and teamwork. For more information, please send inquiries to info@hollowoak.org or call (412) 264-5354.
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2014 Deer Hunting Program
Hollow Oak Land Trust issues annual deer hunting permits to manage the whitetail deer population of our conservation areas. Without the assistance of sportsmen, deer would overpopulate these areas and damage the wildlife habitat that we protect. This program is just one example of how sportsmen serve as important conservation partners.
Office hours to obtain deer hunting permits will be announced in August. If you were issued a permit last year, and have not had a chance to do so, please complete our Hunting Survey to assist the Hollow Oak Hunting Committee in managing the program. Completing this survey is required for returning hunters who would like to obtain a permit again this year. Also new this year is the requirement for all hunters to display the numbered badge to be issued with the Hollow Oak Deer Hunting Permit. Hunter badges will help us monitor hunting activities at the conservation areas. For more info, send inquiries to info@hollowoak.org.
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Trail Maintenance
 Join the Hollow Oak Wednesday trail crew to learn the science of trail building and the art of conservation. We promise a good workout, good company and the great result of improved public access to nature. Dress for the weather, pants and sturdy shoes/boots recommended. All instruction, tools, work gloves provided, followed by refreshments!
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Hollow Oak Land Trust | PO Box 741 | Coraopolis, PA 15108
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