Urban EcoSteward Orientation: Rain Gardens – CANCELED

4/3/24 Update: This event has been canceled, due to the heavy rain! The rain gardens are doing their job, but the wet ground is not ideal for gardening. Our 4/16/24 Rain Garden workday will serve as an orientation to the rain gardens. 

Looking to make a difference and learn more about your local ecosystem? Join UpstreamPgh at our first Urban EcoSteward event of the year! 

This event is encouraged (but not required) for new and existing volunteers who are looking to get involved with the Urban EcoStewards program in 2024. We’ll focus on stewardship of UpstreamPgh’s rain gardens within the Nine Mile Run Watershed, which includes the neighborhoods of Edgewood, Homewood, Wilkinsburg, and East Hills (view map here). As an Urban EcoSteward at the rain gardens, you’ll remove invasive plants, plant native species, pick up trash, and conduct other gardening tasks. This work is crucial for maintaining the functions of a rain garden, which include preventing flooding, recharging groundwater, keeping pollution out of waterways, and restoring native habitat.   

Urban EcoStewards can join us on work days throughout the year or consider adopting a plot to work independently and on your own schedule. 

No gardening experience is required. Plan to get a little messy and dress accordingly. Closed-toe shoes required, water-resistant or waterproof shoes recommended. Gloves, bags, and tools will be provided.

If you can’t make this orientation, no worries, you can still sign up for future workdays!  This is a volunteer event and attendance is free, however we ask that all participants register below.