Programs and Events
Quality programs run year round at Harrison Hills Park and utilize the talents of our volunteers, Park naturalists and Park rangers. Most programs are free or ask for a small donation. We usually plan for at least one feature program or event every month, but some months have several programs. Click on the links below to register to attend upcoming events.
June 28 - August 30: Explore the Environmental Learning Center with a Ranger Sundays 1pm-3pm
Visitors of all ages and abilities are welcome to drop by! Browse the many wildlife displays and compare your "wingspan" to that of a bald eagle. Explore local geology and get lost in a diorama of local flora and fauna.
July 2020:
11th: Fascinating Fireflies Saturday, 8pm-10pm
As the sky darkens, fireflies light the night. Come learn about our official state insect and the fascinating lives they lead. After a short hike, we will take part in Firefly Watch, a national citizen science project. Please bring a flashlight.
18th: Helpful Remedies with a Park Naturalist Saturday, 2pm-4pm
Make a connection with nature through the joys of gardening while visiting raised memorial gardens and experiencing a “sense of wonder” with nurturing healing plants and tasty blossoms. Discover some of Janet’s “kitchen” garden favorites as well as certain “apothecary” uses then stay and design an imaginative, colorful, scented, and textured botanical themed information recipe card for our “sharing box” collection!
August 2020:
1st: Compost Critters with a Park Naturalist Saturday, 2pm-4pm
Keep a garden’s natural balance and use homemade compost to improve your soil and make a wonderful habitat for wildlife! Come and learn about a ‘web’ of animals that live in this amazing recycled layered environment and then sidewalk chalk draw your discoveries of snails, spiders, worms - to name just a few of the visitors to this unusual ecosystem.
1st: Trail Project Series: Rangers, REI & Trail PGH Saturday, 9am-12pm
Join the Park Rangers, REI, and Trail PGH to improve the trail systems in Harrison Hills Park. This is one event in a series of projects from June to October in each of the 9 Allegheny County Parks. Expect to participate in physical work. Long pants and closed-toe shoes are required. Projects may include general trail maintenance, rerouting unsustainable trails, installation of trail structures, and new trail construction. All tools, gloves and eye protection will be provided. Pizza will be provided at the end of the work day.
4th: Junior Ranger: Stream Exploration Tuesday, 2pm-3:30pm
Learn about the aquatic life in and around the parks' waterways. Which insects swim on the surface? What lurks below the rocks? Join us to find out. Please dress to get in the stream and get wet. Shoes Required. Recommended for ages 5 to 12, but everyone is welcome (must be accompanied by a parent or guardian)
12th: Perseid Meteor Shower Viewing Wednesday, 9pm-11pm
The Perseid Meteor shower is the most visible meteor shower of the year. As the meteors soar, the Park Rangers will be on hand to teach about this natural phenomenon and answer any questions you may have. Bring a blanket or chair to lay out and view the stars. Drop in at any time between 9:00 pm and 11:00pm to catch a glimpse of this meteor shower.
Monthly Meetings: The Friends of Harrison Hills Council meets on the 3rd Saturday of each month (except December) at 10AM at the Environmental Learning Center. The meetings are always open for anyone to attend. Visitors are welcome!
June 28 - August 30: Explore the Environmental Learning Center with a Ranger Sundays 1pm-3pm
Visitors of all ages and abilities are welcome to drop by! Browse the many wildlife displays and compare your "wingspan" to that of a bald eagle. Explore local geology and get lost in a diorama of local flora and fauna.
July 2020:
11th: Fascinating Fireflies Saturday, 8pm-10pm
As the sky darkens, fireflies light the night. Come learn about our official state insect and the fascinating lives they lead. After a short hike, we will take part in Firefly Watch, a national citizen science project. Please bring a flashlight.
18th: Helpful Remedies with a Park Naturalist Saturday, 2pm-4pm
Make a connection with nature through the joys of gardening while visiting raised memorial gardens and experiencing a “sense of wonder” with nurturing healing plants and tasty blossoms. Discover some of Janet’s “kitchen” garden favorites as well as certain “apothecary” uses then stay and design an imaginative, colorful, scented, and textured botanical themed information recipe card for our “sharing box” collection!
August 2020:
1st: Compost Critters with a Park Naturalist Saturday, 2pm-4pm
Keep a garden’s natural balance and use homemade compost to improve your soil and make a wonderful habitat for wildlife! Come and learn about a ‘web’ of animals that live in this amazing recycled layered environment and then sidewalk chalk draw your discoveries of snails, spiders, worms - to name just a few of the visitors to this unusual ecosystem.
1st: Trail Project Series: Rangers, REI & Trail PGH Saturday, 9am-12pm
Join the Park Rangers, REI, and Trail PGH to improve the trail systems in Harrison Hills Park. This is one event in a series of projects from June to October in each of the 9 Allegheny County Parks. Expect to participate in physical work. Long pants and closed-toe shoes are required. Projects may include general trail maintenance, rerouting unsustainable trails, installation of trail structures, and new trail construction. All tools, gloves and eye protection will be provided. Pizza will be provided at the end of the work day.
4th: Junior Ranger: Stream Exploration Tuesday, 2pm-3:30pm
Learn about the aquatic life in and around the parks' waterways. Which insects swim on the surface? What lurks below the rocks? Join us to find out. Please dress to get in the stream and get wet. Shoes Required. Recommended for ages 5 to 12, but everyone is welcome (must be accompanied by a parent or guardian)
12th: Perseid Meteor Shower Viewing Wednesday, 9pm-11pm
The Perseid Meteor shower is the most visible meteor shower of the year. As the meteors soar, the Park Rangers will be on hand to teach about this natural phenomenon and answer any questions you may have. Bring a blanket or chair to lay out and view the stars. Drop in at any time between 9:00 pm and 11:00pm to catch a glimpse of this meteor shower.
Monthly Meetings: The Friends of Harrison Hills Council meets on the 3rd Saturday of each month (except December) at 10AM at the Environmental Learning Center. The meetings are always open for anyone to attend. Visitors are welcome!
