Earth Day in Bradford Woods to highlight the quiet of nature

Despite the rush of the growing North Hills, there are some places where the quiet lull of nature rules.

Such can be found at the Bradford Woods Reserve, which is hosting its annual Earth Day event on April 23 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The reserve is located in the center of Bradford Woods off of Lincoln Road. Guests will have to park and walk to the reserve, but once there, they can enjoy a small free lunch. The Humane Animal Rescue of Pittsburgh’s Verona facility will give a presentation about wildlife, according to Vicki Wiegand, who is on the Bradford Woods Conservancy board.

The conservancy will also give away saplings.

Wiegand said Earth Day has been celebrated there for more than 10 years.

“We want people to see what a beautiful reserve we have in Bradford Woods,” said Wiegand, 75, of Bradford Woods.

There is a handicap-accessibility entrance off of Bradford Road.

The 4.5-acre site is a mostly-wooded, publicly-accessible conservation easement with a small system of waterways that flow into Pine Creek. There is a small pond on the property that is stocked by a local volunteer for recreational fishing, according to the Allegheny Land Trust.

“Earth Day is an important time to pause from our normal schedules to reflect and appreciate the scenery of trees, vegetation and wildlife,” said Bradford Woods Mayor Doug Marsico. “Earth Day is a good reminder we must continue to strive to better preserve our planet. Bradford Woods is located just north of Pittsburgh, and I welcome all to join us in this special celebration.”

Nonprofit Allegheny Land Trust obtained a conservation easement for the area in 2010, which transfers development rights from the landowner to trust. This ensures the area will remain a green space forever, according the trust.

The Bradford Woods Conservancy maintains the area. The reserve is an ecologically diverse spot having several habitats located in one small area, according to the Bradford Woods Borough website.

The trust describes the site as home to a greenhouse and horticultural center from the 1920s to 1981. A Scotch Pine forest on the property was initially planted for Christmas trees, and has since grown into a very dense forest. Efforts have recently been made to safely remove some trees to make room for a native hardwood forest to grow.

Wiegand also said volunteers from the conservancy also host a storytelling event in July, the date is not yet confirmed for this year. It’s just another way to share the beauty of the area, she said.

“I love Bradford Woods. It’s a wonderful place to live,” she said.

Information about the upcoming July storytelling is available from Wiegand at 724-816-0413.

Editor’s note: This story has been updated with comment from Bradford Woods Mayor Doug Marsico.