Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy debuts 'Parks on the Go' digital education program

Each year, the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy educates people of all ages about the value of healthy habitats and the relationship between humans and nature through public programs at the Frick Environmental Center.

This year is no different, but the delivery mechanism is changing with the establishment of the Parks on the Go digital education program.

“Parks on the Go was developed to be a helpful resource for individuals, students and families to explore at home both during this uncertain time and later when we transition to a ‘new normal,’ ” said Camila Rivera-Tinsley, director of education at Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy.

It provides environmental experiences including virtual tours, health and wellness exercises, education resource for educators and activities and resources for families and caregivers.

One example is the program’s “Habitat Exploration” for kindergarteners and first- and second-graders, which features home-based scavenger hunts and other indoor activities to help young learners understand their own human habitats as well as those of the plants and animals that live in their local parks and neighborhoods.

“While the pandemic is keeping many of us at home right now, things will improve eventually,” Rivera-Tinsley said. “In the meantime, whether they visit us online or in person, our goal is to ensure that families and individuals in our community have continuous access to the quality public programs offered at the Frick Environmental Center.”

Parks on the Go is the conservancy’s latest digital initiative during the covid-19 pandemic. Other features at PittsburghParks.org include virtual events and an info-graphic explaining proper park usage in order to comply with health and safety guidelines on social distancing and mask use.

The conservancy regularly updates its covid-19 information page to make sure park users have the latest information.

For more, see PittsburghParks.org.