Newsletter September 2024
The Arboretum Is Growing!
April 2025 will mark the fifth anniversary of the creation of the Mellon Park Arboretum, Pittsburgh’s first public arboretum. As a part of the celebration, fifteen trees will be added to the arboretum roster, for a total of fifty trees located on both sides of Fifth Avenue. Most of the newly designated trees are unique species, with interesting bark, leaves, or fruit. New, permanent tree tags will be in place in time for the 2025 Arbor Day celebration (April 26), and a newly designed arboretum map will be available online and on paper. We hope you’ll take the time to walk through the park and learn more about our beautiful and unusual trees.
Autumn Tree Walk
On Saturday, September 28, Friends of Mellon Park will host a one-hour tree walk in conjunction with Penn State Extension Urban Forester Brian Wolyniak. This type of educational event is part of the Penn State Extension outreach efforts, so there will be no charge for the walk. This event has proven to be very popular, so there are only a few spots left. We are working with Tree Pittsburgh to host another tree walk on December 5 at noon. Please email info@friendsofmellonpark.org if you are interested in attending either event.
A More Welcoming Park
The Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy, in partnership with the City of Pittsburgh, is kicking off the first project from the Mellon Park Action Plan—a community-driven roadmap to revitalize this historic park. This project was identified by the surrounding community as a way to make Mellon Park more accessible, welcoming, and navigable. The project will include:
Upgraded entrances with designs that honor Mellon Park’s unique history, making it easier and more inviting for everyone to enter.
Comprehensive signage that will guide visitors to all the best spots and amenities and outline park rules, ensuring a pleasant and seamless experience from one side of the park to the other.
New amenities, including benches, bike racks, and other features to help make every trip to Mellon Park a comfortable and convenient experience.
Tree Removal in Mellon Park
City Forestry informed the public at the end of July that a number of the pin oak trees on the Shady Avenue lawn in front of the Center for the Arts would have to be removed because of severe root rot and overall declining health. There was nothing that could be done to save the trees. Signs were posted to explain what was happening, and, unfortunately, at the end of August we lost four beautiful, old trees. The City is committed to planting new trees in the park this fall, and Friends of Mellon Park is committed to our continuing efforts to save Mellon Park’s trees.
Mellon Park Needs You
Do you love our park? Can you help us care for it? Friends of Mellon Park is looking for individuals who are interested in graphic design, event planning/production, and gardening. The commitment is small, but the results will be dramatic. If you’d like to join us in caring for this beautiful park, please email info@friendsofmellonpark.org. Thank you!
Have You Noticed?
It’s autumn in Mellon Park and change is in the air. What’s happening? With shorter days, there's not enough sunlight for photosynthesis to take place. (That’s how plants convert sunlight into energy). In order to save energy and prevent damage from the cold, our clever deciduous trees shed their leaves and fall into a long slumber that will last until spring. Sweet dreams!
Become a Friend of Mellon Park
Friends of Mellon Park is a 100% volunteer-run organization. We are able to help care for the park because of your support. You can become a Friend of Mellon Park.
Please join us and donate today.