NLF Legacy Project

The City of Pittsburgh Forestry Division has been working alongside the NFL in preparation for the upcoming Draft. The final layout of the staging area, along with the space, needs to accommodate crowds expected in the 100,000s. This will require the temporary removal of both on site infrastructure and the trees planted along the crossroads of General Robinson Street and Chuck Noll Way. Nearly 100 trees in total will be removed from both public and private property, 57 of which be removed from the city’s right of ways.

While this may sound devastating, we are committed to a strong plan of replanting. Our method for tree replacement is inch for inch, rather than tree for tree. This means that one old-growth tree can be replaced by multiple young ones. Consequently, a total of over 200 trees, with over 900 inches of trunk diameter, will be planted across city parks and neighborhoods. It is our mission to use this opportunity to reimagine our urban forest by increasing tree pit sizes, curating a more diversified tree canopy, and promoting intentional and optimized planting. New trees on the Northside will be installed as early as Fall of 2026.

In addition to City Forestry, our partner organizations, the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy and the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy, will be planting trees in and around the City of Pittsburgh. Find links below to see how you can get involved.

Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy

Western Pennsylvania Conservancy

The Tree canopy loss is occurring as the result of a one-time major event. This creates a temporary reduction in coverage. However, this event also provides a unique opportunity for strategic replanting and renewal. With planned tree replacement and improved species diversity, this puts areas across the city in a position to achieve significant canopy recovery and long-term canopy growth in the years ahead.

For more information on how you can get involved, reach out to City Forestry at 412-665-3625 directly.

last updated: 03/23/2026