Park Rangers
Upcoming Events
February
2/8: Nearly Full Moon Hike and Observatory Moon Viewing
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Location: Allegheny Observatory, 159 Riverview Ave, 15214
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Time: 8PM-10PM
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Details: Join Pittsburgh Park Rangers on a one-hour hike using the light of the nearly full moon to guide our way. We encourage participants to keep lights to a minimum and enjoy the darkness and the moonlight. There will be stairs, some elevation changes, and some rugged trails, which we will take at a gradual pace, with 3 educational stops. Please dress appropriately for the weather and know that this event is very weather dependent and will be canceled even if it’s just too cloudy. We do this before the moon is actually full because it is better for viewing afterward at the Observatory. The second half-hour of this event will be spent touring the Observatory and viewing the moon through its telescopes! Registration required.
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Registration Link: Click here to register
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Questions? Please contact Ranger Merna at merna.goose@pittsburghpa.gov
2/15: Great Backyard Bird Count (Emerald View Park)
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Location: Grandview Park, 664 Science St, Pittsburgh, PA 15210
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Time: 8AM-9AM
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Details: Join us at the Grandview Park Bandstand for a fun hour of birdwatching and counting as we participate in the Great Backyard Bird Count. This event is perfect for all ages and experience levels. Grab your binoculars and get ready to spot some feathered friends in their natural habitat. Let's count some birds together and contribute to citizen science. Don't miss out on this exciting event! Dress for the weather and expect to hike slowly for close to 1 hour.
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Registration Link: Click here to register
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Questions? Please contact Ranger Marya at marya.pittaway@pittsburghpa.gov or call 412-977-9442
2/15: Great Backyard Bird Count (Riverview Park)
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Location: Riverview Park Visitor Center, 1 Riverview Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15214
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Time: 8AM-10AM
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Details: Join Park Rangers and local birders for the annual Great Backyard Bird Count! The Great Backyard Bird Count is a global community science event that began in 1998 where participants count and document the birds they see in their communities. These observations help scientists better understand global bird populations before one of their annual migrations. No experience is necessary, and you will be guided by experts! Beginners welcome, and there will be hot cocoa and a limited number of binoculars provided at the Visitor Center.
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Registration Link: Click here to register
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Questions? Please contact Ranger Merna at merna.goose@pittsburghpa.gov
March
3/9: Nearly Full Moon Hike and Observatory Moon Viewing
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Details: Rangers will lead an hour-long hike under the nearly full moon. This hike will be taken at a leisurely pace with 3 educational stops. There is some rough terrain and slight elevation changes, as well as some stairs. We try to be guided only by the light of the moon, but flashlights are acceptable if necessary. This event happens before the actual full moon because it’s position in the sky is more easily observed with telescopes on these days.
After the hike, we will spend the last hour touring the Allegheny Observatory and viewing the moon through the telescopes. Registration is required so we can notify you of cancellations. This is a weather dependent event and will be cancelled if it’s too cloudy.
3/10: Nocturnal Creatures
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Details: Join the Pittsburgh Park Rangers for a fascinating and fun-filled presentation on the amazing world of nocturnal animals! Discover how creatures like owls, bats, and raccoons have adapted to life in the dark with extraordinary senses, stealthy movement, and unique behaviors.
Enjoy an interactive trivia game to test your knowledge about Pittsburgh’s nighttime wildlife. Whether you're a nature enthusiast or just curious about what happens in the park after dark, this engaging program is perfect for lifelong learners.
3/11: Nocturnal Creatures
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Details: Join the Pittsburgh Park Rangers for a fascinating and fun-filled presentation on the amazing world of nocturnal animals! Discover how creatures like owls, bats, and raccoons have adapted to life in the dark with extraordinary senses, stealthy movement, and unique behaviors.
Enjoy an interactive trivia game to test your knowledge about Pittsburgh’s nighttime wildlife. Whether you're a nature enthusiast or just curious about what happens in the park after dark, this engaging program is perfect for lifelong learners.
3/14: Owl and full moon hike: Schenley Park
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Details: Would you like to learn more about owls in western PA, or full moons? Well, you are in luck! Join your Schenley Park Rangers for a full moon hike starting at the Schenley Park Visitor Center. We will also be keeping an eye out for the great horned owls living in the park! Please come dressed for the weather and bring a pair of binoculars. If you do not have a pair, we will provide you with one. This event is weather-dependent, we will update you if anything changes!
3/22: Spring Discovery Hike: Schenley Park
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Location: Anderson Playground, Schenley Park (closest address is Schenley Park Pool- 1 Overlook Dr, Pittsburgh, PA 15213)
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Details: Come join your Schenley Park Rangers for the first spring hike of 2025! We will explore the park, hiking upper and lower panther hollow panther trail. Please wear proper footwear as the trails may be muddy. The hike will be just under 2 miles long. We will be keeping an eye out for what is waking up in the park after a long winter!
3/30: Riverview Park Invasive Species Removal Volunteer Event
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Details: Meet at the Riverview Park Visitor Center to grab some tools and get a quick lesson on how to remove some pesky invasive plants in the park. We will then hike to an area to remove the invasive species we come across. While it may be muddy, this is a great time of year to get off trail and tackle some of these plants before too much undergrowth fills in. Please be prepared for mud and brambles and dress appropriately, gloves will be provided. This is a wonderful opportunity to learn how to pitch in and help the ecosystems thrive in our parks!
April
4/3: Age 50+ Guided Hikes: Frick Park
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Details: Join your Pittsburgh Park Rangers for an age 50+ guided hike series featuring the City of Pittsburgh’s Regional Parks! This hike series will focus on shorter hikes (under 2 miles) for beginner hikers. All hikes will be a slow-to-light pace with few stopping points throughout! Participants are urged to wear closed toe shoes, wear sunscreen, and pack a water bottle for this hike series. Registration is not required but recommended for updates and cancellations due to inclement weather. Registration opens March 1st!
4/6: Nearly Full Moon Hike and Observatory Moon Viewing
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Details: Rangers will lead an hour-long hike under the nearly full moon. This hike will be taken at a leisurely pace with 3 educational stops. There is some rough terrain and slight elevation changes, as well as some stairs. We try to be guided only by the light of the moon, but flashlights are acceptable if necessary. This event happens before the actual full moon because it’s position in the sky is more easily observed with telescopes on these days.
After the hike, we will spend the last hour touring the Allegheny Observatory and viewing the moon through the telescopes. Registration is required so we can notify you of cancellations. This is a weather dependent event and will be cancelled if it’s too cloudy.
4/7 Frick Park Conservation Crew
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Details: Join your Frick Park Rangers for a Playground Refresh of the Blue Slide Playground! Weed around trees, cleanup trash, plant flowers, and more! Registration recommended but not required!
4/11: Earth Month Tree Hike
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Details: Join Pittsburgh Park Rangers on this guided hike to learn basic tree identification as well as trees roles in their ecosystems. Participants will receive their own tree leaf ID key to take home. This will be a moderate hike with potential rough terrain and elevation changes. Please dress for the weather, closed toed shoes recommended.
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Details: Join us for our 3rd Annual Easter Egg Hunt! All ages are welcome; ages 4 & under will search on the grass, while ages 5 & up will search on the playground itself and the surrounding area. Eggs are filled with squishes and/or candy; each age group will get the chance to find a golden egg that will have free tickets donated by our wonderful sponsors! Registration Required!
4/13 Highland Park Conservation Crew
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Details: Rangers will lead you through the brief history of the Entry Gardens, Memorial Grove, Mount Bigelow, and the Reservoir. Totaling 1.2 miles of mainly flat, easy terrain, but there will be a couple flights of steps and uneven terrain in spots. Closed toe shoes are recommended. Register below!
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Details: Join the Emerald View Park Rangers for a free activity at Emerald View Park’s playgrounds, perfect for all ages. Explore nature and enjoy hands-on experiences like crafting pinecone birdfeeders, creating nature weaving art, testing your skills with the Scat Match activity, or learning about flying insects in Sting or Not. No registration is required—just come by and join the fun. We look forward to seeing you there!
4/26: The City of Pittsburgh’s Official Arbor Day Celebration
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Details: Join the City of Pittsburgh celebrating the 20th anniversary of Tree City USA and Arbor Day in Historical Allegheny Commons Parks! This event is free to all. There will be activities, crafts, tree climbing, free food and more! Come visit your Pittsburgh Park Rangers at their table and make some tree crafts to take home and display!
4/27: Earth Month trash pick up at Schenley Park
4/27: City Nature Challenge Bioblitz
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Details: Join the Pittsburgh Park Rangers for a Bioblitz in Emerald View Park as part of the City Nature Challenge! This event is a hands-on way to explore local biodiversity while contributing to global citizen science efforts using the iNaturalist app on your smartphone. All ages! For detailed information, click the registration link.
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Details: Join the Emerald View Park Rangers for a free activity at Emerald View Park’s playgrounds, perfect for all ages. Explore nature and enjoy hands-on experiences like crafting pinecone birdfeeders, creating nature weaving art, testing your skills with the Scat Match activity, or learning about flying insects in Sting or Not. No registration is required—just come by and join the fun. We look forward to seeing you there!
4/30: Nocturnal Creatures
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Details: Join the Pittsburgh Park Rangers for a fascinating and fun-filled presentation on the amazing world of nocturnal animals! Discover how creatures like owls, bats, and raccoons have adapted to life in the dark with extraordinary senses, stealthy movement, and unique behaviors.
Enjoy an interactive trivia game to test your knowledge about Pittsburgh’s nighttime wildlife. Whether you're a nature enthusiast or just curious about what happens in the park after dark, this engaging program is perfect for lifelong learners.
May
5/1: Age 50+ Guided Hikes: Highland Park
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Details: Join your Pittsburgh Park Rangers for an age 50+ guided hike series featuring the City of Pittsburgh’s Regional Parks! This hike series will focus on shorter hikes (under 2 miles) for beginner hikers. All hikes will be a slow-to-light pace with a few stopping points throughout! Participants are urged to wear closed toe shoes, wear sunscreen, and pack a water bottle for this hike series. Registration is not required but recommended for updates and cancellations, due to inclement weather. Registration opens March 1st!
5/5 Frick Park Conservation Crew
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Details: Join the Emerald View Park Rangers for a free activity at Emerald View Park’s playgrounds, perfect for all ages. Immerse yourself in nature and spark your creativity with our hands-on Make Your Own Binoculars activity! No registration is required—just come by and join the fun. We look forward to seeing you there!
5/6: Nearly Full Moon Hike and Observatory Moon Viewing
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Details: Rangers will lead an hour-long hike under the nearly full moon. This hike will be taken at a leisurely pace with 3 educational stops. There is some rough terrain and slight elevation changes, as well as some stairs. We try to be guided only by the light of the moon, but flashlights are acceptable if necessary. This event happens before the actual full moon because it’s position in the sky is more easily observed with telescopes on these days.
After the hike, we will spend the last hour touring the Allegheny Observatory and viewing the moon through the telescopes. Registration is required so we can notify you of cancellations. This is a weather dependent event and will be cancelled if it’s too cloudy.
5/7: Introduction to Frick Park Trails
For May hikes, we will meet at the Frick Environmental Center between the two gatehouses at the front entrance. Parking is available at the center along with bathrooms and water fountains. This hike will explore the Clayton Hill, North and South Clayton Trails and will be under 2 miles in distance. This hike will be predominately flat, however will have varied terrain including grass, mud, crushed stone, and asphalt.
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Details: Join the Emerald View Park Rangers for a free activity at Emerald View Park’s playgrounds, perfect for all ages. Immerse yourself in nature and spark your creativity with our hands-on Make Your Own Binoculars activity! No registration is required—just come by and join the fun. We look forward to seeing you there!
5/16: May Flowers Hike in Riverview Park
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Details: Join Riverview Park Rangers on a flower and plant identification hike! We will learn about the spring flowers we come across and talk about edible and medicinal qualities of the plants we see. We will NOT be harvesting plants on this hike. This event is an hour and a half long, with lots of stopping and talking. The trails may be rugged and muddy with elevation changes. Please wear proper footwear and dress for the weather.
5/17: Explore Emerald View Park – Mt. Washington Park
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Details: Come join Ranger Marya for a Guided Hike through Mt. Washington Park in Emerald View Park! This 1.64-mile hike, with a moderate elevation gain, is a fantastic way to explore the park's natural beauty. Your friendly Park Ranger will share interesting insights as we walk along narrow, rustic woodland trails.
There’s a portable toilet available at the meeting spot for your convenience. Be sure to wear comfortable closed-toe shoes and bring water to stay hydrated.
This hike is open to everyone, whether you’re a seasoned hiker or just starting out. It’s a perfect way to enjoy the outdoors and learn something new about Emerald View Park. We hope to see you there!
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Details: Join the Emerald View Park Rangers for a free activity at Emerald View Park’s playgrounds, perfect for all ages. Immerse yourself in nature and spark your creativity with our hands-on Make Your Own Binoculars activity! No registration is required—just come by and join the fun. We look forward to seeing you there!
5/21: Introduction to Frick Park Trails
For May hikes, we will meet at the Frick Environmental Center between the two gatehouses at the front entrance. Parking is available at the center along with bathrooms and water fountains. During this hike we will start to explore the hollow area of Frick Park and how to connect it to the Environmental Center entrance. This hike will be 2 miles with a steep descent during the first half and an uphill walk for the second half. We will walk at a slow to easy pace with a few breaks along the way.
5/22: Riverview Art in the Park
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Details: Art in the park is a great program for anyone who likes both art and nature! Rangers will provide the proper materials such as paint, brushes, canvasses, etc. All you have to do is register on the Eventbrite page and show up with your own creative ideas. This is an outdoor event where we will enjoy the beautiful views in front of the Allegheny Observatory.
*This is not a class, but an opportunity to make art in nature with provided materials
5/31 Highland Park Conservation Crew
June
6/2 Frick Park Conservation Crew
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Details: Join the Emerald View Park Rangers for a free activity at Emerald View Park’s playgrounds, perfect for all ages. Immerse yourself in nature and spark your creativity with our vibrant Coffee Filter Butterfly craft! No registration is required—just come by and join the fun. We look forward to seeing you there!
6/4: Introduction to Frick Park Trails
For the June Hikes, we will meet at the Blue Slide Playground entrance to Frick Park (use nearest residential address of: 2466 Beechwood Blvd.) at 5:00. Street parking is plentiful and/or park on English Lane (behind the playground). During this hike we will explore the Squirrel Hill entrance to the park and explore the trail networks beyond the paved Riverview trail segment. This hike will be about 2.2 miles long. There will be a port-a-john near the entrance, participants should bring their own water bottles. This hike will be a short descent and a very gradual slope for about half the hike. We will walk at a slow to moderate pace. Please be prepared for mud and wear closed toe shoes with good traction.
6/5: Nearly Full Moon Hike and Observatory Moon Viewing
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Details: Rangers will lead an hour-long hike under the nearly full moon. This hike will be taken at a leisurely pace with 3 educational stops. There is some rough terrain and slight elevation changes, as well as some stairs. We try to be guided only by the light of the moon, but flashlights are acceptable if necessary. This event happens before the actual full moon because it’s position in the sky is more easily observed with telescopes on these days.
After the hike, we will spend the last hour touring the Allegheny Observatory and viewing the moon through the telescopes. Registration is required so we can notify you of cancellations. This is a weather dependent event and will be cancelled if it’s too cloudy.
6/8 Hays Woods Park – Ranger Guided Overlook Hike
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Location: Agnew Road Trailhead, (nearest residential address 1019 Agnew road)
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Time: 2:00PM-3:30PM
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Details: Come explore Pittsburgh’s newest city park with the Park Rangers! The overlook hike will be the first in a series of Sunday afternoon hikes. We will be walking approximately 2 miles on intermediate difficulty single track trails throughout the gorgeous glens and meadows of Hays woods. Bring sturdy shoes and water. Dogs are welcome on leash. Registration is not required but recommended for updates and cancelations due to weather.
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Registration Link: https://www.eventbrite.com/cc/hays-woods-park-guided-hiking-series-4344233
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Questions? Please Contact: Ranger MJ Madeleine.walting@pittsburghpa.gov
6/8 Highland Park Conservation Crew
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Details: Join the Emerald View Park Rangers for a free activity at Emerald View Park’s playgrounds, perfect for all ages. Immerse yourself in nature and spark your creativity with our vibrant Coffee Filter Butterfly craft! No registration is required—just come by and join the fun. We look forward to seeing you there!
6/10: Skins & Skulls Outdoor Presentation
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Details: Join the Emerald View Park Rangers for a free activity at Emerald View Park’s playgrounds, perfect for all ages. Immerse yourself in nature and spark your creativity with our vibrant Coffee Filter Butterfly craft! No registration is required—just come by and join the fun. We look forward to seeing you there!
6/18: Introduction to Frick Park Trails
For the June Hikes, we will meet at the Blue Slide Playground entrance to Frick Park (use nearest residential address of: 2466 Beechwood Blvd.) at 5:00. Street parking is plentiful and/or park on English Lane (behind the playground). This hike will explore some of Frick Park’s single-track trails around this entrance to Frick Park. Participants should be comfortable walking on narrow trails and wear closed toe shoes and be prepared to cross muddy sections of trails. This hike will be about 2.2 miles long. This hike will have uneven terrain and participants should be prepared to descend down short segments and be comfortable taking larger steps down steep terrain.
6/21: Explore Emerald View Park – Point of View
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Details: Come join Ranger Marya for an exhilarating 2.3-mile guided hike through the scenic Emerald View Park. This hike features a gradual elevation gain and offers breathtaking views from one of the city's best overlooks. As we trek through a mix of narrow, rustic woodland trails and newly constructed pathways, your friendly Park Ranger will share interesting insights.
Please wear comfortable closed-toe shoes and bring water to stay hydrated. Keep in mind that there may not be restroom facilities available on this hike, so plan accordingly.
This hike is open to everyone, whether you’re a seasoned hiker or just starting out. It’s a perfect way to enjoy the outdoors and learn something new about Emerald View Park. We hope to see you there!
6/22 Hays Woods Park - Ranger Guided Wildlife Hike
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Location: Agnew Road Trailhead, (nearest residential address 1019 Agnew road)
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Time: 2:00PM-3:30PM
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Details: Come explore Pittsburgh’s newest city park with the Park Rangers! The secluded woodlands, lush creek valleys, and open meadows of Hays woods host a vibrant array of wildlife found nowhere else in the city. We will be walking approximately 2 miles on intermediate difficulty single track trails throughout the park. Bring sturdy shoes and water. Dogs are welcome on leash. Registration is not required but recommended for updates and cancelations due to weather.
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Registration Link: https://www.eventbrite.com/cc/hays-woods-park-guided-hiking-series-4344233
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Questions? Please Contact: Ranger MJ Madeleine.walting@pittsburghpa.gov
6/23: Monday Meetup
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Details: Join the Emerald View Park Rangers for a free activity at Emerald View Park’s playgrounds, perfect for all ages. Immerse yourself in nature and spark your creativity with our vibrant Coffee Filter Butterfly craft! No registration is required—just come by and join the fun. We look forward to seeing you there!
6/28: Firefly Presentation
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Details: Come learn about fireflies during one of their most active times of the year with Pittsburgh Park Rangers! We will observe the fireflies in a nearby field, while Rangers share knowledge about them and their behavior. There will also be an educational activity involving flashlights. This is not a hike, but there will be a short amount of walking involved on sloped terrain. Please wear close-toed shoes and bring water bottles with you.
Mission
Pittsburgh Park Rangers work year-round as liaisons between the public and the City of Pittsburgh to advocate and promote City Parks. Park Rangers are responsible for park related ordinance enforcement, educational programming and oversight of all Pittsburgh City Parks. Through daily patrols, continual safety education, and emergency response assistance they ensure safety for all park patrons.
Park Presence
Pittsburgh Park Rangers have jurisdiction over all Pittsburgh Parks and are actively present in all five regional parks including Emerald View, Frick, Highland, Riverview, and Schenley Parks. Rangers are also present in smaller parks including Allegheny Commons, Market Square, Mellon Park, and Westinghouse Park amongst others.
Rules and Regulations
Park Rangers are authorized to enforce and issue citations for any violation to park ordinances which can be found under the municipal code section 473 and 633. These rules include but are not limited to:
- Park hours are 6AM-11PM unless otherwise noted.
- All pets must remain on a leash throughout the park unless in an approved off-leash exercise area (OLEA) site.
- Any disfigurement or removal of park amenities is prohibited. This includes natural resources such as lumber, plants, and/or seeds.
- All forms of tobacco are prohibited within City Parks. This includes but is not limited to cigarettes, cigars, vapes, e-cigarettes, and chewing tobacco.
- Interfering with any wildlife is prohibited, this includes hunting, trapping, feeding, and/or harvesting.
- Proper permits are required for any pavilion rental or special event happening within parks.
- Drones and Model Airplanes are prohibited in City Parks
- Grilling is only permitted in designated grilling areas. Campfires are prohibited without a permit.
Additional Questions? Check out the municipal code of ordinances.
Programming
The Pittsburgh Park Rangers organize numerous educational activities both in parks and classroom settings. Activities include nature related tabling activities, star parties and guided hikes! If you are interested in setting up a Park Ranger sponsored program feel free to send us an e-mail!
Take the first step in your journey towards becoming an official Junior Park Ranger! Complete the Junior Park Ranger Adventure Guide(PDF, 15MB) and exchange it for a badge at any Park Ranger event throughout the year.
Pittsburgh Park Rangers "Nature at Home!" workbook(PDF, 7MB) . This packet is full of free activities for kids and families including coloring, puzzles, nature pages, and even a Build-Your-Own Park activity!
The Pittsburgh Park Rangers are now offering tours of the Neill Log House in Schenley Park! This is the City of Pittsburgh's oldest existing log residence built in 1795! To learn more, book a tour, or view open office hours please visit the Neill Log House homepage.
Get in Touch!
Have a question or concern regarding your local park? Or want to set up a program? Send us an email. Include which park you are interested in and a ranger will get back to you! Parkrangers@pittsburghpa.gov
Social Media
Follow the Pittsburgh Park Rangers at @pghparkrangers on Facebook and @pghparkrangers on Instagram to keep up-to-date on everything happening in Pittsburgh's Parks!
last updated: 27/05/2025