Park Rangers
Upcoming Events
January
1/3: Moon Hike and Observatory Moon Viewing
- Location: Allegheny Observatory, 159 Riverview Ave.
- Time: 7:00PM-9:00PM
- Details: Meet at the Allegheny Observatory where Park Rangers will lead you on an hour hike under the light of the moon. We will try to rely on the light of the moon and not use flashlights, but some low impact lights can be provided per request. The trail will be moderate with elevation changes, please dress for the weather and wear proper footwear. We will only hike about a mile and take an hour to do so, stopping and talking about nocturnal animals along the way.
Afterwards, we will take a quick tour of the Allegheny Observatory before looking at the moon through one of it's historical telescopes! This is a completely weather dependent event, and it will be canceled even if it's just too cloudy. Please register with an email where you can be updated about cancelations. We do this almost every month, so check this eventbrite page next month if it does get canceled.
- Registration Link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/moon-hike-and-observatory-moon-viewing-tickets-1976638484918?aff=oddtdtcreator
- Questions? Please Contact: Ranger Merna (merna.goose@pittsburghpa.gov)
1/31: Smash & Trash
- Location: Frick Park, Blue Slide Playground (Nearest Residential Address: 2466 Beechwood Blvd)
- Time: 10:30AM-12:00PM
- Details: Come join Rangers and help remove Spotted Lanternfly Egg masses! Participants will learn how to recognize and remove egg masses while picking up litter from Frick Park. Attendees should dress for the weather, wear sturdy footwear, and be prepared to gradually hike (less than 1.5 miles) off trail and on uneven surfaces.
- Registration Link: https://www.eventbrite.com/o/pgh-park-rangers-64610830893
- Questions? Please Contact: Ranger Chris at 412-529-9664 (Christopher.Cwenar@pittsburghpa.gov)
February
2/14: Great Backyard Bird Count
- Location: Grandview Park, Bandstand (499 Bailey Ave)
- Time: 8:00AM- 9:00PM
- Details: Join Pittsburgh Park Rangers for the Great Backyard Bird Count, an all-ages, in-person birding program focused on observing and counting local birds while enjoying time outdoors. Participants will meet at the Bandstand and spend one hour exploring the park together. No experience is required; bring your own binoculars or use our loaners. Please dress for the weather and wear sturdy footwear, as there are stairs and some elevation changes along the route.
- Registration Link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/great-backyard-bird-count-tickets-1980391536396?aff=oddtdtcreator
- Questions? Please Contact: Ranger Marya, 412-977-9442 (marya.pittaway@pittsburghpa.gov)
2/28: Smash & Trash
- Location: Frick Park, Blue Slide Playground (Nearest Residential Address: 2466 Beechwood Blvd)
- Time: 10:30AM-12:00PM
- Details: Come join Rangers and help remove Spotted Lanternfly Egg masses! Participants will learn how to recognize and remove egg masses while picking up litter from Frick Park. Attendees should dress for the weather, wear sturdy footwear, and be prepared to gradually hike (less than 1.5 miles) off trail and on uneven surfaces.
- Registration Link: https://www.eventbrite.com/o/pgh-park-rangers-64610830893
- Questions? Please Contact: Ranger Chris at 412-529-9664 (Christopher.Cwenar@pittsburghpa.gov)
March
3/20: First Day of Spring Hike at Emerald View Park
- Location: Olympia Park (Use nearest residential address of 500 Hallock St. Pittsburgh, PA 15211)
- Time: 10:00AM-11:00AM
- Details: Celebrate the first day of spring with a Park Ranger guided hike through the trails of Olympia Park in Emerald View Park. This welcoming, one-mile outing gains about 141 feet in elevation and is open to all who want to enjoy fresh air, woodland scenery, and good company. The trails are typically narrow and rustic, offering a peaceful forest feel and a chance to experience early signs of the season. Please wear closed toe shoes suitable for natural surfaces and bring water to stay comfortable along the way. We will meet at the parking lot on Hallock St. (nearest residential address: 500 Hallock St). Come ready to explore, learn, and welcome spring on the trail.
- Registration Link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/moon-hike-and-observatory-moon-viewing-tickets-1976638484918?aff=oddtdtcreator
- Questions? Please Contact: Ranger Marya, 412-977-9442 or (marya.pittaway@pittsburghpa.gov)
3/22: Riverview Conservation Crew
- Location: Riverview Park Visitor Center (1 Riverview Ave)
- Time: 10:00AM-12:00PM
- Details: Join Pittsburgh Park rangers in improving the ecology of our beautiful city parks! We will be removing invasive plant species from the park to stop them from spreading and from further upsetting the balance of local ecosystems. No experience necessary! Participants will receive a brief training on how to properly weed out these plants and how to use the provided tools. Please dress for the weather, wear closed toed shoes, and remember to stay hydrated even if it’s cool out, we will still we working up a sweat.
- Questions? Please Contact: Ranger Merna at 412-738-6807 or (Merna.Goose@pittsburghpa.gov)
3/25: Moon Hike and Observatory Moon Viewing
- Location: Allegheny Observatory (159 Riverview Ave)
- Time: 7:00PM-9:00PM
- Details: Meet at the Allegheny Observatory where we will begin our night hike. Please keep flashlights as a minimum as we hope to navigate the trails using just the light of the moon, though low impact flashlights can be provided. The hike will be about a mile, but will take us an hour at a slow steady pace with stops to discuss nocturnal animals with Pittsburgh Park Rangers. There are elevation changes and some rugged trails, please wear closed toed shoes. After the hike we will briefly tour the Observatory before viewing the moon through the telescope. This is a very weather dependent event and will be canceled even if it’s just cloudy.
- Questions? Please Contact: Ranger Merna at 412-738-6807 or (Merna.Goose@pittsburghpa.gov)
3/29: Spring Hike
- Location: Anderson Playground-Schenley Park
- Time: 10:00AM- 11:30 PM
- Details: Time to brush off the cobwebs and head outside! We will be hiking around 1.5-2 miles. We will be looking out for anything popping up along our hike with the start of spring. The hike will be a light pace with stops along the way. Weather might still be cold so make sure to buddle up!
- Registration Link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/spring-hike-tickets-1981786902975?aff=oddtdtcreator
- Questions? Please Contact: Ranger Nikki at 412-592-8298 or Nicole.hilton@pittsburghpa.gov
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: 03/04/2026