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Mushroom hunt with the Western Pennsylvania Mushroom Club and The Allegheny Land Trust. (Photo courtesy Allegheny Land Trust.)

Six in the City: August Abounds with Awe-Inspiring Adventures

by Reese Randall

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August 11, 2021

With summer winding down, there are still plenty of events to add to your outdoor calendar. From nurturing a connection with nature to touring the city on two wheels, here are a few sights to see and things to do that are tried and true.

1 ]  Upcycled school supplies for students have been donated and collected through the efforts of the office of State Representative Jake Wheatly for the Back-to-School Supply Drive in honor of Health & Wellness Weekend. Distribution of donated binders, folders, calculators, paper, writing utensils and backpacks will be distributed on August 14 (1-4p.m.) at Propel School, 1805 Buena Vista Street, Northside. All children must be accompanied by an adult. For more information contact Darcel Madkins at darcel@hww19th.com or by calling 412-471-7760.

2 ]  Check out Forest Bathing at Frick Environmental Center (2005 Beechwood Blvd., Squirrel Hill). During a 90-minute guided tour, you will be immersed in the sights, sounds and smells of the forest. The act of forest bathing encourages bathers to unplug from their gadgets and technology and embrace the wonder of nature that surrounds them.

August 19; 5-6:30p.m. http://support.pittsburghparks.org/site/Calendar?id=100862&view=Detail

3 ]  Looking to have a little fun-gi? The Mushroom Hunt with the Western Pennsylvania Mushroom Club (WPMC) has you covered. The Allegheny Land Trust (ALT), a land conservation nonprofit will host a member of the WPMC at their newest greenspace, the Churchill Valley Greenway (formerly the Churchill Valley Country Club, 899 Beulah Road) for a mushroom walk and mushroom identification session.

August 20; 10 a.m-12 p.m.
https://alleghenylandtrust.org/event/aug-mushroom-hunt/

4 ]  Shop ‘til you drop at the University of Pittsburgh’s Thriftsburgh Reuse Rummage Sale at the O’Hara Student Center (4024 O’Hara Street, Oakland). From apparel, footwear and accessories to lifestyle products for your home and college dorm room, the rummage sale is a great way to support upcycling and sustainability.

August 29; 2-6 p.m. (cash only)
https://www.sustainable.pitt.edu/events/thriftsburgh-rummage-sale-2021/

5 ]  It’s spin city at the 28thannual PedalPGH, a self-guided ride to fundraise for BikePGH. With no official starting point or endpoint, cyclists of all ages can choose to start at the location that is most convenient for them following the four marked routes around Pittsburgh ranging from 10-to-62 miles. The ride takes you through parks, neighborhoods and across bridges for a pedal perfect tour of the city. Cyclists receive limited-edition PedalPGH gear, a real bib for access to rest stops, digital ride guide with free audio navigation and giveaways. Participants can choose to bike in-person, or choose to participate virtually during the BikePGH event weekend.

August 29(in-person) and August 26-August 29(virtual);
https://pedalpgh.org/

6 ]  One final bright idea: Take a stroll down the Three Rivers Heritage Trail in South Side (17 Three Rivers Heritage Trail between 4th & 6th Streets; 15203) and soak in the vibrancy of The Color Park, a performance and event venue, art gallery and playground. Be free to dance, picnic, meditate or practice yoga at sunset. This community gathering space is free and open every day.

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Cyclists along Highland Avenue in East Liberty. (Photo courtesy BikePGH.)
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The Color Park along the Three Rivers Heritage Trail in South Side. (Photo courtesy The Color Park.)

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Reese Randall writes bi-weekly stories for The Green Voice. She's also the contributing restaurant editor for IN Community Magazines and food stylist for GNC. To see more food, fashion, photos and videos, go to reeserandall.com