Explore ‘Hidden Gem’ Barking Slopes: A Spring Evening Walk & Talk About Nature, Air Quality & Citizen Science

Spring is in the air, and what better way to celebrate the season than by exploring the natural beauty of Barking Slopes with GASP and Allegheny Land Trust? 

Join us for a special evening hike of this “hidden gem” April 28 as we delve into the fascinating intersection of land use, local industry, and air quality.

Barking Slopes, a New Kensington outdoor area, offers a unique opportunity to witness nature's resilience. As we explore this beautiful area, we'll discuss how past and present land use, including nearby industrial activity, has shaped the environment we see today.

Bring your cameras, because spring will be in full swing, and it’s gonna be a BEAUT! We'll be on the lookout for vibrant wildflowers painting the slopes with color.

But our exploration goes beyond just admiring the scenery. We'll be actively searching for sensitive, bio-indicative species – nature's own air quality monitors. 

But wait, there’s more! The timing of our hike coincides with the City Nature Challenge, a global event that encourages people to find and document wildlife in their cities. 

If you're interested in contributing to this exciting initiative, we encourage you to download the iNaturalist app on your smartphone before the hike. It's a fantastic tool for identifying species, recording your observations, and connecting with a community of nature enthusiasts. 

Don't miss this chance to connect with nature, learn about the environmental history of Barking Slopes, and discover how you can become a vital part of monitoring our local ecosystems - all while supporting GASP and Allegheny Land Trust.

Tickets are $10 and can be purchased right here. Act fast - this event is expected to sell out.