Walk & Talk in Homewood Cemetery
Lichen & Local History
Sunday, Nov 3, 2024
2:00pm - 3:15pm
Join GASP and historian Jennie Benford for a unique educational walk & talk in Homewood Cemetery! Ticket proceeds will benefit both GASP and the Homewood Cemetery Historical Fund.
During this afternoon stroll through part of the cemetery, you will have the opportunity to explore the fascinating relationship between lichen and air quality. Lichen, a symbiotic organism composed of fungi and algae, is a bioindicator of air pollution levels. By observing the presence and health of certain categories lichen in the cemetery, you can learn about the air quality in the area. Once you know what to look out for you'll find yourself keeping an eye out wherever you go.
With the help of historian Jennie Benford, who has been involved with Homewood Cemetery for decades, you will also discover the significance of the cemetery as a protected urban green space. Cemeteries often serve as important green oases within urban environments, providing habitats for various plant and animal species. These spaces also offer a peaceful retreat for visitors and contribute to the overall biodiversity of the city. In a city with an industrial history like Pittsburgh's, this dynamic has been even more important.
Meeting location:
Homewood Cemetery - Office (Google Maps)
1599 S Dallas Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15217
Our group will meet at the S Dallas Ave entrance, by the cemetery offices. We'll have cider and cookies to share with the group. You can park inside the cemetery, but if you plan on walking around more after our walk wraps up, keep in mind that the cemetery gates will close at 5pm.
Expect a casual stroll at a slow pace with frequent stops. We'll be sticking mostly to paved routes, with the option to stray into grassy areas if you want to take a closer look.
The cemetery is beautiful, and lichen is very cool-looking - feel free to take photos during our walk. If you share them on social media, you can tag us @gasppgh so we can see!
If we have to cancel due to poor weather, we'll send out an email to registered participants earlier that day. We'll reschedule for the spring. Registrants will have the option to request a refund or donate their ticket price to GASP and the Homewood Cemetery Historical Fund.
