Girty's Woods
Colton Street, Reserve Township, Pennsylvania 15212
About the Girty's Woods
Girty's Woods: A Community Treasure in Allegheny-West, PA
Located at Colton St, Allegheny-West, PA 15212, Girty's Woods is a cherished green space that spans 165 acres across Reserve Township, Shaler Township, and Millvale Borough. This local park is not just a haven for nature enthusiasts but also a testament to the community's dedication to preserving and enhancing the environment.
November 2023 Update:
In an exciting recent development, Shaler Area High School Sustainability Students organized a t-shirt design contest to support Girty’s Woods. Leonie Taylor’s design was chosen as the winning “Gir-Tee,” and all proceeds from the sales will go directly to the Girty’s Woods maintenance fund. This initiative will help ensure that the park remains a pristine natural area, with funds allocated for habitat improvement, trail maintenance, and community programming.
A Natural Sanctuary:
Girty’s Woods is a vital ecological asset, offering passive recreation opportunities and serving as a natural buffer that absorbs heavy rainwater, thus protecting the Girty’s Run watershed. The park is home to a variety of native flora and fauna and features an informal network of trails that meander through scenic overlooks, open fields, wetlands, and a recovering woodland. Activities such as biking, hiking, bird watching, and on-leash pet walking are popular among visitors. Additionally, the area permits archery hunting during a limited season from September 1 through January 31, with an ALT permit.
Visitor Information:
If you plan to visit Girty’s Woods, please note that the trails are community-forged and can be steep and uneven. Parking is limited, and visitors are encouraged to follow standard parking rules and be considerate of residential properties. Detailed trail maps and parking suggestions can be found on the park’s “Know Before You Go” page.
Community Effort and Conservation:
The history of Girty’s Woods is a compelling story of grassroots activism and community solidarity. When local residents noticed logging activities in the area, they rallied to protect the green space. A campaign to Save Girty’s Woods was launched in early 2020 by a group of organizers in Millvale, in collaboration with the Allegheny Land Trust (ALT). Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, the community fundraising campaign exceeded expectations, raising $88,000 with contributions from over 650 individuals and local businesses.
The project also received significant support from major grants and donations, including contributions from PA DCNR, Allegheny County Redevelopment Authority, Triboro Ecodistrict, and the Borough of Millvale. The efforts were further bolstered by the support of local officials such as Representative Sara Innamorato, Senator Lindsey Williams, Lt Governor John Fetterman, and County Councilperson Anita Prizio.
Gratitude:
Girty’s Woods stands as a symbol of what can be achieved when a community comes together for a common cause. A heartfelt thank you goes out to all the community organizations, businesses, and individuals who contributed to the conservation project, ensuring that Girty’s Woods remains a vibrant and green sanctuary for generations to come.
For more information and updates about Girty’s Woods, visit [Girty’s Woods Website/ALT Website].
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Reviews of Girty's Woods
"Quite an uphill hike but worth it. Doesn’t even feel like you are in the city. If you are not sure footed some hiking poles will do the trick."
"I found a pile of abandon car tires and rolled them down a hill and they went boing boing and it was funny"
"Beautiful spot. Excited for more trail projects and planting and for this space to be protected forever. Essential storm water retention area to reduce flooding impact in nearby communities like Millvale."
"Beautiful area. Been going there for years"
"Great addition to the area, and a place where you can get lost just outside of and with views of the city. So happy this preserve was created to help lessen chances of landslides and flooding in Millvale, and as a nature sanctuary."
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