Edible trail ready for picking and nibbling
Hikers who have always wanted a taste of the wild, summer berries found in local parks may find a haven in O’Hara’s newly-opened edible trail.
Located inside Woodland Park, the trail features a plethora of pesticide-free fruits and plants, many of which are safe for consumption and free for the taking. The selections include apple trees, peaches, plums and other tasty offerings. Although some fruits will not mature for several years, the trail’s berriesare ready to be eaten.
Each safe fruit is marked with a silver marker, as well as educational signs that provide details on theplant’s origins and benefits.
Plans for an edible trail began several years ago, and support for the project quickly grew.
“Folks really like walking trails,” said Julie Jakubec, township manager. “The overall reaction was very, very positive.”
Last year, the township began the task of leveling five acres of land that once belonged to a Woodland Park farm. Before construction began, the township consulted a landscape architect who designed what the trail would look like, as well as what plantswould be included.
Cub Scout Pack 381 assisted in planting blueberry and raspberry bushes along the trail.
“This is something really unique to the Pittsburgh area,” Ms. Jakubec said. “The trail is all about engaging the community and learning aboutnature.”
Edible trails are most common in southern states, with a few along the West Coast as well.
Dan Higgins, owner of Cheswick’s Michael Brothers Nursery, said he was asked to decide which plants would be added to the trail because of his history of providing plants tothe township.
Mr. Higgins said he chose the plants based on what would fit the trail’s dimensions and grow best with Pennsylvania’s climate.
“They wanted to make an edible landscape, so I grabbed as many as I thought would grow well on that site,” he said. “The size of the trail isn’t very long, but it’s large as far as planting goes.”
O’Hara’s trail soon will be the location of several towers that will act as refuge for the community’s chimney swift birds. As their name indicates, chimney swifts typically live in the chimneys of homes. However, since many homes close off the top of their chimneys, it is hard for the birds to find places to live, Ms. Jakubec said.
The trail is one of several initiatives begun by the township to make itself more environmentally friendly. O’Hara previously restricted smoking in local parks, and is an active supporter of local farmer’s markets, Ms. Jakubec said.
O’Hara, along with Shaler, recently was named a Live Well Allegheny community thanks to its wellness initiatives.
Over the next few years, the township hopes to expand the trail’s amenities to include additional plants and arbors, as well as a strawberry patch. Ms. Jakubec said officials also hope to do more to make the trail a bird-friendly environment.
The park is located on Sparrow Lane, just off Dorseyville Road.