This project consists of non-native invasive vegetation suppression, tree pruning and removal, and restoration of tree canopy and native understory along the river and City side of the Strip District Segment of the Three Rivers Heritage Trail from 11th Street to 18th Street to promote a balanced and native ecology and enhance the viewshed for trail users. This project will complement the River Avenue Viewshed Restoration immediately across the Allegheny River. Native, riparian restoration along riverbanks helps to stabilize eroding riverbanks and adjacent trail conditions, slow the flow of surface water and filter pollutants before they enter waterways, and provide habitat and nutrients to local ecosystems and wildlife.

This project will:
• Regain control of riverbank sites in the Strip District allowing for intentional riverbank restoration projects,
• Reduce damage to infrastructure and maintenance costs for the City of Pittsburgh,
• Restore native understory and tree canopy advancing Pittsburgh Urban Forest Master Plan,
• Promote a native and balanced biodiversity of plants and wildlife,
• Improve viewsheds of the Allegheny River.

Friends has employed Allegheny GoatScape each spring for three years (2020-2023) to mitigate growth and spread of invasive plants. Since 2023 Friends contracted Fruittown Land Stewardship Serivces LLC to perform herbicidal suppression of knotweed and other undesirables. Davey tree removed vines from tree canopy and limbs.

Investment
To date, Friends of the Riverfront has engaged 254 volunteers who have contributed 670 hours toward planting 125 trees, removing invasive vegetation, performing tree maintenance, and managing the site.

Timeline
March 2023: Volunteers clear viewshed at 18th street and 17th Street
May 2023: Allegheny Goatscape land management in zone 1 & 2
August 2023: Fruittown Land Stewardship Service Knotweed Supression
October 2023: University of Pittsburgh Volunteers clear the riverside view shed between 15th and 16th street bridge
November 2023: Volunteers continue to clear the riverside viewshed between 15th and 16th street
April 2024: Davey Tree Service canopy pruning in zone 1
April 2024: Friends staff plant 25 trees and spread riparian seed between 15th and 16th
June 2024: Employer Trail Care with BNY Mellon & KPMG clear tree tubes and weeded seeded areas
July 2024: Volunteers pull weeds from the pollinated area along the riverside as well as clear the fencing
August 2024: Fruittown Land Stewardship Service knotweed supression round 2
October 2024: Employer Trail Care with Pens Pledge Partners plant 93 trees in zones 1 & 2
November 2024: Volunteers water newly planted trees and plant the remaining 7 trees
March 2025: Volunteers tend to tree tubes
July 2025: Employer Trail Care with Burns Scalo clear vegetation encroachment around trees
September 2025: Private Trail Care with The Pittsburgh Foundation water trees

Funding
Primary funding comes from our employer partners like the Pittsburgh Penguins Sustainability Pledge, the Trail Maintenance Fund, and Friends of the Riverfront’s annual Stewardship budget.

The Penguins Pledge is a sustainability initiative which serves as the organization’s commitment to improve all efforts of social, economic, and environmental sustainability. This initiative is a collaborative effort with key partners with the goal of reducing negative impact on the environment and promoting sustainable practices to help preserve natural resources, while also supporting economic and social development.

Common Questions
Click here to read FAQs about herbicide use and suppression of knotweed at restoration sites through our FAQ document. If you have additional questions, contact Alex Toner, Director of Trail Stewardship at alex@friendsoftheriverfront.org.