Grounded Strategies

Skillshare: Maximize Your Growing Space
2017-07-27 11:00 - 13:00 (America/Halifax) | Garden Resource Center, 147 Putnam St , Pittsburgh, PA, 15206, United States
in partnership with Repair The World: Pittsburgh
Grow Pittsburgh’s Marisa Manheim will teach participants how to maximize small spaces and how to create new growing area with containers.

Property Data Learning Circle
2017-07-26 14:00 - 16:00, 2017-07-12 14:00 - 16:00, 2017-07-09 14:00 - 16:00 | Carnegie Library of Hazelwood, 5006 Second Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, 15207, United States
Data about properties is incredibly valuable in developing neighborhood plans and redevelopment strategies. Data at the property level has also been used to target interventions and investments within a neighborhood. To build the capacity of neighborhood stakeholders, The Western Pennsylvania Regional Data Center and the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh are collaborating to offer a learning circle to provide hands-on training and support to people that want to use property data to understand more about their communities. We’ll be using Alan Mallach’s “Neighborhoods by Numbers, an Introduction to Finding and Using Small Area Data” as a companion guide to the course.
By participating in the four-session learning circle, participants will learn how to:

Organize and conduct neighborhood property surveys
Create tables and charts based on neighborhood statistics
Make sharable, interactive property maps using open data
Tie data to neighborhood redevelopment strategies and actions
Tell stories about their neighborhood

There are no prerequisites to the course, but it will be helpful to know how to perform basic tasks in a spreadsheet, including sorting a table based on the values in a column, and adding new columns to a spreadsheet. It helps to have access to a laptop for two of the four classes, and a limited number of computers will be available if you don’t have one.
All classes will be held at the Hazelwood Branch of the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh. Classes will be held according to the following schedule:

Wednesday June 28th from 2-4 pm: Conducting neighborhood property data surveys
Wednesday July 12th from 2-4 pm: Creating neighborhood statistics from property data
Wednesday July 26th from 2-4 pm: An Introduction to geographic information from the Data 101 series
Wednesday August 9th from 2-4 pm: Making online property maps in Carto.

* Optional work sessions may be held between classes based on need.
Learning Circles are a way for people to come together in an environment that allows you to ask questions and discuss with fellow learners. Participants come together to learn through lectures and tutorials, and then are led by a facilitator in discussion and activities. Learning Circles combine the best of self-directed and in-person learning.
Space is very limited. Please register and the course facilitator will contact you with additional information, including reading assignments and details on what to bring to the first class.

Volunteers Needed: Warrington Ave Greenspace workday
2017-07-22 09:00 - 16:30 | 821 E Warrington Ave, 821 E Warrington Ave, Pittsburgh, PA, 15210, United States
Re-purposing an empty lot on the main drag on E. Warrington Avenue in Allentown. The volunteer day will include transplanting native plants and implementing a Bioswale on site. If you are interested in volunteering email T.Turner@gtechstrategies.org

Bike Tour of the Almono Site
2017-07-19 17:00 - 19:00 | Almono, 38 Second Ave, pittsburgh, PA, 15207, United States
Experience
This is a very special opportunity to get an inside look at Pittsburgh’s last big brownfield redevelopment, and to learn about the site’s future. Rebecca Flora of ReMake Group and Almono’s Project Director will kick off the tour with some site history and information about Almono’s sustainability goals. We’ll then break into groups on our bikes (or on foot) to check out a few highlights of the site.
The bike ride will be about 3 miles in length. If biking isn’t your style, an alternate walking tour will also be available, with a reduced 1.5 mile route. Food and drinks will be included.
Once you click on the “register now” link, please pay attention to the registration options. Our friends at Healthy Ride are offering on-site bike rentals for anyone who will need a bike when they arrive. If you will need a bike provided to you on the tour, please register under that option (for an additional $15).
Members of BikePGH and Healthy Ride are eligible for the GBA member price.

About the Site
In 2002, the Almono LP had the foresight to purchase this former J&L and LTV steel site to ensure that its redevelopment could be fully leveraged as a unique opportunity for the Hazelwood neighborhood, city, and region. Now, fifteen years later, the 178-acre site is positioned to not only become a hub for the innovation and tech economies, but serve as a leader and catalyst for sustainable development.
The site aspires to be a place for experimentation and creativity. This vision is carried out not just in the types of businesses and development that it attracts, but in the site’s infrastructure, programming, and process. It is a place to test new approaches to integrating stormwater management into the public realm, to facilitate thoughtful co-locating of industries, to create a model for district energy, and to design a process that yields an authentic sense of place.
During this tour we will get a chance to look at and talk about some of these innovative approaches already underway, as well as the larger vision for the site.

Stops along the Tour
Site Work & Stormwater. Now with Act II clearance, environmental clean-up of the site over the past 15 years was no different from the many riverfront brownfield sites in the region. However, the environmental clean-up was completed in conjunction with the first road on-site, as well as the design and building of the site’s stormwater management infrastructure. Additionally, this road was designed as the city’s first newly designed complete street. This tour stop will focus on the groundwork undertaken to get the site to where it is today, and ready for future development.
Public Realm. The idea of public realm on the site is intended to include a variety of things: the 1.2 miles of riverfront, the Mill Plaza, the pedestrian and cyclists connections, and everything else “between the buildings.” Accessibility and inclusivity are key components of the site’s public realm strategy. This tour stop will talk about the public realm vision for the site, how it can be amenity for the neighborhood, as well as a part of the larger city and regional park system.
Trails & Connectivity. Though Second Avenue and railroads currently create barriers to the site’s connectivity and accessibility, the site is perfectly positioned to act as a confluence for Hazelwood, South Side, Oakland, Four Mile Run, and Greenfield. This tour stop will highlight some of these key linkages and how the site could tie to the Eliza Furnace trail, the Great Allegheny Passage, the South Side Riverfront Trail, and Junction Hollow.
Mill 19. One of two legacy buildings on the site, this will be the first to be developed. Plans and design for the building aim to emphasize the building’s heritage while providing space for a completely new and different industry: automation. This tour stop will focus on the building’s design and role in the site’s redevelopment, as well as its energy goals.
Pumphouse. This remnant of river infrastructure has sparked lot of great and intriguing ideas. Currently one of the few places to access the water, this is easily one of the most inspiring places on the site. This tour stop is meant to generative creative thinking for alternative reuse of the riverfront and ignite the imagination as to how we engage with the water.

Woods Run Rain Barrel Workshop
2017-07-18 18:30 - 20:00 | Riverview United Presbyterian Church, 3505 Perrysville Ave, Pittsburgh, PA, 15214, United States
In partnership with the Pennsylvania Resource Council (PRC), GTECH is hosting a free Rain Barrel Workshop for residents of Perry South/Perry Hilltop only. This neighborhood is part of the Woods Run (O-27) sewershed, the focus area for the GTECH GSI project.
Workshop participants will learn how to harvest rainwater from their roofs, store it, and use it in the landscape. They also learn how to reduce their contribution to combined sewer overflow (CSO), flooding, and polluted urban runoff by learning how to practice watershed protection and conservation in their own backyards. It’s easier than you think!
PRC’s Watershed Awareness/Rain Barrel Workshop raises awareness of watershed issues, demonstrates how to install a 55-gallon rain barrel, and introduces other rainwater harvesting options.
Participants will also receive a FreeGarden RAIN 55-gallon rain barrel. Designed with the homeowner/gardener in mind, it is affordable, attractive, and easy to install.
For questions or to register, call Nancy at 412.488.7490 ext 247, or e-mail r.bowers@gtechstrategies.org.

GTECH Summer Carnival + Bantam Night
2017-07-07 17:30 - 20:30 | Wigle Whiskey Barrelhouse, 1055 Spring Garden Ave, Pittsburgh, PA, 15212, United States
STEP RIGHT UP! and have a drink with GTECH friends! Purchase an arm’s length of tickets to play a few games and win a prize or grab a bite and stay a while- all in support of GTECH’s work. All are welcome, including kids!
Wigle Whiskey Barrelhouse & Whiskey Garden is graciously hosting us for a Bantam Night where 12% of all sales of Wigle cocktails, gear, and even beer(!) will come to GTECH. We’ll be adding a layer of fun with a Vintage Carnival theme and have games and activities to match!
Enjoy food from YinzBurgh BBQ and live entertainment by Jenkins & Crum.
Free entry with many opportunities to contribute to GTECH while enjoying a fantastic summer evening in good company.

Edible Forest Gardens: Perennial Trees and Shrubs in Your Home Garden
2017-07-07 17:30 - 19:30 | PA
With Seth Nyer
Learn about the key components and principals of a permaculture food forest and how to adapt these principals into the backyard setting. Participants will leave with a list of suggested edible perennial plants that thrive in the Pittsburgh region.

Volunteers Needed: Clairton Green Playce
2017-06-29 08:00 - 17:00 | PA
Join us in Clairton at the Morningstar Baptist Church as we aim to finalize the Green Playce next door!
Community Volunteer Day:
Tuesday, July 18th from 3-7 pm.
307 Shaw Avenue
Food will be provided for all volunteers.

Property Data Learning Circle
2017-06-28 14:00 - 16:00 | Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh – Hazelwood, 5006 Second Avenue, pittsburgh, PA, 15207, United States

Volunteers Needed! ReClaim Clairton: Art and Healing Garden
2017-06-22 09:00 - 13:00 | Art and Healing Garden, 509 Miller Ave, Clairton, PA, 15025
Our Reclaim Ambassador, Felix Fusco, will be turning his lot into a place for community healing and expression. Neighbors will be able to make their own mark on the community chalkboards at the center of the space.

Volunteers Needed! ReClaim Clairton: Rest for the Weary
2017-06-21 15:00 - 19:30 | 634 Baker Ave, 634 Baker Ave, Clairton, PA, 15025
Our ReClaim Ambassadors, Jawanna Warren and Janella Hamlin, will be creating a passive garden and seating area, complete with birdhouses, books and benches to help neighbors rest and rejuvenate during their treks through the neighborhood.

Measuring Outcomes
2017-06-21 09:30 - 12:30 | carnegie library of pittsburgh – Squirrel Hill, 5801 Forbes Avenue , Pittsburgh , PA, 15217, United States
Moving from your Logic Model to an Outcome Measurement Plan:
This class will address how to turn your logic model into an outcome measurement plan. Outcome Measurement is a process for demonstrating a nonprofit’s accountability and transparency that, in addition to affecting programs and services, can influence all major operations of the organization. In this time of increased competition for grants, it is more crucial than ever that nonprofits are able to clearly communicate their impact to their funders and stakeholders. More importantly, nonprofits owe it to themselves, and those they serve, to be able to analyze their programs and make improvements when necessary, so that their desired outcomes will be met.
In this workshop, attendees will gain an understanding of the value of outcome measurements specifically for program managers. They will become familiar with the outcome measurement process and learn how to implement an outcome measurement based approach to program evaluation. Prior experience with logic models is recommended.
The speaker, Martha Riecks, is an independent consultant with over a decade of experience in the nonprofit field. She specializes in providing services that allow small-to-medium nonprofits to clearly communicate the impact of their programs, secure grant funds and measure their successes. Ms. Riecks received a Master’s of Public Administration in Nonprofit Administration from the University of Pittsburgh and is a Registered Professional Fundraising Counsel with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania’s Bureau of Charitable Organizations, as well as a member of the American Evaluation Association.
This program is free! However, space is limited and registration is required by calling the Nonprofit Resource Center at (412) 622-6277.

Volunteers Needed! ReClaim Clairton: Clairton Community Garden
2017-06-19 15:00 - 19:00, 2017-06-15 09:00 - 16:00 | PA
Our ReClaim Ambassadors, Toni Schley and Bikila Darden, will be tackling the existing community garden in Clairton. They hope to revitalize this place so that local families can come together to grow their own food. This space has laid farrow for quite some time, but this team of Ambassadors are excited and eager to get the ball rolling this spring!

2017 Corporate Equity & Inclusion Roundtable
2017-06-19 08:00 - 12:00 | Duquesne University Power Center Ballroom, 1015 Forbes Ave , Pittsburgh, PA, 15219, United States
Over 200 business, government, higher education, and non-profit leaders convened last year to share ideas and energy around advancing opportunities for African Americans and people of color in Southwestern Pennsylvania. Come this year to learn about progress, share opportunities for making a difference in your organization, and network with others who share a common interest in advancing diversity, equity and inclusion in Pittsburgh’s workforce and supplier contract opportunities.
The Corporate Equity & Inclusion Roundtable (CEIR) is an initiative of the Black Political Empowerment Project (B-PEP) in collaboration with Pittsburgh Mayor Bill Peduto, Allegheny County Executive Rich Fitzgerald, the Allegheny Conference on Community Development and area agencies and organizations. Key funding is provided from the Urban Affairs Foundation of the Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh’s Community Relations Council (CRC), with additional financial support from the Pittsburgh Foundation, and in-kind support from Vibrant Pittsburgh and Duquesne University.
7:00 am – Full Breakfast and Networking
8:00 am – 12:00 pm – Conference
Registration Fee*
Employee – Business or Higher Education: $50
Employee – Community Agencies: $35
Unaffiliated Individuals: $25
Students: $10
*Registration fees will allow CEIR to be in a better position to implement its goals and objectives going forward. CEIR thanks you.)
For more information, email ceiroundtable@gmail.com.
Learn more about CEIR.

Volunteers Needed: ReClaim Clairton, Revitalization of Nicholas Field Workday #1
2017-06-16 09:00 - 15:00 | PA
This will be a fun workday that will lead to the revitalization of a great resource for kids in Clairton. We will be cleaning and repairing playground equipment at Nicholas Field in order to bring it back to a usable condition.
Contact l.kramer@gtechstrategies.org if you are interested in volunteering!

Volunteers Needed: ReClaim Central, Gathering Place Workday
2017-06-14 10:00 - 15:30 | 2808 Bedford ave, 2808 Bedoford ave, Pittsburgh, PA, 15219, United States
Join us and our Ambassadors, Cheryl and Louise, as we begin the implementation of an intergenerational space that will serve as a place the people can relax, laugh, and play.We will be Cleaning and clearing for the installation of amenities for the site. Email T.Turner@gtechstrategies.org if you’re interested in volunteering.

Volunteers Needed: Webster Workday!
2017-06-12 09:00 - 14:00 | 2956 Webster Ave, 2956 Webster Ave, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
Join us! To help install benches and transplant perennials and annual plants for the pollinator garden. If you are interested in getting involved email T.Turner@gtechstrategies.org.

Volunteers Needed: Warrington Ave Greenspace workday
2017-06-12 03:30 - 19:00 | 821 E Warrington Ave, 821 E Warrington Ave, Pittsburgh, PA, 15210, United States
Re-purposing an empty lot on the main drag if E. Warrington Avenue in Allentown. The projects that will take place in the lot (i.e. sidewalk repair, a small fence, entryway pergola, shed) as well as providing green stormwater infrastructure on site. If you are interested in volunteering email T.Turner@gtechstrategies.org.

Stormwater Hike&Learn at the Heritage Day Festival in Observatory Hill
2017-06-10 12:00 - 16:00 | Riverview Park, Pittsburgh, PA, 15214, United States
Adam, our GTECH GSI Community Liaison from the Brighton Heights neighborhood, will be leading attendees from the Observatory Hill Inc. Heritage Day Festival on a fun and educational stormwater hike through Riverview Park this Saturday, 6/10. The festival runs from 12pm-4pm. The stormwater hike will leave from the GTECH tent at 2pm.

Invasive Plant Identification Training
2017-06-10 09:00 - 12:00 | Falls Ravine Trail Entrance, 2005 Beechwood Boulevard, Pittsburgh, PA, 15217, United States
Learn how to identify and remove common invasive plants at this informative event. Join Parks Conservancy staff in Frick Park for tips on how to differentiate invasive plants from native lookalikes.
Families are welcome! Event will meet at the entrance to Falls Ravine Trail on Beechwood Boulevard, a short walk from the new Frick Environmental Center. Car and bike parking is available at the Frick Environmental Center.
This event is part of the Urban EcoStewards program. The Urban EcoStewards program is a partnership between the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy, Nine Mile Run Watershed Association, Tree Pittsburgh, Allegheny CleanWays, and Allegheny Land Trust.

Volunteers Needed: ReClaim South, Mt Oliver Ambassador Project
2017-06-09 09:00 - 13:00 | Let’s Talk At Mountain and Fisher, Mountain Ave and Fisher St , Pittsburgh , United States
Join Suzanne and Patti for their kick off maintenance workday this Friday, June 9th from 9am to 1pm. This volunteer opportunity will have you outside, planting flowers at Patti’s Corner, gardening improvements to “Let’s Talk”, helping to update the old St. Joe’s school, and general neighborhood trash clean-up.
Volunteers will be meeting at the corner of Mountain St. and Fisher St. to gather tools and meet the Ambassadors. All tools and materials will be provided through the PGH Mobile Toolbox.
Please RSVP by emailing Lydia Kramer, GTECH Strategies Coordinator at l.kramer@gtechstrategies.org

Integrative Design Workshop
2017-06-07 08:00 - 12:30 | Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, Inc., One Schenley Drive , Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, United States
GBA is partnering with 7group to offer a unique half-day workshop where we’ll examine how integrative design thinking actively seeks to design and construct projects that are cost-effective to design, build, and operate for the life of any project.
Experience:
7group literally wrote the book on the Integrative Design Process and was integral to the design process of Phipps Conservatory’s Center for Sustainable Landscapes, where this workshop will be held. This is a special chance to learn from 7group’s John Boecker, an internationally recognized integrative design consultant.
The session begins by looking at natural systems as our model for whole systems thinking, followed by concrete case study examples. Exercises help attendees experience how an integrative process can shift our mental model to embrace living systems thinking and move beyond mere green buildings toward restorative and regenerative design. The discussion also addresses how to neutralize first costs, while achieving high levels of building performance.
We’ll ask questions, challenge assumptions, and unearth the unique purpose of each project team member in this interactive session. You are welcome to attend as an individual, or as part of a project team. Building owners, developers, contractors, trade specialists, architects, engineers, and students are will find this information useful. You won’t want to miss it!
Cost:
GBA Member
150.00
GBA Non-Member
200.00
Individual Membership + Event Fee (member rate)
225.00

Inspire Speakers Series: Food and Sustainability
2017-06-06 17:30 - 19:00 | Elsie H. Hillman Auditorium at the Kaufmann Center, 1825 Centre Ave. , Pittsburgh, PA, 15219, United States
The Inspire Speakers Series is honored to host Stephen Ritz as we discuss the intersection of food and sustainability. From the mountains of Colombia to the streets of Cairo, Stephen Ritz builds global partnerships that bring the power of a plant to the world. Stephen teaches Pre-K through 5th grade at CS 55 in the Bronx, and is the founder of the Green Bronx Machine. He was a Top 10 Finalist for the Global Teacher Prize, and is one of NPR’s 50 Greatest Teachers. His work has been featured multiple times at the White House, and a replica of his classroom was installed in the US Botanic Gardens. Stephen will be joined by farmer Karen Washington, co-owner of Rise & Root Farm and a co-founder of Black Urban Growers, as well as several local leaders.
This event is a collaboration with Grow Pittsburgh, Repair the World, and Chatham University’s Food Studies Program, in addition to support from all Inspire Speakers Series partners.

Urban Hike in the Hill District
2017-06-01 16:30 - 18:30 | Elsie H. Hillman Auditorium at the Kaufmann Center, 1825 Centre Ave. , pittsburgh, PA, 15219, United States
Did you know that Pittsburgh’s Hill District is a neighborhood rich with fascinating history, green development, and intriguing reuse projects? Terri Baltimore, of the Hill House Association, has led walking tours of the Hill District to scores of people, including visitors from France, Ireland, England, Brazil, and Peru. Now she’ll lead GBA and its friends on a special tour of the neighborhood.
We’ll begin the afternoon gathered on the patio of the Hill House Kaufmann Center where we’ll enjoy beer, wine, cold lemonade, and appetizers while Terri offers an overview of the community and some of its green and historical highlights. Then we’ll embark on the walking tour. In an effort to see a variety of neighborhood highlights along an easily walkable route, we’ve identified the following locations as our stopping points. But there is so much more to see! So we’ll also hand out a list of additional stops that Terri recommends you check out in your own time, in addition to those we’ll be hitting on the tour!

Hill House Kaufmann Center – Hill House Association is “the heart of the hill” and offers integrated community services including family and workforce development, senior services and neighborhood engagement. The Kaufmann Center was renovated in 2010 and achieved LEED Silver certification. This rehab restored the majestic stairs leading the wooden doors. Additional enhancements – including a new stage, lighting, sound system and elevator – made the Elsie H. Hillman Auditorium a destination for performances, lectures, and other events (like GBA’s Inspire Speakers Series!).

Wylie Avenue Carnegie Library – This is one of six free libraries that were established with Andrew Carnegie’s original donation to the City of Pittsburgh. Carnegie saw libraries as “vital, non-luxury assets to be supported by public dollars.” While the Wylie Avenue location is no longer used as a library – it’s now a Mosque – “Free To The People” is still carved above the entrance.
Crawford Grill – Imagine meeting up with friends at the famous Crawford Grill and hearing jazz greats like Duke Ellington, Ella Fitzgerald, Dizzy Gillespie, and John Coltrane. This local club was once known across the country as a destination for great music. While it closed more than 10 years ago, jazz enthusiasts and community members are hoping to see it resurrected.
August Wilson House – August Wilson’s childhood home is a project of the Daisy Wilson Artist Community, a non-profit organization. Their purpose is to foster and promote greater appreciation for and understanding of African-American literature, the performing arts and the literary, artistic and professional legacy of August Wilson by transforming the August Wilson House, at 1727 Bedford Avenue, into a world-renowned artist residency and studio space.

** Space is limited for this event, so be sure to sign up early! Children are welcome to join their parents on this tour (but remember it’s a walking tour!).

GBA Member$20
GBA Non-Member$30
Student / EP$10
Individual Membership + Event Fee (member rate)$95

ReClaim Clairton: Rest for the Weary Workday #1 with Landforce
2017-05-31 09:00 - 17:00 | PA
This will be a fund workday filled with planting and landscaping. Our Ambassadors Jawanna and Janella plan to create a nice seating space for reflection and contemplation.

Volunteer at the Clairton Communications Park
2017-05-26 09:00 - 15:00 | Clairton Communications Park, 500 Miller Avenue, Clairton, PA, 15025, United States

Volunteer Day at The Clairton Corner Corral
2017-05-25 09:00 - 15:00 | Clairton Corner Corral, 517 Miller Avenue, Clairton, PA, 15025, United States
