The natural beauty of spring blossoms provided a feeling of joy and awe for these wonders. We were treated to beautiful pink Magnolia blossoms, yellow, white and orange daffodils covering slopes and front yards, tulips, hyacinths, and a variety of trees displaying stunning white and pink blossoms. The Allegheny Exploration has a fantastic opportunity to be a part of the plans for the future of Hays Woods. As you probably know, the city purchased this incredible tract of wilderness – 635 acres of woodland, the largest undeveloped tract of land in the city. Hays Woods has six streams, including a waterfall, three wetland areas, and, of course, is home to our nesting bald eagles. It will become the largest park in Pittsburgh. You may be aware that in 2005-06, the explorers along with a group of activists successfully prevented part of this woodland from being strip mined and becoming the site of a thoroughbred racetrack and housing development. We believe this current effort to determine its future will be a long, slow process as many factors (e.g. old gas wells, old deep mine, the eagles, the streams) need to be taken into consideration. Penny Matt is heading a group to become involved in the process of helping influence the future use of this marvelous woodland. Please contact him if you are interested in getting involved.
About Allegheny
Since 1997, the community has been a dumping ground for the toxic waste material resulting from the burning of coal-coal ash.