Hartwood Acres Park Becomes First in County to Join Old-Growth Forest Network

PHOTO VIA PITTSBURGH MAGAZINE ARCHIVES | THE TUDOR MANSION AT HARTWOOD ACRES

A local park has joined a national network of protected old-growth forests.

On July 7, Hartwood Acres Park was inducted into the national Old-Growth Forest Network — the only national network in the U.S. of protected, old-growth, native forests where people of all generations can experience biodiversity and the beauty of nature. 

Simply put, an old-growth forest is a forest that has developed undisturbed over a long period of time. Because of its age, it exhibits unique traits; these ancient green spaces are defined by complex ecological structures, including multi-layered canopies, huge living trees, abundant deadwood and highly diverse plant and animal life.

The 629-acre park is the 42nd forest in Pennsylvania to be inducted into the Old-Growth Forest Network, which has over 340 forests in its continuously expanding network of protected publicly accessible old-growth forests, but it is the first forest in Allegheny County to be recognized.

“Hartwood Acres is one of Allegheny County’s greatest natural treasures, and this designation recognizes both the ecological value of these forests and the generations of stewardship that have protected them,” says county executive Sara Innamorato, who was present at the induction ceremony earlier this week. 

She adds that officials are proud to have Hartwood Acres Park represent the county, which has embraced conservation and sustainability efforts.

“As we work to build an Allegheny County where everyone can thrive, that includes ensuring residents have access to clean air, green spaces and the opportunity to connect with nature close to home,” she says.

Hartwood Acres features a mixed hardwood forest, where stately red and white oak, sugar maple, black cherry, shagbark hickory, red maple and American beech grow. The property is about 75% forested land and 25% land maintained as parkscape or lawn. 

The forested areas have largely had hands-off management as natural areas during the tenure of the park. Some of the oldest trees include a black oak that is more than 200 years old, as well as a sugar maple and red oak that are both approaching 200 years of age.

“The importance of the preservation of these rare forests cannot be overemphasized,” says Brian Kane, Mid-Atlantic regional manager of the Old-Growth Forest Network. 

He explains that forests like Hartwood Acres “perform critical environmental services that benefit communities.” These green spaces store carbon, provide habitats for native wildlife and retain stormwater — all things that contribute to the longevity of the land and the life it maintains.

“OGFN is grateful that Allegheny County values its old-growth forests and will enable its residents and visitors to marvel at these old hardwoods far into the future as they grow even more mature and majestic,” Kane says.

Founded in 2012, the Old Growth Forest Network is made up of hundreds of forests in 40 states. Pennsylvania leads the Network in the quantity of forests represented, with Ohio following in close second place. 

The Network also provides outreach and education to emphasize the “extraordinary ecological benefits of old-growth forests,” according to a press release, while simultaneously speaking out “regarding immediate threats to specific ancient forests.”

“This distinction continues with the long tradition of conservation efforts that have taken place on this land, starting in the 1920’s with Mary Flinn Lawrence,” says Braden Meiter, lead supervisory park ranger with Allegheny County Department of Parks, referencing the daughter of Pennsylvania Senator William Flinn. 

Lawrence, a prominent suffragist, environmental activist and conservationist, called Hartwood home prior to her death in 1974. 

A quote in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette attributed to Mary Flinn Lawrence in 1948 emphasizes her mission: “No one group has a right to the landscape. It belongs to all. And if we preserve and promote natural beauty, we are doing something of great value for posterity.”

It’s a sentiment echoed by county officials.

“Today, people from all over can enjoy the fruits of these conservation efforts which are continuing through a variety of projects including tree plantings, invasive management and creating meadows,” Meiter adds.

In addition to the green space at Hartwood Acres Park, visitors can also enjoy guided historical tours of the Lawrence’s Tudor mansion every Tuesday and Thursday at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Tours are by appointment only.

You can also visit Hartwood Acres Park on a Sunday evening from June to August for a free summer concert at the amphitheater as part of Allegheny County’s Summer Concert Series.