Take a spring lantern walk to benefit Fox Chapel Parks Conservancy

The public is encouraged to put on their hiking boots and hit the trail at Riding Meadow Park in Fox Chapel for a good cause.

The Fox Chapel Parks Conservancy is hosting a spring lantern forest walk at sundown on March 20, the first day of spring.

Lanterns will illuminate a wooded path that winds through the green space while participants reflect on the value of natural spaces and the important role the outdoors has played in this pandemic year, Conservancy Co-Founder Mandy Steele said.

“Fox Chapel’s parks are an essential component of the beauty and well-being in our communities,” Steele said.

“In the last year, more families have enjoyed our excellent park and trail system than ever before. Children will receive a mason jar lantern that can be carried along as they meander quietly through the ethereal trail of light.”

The conservancy was formed in late 2020 to raise money and stir passion for the borough’s 345-acre park system that stretches from Beechwood Farms to O’Hara.

It was established to provide people with an easy way to invest in the continued care and protection of park spaces, and to help fund future park expansion.

The lantern walk is open to everyone but pets will have to sit this one out.

Masks and social distancing will be required.

Event parking will be across from the Shadyside Academy Country Day School entrance. Squaw Run Road East will be closed to the park coming from Squaw Run Road.

Guests can access parking from Fox Chapel Road from Squaw Run Road East.

The event follows the conservancy’s inaugural fundraiser in January, which was a glittering field of more than 500 lanterns situated in McCahill Park. It was an overwhelming success, bringing in more than $20,000.

About 100 people wandered through the field just after sunset and several hundred more drove by.

Resident Stacey Levine attended with her family and said it was like a gift to the community.

“The kids had a blast running through the lanterns, and we loved that it was for a great cause,” Levine said.

Volunteer Marcia Haberman has been working behind the scenes to help plan and organize the schedule of fundraisers. A summer lantern celebration is planned at Hardie Valley Park, and the list will close out with a fall lantern illumination at Trillium Trail. Dates are not yet set.

“I’m honored to be part of a focused effort to care for and protect Fox Chapel’s parks and trails system,” Haberman said. “My family and I use them often, and we are so happy to know that they will be around for many generations to enjoy.”

New for the upcoming fundraiser will be a sale of beanie hats.

To purchase, or to donate, visit foxchapelparksconservancy.org.