Explore Allegheny Land Trust’s Green Spaces; Balcony Big Band Plays Jergel’s (Mon., 1/7/19)

Sycamore Island is a Green Space haven that’s river-bound and close to town. (Photo: Lindsay Dill)

1) Speaking of Pittsburgh’s best-kept secrets: Have you heard of Allegheny Land Trust?  The nonprofit maintains “Green Spaces” across the city and into the suburbs and exurbs. There’s a bunch of them, open daily for activities ranging from relaxed walks to biking, birding, and even camping. Wingfield Pines, south of Downtown, is a reclaimed strip-mining area. Audubon Greenway in Sewickley is notably bike-able. Emerald View Park on the slopes of Mt. Washington offers wooded trails with, as the name implies, great views. And Sycamore Island—in the Allegheny River, just a few miles upstream from the Point—is singularly cool. Reachable only by boat, it’s a patch of undisturbed nature where one can camp overnight (get a permit in advance) almost within shouting distance of the city limits. But don’t shout; check it out. The Land Trust has 19 Green Spaces overall. (MV)

2) The Balcony Big Band is hitting only high notes in a Monday night performance at Jergel’s Rhythm Grille. The 18 member group makes a big, beautiful sound. Get in some Monday relaxation with good music. 7 p.m. No cover. 285 Northgate Dr., Warrendale.

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