DMH Fellowship volunteers were back out on the trails this week for a 'follow-up' project to the installation of the blue trash receptical at the hollow's main entrance. After the trash barrel was set in place earlier this year, a minor problem was detected. Rain water was collecting in the plastic garbage bag and being absorbed by some of the trash. Not only was this causing the trash barrel to give off a foul odor, but it was also making the barrel an ideal breeding ground for Mosquitos. It became quite clear that some type of cover was needed for the barrel.
It did not take long for the volunteers to agree on a design that would allow visitors to dispose of their unwanted items without having to physically lift a lid. A short time later, plywood pieces were cut to size and assembled with ease. Once the construction was complete, two coats of paint were applied before the lid was finally attached to the barrel. Hopefully, this cover will help to keep the rain and snow from building up in the trash can.
With that, the DMH Fellowship volunteers would like to say 'Thank You' to those individuals who continue to help remove litter from both the Dead Man's Hollow trail system and the Youghiogheny River Trail. Your effort makes the difference!
Good news! The McKeesport Heritage Center has opted to keep the Dead Man's Hollow exhibit on display until October 31st, 2011. Highlights of this exhibit include the century old pipe remnants, volunteer group memorabilia and a scale model of the Union Sewer Pipe Company. For more information, please contact the McKeesport Heritage Center at ( 412 ) 678 / 1832.
'GHOST CAMS'
On April 7th, 2011, the Tribune Review featured an article questioning whether or not Dead Man's Hollow is truly haunted. In the days that followed, this website received a large volume of email from various paranormal investigation groups wanting to conduct research in the hollow. This sudden interest in the ghost of Dead Man's Hollow prompted this website to launch an small investigation of its own. Thanks to a generosity of an anonymous contributor, the DMH Fellowship received six Wildgame Innovations™ 4.0 MP Digital Scouting Cameras. Each camera has a built-in 22 piece LED array with a high-intensity infrared flash for night observation. Another great feature is the motion sensor and rapid trigger speed that will ensure that whatever activates the device gets captured on the camera's memory card. An added bonus is that each camera is powered by an external battery pack that will last up to 90 days. After the power packs were fully charged, members of the DMH Fellowship spent a few hours in the hollow setting up the cameras in various inconspicuous locations. With the cameras now in place, all that is left to do is wait. The photo results will be posted later this year.
THANK YOU VOLUNTEERS!
On behalf of the DMH Fellowship, I would like to thank the individuals that came out on a beautiful Saturday morning to assist the Allegheny Land Trust with the volunteer clean-up event at the Catfish Pond. Without a doubt, it's the efforts of the volunteers that make the Dead Man's Hollow area such a wonderful place to visit. Hopefully, the continued success of these events will encourage others in the community to get involved and inspire them to want to make a difference. Thanks again everyone!
- S.B.
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!
Allegheny Land Trust is sponsoring a volunteer clean-up event at the Catfish Pond section of the Dead Man's Hollow nature conservation area. The event will be held rain or shine on Saturday, June 4th, 2011 from 9 am to 1 pm. In addition to the clean-up efforts, the ALT will also conduct a sign dedication in honor of the late David Pencoske, a founding member of The Friends Of Dead Man's Hollow volunteer group and an ALT site steward. Boxed lunches will be provided.
For more information, please call the Allegheny Land Trust at ( 412 ) 741 / 2750.
KEEPING THE YOUGHIOGHENY RIVER TRAIL CLEAN
The DMH Fellowship would like to thank Jim M. of Elrama for providing the trash barrel that is now located near the entrance to Dead Man's Hollow along the Youghiogheny River Trail. Visitors to the area will no longer be inconvenienced by having to carry disposable items over a mile to the Boston trailhead or the Liberty Trail access. Please help our volunteers keep the Dead Man's Hollow conservation area and this section of the Great Allegheny Passage clean by taking the extra step to put litter in its place.
THE LATEST PROJECT
Over the past few months, a number of visitors to the Youghiogheny River Trail commented on an 'eyesore' near the entrance to Dead Man's Hollow. All of these individuals suggested that something ought to be done with the bright orange colored guard rail along the YRT. After examining the issue, both the DMH Fellowship and Allegheny Land Trust agreed that the fluorescent color needed to be removed because it was not complimenting the serenity of its surrounding.
Before
When weather conditions were favorable, the DMH Fellowship set out to correct the problem. First, the group purchased new stainless steel cable clamps to reconnect the frayed cables. Once the adjustments were made to the guide rail system, volunteers covered the orange paint with black Rustoleum brand paint. During the restoration process, one visitor jogging along the trail paused long enough to praise the volunteers for 'silencing such an awful color'. It was rather loud, wasn't it?
After
* Total cost of project - $62.00 (4 cable clamps @ $8 each + 5 cans of spray paint @ $6 each)
