I hope you all have been having an enjoyable summer! It has certainly been busy for wildlife rehabilitators and environmental educators across the country. I have been busy connecting folks with nature while growing my community here in the Greater Pittsburgh Area.
We have been lucky enough to bring environmental education programming to summer camps, day cares, libraries and public events! My dear friends Lorren, Amber and Bill have joined me during some of these events, as has my spouse, Zach! Behind the scenes, my sister Ren has been doing an incredible job on my website and more. I am so grateful for all of the support I have gotten thus far. In addition to summer programming, I am working on my non-profit status and building my strategic plan for the next several years. Needless to say, it has been a productive and fun filled summer!
You can see Shango in a news clip from our day celebrating Schenley Plaza’s 20th Birthday! Check out the clip here.
Interested in booking a program with us for the Fall or Winter months? Reach out to me at education@alexisnouveau.com or submit a form on my website here.
New Team Members – Giant African Millipedes
As I build up my environmental education programming, I wanted a diverse group of creatures to help me educate. Part of that process has been creating a collection plan, and factoring in the long term care of any creature that comes aboard my team. For years, I have been wanting to work with Giant African Millipedes in an educational setting, and I am so happy to report the additions of Donna and Darrell to our menagerie.
Named by my dear friend Lorren Kezmoh, Donna and Darrell have already fit in well with our environmental education programming. Though they are not a native species, Giant African Millipedes are a great representative for their native cousins, as their large size makes them easier for folks to see and understand. In particular, Darrell has happily crawled out of his travel enclosure to be greeted by audiences of all ages. These many legged creatures are vital parts of the ecosystem, and I am happy to give folks a new perspective on the “creepy crawlies” that we share our planet with.
For the Love of Old Trees
Below is an article I wrote about a local tree for a community celebration. Trees hold a special place in my heart, and I love finding folks that care about trees in the same way. Enjoy the story of this particular tree and learn how to calculate the age of the trees in your neighborhood.
Do you have a special tree in your life? I know, I know, this sounds like a silly question to ask, but I am sure that many of you had a particular tree pop into your head just now. Was it a tree you grew up with? Perhaps it was the tree that housed your very first precariously built tree house! Or the one that had that fabulous rope swing. Trees hold a sentimental place in many of our hearts. Anytime I hear about someone’s special tree, I want to share the story.
When Mary Lou and Cheryl’s parents built their West Homestead home in 1958, there was a huge Pin Oak (Quercus palustris) growing in the backyard. They were grateful to have had the $110 to purchase the plot of land that the tree stood on, extending their backyard and solidifying the tree as a part of the family.
From the beginning, the family knew that it was a special tree. This tree, which was affectionately named “Oakley”, became a core part of Mary Lou & Cheryl’s adventures growing up. Neighborhood kids would join them on the attached swing, or bring decorations for the fairy door at the bottom of the tree. Oakley became habitat for a myriad of wildlife visitors, including squirrels, woodpeckers, and the occasional Baltimore Oriole. One of the family dogs, Molly, would engage in battles with those squirrels, making the tree very valuable territory for Molly to defend. In the 1970’s Another family dog named Shannon would dig up daffodil bulbs as their mom planted them around the tree! Shannon would run away with those bulbs. Luckily, she was able to get a few of those bulbs into the ground, and they are still returning every spring!
As Mary Lou and Cheryl’s families grew, Cheryl’s children and grandchildren spent time playing around this same tree. Family parties stayed cooler under the shade of the tree on hot summer days. The family made sure that dead branches were trimmed and the tree was cared for as it grew. In the year 2026, this tree is still a part of the family and one of the oldest organisms in West Homestead. I am so happy to know that Oakley still stands tall for future generations to benefit from.
Age Calculation on a Living Tree
If you are curious about aging a particular tree, first you will need to determine the species. Once you know the species, you can take measurements and do a quick calculation to estimate the tree’s age.
First, measure the tree’s circumference in inches 4½ feet (54 inches) above ground level. This is called CBH or circumference at breast height. Then determine the diameter by dividing the circumference by 3.14 (pi). Then multiply the diameter in inches by the appropriate factor to determine the estimated tree age. Oakley is a Pin Oak, which means we multiply the diameter by 3!
- Oakley’s circumference at breast height = 141 inches
- 141 = 44.88 (Oakley’s Diameter)
- 44.88 x 3 = 134 years old!
The Benefits of Living Near Trees
Living in an area with more trees is better for all creatures. Neighborhoods with trees are known to keep lower average temperatures during the summer months. Air quality is improved, and oxygen is produced as a byproduct of photosynthesis. Leaf decomposition improves soil quality and allows for creatures like fireflies and moths to lay their eggs or rest safely during the cold winter months. Yes, you can use this article as an excuse to not rake the leaves in the fall. You have my permission. The fireflies thank you!
If you are looking for some resources about proper tree care, there are many cool organizations right here in Pittsburgh to check out. Tree Pittsburgh has great resources on their website, and the nursery Rust Belt Natives, located over in Hazelwood, often has native tree species for sale.
If you would like the growth rate chart used to calculate the age of different tree species, you can find it below. Thank you for taking care of those special trees in your life. Be sure to share your tree story with me if we ever cross paths!
Upcoming Events
West Homestead Community Day
August 15, 2026; 4:00 – 9:00 PM – Visit with Ms. Alexis & Shango to celebrate the nature we see in West Homestead!
Calhoun Community Park
3650 Fieldstone Dr
Homestead, PA 15120
Pittsburgh Renaissance Festival
Alexis will be onstage with her bird and human colleagues from Nature’s Educators at the Renaissance Festival! Shows take place on the Globe Stage, four times a day!
- August 23, 29, 30
- September 5, 6, 7, 12, 13, 19, 20, 26, & 27
You can always find my upcoming public events on the Calendar section of my website too!
