Thoughtful Excavation: An Exploration of Sediment, Slag, and Self

Local writer, artist, and naturalist Tess Wilson leads environmental and creative education around the region. She offers regular zine workshops, bird walks, and art classes to folks of all ages. What excites her most is finding ways to use natural places as artistic inspiration, which is the focus of this walk.

Pittsburgh has been shaped–in more ways than one–by geological and topographical changes over millions of years. From the high hills overlooking our rivers to the low streams that wind through our parks, this city is a tapestry designed by time and temperature. In a place with so many folds and crevices, it’s no surprise there are unseen and unexpected delights everywhere.

Join Tess to explore a short section of Nine Mile Run, between Summerset at Frick Park and Swisshelm Park. We will walk on a gravel trail that cuts through two eras of geological and industrial development. As we wander, we will examine our own lived histories together, drawing and writing our way along the stream.

This 1.8 mile walk will start and end at the parking lot on Old Browns Hill Road, just before the river’s edge. Since the trail surface is gravel and includes inclines, please wear hiking shoes. There is some tree cover, but please prepare for any weather, this includes bringing bug spray and sunscreen and / or other forms of sun protection.

All creative supplies will be provided.

About Tess Wilson

Tess Wilson (she/her) is a librarian, artist, and naturalist. She loves teaching and learning about information democracy, creative education, and environmental advocacy. She earned an MFA in Creative Writing from Chatham University and an MLIS from the University of Pittsburgh. She has worked in public and academic libraries, in both outreach and reference. Most recently, she was a co-author of an ALA United for Libraries Action Planner about building diverse library boards and contributed a chapter to ACRL’s Data Literacy Cookbook. In her spare time, she enjoys volunteering with her local watershed and making art of all kinds. She collects big books and small rocks.

Tour Meeting Location

Participants will meet at the Nine Mile Run Trail Parking Lot on Old Browns Hill Road.

We ask that participants arrive by 9:45 AM so that there is time to check people in and to start the tour promptly at 10:00 AM.

Parking and Transportation

Public parking is available on-site. Overflow parking is also available at the bottom of Old Browns Hill Road on the riverfront.

If taking public transportation, there is a Pittsburgh Regional Transit stop at Browns Hill Road and Parkview Boulevard that serves routes 52L, 53L, 57, 61C, 61D, and 64. For more information, please visit the Pittsburgh Regional Transit website at: https://www.rideprt.org/.

If arriving by bicycle, there are no dedicated bike racks available. There are no nearby POGOH Bike Share stations. For more information on POGOH Bike Share, please visit: https://pogoh.com/system-map/.

Access and Accommodations

This event will be held outdoors on a public hiking trail and will take place rain or shine. Please dress accordingly and wear comfortable shoes. The total distance of the tour is 1.8 miles on gravel and dirt paths. The tour route encounters two unpaved and steep inclines. The tour route does not include steps but does cross a small bridge over a creek. Limited seating is available at intervals along the tour route.

There are no public restrooms available along the tour route. There are several restaurants and shops within a 5-minute drive.

To request additional accommodations for this event, please submit your request in writing on the event registration form. A Shiftworks staff member will follow up with you directly about your request. We will attempt to implement requests for reasonable accommodations to the best of our ability, but cannot guarantee that all requests will be met. Alternate accommodations may be suggested by staff. All requests must be made by Monday, September 28, 2026.

Questions should be directed to ashley@shiftworkspgh.org.

Photography, Videography, and Other Documentation

Participants should be aware that photography, video recording, and/or other documentation of the event by Shiftworks, other attendees, or the media may take place during the event. Participants will have an opportunity to indicate if they choose to opt out of being included in event documentation, and our team will make reasonable efforts to accommodate these preferences.

Registration

This tour is free and open to the public; advance registration is required. The button below will redirect you to Eventbrite where you will complete your registration.