Starting in early February, the Pittsburgh Sakura Project did winter pruning and other tree care, looking forward to spring, with the opening of the cherry blossoms. We planned to hold a hanami (cherry blossom viewing) event for early April, but due to the current situation with COVID-19, we will not hold an event this spring.

On the bright side, we expect the cherries to bloom beautifully again this year. It will still be awhile before the blossoms open at the North Park groves. In the meantime, we will be bringing you photos via Facebook and our website to let you know the “sakura forecast.” Being outdoors, enjoying the trees and blossoms is still safe, as long as you’re not too close together or in big groups. Please enjoy, and if you can make it to the park, share your photos with us!

ピッツバーグ桜プロジェクトでは2月初旬から数週間をかけて、冬の枝剪定などの手入れをして春の桜の開花を楽しみに待っていました。そして、4月初旬にお花見会の企画をしておりましたが、今回のコロナウイルス感染拡大のためこの企画を見合わせることにいたしました。

しかし桜は美しく花を咲かせてくれます。

まだ開花にはすこし時間がかかりそうですが、プロジェクトでは順次桜の開花情報をウェブ、フェイスブック等でお知らせしていく予定です。ノースパークで桜の写真を撮られましたらプロジェクトと共有していただけたら幸いです。

このような時こそ皆様にノースパークに美しく咲いた桜の花をめでていただけたらと願っております。

In winter and early spring, while the trees are dormant, it’s pruning season. Pruning is needed for healthy growth and helps the trees bloom beautifully in spring. PSP board and committee members carry out this work, together with other volunteers, and we humbly request your help on the days scheduled.
Time: 2 pm, for 1 to 2 hours
Dates: six Sundays: Feb. 9, Feb. 16, Feb. 23 (for pruning) Mar. 1, Mar. 8, Mar. 15 (for mulching and other tree care)
Meet at our tool shed, across from the tennis courts on Tennis Court Rd.
Work area: We will drive from the tool shed to the work area in several cars.
Please RSVP by email to sakurapghboard@gmail.com, including your name. We will prepare a volunteer ID for you.
The work session will be canceled in case of weather unfit for pruning work (e.g., extreme cold, rain or snow). If you are unsure, please confirm the work session via phone call or text message to Mr. Yasuzawa (412-600-2181), before leaving home.
Wear: warm work clothes, including gloves
Tools: we provide
Snack: we provide after the work