The East Liberty Presbyterian Church

Now that the semester has ended, I'll be wrapping up this blog. Thank you to everyone who came by to read!

Before I go, I wanted to share the link to my final project, titled The Bell Tower Reached for the Heavens. In it, I explore the history and architecture (of course) of the East Liberty Presbyterian Church. It is a really beautiful building, and self-guided and guided walking tours are available if that is something that interests you. The ELPC's website has more info.

Here is the link to the project: https://goo.gl/8gZgZE

And, I'll be moving my obsession with trees/nature/architecture and nature/nature in city environments to Instagram sometime in the near future. I have way too many tree photos...

Downtown Christmas

I studied for my B.A. in journalism at Point Park University, right in the heart of Downtown Pittsburgh. Every day I'd eat lunch in Market Square, and I knew winter was coming when they put up the giant Christmas tree in the middle of the skating rink, just like I knew spring was well on its way whenever I'd see crews taking the rink down.

Photo via PPGPlace.com

I have a soft spot for the place, and so every holiday season I go back to Market Square to see the tree and all the other holiday goodies available. There's a lovely arts market set up to mimic quaint German shops in Market Square, and Wintergarden at PPG Place showcases hundreds of gingerbread houses, an incredibly tall tree of its own, and stories of Santa from around the world.

Be sure to check it out--and don't miss out on the chance to skate around that tree!

Photos and text by Faith Cotter

Chatham University Throughout The Seasons

As the semester winds down, I come another few steps closer to graduation. I started working at Chatham in June of 2014 and began graduate school that fall. I have two classes left to complete this spring before I earn a Master of Arts in Professional Writing.

There were lots of moments when I stopped to appreciate the beauty of this campus. Rachel Carson is an alumna of Chatham, so of course there is an abundance of nature here. In many ways, Chatham represents what I love about Pittsburgh and what this blog is about--nature and architecture, standing as one, until one day nature takes back what we have created.

Here are all my favorite photos of Chatham, taken from June of 2014 to present.

Beyond the City

For as wonderful and walkable as Pittsburgh can be, there are several beautiful spots just outside the city's limits that are incredibly special to me. The nice thing about Pittsburgh is that you don't have to drive very far in any direction to get a breath of fresh, country air.

All of these parks are accessible by car--about a 45 minute to 2 hour drive outside Pittsburgh.

Heritage Reservation 

Owned by the Boy Scouts of America, Heritage Reservation is not public property. However, you can schedule a camping trip through Flag Plaza, the official office for the Laurel Highlands Council.

 
McConnells Mill

Misty Hill Farm

Reilly's Summer Seat Farm and Garden Center

Lake Erie 

Now, if only we can get a train from the city to the country. I can't believe that in England, you can hop on a train and it will take you to places like Hever Castle and Cornwall!

Photos and text by Faith Cotter