Brewhaha, the annual benefit for Hollow Oak Land Trust, celebrates its 10th year with an evening of craft beer, food pairings and hands-on activities on Saturday, March 28, at the Marnick Center in Avonworth Community Park.
Rachael Masterson, project manager at Hollow Oak Land Trust, said the event enables them to “safeguard over 900 acres of greenspace in the Pittsburgh Airport Corridor — protecting wildlife habitats, building sustainable trails, and linking communities to nature for healthier ecosystems and enhanced quality of life for generations.”
Fundraiser attendees will sample drinks from 10 local breweries, a winery and a nonalcoholic brewery. Upon arrival, guests receive a commemorative tasting glass before circulating among beverage stations to sample a wide range of offerings. Chef-curated dishes are matched with each drink, including miso soup, Greek salad, braised goat, cacio & pepe pasta and mixed berry clafoutis, to name a few.
“My favorite part of Brewhaha is the community vibe it creates,” said Masterson. “Craft beer enthusiasts and nature lovers unite to celebrate local brews, amazing food and conserved landscapes.”
Brewhaha also features a silent auction and raffles, and a spinning ticket game gives guests multiple chances to support the cause while competing for prizes that often include vintage items, glassware and unique trinkets.
Craft stations will also be available to create small nature-inspired projects. During the VIP Hour, guests will have a rare encounter with animals (who cannot be released back into the wild and serve as educational ambassadors) from Audubon Society of Western Pennsylvania — a kestrel and a screech owl.
Event co-chair Mona Mattson said attendees are often “like-minded people who are invested in either land conservation, nature or usage of the trails. So it’s people from local communities that come together and it’s a really fun evening to meet new people who have similar interests.”
Mattson first connected with Hollow Oak Land Trust after the organization reached out to her neighborhood in Moon Township about trail development, and she now volunteers, serves on the board and frequently uses the trails.
Hollow Oak Land Trust currently protects more than 900 acres of land across multiple conservation areas in the region. Its mission centers on two goals: conserving land and serving the community. The organization maintains free, publicly accessible trails and is working toward connecting its preserves into an extensive network, including a planned 10-mile loop that links neighboring communities.
Several of Hollow Oak’s properties connect directly to the Montour Trail, while others remain lesser known despite being close to residential areas. Through events like Brewhaha, the trust hopes to raise awareness that creeks, waterfalls, forests and miles of trails are available locally, said Mattson.
“People don’t realize that this is right here right in their backyards,” she said.
Proceeds from Brewhaha directly support land protection, trail building and stewardship efforts. Tickets and additional information about Brewhaha and Hollow Oak Land Trust can be found at hollowoak.org.
Photos courtesy of Mona Mattson
Be First to Comment