Fern Hollow Nature Center facility sits empty, its contents packed into two pods.
Shovels have been used to remove the first few piles of dirt and heavy equipment is on site.
The long-awaited transformation for the future of this Sewickley Heights community resource is underway.
A ceremonial groundbreaking for the renovation was held at the 33-acre property in Sewickley Heights Borough that serves more than 10,000 visitors each year.
“This is really a huge night for Fern Hollow and it’s so great to look out and see so many former board members, board members, donors, neighbors, friends and especially all of our staff, who have been putting up with quite a lot for the last year,” said Fern Hollow executive director Sam Capezzuto, minutes before shovels went into the ground on May 5. “We are going to build one of the best buildings you’ve ever seen. Were going to make sure that it’s accessible and that its sustainable and that it’s going to meet the needs of our community, not just today, but for future generations to come. This is not just a groundbreaking — this is the beginning of Fern Hollow forever.”
Capezzuto was recognized for her vision by Fern Hollow board president Jennifer Nastasi, who said over the past year and a half that Capezzuto has committed — heart and soul — to the best interests of the nature center.
“We wouldn’t be here without her,” Nastasi said.
Carrying on a legacy
This is the center’s largest capital improvement project and the most ambitious fundraising campaign of its history. The goal is $2.5 million. To date, $1.86 million has been raised, which includes the largest gift in its history in December 2025 from the Sculley family in honor of founder and first board president, Paula Sculley.
A grant from the Pennsylvania Gaming Economic Development Tourism Fund has been earmarked for important safety improvements being done along with the renovation, Nastasi said.
“We’re honored to carry out Paula’s legacy in this new space,” Nastasi said.
Longtime supporter and donor Peggy Standish, of Sewickley, knew Sculley and said she would love that the renovation is happening.
Fern Hollow is a gem, Standish said.
“I really enjoy the outdoors and this group also enjoys the outdoors,” Standish said. “With this renovation, there is going to be more programming. It’s a wonderful space for children to experience the outdoors. It’s a gathering space and what they are doing here is really, really good.”
Expanded programming
The renovation will expand the existing structure by 1,200 square feet and include two classrooms with both indoor and outdoor access, as well as a welcoming lobby with educational displays. Sustainability is central to the design, incorporating energy-efficient systems, solar panels and a native garden with integrated stormwater management, Capezzuto said.
The architect is Wildman Chalmers Design and Martik Brothers is handling the construction.
Among the 65 people in attendance were Sewickley Heights Borough council members Michael Bollinger and Craig Kinney.
“I’m excited by the transformation of Fern Hollow, with both the physical transformation of this addition and with the hiring of a naturalist, that puts us in position to offer more adult and children’s programming,” Bollinger said. “It is also great to have a naturalist (Janel Morrison). She gives us educational credibility that I think we really haven’t had.”
Morrison, who was hired in October 2025, said she is excited for this new chapter. She plans to be on site a few days a week, working on removing invasive plants and adding good plants. People can still bring their dogs and there will be hikes and some birding opportunities. The playground will be open, as will the Sewickley Heights History Center.
The vegetable garden is being prepped and they have some programming for teaching people how to garden, Morrison said.
“I hope that you’ll continue to use the park and walk the beautiful trails through our meadow and volunteer for our community garden,” Nastasi said. “Bring your children to the natural outdoor classroom.”
Partnering with other organizations
Some programming is being moved to nearby parks and partner organizations, said Jessica Cindrich, programming and communications manager at Fern Hollow.
“We really, really wanted to make sure that people didn’t forget about us and we are heading into our busiest season, so thankfully we had some partnerships already in place,” Cindrich said. “We like to call ourselves the gateway to local parks.”
Fern Hollow has collaborations with Quaker Valley School District and Sewickley Academy. Some programming will take place at Mary Roberts Rinehart Nature Park and Walker Park. Cindrich said they also hope to do programming at The Lindsay Theater and the Sewickley Community Center.
“We’re offering all the programming that we would normally offer at different locations, which are still accessible and part of the Sewickley Valley,” Cindrich said.
G. Whitney Snyder Sr. originally donated the center’s property to Sewickley Heights borough in 1997, which created the opportunity for outdoor and educational experiences. The building — an original Sears and Roebuck prefabricated house — and the surrounding space needed to be updated, Capezzuto said. She added discussions about a renovation began about 15 years ago as part of a strategic plan to expand the offerings.
“The other night, when I was packing my office, I realized I have about 25,000 hours in that little office,” Capezzuto said. “It’s been an honor and it’s been a privilege. One of the best things I’ve ever done in my life was coming to work at Fern Hollow. This Sears and Roebuck house served us well, but it has seen better days. It’s time.”
Fern Hollow forever
So far, the monies raised during the campaign will cover the cost of the addition. The public part of the campaign is in process to help raise the rest of the money, Capezzuto said.
“We need all the bells and whistles that are going to make our nature center the home that we want for the community, “ Capezzuto said. “Now we are going to look to the Sewickley Valley community to help us get over the finish line.”
The renovation is projected to be done by fall, Nastasi said, in time for the fall music festival.
“So mark your calendars for Oct. 17,” said Nastasi as she invited guests to join her in a toast. “Raise your glasses to Fern Hollow forever.”