If you take a drive through North Park, past Lake Marshall, during the month of April, you will have the opportunity to see the fruits of a wonderful nonprofit organization known as The Pittsburgh Sakura Project. Sakura means cherry blossom in Japanese. Clusters of multiple varieties of cherry trees, planted among non-cherry trees such as black gum trees, eastern white pines, and American hornbeams, bloom in waves of pink and white throughout the month. It is a project that has grown slowly but surely over the years, thanks to a dedicated group of individuals at this organization. North Hills Monthly spoke to Carol Tenny, a board member at The Pittsburgh Sakura Project, who is responsible for outreach and publicity, to learn more about this dynamic organization.
North Hills Monthly (NHM): How did the Pittsburgh Sakura Project come about? Why was Lake Marshall at North Park chosen as the site?
Pittsburgh Sakura Project (PSP): The first formal establishment of the Pittsburgh Sakura Project (PSP) came in 2007 when the Japanese Association of Greater Pittsburgh (JAGP) formed a committee to create the project. The idea came from Fumio Yasuzawa, one of the founding members of PSP, who had moved to the U.S. from Japan and had lived here for many years. He wanted to give back to the U.S. in gratitude by planting Japanese cherry trees. He planted several kinds of cherry trees at his home, and after successfully growing them for five years, he brought the idea for the project to JAGP.
The PSP committee then worked with landscape architects Kary Arimoto and Rick Mercer. A proposal was made to Allegheny County Parks, including their planting designs, for several candidate sites in North Park. Out of these, the location at the lake was selected because it was a site that could be widely shared by many people. It also provides a beautiful view across the lake to cherry groves on each side, evoking the landscapes of Japan.
NHM: How many and what types of trees has the Sakura Project brought to North Park?
PSP: As of 2024, the Sakura Project has planted 284 cherry trees. Additionally, 129 other varieties of trees have been planted, following plans developed by our landscape architects in consultation with the park administration.
NHM: How many trees will be planted in the fall of 2025? Are there any events surrounding the annual tree planting?
PSP: We will be planting ten cherry trees on Saturday, November 1, 2025, at our annual fall planting. On planting day, volunteers gather to pitch in with the work, socialize, and enjoy the experience. Afterward, we usually gather for snacks in one of the park’s pavilions.
Anyone interested in volunteering is welcome to join us. You can visit our website at https://www.pghsakuraproject.org/volunteer/ for information on how to participate in planting days. We also organize general tree maintenance days, where volunteers can help care for the trees.
NHM: Who are your founding members, and how has the board changed over time? Do you have an executive director, or is the entire organization volunteer-driven?
PSP: The Pittsburgh Sakura Project does not have an executive director. It is run entirely by volunteer board members. We currently have six active board members, including Fumio Yasuzawa, with one vacancy.
The board initially consisted of Japanese members as part of the Japanese Association of Greater Pittsburgh. Over time, more Americans have joined. Of the 15 past board members, one-third returned to Japan. Currently, there are two American board members, and we continue to reach out in hopes of getting more Pittsburghers involved.
NHM: In what ways do the Sakura Project and Allegheny County Parks work together?
PSP: The cherry groves have always been a cooperative project between PSP, Allegheny County Parks, and landscape designers Kary Arimoto (a third-generation Japanese-American) and Rick Mercer. The landscape architects design the cherry groves in collaboration with the Parks Department, which reviews and approves the plans.
PSP raises funds to purchase the trees and organizes volunteers for planting and maintenance. The Parks Department has been incredibly supportive, providing heavy equipment to dig holes for mature trees and occasionally assisting with mulch. We are grateful for our longstanding, friendly, and mutually respectful relationship with Allegheny County Parks.
NHM: How do you raise funds for the yearly planting and ongoing maintenance of the trees?
PSP: All of our funds come from donations. In addition to purchasing trees, we need supplies such as planting, pruning, and weeding tools, mulch, stakes, buckets, gloves, and carts.
Many people donate to purchase memorial trees in remembrance of loved ones. More information about donations can be found on our website: https://www.pghsakuraproject.org/contribute/. We are also grateful for corporate donations, which help sustain our efforts.
NHM: How do volunteers contribute to the success of the project? How can community members get involved? How can individuals and corporations help financially?
PSP: Except during the COVID years, we have always depended on volunteers. With only six board members, it would be impossible to do all the work ourselves.
We organize volunteer gatherings for planting days and workdays. Large groups of volunteers help us accomplish a lot while making it a fun and celebratory event. If you would like to volunteer, please visit: https://www.pghsakuraproject.org/volunteer/.
We also welcome financial donations from individuals and corporations. As a nonprofit organization, donations are tax-deductible. For inquiries about making a donation, please visit: https://www.pghsakuraproject.org/contribute/.
NHM: What events and celebrations will take place this April when the trees are in bloom? Is there a way for people to know when the trees will be blooming, similar to the DC Cherry Blossom Watch site?
PSP: We are planning a cherry blossom viewing party on April 5, 2025. Since Mother Nature does not provide a fixed schedule for peak bloom, we will monitor the buds in the weeks leading up to the event. Check our website and Facebook page for updates.
Because there are multiple varieties of cherry trees, they bloom at different times, extending the viewing season over several weeks. However, don’t delay—cherry blossoms are symbolic of both beauty and ephemerality in Japan. Later in the season, you may witness petals falling like pink snow. A map of all the cherry groves is available in front of the lake, next to Tennis Court Road, across from the Latrobe Shelter.
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