Angora Gardens

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Our Story

Nestled on three acres in White Oak Park, 3 Muse Lane has a rich history. In 1783, the United States Government installed a block house on the property. Mr. Adam Reburn was put in charge of this house, christened Reburn’s Station. In 1788, Reburn purchased the house - plus 200 acres of surrounding land - and made it his home. Anthony Rollins was the next to purchase the property. He built a cabin and barn. The farmhouse was built in 1820. A road was constructed through the woods to the main road. This road was named Rollins Road, and is believed to be what is now Muse Lane. Rollins Road was traveled by George Washington and General Braddock and they made their way to Braddock Fields. Mr. John J. Muse purchased the property in 1832. Mr. Muse was an active politician from 1858 to 1859; he served as treasurer of Allegheny County and represented Allegheny County in the legislature. He added an orchard, pine trees, and gardens during his family's time living on the property. His family remained on the property through 1967, when 3 Muse Lane became part of the Allegheny Parks System. In 1988, Mon Yough Community Services established Angora Gardens, so named for the Angora Rabbits that lived on the property at the time. Angora's initial purpose was to provide training, social rehabilitation, and support to individuals living with mental illness - those in need of developing or regaining skills necessary to live, work, and socialize within their community. The Angora Rabbits were used as a vehicle for client therapy. Staff and clients cared for the bunnies and used their fur to make various products, which were then sold in the Angora Gift Shop. Staff also maintained the property sites and gardens, utilized the greenhouse for planting and conservation, capitalized on the farmhouse as a teaching space for independent life skills, and promoted socialization without stigma among program participants.

The program survived in its early years with help from Allegheny County and the State of Pennsylvania. But, as times changed, funding dissipated and budgets were cut. Lack of funding nearly closed the doors of Angora Gardens. In 2005, ​an advocacy group was formed to seek support through donations and grants, and fundraising events such as Septemberfest, Halloween-themed Funny Fright Nights, and an Easter Egg Hunt were held. ​ ​In 2010, while still operating on a shoestring budget and minimal staff, Angora Gardens received grant funding from Mr. Richard Scaife and Mr. Matthew Groll from the Scaife Foundation (Allegheny Foundation). This funding allowed Angora Gardens to remain open and re-brand as a health and wellness center. The Angora Rabbits were adopted by a local rabbit caretaker, and they return for special visits, including Easter Egg Hunts, courtesy of Rabbit Wranglers. Since then, the Allegheny Foundation continues to support Angora Gardens' mission. Several other generous donors contribute to the sustainability of the program as well. (Please reference our donor list at http://www.angoragardens.org/event-sponsors-and-in-kind-donors.html) The program has expanded its health and wellness course offerings, the Barn was renovated into a wellness center and event venue, staff operate out of the Farmhouse, and the Greenhouse has returned to a fully-functioning space for cultivating, propagating, and educational activities. Angora Gardens also hosts multiple annual events open to the community, offers a variety of volunteer opportunities, and is available for private event rentals. Present-day Angora Gardens is a safe and educational place where everyone can learn how to lead a healthy lifestyle and connect with their community, managed by UPMC Western Behavioral Health at Mon Yough.