The Bi-Weekly e-Newsletter of Venture Outdoors Inc.
304 Forbes Ave, 2nd Floor, Pittsburgh, PA 15222
For Information and Registration 412-255-0564 (M-F 9-5) or www.ventureoutdoors.org
Welcome to the Outdoors!
What's in this issue? (Left Column)
1. Trail Mix: What's a "Banff"?
2. Venture Outdoors Membership Corner
3. Call for Volunteers
4. Lectures with a View *Last of the Series!*
5. Outdoor Announcements and Events (Special Events, Environment/Health, Racing/Long Distance Treks, Job/Volunteer Postings, Clean-Up/Trail Maintenance Volunteering)
Even More Fun Stuff: (Right Column)
I. Support VO (Dine & Donate, iGive)
II. Venture Outdoors Activity Spotlight
(Family Fishing Derby, Ephemeral Wildflower Walk, Japanese Knotweed Feast)
III. Banff Film Festival
IV. V.O. in the News
V. Venture Outdoors Activity Listing
VI. Venture Outdoors Festival
VII. Inspirations (William Blake)
VIII. What's Goin' On?
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1.
Trail Mix - What's a "Banff"?
Welcome to Trail Mix, a Zip-lock bagful of VO-related fun facts, links and puzzlers,
served up fresh with every issue of Contours. Look for helpful information on everything outdoors
along with other interesting tidbits that enhance your awareness and well-being (and your funny bone too).
What kinda name is Banff anyway...?
The Banff Mountain Film Festival (see III. Banff Film Festival) is here! But have you ever wondered what the heck a "banff" is, or where the "Banff Mountain" might be located?
As it turns out, there is no Banff Mountain, but there is a town of about 7,500 tucked away in the Rocky Mountains of Alberta, Canada that goes by that name. Banff, which was derived from Banffshire, Scotland, was the birthplace of the Banff Mountain Film Festival, which presents exciting films on various mountain themes.
The town of Banff prides itself on its preservation of a rich mountain culture, with historic sites, national parks, and a industry of mountain sports such as skiing and hiking. It is only natural then that The Banff Centre, a globally respected arts, cultural, and educational institution and conference facility located in Banff National Park, would be the setting for the 30 year old Film Fest.
Banff World Tour
"Sounds great," you say..."but do you really expect me to trek all the way to Banff, Canada to see these films?" Never Fear! The Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour brings the Festival to your home town. Venture Outdoors is proud to present the 4th year of Banff in Pittsburgh, now with TWO nights (April 13 and 14) of different films, featuring climbing, fishing, kayaking, and much more.
Over 1,500 tickets sold already!
Don't miss your chance to experience these amazing films!
Call Venture Outdoors today: 412-255-0564
Puzzler...(see the answer at the bottom of the email)
The town of Banff has the highest elevation of any town in Canada.
Can you guess how many feet the town is located above sea level?
Balancing Point
Photo by: Danny Brown, Courtesy of the Banff Centre
2. Venture Outdoors
Membership Corner
Sign up for Membership today and pledge your support to outdoor recreation!
Put yourself in the center of the action! We make it easy for you to become a member with
Venture Outdoors TODAY. Members receive discounts on the hundreds of activities with Venture Outdoors
throughout the year, discounts from local merchants, priority listing on activity waiting lists and
subscriptions to Contours and Adventure Times as well as providing support for the organization that
means so much to you. Read on for some of the great things that come along with Venture Outdoors membership,
and to join, click here!
Become a V.O. Member!
Discover the advantages of a Venture Outdoors membership...call today!
412-255-0564, ext. 26
Or, click here.
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3. Call for Volunteers
We need a little help here!
General Volunteers
Do you have some time to spare during the week?
If so, we would be happy to include you in our ever-growing family of volunteers. Venture Outdoors staff is in need of volunteers for data entry, mailings and premium shipments as well as various office assistance during regular business hours (M-F, 9-5).
Can't commit to the weekdays? We are always looking for volunteers for our exciting events such as the
Banff Film Festival and Venture Outdoors Festival. Please contact Allison Ruppert at 412-255-0564, ext. 26 or aruppert@ventureoutdoors.org today.
4. Lectures with a View
at the Schenley Park Visitor Center
Mother Nature finds a voice this spring in the
Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy's
free lecture series,
Schenley Park Lunchtime Series: Lectures with a View.
The 6-week series features speakers on local history, environment, outdoor adventure and art, and is co-sponsored by Venture Outdoors.
Thursdays at Noon (30 min.) at Schenley Park Visitor Center
The Schenley Park Café will be serving gourmet sandwiches, salads, desserts and coffees.
For more information, call 412-682-7275.
April 13 - The Geology of Pittsburgh's City Parks
(Guided Walk to follow)
Albert Kollar, geologist, Carnegie Museum of Natural History
Middle Kaweah
Photo by: Jenning Steger, Courtesy of the Banff Centre
5. Outdoor Announcements & Events
Get out your planners folks...
Special Events
An Enviro Film Festival - Earth Day
Saturday, April 22
Six short films looking at the core issues of food and energy
along with some of the greatest thinkers of our time.
Time: 7:00-9:30 PM
Location: Botany Hall, Phipps Conservatory, across
from the Schenley Park Visitors Center
Cost: FREE
Organization: Sierra Club, Allegheny Group
"Water: An Endangered Resource"
Documentary to air on PBS...with an appearance from V.O.'s own Sean Brady!
Scheduled to air: Sunday, April 23rd at 5:00 PM
WQED, channel 13, in Pittsburgh
Carp All Night
No Art. Just Carp. (If you were looking for art, click here.)
Rods and bait provided, or bring your own.
Carp Queen and King crowned at Midnight.
Saturday, April 29
Dusk til Dawn
Under the 40th Street Bridge, Lawrenceville (by the canoe launch just past the CMU Robotics Building, look for signs)
PA Fishing License Required.
Sponsored in part by Venture Outdoors.
Opening celebration of Great Allegheny Passage in Somerset County
Opening Saturday, May 27th!
Visit the ATA website for more information.
10th Annual Outdoor Extravaganza
Memorial Day Weekend May 26-29, 2006
Base camp at Breakneck Campground
(Near McConnell's Mill & Moraine State Park)
Sponsored by Butler Outdoor Club
We have a weekend full of various outdoor activities:
road bike trips, bike trail trips, mountain biking, canoeing or kayaking on lakes or
streams, caving, sailing on Lake Arthur at Moraine State Park, rock climbing and rappelling
at McConnell's Mill State Park, horseback riding and various kinds of hikes.
For more information:
contact Joyce Appel at 724-526-5407 or joyceappel@arm-tek.net
Environment/Health
Working Hearts Day
Thursday, April 27
8:30 AM – 2:00 PM
PPG Wintergarden
FREE
Heart Health Screenings | Demonstrations | Lunch Time Panel Presentations | Ask The Experts One-on-One | Exhibits
www.workinghearts.org
Explorer's Club and White Rocks
The purchase price of White Rocks is nearly $725,000 dollars, and the Explorer's Club has secured all but $85,000! The Club must show the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy that they can raise that money in the very near future or they will lose this once-in-a-lifetime chance! When the purchase of White Rocks is complete:
· Over 800 acres will be put into public trust
· Mining and drilling will be prohibited
· Critical environmental habitat will be protected
· Rock climbing, hiking, hunting, fishing are just a few of the recreational opportunities that will be available to the public
All contributions are being collected through the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy and are tax-deductible. Please make the most generous donation you can. And thank you!
Leave No Trace Survey
The Center for Outdoor Ethics is seeking your input and ideas in order to make the Leave No Trace program more effective, useful and successful. Please take a few minutes to complete this quick survey. Your input is extremely valuable, and your comments and new ideas are welcome.
Click here to take the survey!
Racing/Long Distance Treks
Grass Roots Racing
Season Opener
A great start to the 2006 Sprint Series. Run, paddle, and find your way through one of Pittsburgh’s awesome parks. The race will be convenient to the city, making it easy for everyone, including family and friends, to enjoy an exciting day in the great outdoors.
Location: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Date: May 6th, 2006
For more information on this race and others, check out
www.rootsrace.com
Fineview 'Step Up to the Challenge' 5K
May 7, 2006
This year marks the exciting Eleventh Anniversary of the challenging Fineview 5K Race.
This race is a challenging 5K, perhaps the most challenging around, and we are hoping you
are up for it!
Entry Details:
Participation is open to anyone and includes entry by peoples of all ages.
Prizes are offered according to age groups. Teams are also encouraged to register for
the race. You and/or your team can download the online application form and race map at
our website www.onefineview.org/stepathon.htm.
Registration is only $15 before April 22nd and is $20 any time after.
The entry fee includes a certificate and T-shirt for every participant.
2006 Yockatomac Trek
*The final itinerary and registration forms are now available!*
http://yockatomac.org/yocktrek06/2006brochure.htm
The 2006 Y-Trek dates have been set for June 17 to June 25.
We will be leaving Washington, DC early Saturday afternoon on June 17th and arriving in
McKeesport, PA a little before noon for a closing picnic celebration of the trek on
Sunday June 25th. It has alway been an enjoyable and interesting ride, and this year
there's only about eight miles of Great Allegheny Passage trail left to be completed from
Cumberland through McKeesport.
For more information, check out the ATA website or join the Yoktrek mailing list:
Send an email to join-yoktrek@listserver.atatrail.org. The system will send an e-mail asking for confirmation. To actually join the list one must reply to this confirmation request.
Cycling Events
The
Mercer County Trails Association, Inc. are sponsoring the following events in Greenville, PA:
Saturday, June 3rd, 2006 - Tour of Mercer County
Saturday, September 16th, 2006 - Pedal the Lakes
For more information, visit www.mctrails.org
Person as Projectile
Photo by: Steve Lloyd, Courtesy of the Banff Centre
Job/Volunteer Postings
Venture Outdoors Job Opportunities!
Trip Leader Specialist
Kayak/Canoe Attendant
Program Assistant
Visit our job posting page for more details and future updates.
Environmental Scholarship
PA CleanWays is accepting applications for the Sue Wiseman Scholarship, a $1,000 scholarship that honors a youth who has demonstrated outstanding commitment and dedication to the environment.
The deadline for applications is May 1.
For more information, visit the
PA CleanWays website
or call 724-836-4121.
SCA - Outdoor Leaders Wanted!!
Spend the summer living and working outdoors leading a Student Conservation Association conservation crew.
Send resume and cover letter by fax or email or call for more details.
(412) 325-1851 phone
(412) 325-1856 fax
threerivers@thesca.org
Clean-Up/Trail Maintenance Volunteering
Mountain Bike Trail Maintenance
with the Pittsburgh Trail Advocacy Group
Bring: tools, water and lunch, gloves, and appropriate clothes.
Next Date and Location: Sunday, May 7 - Frick Park
For general information, email trail@bike-pgh.org
Earth Day Trail Clean-up...
...for the Great Allegheny Passage in Somerset County
on April 22th.
Everyone is welcome to help. Crews will be meeting at Rockwood and Meyersdale at 8:00 AM that day to organize and be assigned specific sections of the Passage.
Help remove 3 illegal dumpsites
This cleanup is registered as part of the
Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful Great Pennsylvania Cleanup! and organized by
PA CleanWays in cooperation with
The Western Pennsylvania Watershed Program.
Contact: Michelle Dunn, PA CleanWays 1-877-772-3673 or
mdunn@pacleanways.org with any questions and to participate. Please call to register.
Dress for safety: Wear sturdy shoes, long sleeves, long pants, and work gloves.
For volunteers age 12-17, call PA CleanWays for participation requirements.
Lunch and drinks will be provided.
Route 221 and Route 18
in Prosperity, Morris Twp., Washington County
When: Saturday, April 22, 2006 at 9:00 AM.
Where: Meet at the large gravel pull off on Route 221 and Route 18
across from Morris Twp. Park.
Warrior Ridge
Road South of Petersburg, Huntingdon County
When: Sunday, April 23, 2006 at 12:00 noon.
Rain date: Sunday, April 30, 2006 at 12:00 noon.
Where: Meet at Warrior Ridge Dam off of Warrior Ridge Road.
Reiber & Frogtown Roads
When: Saturday, April 29, 2006 at 9:00am.
Rain date: Saturday, May 6, 2006 at 9:00am.
Where: Meet at Reiber & Frogtown Roads
Route 318 to Reiber Rd. to Frogtown Rd.
Trail Work Training
Have you ever wondered what trail work was all about?
Well, here's your
opportunity!
A basic one day hands on trail work training class will be
held by the North Country Trail Association at the Davis Hollow Outdoor
Center in Moraine State Park on May 13.
Come and learn what trail work
is, what you will be doing, tools, and other basic things about how to help
maintain and build our hiking and biking trails.
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I. Support VO
Two easy ways to Help!
Dine & Donate with VO & Eat'n Park
To download the flyer, click here.
Up to April 30th, present this flyer
to any
Eat'n Park location
and they will donate 10% of your check to
Venture Outdoors.
One flyer per check...there is no limit to how many times you can participate.
Do your online shopping through iGive and support Venture Outdoors!
That's right, go head and buy something for yourself or a friend – a new CD, the latest
bestseller, essentials like toothpaste or vitamins, even a computer. But first join at
www.iGive.com/VentureOutdoors.
Every time you shop at one of the over 600 name-brand stores
in the Mall at iGive.com, we'll receive a donation of up to 26% of each purchase you make,
at no cost to you. Membership is free and your privacy is guaranteed.
Contact Allison with any questions about these great programs: aruppert@ventureoutdoors.org
Thanks for supporting Venture Outdoors!
Boldly Go!
Adventure Reigns at the Omnimax
Looking for adventure? Breathtaking landscapes? Life and death drama? Visit the
Rangos Omnimax Theater at
Carnegie Science Center to boldly go where few have gone before.
Everest returns to the Omnimax on April 7. It's the dramatic true story of a team of climbers who found hope, strength and triumph in the wake of tragedy...
Read more...
Also playing:
Mystery of the Nile - On Christmas day 2003, a team of explorers set out on an epic quest to become the first to complete a full descent of the world's greatest river...
Read more...
Magnificent Desolation: Walking on the Moon - ...only 12 men have experienced the feeling of walking on extra-terrestrial ground. Feel what they felt and see what they saw...
Read more...
For specific playing times, visit
www.CarnegieScienceCenter.org. Carnegie Science Center is located on Pittsburgh's North Shore next to Heinz Field. Free parking.
Special deal for
Venture Outdoors members:
Show your membership card and receive $1 off of
these exciting Omnimax films. Please call 412-255-0564, ext. 26
or e-mail
aruppert@ventureoutdoors.org
if you need a new card or to renew your membership today.
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II. The Venture Outdoors
Activity Spotlight
Check it out!
Saturday, April 22 Activities
Family Fishing Derby
The lake is freshly stocked with trout, plus the bluegills and sunnies aim to please! Join us for a fun fishing derby with bait and prizes. Prizes go to the most outstanding--and unusual--catches of the day. Bring the family down to the lovely lakefront and we'll do the rest. A two hour fishing clinic presented by the Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission will start at 9:00 AM. Rods and tackle available upon request. Contact Venture Outdoors for more details.
Location: North Park
Time: 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Cost: FREE
Ephemeral Wildflower Walk
The ephemerals are coming into bloom, revealing their brief, intense beauty before the trees shade them from above. So come and see all that Spring's surprises have to offer. Our guide is biologist, Rose Reilly, and she will highlight the woodland scene with information on these short lived but beguiling plants. The Wildflower Reserve is closed to pets.
Location: Raccoon Creek Wildflower Reserve
Time: 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Cost: $8.00 member/$10.00 non-member
Sunday, April 23
Japanese Knot Weed Feast
That's right, we're cooking heaping helpings of this rhubarb and buckwheat relative. In partnership with the Botanical Society of Western PA, we'll serve up all sorts of tasty recipes using this overly abundant wild edible plant, as well as other locally abundant flora. As part of the presentation, you’ll learn some helpful techniques for harvesting and preparing wild edibles. There will also be short hikes to see and harvest samples of Japanese knotweed in its wild habitat, while learning about the plant and why it has spread so dramatically since coming to this country.
Location: Highland Park
Time: 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Cost: $10.00 member/$12.00 non-member
For a complete listing
of activities,
check out our website: www.ventureoutdoors.org.
III. Banff Film Festival
Over 1,500 tickets sold already!
Banff Mountain Film Festival
Thursday, April 13
AND
Friday, April 14
7:00 PM, Byham Theatre
Pre-party at Bossa Nova
The best in outdoor adventure films
is coming to town again…now for TWO nights, with different
films showing each night! Venture Outdoors and local title sponsor
Mountain Dreams
are pleased to present this year's festival, which
includes stunning international film productions on mountain themes ranging from mountaineering
to ice and rock climbing to snowboarding to wildlife environmental issues and unique cultural
encounters.
For the last 3 years, we have SOLD OUT.
Order tickets today! Call 412-255-0564.
Click here for more details on this great event.
IV. V.O.
in the News
Check out the latest about Venture Outdoors in the news media:
4-05-06 POP City Venturing Outdoors
3-02-06 Pittsburgh Post Gazette Brew Crew...
2-27-06 Pittsburgh LIVE ...warm-up after hike
1-17-06 Pittsburgh LIVE
Why Walk?
V.
The Venture Outdoors
Activity Listing
So much to do, so little time...
Thursday, April 13 - Friday, April 14
Banff Mountain Film Festival
*See Details Above*
Wednesday, April 19
Nature Walk: Trillium Trail
Location: Fox Chapel
Time: 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM
Cost: $8.00 member/$10.00 non-member
Thursday, April 20
All Terrain Evening Hikes
Location: Riverview Park; Woods Run, Penitentiary, Observatory
Time: 5:45 PM - 8:30 PM
Cost: $10.00 member/$12.00 non-member
Saturday, April 22 Activities
Ephemeral Wildflower Walk
*Activity Spotlight!*
Wine & Cheese Hike
Location: South Park
Time: 3:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Cost: $25.00 member/$30.00 non-member
Family Fishing Derby
*Activity Spotlight!*
Sunday, April 23
Japanese Knot Weed Feast
*Activity Spotlight!*
Saturday, April 29 Activities
Garlic Mustard Hike
Location: Boyce-Mayview Park
Time: 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Cost: $12.00 member/$15.00 non-member
Match the Hatch Fly Fishing Class
Location: Ohiopyle State Park
Time: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Cost: $50.00 member/$60.00 non-member
Sunday, April 30 Activities
Day Trek: Lite
Location: Roaring Run Park, Apollo
Time: 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Cost: $8.00 member/$10.00 non-member
Intro to Kayaking:
Get in, Get wet, Get comfortable!
Location: Sarah Heinz House, Northside
Time: 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Cost: $12.00 member/$15.00 non-member
The Hatch
Photo by: Ben Knight,
Courtesy of the Banff Centre
VI. Venture Outdoors Festival
Save the Date!
V.O. Festival
Saturday, May 20, 2006
FREE Activities including: Biking, Kayaking, Dragon Boats, River Tours, Kids' Activities and much more!
North Shore - Downtown Pittsburgh
VII. Words of Inspiration
Things that make you go: hmmm...
"Great things are done when men and mountains meet."
- William Blake
VIII. What's Goin' On?
More action-packed activities from groups all around the region.
Saturday, April 15 Activities
Hiking - Quebec Run
Time: 10:00 AM
Cost: Free
Organization: Sierra Club, Allegheny Group
Hiking - Beechwood Farms
Time: Call
Cost: Free
Organization: Sierra Club, Allegheny Group
Tuesday, April 18
MRA Basic Rope Rescue Class
Organization: Allegheny Mountain Rescue
Wednesday, April 19
Wilderness First Aid Class
Location: REI
Organization: Allegheny Mountain Rescue
Saturday, April 22 Activities
The 2006 Indiana Open Disc Golf Tournament
PDGA Sanctioned C-Tier Event
Location: IUP College Lodge Disc Golf Course
Cost: Free
Organization: Pittsburgh Flying Disc Society
MRA Basic Rope Rescue Class
Organization: Allegheny Mountain Rescue
Hiking - Ohiopyle State Park
Time: 10:00 AM
Cost: Free
Organization: Sierra Club, Allegheny Group
Sunday, April 23 Activities
The 2006 Ironwood Disc Golf Tournament
PDGA Sanctioned B-Tier Event
Location: Moraine State Park Golf Course
Cost: Free
Organization: Pittsburgh Flying Disc Society
Hiking - Rachel Carson Trail
Time: 10:00 AM
Cost: Free
Organization: Sierra Club, Allegheny Group
Saturday, April 29 Activities
Monthly Field training.
Introduction to Cave Rescue.
Location: TBA
Time: 10:00 AM
Organization: Allegheny Mountain Rescue
CDS Outdoor School - Managing Search Operations (MSO) class
Location: Homer City, PA
Organization: Allegheny Mountain Rescue
Biking - West Penn Trail
Time: 10:00 AM
Cost: Free
Organization: Sierra Club, Allegheny Group
Sunday, April 30 Activities
CDS Outdoor School - Managing Search Operations (MSO) class
Location: Homer City, PA
Organization: Allegheny Mountain Rescue
Hiking - Buffalo Creek
Time: 10:30 AM
Cost: Free
Organization: Sierra Club, Allegheny Group
Hiking - Packsaddle Gap North
Time: Call
Cost: Free
Organization: Sierra Club, Allegheny Group
Hiking - Seldom Seen Greenway
Time: 1:30 PM
Cost: Free
Organization: Sierra Club, Allegheny Group
Complete Listings at www.ventureoutdoors.org
Questions?
Call us 412-255-0564
Contours is an e-newsletter of
Venture Outdoors and is published every two
weeks.
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PUZZLER ANSWER: The town of Banff is located at 4,537 feet
Compare that to the highest town in the world: Wenzhuan, Tibet (at 16,730 feet)
The highest town in the US: Leadville, Colorado (at 10,152 feet)
The highest town in Pennsylvania: Meyersdale, Somerset County (1,975 feet)
Meyersdale is located under the shadow of Pennsylvania's highest point, Mt. Davis (3,213 feet)
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