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?
1. Trail Mix: Wacky Weather
2. Day in the Park - Success!
3. Venture Outdoors Membership Corner
4. Call for Volunteers
5. Outdoor Announcements and Events
Even More Fun Stuff:
I. Feedback! - Membership
II. PAEE Conference
III. Venture Outdoors Activity Spotlight
(Wine & Cheese Hike, Aviary & Arboretum Hike, Ski & Snowshoe Weekend, Doggie Day Trek)
IV. V.O. in the News
V. Inspirations (Henry David Thoreau)
VI. What's Goin' On?
|
1.
Trail Mix - Wacky Weather
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).
Is it normal?
Last Friday the temperatures rose to the upper 60's. Many people have noted the unusually mild winter weather of late.
Not that we're complaining…but what in the world is going on here??
No, literally...
One reason could be that we were experiencing a January Thaw. The
January Thaw is a period of mild weather popularly supposed to recur
each year in late January. For some unexplainable reason, temperatures
tend to spike in the middle of winter, only to return to normal
after a few days. Read a blog about the "thaw" from one of our Maryland neighbors.
World-Wide Weather?
Perhaps our global/national climate has something to do with it? Click
here to read one of the latest reports from the National Climatic Data Center.
The NCDC site has many interesting maps and graphs depicting other
unusual weather trends.
Winter Weather Puzzler...
As promised, here's your bi-weekly puzzler!
The answer is at the bottom of this newsletter...but we know you won't peek...
Clues...
Singly, I am unique.
Multiple, I am uniform.
You need alot of me to go Cross-Country Skiing!
2. Day in the Park - Success!
The 4th Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day in the Park was a HUGE
success! Over 300 people showed up this past Monday, taking
part in ice skating, creating a Martin Luther King Jr. mosaic, storytelling,
survival shelter building, hiking and much more. Additionally, we had over 50 volunteers
and over 20 artists, speakers and activity sponsors lead and coordinate the day's events.
Thank You!
Venture Outdoors and Student Conservation Association want to thank all our for making it all
possible. We couldn't have done it without you.
A big thanks also goes out to our supporting sponsors: American Eagle, Citiparks, Dominion, and Pittsburgh Center for the Arts,
as well as Whole Foods, Eat 'n Park, and R.E.I. for their contributions.
Building a Wilderness Survival Shelter at MLK Day
3. Venture Outdoors
Membership Corner
Save the date...Member's Day!
Sunday, February 12
Ohiopyle State Park
12:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Free for V.O. Members and their Friends
Join us for outdoor winter fun and food at the Venture Outdoors Members Winter Party,
featuring
the 4th Annual Camp Stove Cook-off!
Activities include (*weather permitting):
*Cross-Country Skiing
*Snowshoeing
*Snow Creature-Making Competition
Chair Massages
The Cook-Off will allow you to show off your back-country culinary skills! Food must be made on site using a camp stove outdoors(as though you were camping), but you can do the prep work at home if you like. Prizes will be awarded in all categories:
Best Entree
Best Appetizer
Best Dessert
Best Overall (all 3 categories)
Judges will be looking for presentation as well as taste and ease of preperation.
To register for the Camp Stove competition, please notify us by February 9th.
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.
|
4. Call for Volunteers
We need a little help here!
2006 Allegheny Sport, Travel and Outdoor Show at the Monroeville Expomart
When: Wed, February 15: 5:00 PM - 9:30 PM
Thurs, February 16: 5:00 PM - 9:30 PM
Fri, February 17: 12:00 Noon - 9:30 PM
Sat, February 18: 10:00 AM - 9:00 PM
*Especially need folks
Sun, February 19: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
*Especially need folks
Where: Monroeville Expomart
What: Venture Outdoors is hosting Kids Camp once again at the 2006 Allegheny Sport, Travel and Outdoor Show at the Monroeville Expomart and we need volunteers to help at the booth. Come help spread the word about Venture Outdoors to over 80,000 people! All volunteers get to enter the show for free (a $7.50 value) plus a Free kayaking coupon for two people at Kayak Pittsburgh. Just let us know which day you would like to volunteer, and we can arrange the times.
If you would like to help us out with these or any other events & projects, please contact Michael Sobkowiak at 412-255-0564 x25 or email msobkowiak@ventureoutdoors.org. Be sure to send your email address or other contact information.
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 (9 – 5 PM, Monday – Friday).
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.
5. Outdoor Announcements & Events
Get out your planners folks...
Climbing Mt. Rainier
Tim O'Brien, a professional mountaineering guide with Rainier Mountaineering Inc. of Ashford, WA will be in Pittsburgh on February 2 to take his audience on a thrilling virtual climb of Washington State's 14,410 foot Mount Rainier. O'Brien, with more than 85 ascents of Rainier and many other peaks worldwide, will address both outdoor enthusiasts and armchair mountaineers alike at the show.
The show will be at Exkursion 4037 William Penn Highway (Monroeville) on February 2 at 7pm. The event is Free and open to the public. Doorprizes will be given away to audience members. Interested attendees can find more information by calling Exkursion at
412-372-7030.
Green Drinks at Buffalo Blues
Friday, January 20, 2006
5:30 PM - 8:00 PM
Buffalo Blues
216 S Highland Ave, Pittsburgh, 15206
Host: Dr. Terry Collins, the Thomas Lord Professor of Chemistry and Director,
Institute for Green Oxidation Chemistry at Carnegie Mellon University
Come meet journalists, academics, elected officials, environmental groups, green builders, green business folks, developers, artists, students, the medical community and just about anyone else who is interested a better Pittsburgh environment. Green Drinks is a social activity, so come enjoy an end-of-the-week drink with some great people.
Specials will include $2 Yuenglings and 1/2 off wings.
Natural Photography
Notes
natural landscape photography by
S. Rick Armstrong
January 13 through February 19
Artists' reception -- Friday, January 13, 7-9 PM
Photographic notations exploring the musical
nature of the urban wilderness.
Gallery hours: M-F, 12-5 PM, and during film
screenings in Melwood Screening Room.
Filmmakers Galleries
477 Melwood Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15213
412-681-5449
www.pghfilmmakers.org
Laurel Ridge State Park Web Cam
For anyone curious about how much snow is in the Laurel Highlands,
click on the link below for the web cam at Laurel Ridge State Park:
http://www.paccsa.org/webcam.htm
Work on the new building at Laurel Ridge is completed. The new ski shelter has three picnic tables,
a wood-burning stove, and a bathroom available. A new outside ski rack was put up,
while a station waxing table was recently installed inside the warming room. For directions, click here.
Commission Announces Testing For Entry-Level Fisheries Biologists
The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission is looking for individuals interested in a career in fisheries
management or fisheries research.
Applications are being accepted by the State Civil Service Commission through February 17, 2006.
Application forms and further information on the application process can be obtained from the
State Civil Service Commission web site at www.scsc.state.pa.us or by calling the Pittsburgh office
at 412-565-7666 (Text Telephone: 412-565-2484.) Questions may also be addressed to the
PFBC's Human Resources Office at 717-705-7820.
|
I. Feedback! - Kayak Pittsburgh
As we start to prepare for the upcoming Kayak Pittsburgh season, starting in May, we would like to hear your thoughts on a couple quick questions:
*Last summer, Kayak Pittsburgh's weekday hours began at 4:30 PM.
Would you be interested in a workweek,
lunch-time kayaking session?
*Kayak Pittsburgh could use a slogan: put your creative thinking caps on and give us a few suggestions.
Please send your comments to:
feedback@ventureoutdoors.org.
Thank you for taking the time to write!
II. PAEE Conference
You are invited to the
Pennsylvania Association of Environmental Educators annual conference, PENNSYLVANIA'S HARMONY,
March 24 - 26, 2006, in Ligonier, PA.
The conference of over 60 workshops, 12 field studies, prominent speakers,
symposiums, and entertainment is open to anyone interested in the wonders
of Pennsylvania's environment. The keynote speaker is Jean
Craighead George, author of Julie of
the Wolves and My Side of the Mountain.
THIS IS AN EVENT YOU DO NOT WANT TO MISS!
www.paee.net
724-843-7046
rroperti@zoominternet.net
|
III. The Venture Outdoors
Activity Spotlight
So much to do, so little time...
Saturday, January 21
Wine & Cheese Hike
Stretch the legs, explore a new trail and meet other fun people as we hike a bit through one of our city's wonderful parks. After a few miles in the woods, you can relax with a repast of bread, wine and the best cheeses in the world. Now that's a tasty combination! Minimum age 21.
Location: Frick Park
Time: 3:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Cost: $25.00 member/$30.00 non-member
Saturday, January 21
Aviary & Arboretum Hike
These lovely little hikes combine fresh air amidst towering trees with the exotic climate of the National Aviary. Starting with a tour of Pittsburgh's oldest park, the Allegheny Commons, we'll see a wide variety of massive trees marked with name plates dating back to 1867. The second part of the hike will take place at the Aviary - a delight to the senses, with rooms of exotic birds walking across your path, flying overhead, and building nests just a few feet away without the separation of cages. All ages welcome.
Location: North Side of Pittsburgh
Time: 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Cost: $20 member/$25 non-member
Saturday, January 28 - Sunday, January 29
Ski & Snowshoe Weekend
Experience a full weekend of cross country skiing and snowshoeing smack dab in the snow belt. The natural glacial topography of this area provides both gentle stretches and more aggressive downhills to satisfy every ability level. Home cooked breakfasts and lunches available on site at a very reasonable price. Trail passes and Saturday night lodging at a local motel (double occupancy) included in registration fee. Note: The two scheduled weekends offer the chance to stay over for another day of fun on Monday if you like, as some trip leaders may want to continue the fun!
Location: Wilderness Lodge, near Erie
Time: Saturday 9:00 AM - Sunday 4:00 PM
Cost: $89.00 member/$99.00 non-member
Saturday, January 28
Doggie Day Trek
Enjoy the company of others and their dogs as we share best practices and best locations for enjoying the outdoors with your pooch. We'll start with plenty of socialization time for our dogs to get to know each other, followed by an easy hike. Limit 2 dogs per person. Leashes required, but off-leash time will be included. Dogs should have current vaccinations. Please bring bags to clean up after your doggie. Hiking boots or sturdy shoes recommended for humans!
Location: Mingo Creek 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.
IV. V.O.
in the News
Check out the latest about Venture Outdoors in the news media:
Pittsburgh LIVE (Why Walk?)
Cranberry Journal (Snowshoeing)
Pittsburgh LIVE (Snow days)
Pittsburgh LIVE (...through the woods)
Chatham Volunteers at MLK Day.
V. Words of Inspiration
Things that make you go: hmmm...
"Heaven is under our feet as well as over our heads."
- Henry David Thoreau
VI. What's Goin' On?
More action-packed activities from groups all around the region.
Saturday, January 21
Skiing - Laurel Mountain Area
Ski-touring, intermediate, in the Laurel Mountain area off of US30. Bring lunch or buy it at the warming hut. Meet in Latrobe at 10 AM or ask about Monroeville carpools. Call Diane Neely, 724-459-3012.
Time: 10:00 AM
Cost: Free
Organization: Sierra Club, Allegheny Group
Saturday, January 21
Animal Tracking at Todd Sanctuary
Explore animal tracks in the snow on this naturalist-led hike.
Time: 10:00 AM - 12 NOON
Cost: Free
Organization:
Audubon Society of Western Pennsylvania
Wednesday, January 25
Environmental Issures Forum:
Franken-Food: Fact or Fiction?
Debate the issues with experts! Bioengineered food is cheap and plentiful, but is it safe? Is the push toward organic foods truly in the interest of health or simply an economic ploy? Decide for yourself as you learn about the myths and realities of traditional foods as well as genetically-altered and organic options.
Location: Beechwood Farms Nature Reserve, Fox Chapel
Time: 7:00 PM
Cost: Free
Organization:
Audubon Society of Western Pennsylvania
Friday, January 27
Skiing - Canaan Valley
Umpteenth Annual Canaan Valley Weekend: Ski-touring, intermediate, in Canaan Valley, Blackwater Falls State Park and Canaan Mountain. The elevation (3200-4100') produces more snow than Laurel Ridge. Scenery in West Virginia's Highlands insures great hiking if snow conditions aren't favorable. Rental units must be reserved well in advance, so reserve early.
Depart Friday night. Limit: 16. $22.00 carpool-150 miles. Call Monika Dalrymple, 724-863-4163
Time: Call
Cost: Free
Organization: Sierra Club, Allegheny Group
Saturday, January 28
Skiing - Laurel Ridge State Park
Ski-touring for all levels at Laurel Ridge State Park on Rt.653.
Meet at New Stanton Park and Ride at 10 AM or inquire about Monroeville
carpools. Rentals available. Bring lunch or buy at the warming hut. $5
carpool - 40 miles. Call Bill Kozorra or Dianne Ciccarelli, 412-531-6236.
Time: 10:00 AM
Cost: Free
Organization: Sierra Club, Allegheny Group
Saturday, January 28
Project Learning Tree: Forest Ecology Secondary Module
PLT is a nationally recognized interdisciplinary, supplementary environmental and conservation program which emphasizes the forest as a "window on the world". Call or visit the ASWP website for more information.
Location: Beechwood Farms Nature Reserve,
Fox Chapel
Time: 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Cost: $25 member/$25 non-member
Organization:
Audubon Society of Western Pennsylvania
Saturday, January 28
Lawrence County Farm Country
Outing will bird for snow buntings, Lapland Longspurs, Rough-legged Hawks and others. Limited reservations; call Jim Valimont at 412-828-5338.
Location: Lawrence County
Time: 12:00 NOON
Cost: Free
Organization:
Audubon Society of Western Pennsylvania
Sunday, January 29
Hiking - Indian Creek Valley Trail
Hike (or ski) on Indian Creek Valley Trail, a bike path from Champion to Indianhead and beyond, along Indian Creek -- 9 or 5 easy miles (your choice). $5.75 carpool - 41 miles. Call Donna Allen, 412-372-2993.
Time: Call
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.
|
|
PUZZLER ANSWER: You guessed it, a snowflake! But there is more to this tiny frozen phenomenon
than meets the eye. Click here to learn more about the amazing beauty and science behind the formation
and photography of snow crystals.
And since our winter weather seems to be making a comeback...check out our
Ski & Snowshoe Weekend!
|
|