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: Gardens, Murals, and a Museum...Oh My!
2. The Sojourn is coming!
3. Kayak Pittsburgh
4. Venture Outdoors Membership Corner
5. Call for Volunteers
6. Outdoor Announcements and Events (Special Events, Environment/Health/Community, Racing/Long Distance Treks, Job/Volunteer Postings, Clean-Up/Trails)
7. DUQ's On the Beaten Path: Pedaling Pittsburgh and Beyond
8. Support VO (iGive)
Even More Fun Stuff: (Right Column)
I. Introducing Erik Lingren
II. Venture Outdoors Activity Spotlight (Gardens and Murals, Canoe Camping, Fly Fishing)
III. V.O. in the News
IV. Venture Outdoors Activity Listing
V. Inspirations (Tzu)
VI. What's Goin' On?
The Allegheny Conference would like to know:
What is your opinion of Pittsburgh?
Let 'em know what you think! Take one of the following surveys:
http://www.alleghenyconference.org/pghcsur.htm (for residents and non-residents)
http://www.alleghenyconference.org/pghbsur.htm (for business leaders living OUTSIDE the region who are responsible for deciding where to locate their businesses)
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1. Trail Mix - Gardens, Murals,
and a Museum...Oh My!
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).
We aren't in Kansas anymore...
But we are on Pittsburgh's dynamic North Side! Venture Outdoors is excited to take you on a hike through the
North Side to view some of the beautiful murals painted by some of Pittsburgh's most talented
public artists, a beautiful community garden, and a tour of the Mattress Factory, a unique
contemporary art museum.
Great art is sprouting everywhere...
Sprout Public Art is an organization dedicated to improving the look
of Pittsburgh and its surrounding communities by producing stunning public art. Our hike through the North Side will
take us by three murals painted by Sprout artists and a community garden, and we will have special guests to explain and give us
some insight into each piece.
Where are the mattresses?
I hope you weren't planning on taking a nap, because the Mattress
Factory isn't a mattress store, but rather a museum of contemporary art. The unique thing
about this art is that you experience it by actually getting into
it! If you're not sure what we mean, sign up and see this rare
art for yourself, including a living work of art by Winnifred
Lutz.
Sign up today!
Gardens, Murals, and a Museum...Oh My!
Location: Mattress Factory, North Side
Time: 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Cost: $15 Members, $18 Non-Members
Puzzler...
The Mattress Factory is one of few museums of its kind. Be prepared
when you go on the hike or just impress your friends with some
knowledge about this historic and rare museum. When you're done, scroll to the bottom for the answers.
True or False?
1. The Mattress Factory was founded almost thirty years ago
in the late 70's.
2. Artists submit their work from all around the world.
3. The living work of art created by Winnifred Lutz has been on display for almost 14 years.
2. The Sojourn is coming!
Celebrate the Rivers of the Year
August 10-12, 2006
Venture Outdoors is excited to announce the Three Rivers Sojourn, August 10-12.
Join us for this 3-day trip exploring, learning, and recreating on PA's 2006 Rivers
of the Year. Space is limited so register early. For more information click here.
3. Kayak Pittsburgh
Kayak Pittsburgh, an affiliate of Venture Outdoors,
wants to give you the chance to experience Pittsburgh from a new
perspective. Now with two locations, one at the North Park Boathouse
and one downtown underneath the Sixth Street Bridge, there is
even more of the city for you to explore. The friendly Kayak Pittsburgh
staff and the calm city water make it easy for people of all ages
and fitness levels to paddle like pros.
For prices, hours, and directions please visit the Kayak Pittsburgh website or call 412-969-9090.
4. Venture Outdoors Membership Corner
Go Kayaking!
Here's yet another reason to be part of our member community...
Join or renew your membership today onsite at either location of Kayak Pittsburgh and you'll receive one free hour of rental (must be used at time of purchase). For questions about membership or to join, please call Allison at 412-255-0564, xt. 26 or e-mail aruppert@ventureoutdoors.org.
KP will give you the instruction you need
to feel comfortable on the water!
Member Discounts
The Vitamin Emporium is offering members $5 off $30 or more and $10 off $60 or
more their products which are already 10-20% off suggested retail prices. The Vitamin
Emporium offers a wide-array of high-quality vitamins, herbal and homeopathic
remedies, and organic and natural body and skin care products all at discount prices.
The store also carries hard-to-find and unusual products as well as natural gift and household
items. The store’s concept is geared toward attracting consumers who have already or want
to get informed and take charge of their health and learn more about how nutritional
supplements can enhance their health and quality of life.
Breathe Yoga Studio is offering a 10% discount on the purchase of a yoga class
package for Venture Outdoors members! Located in the historic South Side, Breathe Yoga Studio is dedicated to offering every
individual the opportunity to enhance their physical, mental and spiritual well-being through the practice of yoga. We aim to
create a safe, friendly and welcoming environment for our students to explore and experience an eclectic variety of beginner
through advanced yoga classes with knowledgeable and well trained instructors. Our on-going in-studio schedule includes yoga
classes in hatha, vinyasa, and Iyengar styles as well as Middle Eastern belly dance and modern dance classes. Breathe Yoga
Studio also offers off-site group and private instruction through our “Breathe Out” program including summer outdoor yoga
classes at South Side Works. Relax, rejuvenate and unwind - isn't it time for you to learn how to breathe?
Call 412/481.YOGA (9642) for more information.
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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5.
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).
Please contact Allison Ruppert at 412-255-0564, ext. 26 or aruppert@ventureoutdoors.org today.
6.
Outdoor Announcements & Events
Get out your planners folks...
Special
Events
Kid's Mountain Bike Rides
By P.O.R.C. (Pittsburgh Off Road Cyclists)
Dates: Last Sunday of the following months: August, September,
& the second to last Sunday of October.
Time: 2-4ish PM
Place: Hartwood Acres Park, Mansion Parking Lot
Purpose: To expose kids to the joys of trail riding!
Kids Need: a bike, helmet, water to drink, and a signed parental release form (may sign at event)
Contact: Holly Forsyth, P.O.R.C. secretary - hollyforsyth43@hotmail.com (412)897-8551
Environment/Health/Community
Bluegrass for Green Space
Saturday, July 22nd
3:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Robin Hill Park located at 949 Thorn Run Road in Moon Township
Volunteers are needed for a fun day of festivities at Bluegrass for Green Space to benefit the Allegheny Land Trust. If you are interested in volunteering, please contact Jen Thoma at
jenthoma70@yahoo.com or 412-604-0422.
Cost at the entrance will be $20 for adults, $10 for those between the ages of 7-18, and free for children 6 and under. Save
$5 by purchasing advance tickets online at www.alleghenylandtrust.org.
Friends of Ohiopyle
The Friends of Ohiopyle, a chapter of the Pennsylvania Parks and Forest Foundation (PPFF), was officially formed in November of 2005. The mission of this non-profit as written in the group's strategic plan is:
To improve and preserve the ecological and geological features of Ohiopyle State Park and watershed. To promote the park and its available facilities while acting in concurrence with regional needs and views.
Find out more about this organization and their upcoming events here.
Explorer's Club and White Rocks
The purchase price of White Rocks is nearly $725,000 dollars, and the Explorer's Club, in partnership with the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy, Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) and the Pennsylvania Game Commission, has secured all but $85,000! They must show 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!
Hiking in one of our beautiful city parks.
Racing/Long
Distance Treks
Grass Roots Racing
M.A.D. Moraine Adventure Dash
Test all of your adventure skills in this exciting sprint race. You'll bike, run, paddle, orienteer, and conquer a number of special tests on your way to the finish line.
Location: Moraine State Park, Pennsylvania
Date: July 22nd, 2006
For more information on this race and others, check out
www.rootsrace.com
Cycling Events
The
Mercer County Trails Association, Inc. is sponsoring the following event in Greenville, PA:
Saturday, September 16th, 2006 - Pedal the Lakes
For more information, visit www.mctrails.org
Job/Volunteer Postings
Venture
Outdoors Job/Volunteer Opportunities!
Visit
our job/volunteer posting page for more details and future updates.
Clean-Up/Trails
Entering the Wilds
2006 Annual Conference in Pennsylvania's Wilds Region
August 10-13
Clarion, Pennsylvania
North Country Trail Association
Two million acres, 16,000 miles of streams and waterways,
1,600 miles of designated trails sound like utopia. In fact,
it's the Pennsylvania Wilds region and the site of this year's
North Country Trail Association (NCTA) Annual Conference.
For more information on this exciting Conference and how to register, visit www.northcountrytrail.org/conf06/index.htm
Mountain Bike Trail Maintenance
with the Pittsburgh Trail Advocacy Group
Bring: tools, water and lunch, gloves, and appropriate clothes.
Next Date and Location: Sunday, August 6 - Boyce
For general information, email trail@bike-pgh.org
Tireless 2006
The Tireless Project is a collaborative of environmental non-profits working to clean
debris from our three rivers.
Tireless Fridays
4:30-10pm
These clean-up events are designed for volunteers over 18. Come out after work to help clean a blighted area along the river and stay for a riverfront party complete with live music, food, and brew.
Tireless Saturdays
10am-1pm
These events are just like Tireless Fridays but for our younger volunteers ages 14-18.
For more information or to volunteer
email tirelessfridays@hotmail.com
or call 412.381.1301
7.
DUQ's On the Beaten Path:
Pedaling Pittsburgh and Beyond
All summer long, DUQ will be exploring biking opportunities
in southwestern PA and beyond. Stories about the members of
the region's biking community and the places they travel will
be presented throughout the biking season.
For
more information about
"On the Beaten Path", click here.
This program is made possible by a grant from Venture Outdoors.
8.
Support VO
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 this great program:
aruppert@ventureoutdoors.org
Thanks for supporting Venture Outdoors!
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I.
Introducing Erik Lingren
The new Executive Director!
On Monday, July 17, Venture Outdoors announced that Erik Lingren as their new Executive Director. Mr. Lingren,
a former Pittsburgh native, will be returning to the city after 17 years with the Boy Scouts of America where he held positions as
Fundraising Director, District Director, and District Executive. The staff is happy to welcome his enthusiasm for the
outdoors as well as his experience and success in fundraising.
Mr. Lingren will be replacing interim Executive Director Wesley Posvar, Jr., who will return to his position on the Venture
Outdoors Board of Directors. Lazar Palnick, Chair of the Board of Directors, commented, "Erik stood out from a number of very
talented applicants for the depth of his fundraising experience, his demonstrated ability to cultivate meaningful relationships,
and his vision for the future of the organization. We look forward to his long and successful leadership of Venture Outdoors."
For more information about Mr. Lingren,
click here.
II.
The Venture Outdoors
Activity Spotlight
Here are some trips that you'll really enjoy.
Saturday, July 29
Canoe Camping: Youghiogheny River
This stretch of river offers a great opportunity for both the
experienced and novice canoeist. The lazy paddling through its
deep pools provides a different view of the scenic beauty presented
by the wooded shoreline dotted with massive boulders. Smallmouth
bass, trout, walleye and other game fish are there to test the
abilities of any fisherman. Birders will enjoy the sighting of
Great Blue Herons quietly searching the shoreline for a lively
snack. Primitive camping is possible on some of the river’s small
islands and at a rustic camping area on a remote stretch of the
Yough bike trail.
Orientation Meeting will be held at the Venture
Outdoors Office on July 24 at 7:00 PM.
Location: Youghiogheny River: Connellsville to Cedar
Creek Park
Time: 6:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Cost: $60.00 member/$75.00 non-member
Saturday, August 5
Hiking and Massage
Tough week in the office? We have the perfect way to spend your Saturday. Relax your mind with the fresh outdoor
air and the striking scenery of the Bear Run Natural Area, and relax your body with massage techniques taught by
our two certified massage therapists. We'll spend a day together in the woods hiking in some
beautiful places, taking breaks every once in a while to massage those tight muscles. Massage yourself?
Heck no. We'll learn some basic massage techniques and practice on each other. All massage materials will be
provided, but please bring a ground pad or small tarp.
Location: Bear Run Natural Area
Time: 10:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Cost: $20.00 member/$25.00 non-member
Sunday, August 6
Warm Water Fly Fishing for Bass
You already know the basics of fly fishing tackle and casting, but would like to log some time on the water
with an experienced instructor and guide, practicing and learning new ways to finesse your fly presentation.
This trip takes place entirely on the water and focuses on catching the powerful smallmouth bass of Slippery Rock
Creek, though trout may be active as well. Don’t forget your waders.
Location: McConnell's Mill State Park
Time: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Cost: $50.00 member/$60.00 non-member
For
a complete listing of activities,
check out our website: www.ventureoutdoors.org.
Rocky Mountain Kayak
Summer Roll Classes
Rocky Mountain Kayak will be hosting roll sessions and instruction all summer. There will be
a session every Wednesday evening from 6:00pm to 9:30pm (rain or shine). Classes will end in October, so sign up
today!
5 Week Packages
$75 without equipment rental
$100 with equipment rental
$10.00 Wet Suit Rental (per night)
Individual Sessions
$20 with equipment rental
$15 without equipment rental
$5 non-instructional use of lake
Bring dry clothes for food and beverages after class at Pagano's in New Stanton. For more information or
to sign up, contact Jeff Prycl at 724-925-9675 or visit the
RMK website.
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III.
V.O. in the News
Check
out the latest about Venture Outdoors in the news.
7-13-06 Pittsburgh Tribune-Review
Game bats a thousand for city
6-25-06 Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Fishing Kayaks
6-22-06 Pittsburgh City Paper
Gentle Kayaking
6-22-06 Pittsburgh Tribune-Review
Suburbanites encouraged to venture outdoors
IV.
The Venture Outdoors
Activity Listing
Our mission is to get you outside, and this is how we're going to do it.
Weekly Events
Same day, same time, same place...
Beginner Paddle
Day: Every Monday
Location: Kayak Pittsburgh: Under the 6th Street Bridge
Time: 5:45-8:00
Cost: $25.00 members/$30 non-member
Tyke Hike
Day: Every Tuesday
Location: Schenley Park Café
Time: 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Cost: $4.00
TriAnglers
Day: Every Wednesday
Location: Point State Park
Time: 11:30 AM - 1:30 PM
Cost: $5.00
Happy Hour Paddle
Day: Every Wednesday
Location: Kayak Pittsburgh: Under the 6th Street Bridge
Time: 5:15 PM - 6:30 PM
Cost: $10.00 member/$15.00 non-member
Other Events
So much to do, so little time...
Friday, July 21
Lunch Hour Paddle
Location: Kayak Pittsburgh: under the 6th Street Bridge
Time: 12:15 PM - 1:30 PM
Cost: $10.00 member/$15.00 non-member
Gourmet Hike at South Park
Location: South Park Amphitheater
Time: 6:30 PM - 10:00 PM
Cost: $25 member/$30 non-member
Saturday, July 22
Day Trek: Lite
Location: Boyce Park
Time: 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Cost: $8.00 member/$10.00 non-member
Gardens, Murals, and a Museum, Oh My!
*Trail Mix*
Sunday, July 23
Rock Climbing
Location: Cooper's Rock State Park
Time: 9:30 AM - 4:00 PM
Cost: $45.00 member/$55.00 non-member
Thursday, July 27
All Terrain Evening Hike - Summer Series
Location: Springdale VFW
Time: 5:45 PM - 8:30 PM
Cost: $10.00 member/$12.00 non-member
Friday, July 28
Breakfast Hour Paddle
Location: Kayak Pittsburgh: under the 6th Street bridge
Time: 6:15 AM - 7:30 AM
Cost: $10.00 member/$15.00 non-member
Fireworks Paddle
Location: Kayak Pittsburgh: under the 6th Street bridge
Time: 8:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Cost: $20.00 member/$30.00 non-member
Saturday, July 29
Vineyard Tour and Wine Tasting
Location: Vineyard by Mellon, Freeport
Time: 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Cost: $25.00 member/$30.00 non-member
Canoe Camping: Youghiogheny River
*Activity Spotlight*
Sunday, July 30
Day Trek
Location: Moraine State Park
Time: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Cost: $8.00 member/$10.00 non-member
Canoeing the Allegheny
Location: Blawnox 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Time: 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Cost: $12.00 member/$15.00 non-member
Friday, August 4
Lunch Hour Paddle
Location: Kayak Pittsburgh: Under the 6th Street Bridge
Time: 12:15 PM - 1:30 PM
Cost: $10.00 member/$15.00 non-member
Saturday, August 5
Blazing Star Wildflower Walk
Location: Jennings Environmental Education Center
Time: 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Cost: $8.00 member/$10.00 non-member
Hiking and Massage
Location: Bear Run Natural Area
Time: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Cost: $20.00 member/$25.00 non-member
V.
Words of Inspiration
Things that make you go, "Hmmmm..."
"A good traveler has no fixed plans, and is not intent on arriving." - Lao Tzu
VI.
What's Goin' On?
More action-packed activities from groups all around the region.
If you or your organization wants to contribute an event to this section of Contours, email
jroller@ventureoutdoors.org for more information.
Saturday, July 22
Birding for Beginners at Todd
Location: Todd Sanctuary, Butler County
Time: 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Cost: Free member/$3 non-member (Reservations Required)
Organization: Audubon Society of Western Pennsylvania
Hike
Call Jim Ritchie, 412-828-0210.
Location: Mountain Streams Area
Time: 9:00 AM
Cost: Free
Organization: Sierra Club, Allegheny Group
Bicycle/ Hike/ Innertube
Call Bruce Sundquist, 724-327-8737.
Location: Yough River Valley.
Time: 8:30 AM - Call
Cost: Free
Organization: Sierra Club, Allegheny Group
Sunday, July 23
Trees of Todd
Location: Todd Sanctuary, Butler County
Time: 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Cost: Free member/$3 non-member (Reservations Required)
Organization: Audubon Society of Western Pennsylvania
Friday, July 28
Todd Conservation Day
Location: Todd Sanctuary, Butler County
Time: 9:00 AM
Cost: Free
Organization: Audubon Society of Western Pennsylvania
Sunday, July 30
Wet N Wild Adventure at Todd
Location: Todd Sanctuary, Butler County
Time: 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Cost: Free member/$3 non-member (Reservations Required)
Organization: Audubon Society of Western Pennsylvania
Hike
Call Mike Robertson, 412-678-4039
Location: Bear Run Nature Preserve
Time: 9:00 AM - Call
Cost: Free
Organization: Sierra Club, Allegheny Group
Saturday, August 5
Hike
Call Ben Brugmans, 412-361-3623
Location: Quebec Run Wild Area
Time: 9:00 AM - 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.
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PUZZLER ANSWERS: 1. True. The Mattress Factory was founded
in 1977. 2. False. Artists who want their work displayed
at the Mattress Factory work in the museum's residency program
where they live and work until they complete their project. Since
1977, the Mattress factory has supported over 250 artists through
their residency program. 3. True. Winnifred Lutz created her living installation in 1993 and it still
stands today.
*Note: All puzzler questions and answers were taken from the Mattress Factory's website. |
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