The Bi-Weekly e-Newsletter of Venture Outdoors Inc.
304 Forbes Ave, 2nd Floor, Pittsburgh, PA 15222
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Welcome to the Outdoors!

What's in this issue? (Left Column)
1. Trail Mix: Fishing for Home Runs
2. Birthday Recap
3. Venture Outdoors Membership Corner
4. Call for Volunteers
5. Outdoor Announcements and Events (Special Events, Environment/Health/Community, Racing/Long Distance Treks, Job/Volunteer Postings, Clean-Up/Trails)
6. Support VO (iGive)

Even More Fun Stuff: (Right Column)
I. DUQ's On the Beaten Path: Pedaling Pittsburgh and Beyond
II. Venture Outdoors Activity Spotlight (Gourmet Hike, Gardens and Murals, Canoe Camping)
III. V.O. in the News
IV. Venture Outdoors Activity Listing
V. Inspirations (Muir)
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)

1. Trail Mix - Fishing for Home Runs
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).

Reserved for kayakers...
The 2006 Home Run Derby, part of All-Star weekend in Pittsburgh, is rapidly approaching, and Kayak Pittsburgh wants to give you the opportunity to see it from the Allegheny River! The Coast Guard and partner agencies will zone off an area in the Allegheny River 100ft off the shore between the Fort Duquesne and 7th Street Bridges for non-motorized vessels under 25ft, perfect for kayakers to snag home run balls out of the water.

Spots are going fast...
Join Kayak Pittsburgh for this exclusive event and have the chance to own a home run ball hit by major leaguers like David Wright of the Mets, David Ortiz of the Red Sox, and Troy Glaus of the Blue Jays. The Mid Summer Classic may not be back to Pittsburgh for a while, so take advantage of your chance to have a piece of MLB All-Star history. There is limited availability, so call Venture Outdoors at 412-255-0564 to reserve your spot today!

Want a David Ortiz home run ball?
Sign up today!
Do you have more details?
What: Home-Run Derby Paddle
When: Monday, July 10 2006
Time: 6:30pm - 10:30ppm
Where: Kayak Pittsburgh (Under the 6th Street Bridge)
Cost: $60 Member/$75 Non-Member

Puzzler...
Need something to chat about while you're waiting to catch those home run balls? Challenge yourself with these questions about the Allegheny River and then impress your friends with not only a home run ball, but also some facts about the river you got it from.

1. Where does the Allegheny River end?
2. How long is the Allegheny River?
3. The Allegheny River provides the northeastern most drainage of what major American watershed?

2. Birthday Recap
Thanks for your support!
Thank you to everyone who attended our fifth birthday celebration last week at the North Park Boathouse. We hope that you will join us in the years to come. A special thanks goes out to our volunteers who gave their time and expertise to make the party a success. We could not have done it without you!

We would also like to thank our sponsors for their generous support.

Rebecca and Daniel Amidon
Walt Burlack
East End Brewing
East End Food Co-op
Amanda Green
Alexandra Hendrickson
Kenwood Vineyards
Catherine McConnell, Coldwell Banker
Mark and Tina Nowak
The Lazar Palnick Family
Mike Schiller
The Annette Werner Family
Whole Foods Market
WYEP 91.3 FM

3. 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.

Members Discount
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.

Join them for their Grand Opening Celebration on Friday, July 7, 2006, at 5823 Ellsworth Avenue in Shadyside. Enjoy the art crawl along Ellsworth and come to the store between 4 - 9:00 PM to enjoy organic food and wine. They will also be offering free product samples, chair massage, door prizes, and lots of information about how you can take charge of your health. No RSVP necessary.

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!

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.

5. Outdoor Announcements & Events
Get out your planners folks...

Special Events
Free Youth Kayak Outing!
The Pittsburgh Paddlefish and Three Rivers Kayak Team are holding an open practice July 5th. The open practice is for anyone interested in joining our team, ages 11-15. We compete locally during the summer and occasionally travel to races. The open practice will run from 5-6pm and is at the Three Rivers Rowing boathouse in Millvale. Regular practices are Monday and Wednesday 4:30-6pm. RSVP to Ben - kayak360@gmail.com or 412-760-8375.

Coast to the River with PORC
Dress like your favorite animal and join us on Thursday, July 6 at 8pm at the Highland Park upper reservoir for a bike coast from the park to the Allegheny River. There are no chains or pedaling allowed! Come out for a relaxing coast and your chance to win a prize. For more information, visit Pittsburgh Off Road Cyclists.

PORC Rails to Trails Ride
There will be a free rails to trails ride coming up on July 12th. Riders should meet in Sharpsburg underneath the Flemming Bridge at 11:30. The ride will go along the Flemming Bridge trails to PNC park where riders will be on their own for lunch, and then return to Sharpsburg. The ride is beginner friendly, but bikes should be prepared to ride through light gravel. If you would like to attend, RSVP to Holly Forsyth at 412-897-8551 for more details.

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
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!

Check out the new location of Kayak Pittsburgh:
at the North Park Boathouse!
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: Friday, July 9 - Roaring Run, Apollo
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

6. 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!

I. 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.

II. The Venture Outdoors
Activity Spotlight
Check it out!

Friday, July 7
Gourmet Hike at the Frick
Join us for a delightful evening in Point Breeze not to be missed. We start with a nature and history walk through Frick Park, then adjourn to the landscaped lawns of the Frick Art & Historical Center where a delicious picnic and concert await! As we dip into the goodies, get ready for an evening of jumpin’ West Coast swing numbers to burnin’ slow blues and slide guitar workouts, as Eddie and the Untouchables’ entertain us for the evening. Rain date: Saturday, July 8th .
Location: Frick Art and Historical Center
Time: 5:00pm - 9:00pm
Cost: $25.00 member/$30.00 non-member

Saturday, July 22
Gardens, Murals, and a Museum, Oh My!
We will start the day out with a short hike around the North Side viewing three murals and a community garden, both of which will be described by special guests. After this short hike we will walk to the Mattress Factory for a guided tour of the museum, including the outdoor Garden, a living work of art by Winifred Lutz, and an opportunity to create and take home your own art at MF ARTLab.
Location: Mattress Factory, North Side
Time: 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Cost: $15.00 member/$18.00 non-member

Saturday, July 29
Canoe Camping: Youghiogheny River
Come along to enjoy an exciting canoe camping adventure within an hour’s drive from downtown Pittsburgh. 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: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Cost: $70.00 member/$75.00 non-member

For a complete listing of activities,
check out our website: www.ventureoutdoors.org.

III. V.O. in the News
Check out the latest about Venture Outdoors in the news media:

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
So much to do, so little time...

Wednesday, July 5 Activities
Happy Hour Paddle
Location: Kayak Pittsburgh: under the 6th Street bridge
Time: 5:15 PM - 6:30 PM
Cost: $10.00 member/$15.00 non-member

TriAnglers
Location: Point State Park
Time: 11:30 AM - 1:30 PM
Cost: $5.00

Friday, July 7 Activities
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 the Frick
*Activity Spotlight*

Saturday, July 8 Activities
Day Trek
Location: Ohiopyle State Park, Ferncliff Peninsula
Time: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Cost: $8.00 member/$10.00 non-member

Intro to Bike Camping
Location: Youghiogheny River Trail
Time: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Cost: $55.00 member/$60.00 non-member

Sunday, July 9 Activities
Intro to Geocaching
Location: Raccoon Creek State Park
Time: 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Cost: $12.00 member/$15.00 non-member

Urban Escape Hike
Location: Mullin's Diner, N. Side of 16th Street Bridge
Time: 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Cost: $8.00 member/$10.00 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

Members Mini-Fest
Location: Raccoon Creek State Park
Time: 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Cost: Free

Monday, July 10
Home Run Derby Paddle
Location: Kayak Pittsburgh: Under the Sixth Street Bridge
Time: 6:30 PM - 10:30 PM
Cost: $60.00 member/$75.00 non-member

Tuesday, July 11
Tyke Hike
Location: Schenley Park Café
Time: 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Cost: $4.00

Friday, July 14
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

Saturday, July 15 Activities
Brewery Hike
Location: Frick Park / East End Brewing
Time: 3:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Cost: $35.00 member/$40.00 non-member

Allegheny Cemetary Hike
Location: Allegheny Cemetery
Time: 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Cost: $10.00 member/$12.00 non-member

Family Canoeing
Location: North Park Lake
Time: 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Cost: $12.00 member/$15.00 non-member

Sunday, July 16 Activities
Tea and Trails
Location: North Park
Time: 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Cost: $15.00 member/$18.00 non-member

Animal Tracking Workshop
Location: South Park
Time: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Cost: $20.00 member/$25.00 non-member

Day Trek
Location: Laurel Hill State Park
Time: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Cost: $8.00 member/$10.00 non-member

Monday, July 17
Beginner Paddle
Location: Kayak Pittsburgh: under the 6th Street bridge
Time: 5:45 PM - 8:30 PM
Cost: $25.00 member/$30.00 non-member

Tuesday, July 18 Activities
Leave No Trace Awareness Workshop
Location: Venture Outdoors Office
Time: 6:30 PM - 9:00 PM
Cost: $5.00 member/$8.00 non-member

Tyke Hike
Location: Schenley Park Café
Time: 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Cost: $4.00

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!
*Activity Spotlight*

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

Saturday, July 29
Canoe Camping: Youghiogheny River
*Activity Spotlight*

V. Words of Inspiration
Things that make you go: hmmm...

"I only went outside for a walk and finally concluded to stay out till sundown, for going out, I found, was really going in." - John Muir

VI. What's Goin' On?
More action-packed activities from groups all around the region.

July 9, 2006
Pittsburgh Trail Advocacy Group
Mountian Bike Trail Maintenance
Location: Bavington (Hillman State Park) - Raccoon Creek State Park
Time: 10:00 AM
Cost: Free
Organization: Bike Pittsburgh

Saturday, July 8 Activities
Wildflower Walk at Todd
Location: Todd Sanctuary, Butler County
Time: 10:00 AM - 12 noon
Cost: Free (Reservations Required)
Organization: Audubon Society of Western Pennsylvania

Family Walkabout
Location: Beechwood Farms Nature Reserve
Time: 8:30 PM - 10:00 PM
Cost: Free
Organization: Audubon Society of Western Pennsylvania

Sunday, July 9 Activities
Your IBA at Todd
Location: Todd Sanctuary, Butler County
Time: 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Cost: Free
Organization: Audubon Society of Western Pennsylvania

Water Quality Monitoring at Todd
Location: Todd Sanctuary, Butler County
Time: 10:00 AM - 12 noon
Cost: Free
Organization: Audubon Society of Western Pennsylvania

Sunday, July 16
Your IBA at Harrison Hills
Location: Harrison Hills
Time: 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Cost: Free
Organization: Audubon Society of Western Pennsylvania

Saturday, July 22
Birding for Beginners at Todd
Location: Todd Sanctuary, Butler County
Time: 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Cost: Free
Organization: Audubon Society of Western Pennsylvania

Sunday, July 23
Trees of Todd
Location: Todd Sanctuary, Butler County
Time: 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Cost: Free
Organization: Audubon Society of Western Pennsylvania

Pittsburgh Trail Advocacy Group
Mountain Bike Trail Maintenance
Location: Bavington (Hillman State Park) - Raccoon Creek State Park
Time: 10:00 AM
Cost: Free
Organization: Bike Pittsburgh

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 ANSWERS: 1. The Allegheny River ends in downtown Pittsburgh where it joins the Monongahela River to make the Ohio River. 2. The Allegheny River Stretches 325 miles from its origin in Raymond, Pennsylvania, to Pittsburgh. 3. The Allegheny River provides drainage for the Mississippi River Watershed.