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: Venture Outdoors is turning 5!
2. Congrats to Team VO MS150!
3. WYEP Music Festival
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. 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 (Canoeing, Gourmet Hike,
Bike Camping, Home Run Paddle)
III. V.O. in the News
IV. Venture Outdoors Activity Listing
V. Inspirations (Emerson)
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 - Venture Outdoors is turning 5!
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).
Ahh, the memories...
It seems like just yesterday that we were the Western Pennsylvania Field Institute and we were
having our first public program on the Allegheny River. Times have changed since then, and Venture
Outdoors has certainly grown and expanded with age.
Venture Outdoors' 5th Birthday Party
and Kayak Pittsburgh North Dedication
Sunday, June 25th
North Park Boathouse
2-6pm BBQ & Festival only
$20 Individual, $40 Family
6-10pm Fundraiser & Retro Party
$60 Individual, $95 Couple
$20 Deduction for Charter Members! ($40/$75)
(Prices include both day/night events)
To register, call 412-255-0562 x.21 or electronically at signup@ventureoutdoors.org by Friday, 5:00 PM.
What could be better than relaxing on the water on a Sunday afternoon? Come out to the North Park
Boathouse on Sunday, June 25th, to celebrate five years of getting outside. The festivities will take
place between 2:00pm and 6:00pm with kayaking, canoeing, rowing, hiking, fishing, barbecuing, and many
more outdoor activities. Come by yourself for $20, or bring the whole family out for an afternoon of
fun on the water for $40.
Adults should also come to the Retro Party for the famous Venture Outdoors Five-Star Specialty Hike
Fare. It all starts at 6:00 PM with a champagne toast to dedicate Kayak Pittsburgh North. With everything from desserts to live music from Boogie Hustlers as heard on WYEP 91.3FM, it will
surely be a night that you won't forget. It will only cost you $60 as an individual and $95 as a couple.
Both prices include both day and night activities. All proceeds will benefit the youth and
community programs of Venture Outdoors.
Puzzler...
Five years isn't that long, but Venture Outdoors has a lot to show for the amount of time we've been around.
Think you know VO? Take the quiz and find out! (For the answers, scroll to the bottom of the newsletter.)
Match the Dates...
Each one of these milestones took place took place between 2001 and 2006. Match each event with the year it happened. Use each year only once.
Kayak Pittsburgh Opens at the Clemente Bridge
Venture Outdoors offers over 400 Programs throughout Western PA
1st Annual Banff Film Festival
1st Annual Gear Up! Fashion Show at Society for Contemporary Craft
1st Venture Outdoors Festival
Telluride Film Festival at Carnegie Music Hall
2. Congrats to Team VO MS150!
Team successfully completed the 150 mile trek
On Saturday, June 10th through Sunday, June 11th, the members of Team VO MS150 pulled through the grueling miles. More importantly,
they have helped raise crucial funds to help fight Multiple Sclerosis. The weekend, and months of training beforehand, proved to be fun and challenging for the team.
A quote from Team rider, Moriah sums up their experience: "Throughout the ride there was an over whelming feeling that in the end, things are always okay, no matter how rough the road is."
Please visit the team's website to find out how you can make a donation to the Multiple Sclerosis Society.
The Team sporting their VO shirts!
3. WYEP Music Festival
Listen to the music and try the Hydrobikes!
91.3fm WYEP is pleased to present the World Cafe at The Warhol tapings on
Friday, June 23rd and Saturday, June 24th.
Guests will sit in with World Cafe host David Dye
as he chats with established and emerging artists from across the musical spectrum.
Then...
Join WYEP on the lawn at Allegheny Landing on the North Shore on Saturday, June 24th
for the WYEP 9th Annual Summer Music Festival. The event begins at approximately 5PM and is a
family-friendly, picnic-style event, so blankets, picnic baskets, kids and dogs are all welcome!
Venture Outdoors will be there to take you on a spin of their new hydrobikes.
Enjoy a beautiful backdrop to an incredible day of free, live music from WYEP!
For more information and tickets, click here.
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.
Members Discount
Enjoy a 5% discount on purchases at The Sportsman's Warehouse, located in the North Hills. Show your current Venture Outdoors membership card at time of purchase. The Sportsman's Warehouse's simple mission is to live up to their reputation as the Great Indoors for those who love the Great Outdoors. Sportsman's Warehouse was founded under the idea of serving the outdoor enthusiast exclusively. That's why you'll find everything you're looking for under one roof.
Address: 250 Mt. Nebo Pointe Dr.
Pittsburgh, PA 15237
Telephone: (412)366-6100
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!
Birthday Party Volunteers
Volunteer opportunities for the June 25th VO Celebration:
· Retro Displays – Design interactive displays with memorabilia, bikes, kayaks, tents and more.
· BBQ Chefs – Work the grill magic.
· Event Setup – Model kickin' outdoor gear (and placard) as you mingle.
Please contact Allison at 412-255-0564, ext. 26 or aruppert@ventureoudoors.org for more details.
Thanks for your ongoing support!
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
Bike Trip Documentary
Washington D.C. to McKeesport - to air June 25th
Visit DUQ's site for more information.
Made possible by a grant from Venture Outdoors.
Kid's Mountain Bike Rides
By P.O.R.C. (Pittsburgh Off Road Cyclists)
Dates: Last Sunday of the following months: June (A Bike Fest Event), August, Sept., & 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
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.
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 Opportunities!
Visit our job 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
7. 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. DUQ's On the Beaten Path:
Pedaling Pittsburgh and Beyond
DUQ reporter Mark Nootbaar is currently undertaking a nearly 350 mile ride from Washington D.C. to Pittsburgh along
the C&O Canal and the Great Allegheny Passage. He is offering regular on-air updates from the trail, as well as web journal entries from June 18 - 24.
Click here to track Mark's progress on the trail and to hear his daily updates.
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!
Wednesday, July 5
Canoeing the Allegheny
The Allegheny River is a magnificent waterway, with a myriad of water birds, thriving fisheries, and lush islands right in Pittsburgh. Join us for an exploration of this treasure and learn how to canoe close to home.
Location: Harmarville, Allegheny River Islands
Time: 6:30 PM - 9:30 PM
Cost: $12.00 member/$15.00 non-member
Organization: Venture Outdoors
Friday, July 7
Gourmet Hike at the Frick
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 & Historical Center
Time: 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Cost: $25.00 member/$30.00 non-member
Saturday, July 8 - Sunday, July 9
Intro to Bike Camping
Join us for a weekend of bicycling one of our area's scenic trails,
camping at the picturesque Cedar Creek State Park and enjoying
the food and camaraderie of a group tour. This is an intro trip,
so we’ll transport your tents and sleeping gear. We'll even feed
you 2 lunches, 1 breakfast and 1 dinner -- bicycle camping style.
Be prepared to bring your bicycle, daily water, snacks and a change
of clothes.
Location: Youghiogheny River Trail
Time: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Cost: $55.00 member/$60.00 non-member
Monday, July 10
Home Run Derby Paddle
BACK-BACK-BACK-GONE! On the evening of this special event join
us at Kayak Pittsburgh for a pre-Home Run Derby meal, including
Hot Dogs, Cracker Jacks, Nachos and Ice Cold Soda. After the treats
we will head to the water for a warm-up paddle and then position
ourselves to catch the towering blasts that sail out of PNC Park.
Limited space available, sign up today!
Location: Kayak Pittsburgh: Under the Sixth Street Bridge
Time: 6:30 PM - 10:30 PM
Cost: $60.00 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:
6-21-06 Venture Outdoors
(Dedication and 5-year Celebration)
5-28-06 Pittsburgh Post Gazette
(North Park Opening)
5-20-06 Pittsburgh Post Gazette
(Kayaker's Marathon ends at VO Fest)
5-11-06 Pittsburgh Post Gazette
(GO Week)
5-09-06 Pittsburgh Trib
Along for the Ride
5-07-06 Pittsburgh Post Gazette
Waterways...
5-03-06 Pittsburgh Trib
Mobility...seniors'...
4-27-06 Pittsburgh Trib
The three rivers...
4-13-06 Pittsburgh Trib
Outdoor explorations
Want to canoe down the Allegheny?
Sign up today!
IV.
The Venture Outdoors
Activity Listing
So much to do, so little time...
Wednesday, June 21
Yoga Outdoors
Location: Schenley Park Café (Visitor Center)
Time: 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Cost: $10.00 member/$12.00 non-member
Friday, June 23
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
Sunday, June 25
Members Day / 5th Birthday Party
2-6pm BBQ & Festival only
$20 Individual, $40 Family
6-10pm Fundraiser & Retro Party
$60 Individual, $100 Couple
Location: North Park Boathouse
Time: 2:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Cost: $60.00 member/$60.00 non-member
Monday, June 26
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, June 27
Tyke Hike
Location: Schenley Park Café
Time: 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Cost: $4.00
Wednesday, June 28 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
Thursday, June 29
All Terrain Evening Hike - Summer Series
Location: Bullcreek
Time: 5:45 PM - 8:30 PM
Cost: $10.00 member/$12.00 non-member
Friday, June 30 Activities
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
Urban Bike Tour of Pittsburgh's Riverfront Trails
Location: Washington's Landing
Time: 6:30 PM - 9:00 PM
Cost: $18.00 member/$23.00 non-member
Saturday, July 1 Activities
Calling all Teens and Pre-Teens!
Location: Ohiopyle State Park
Time: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Cost: $12.00 member/$15.00 non-member
Beginner Biking at Boston
Location: Boston (South of McKeesport)
Time: 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Cost: $12.00 member/$15.00 non-member
Day Trek
Location: Raccoon Creek State Park
Time: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Cost: $8.00 member/$10.00 non-member
Sunday, July 2
Three Rivers Regatta Fishing Derby
Location: Point State Park
Time: 9:00 AM - 12:30 PM
Cost: $5.00
Monday, July 3
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 4
Fourth of July Paddle
Location: Kayak Pittsburgh: under the 6th Street bridge
Time: 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Cost: $50.00 member/$65.00 non-member
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
Canoeing the Allegheny
*Activity Spotlight*
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
Day Trek
Location: Ohiopyle State Park, Ferncliff Peninsula
Time: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Cost: $8.00 member/$10.00 non-member
Saturday, July 8 - Sunday, July 9
Intro to Bike Camping
*Activity Spotlight*
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
*Activity Spotlight*
V.
Words of Inspiration
Things that make you go: hmmm...
"Nature belongs only to the eyes that see her." - Ralph Waldo Emerson
VI. What's Goin' On?
More action-packed activities from groups all around the region.
Friday, June 30
Todd Conservation Day
Location: Todd Sanctuary, Butler
Time: 9:00 AM
Cost: Free
Organization:
Audubon Society of Western Pennsylvania
Saturday, July 1 Activities
A Walk Through the Forest Cathedral
Location: Cook Forest State Park, Log Cabin Inn Environmental Learning Classroom.
Time: 3:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Cost: Free
Organization: PA Great Outdoors Visitors Bureau
Fire Tower/Seneca Point Historical Tour
Location: Cook Forest State Park, Log Cabin Inn Environmental Learning Classroom.
Time: 11:30 AM - 2:30 PM
Cost: Free
Organization: PA Great Outdoors Visitors Bureau
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.
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