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!
Comments or Questions about Contours? Contact Tricia:
tchicka@ventureoutdoors.org
What's in this issue? (Left Column)
1. Trail Mix: Fishing for Fun?
2. V.O. in the News
3. Call for Volunteers
4. Venture Outdoors Membership Corner
5. Outdoor Announcements and Events
Even More Fun Stuff: (Right Column)
I. Venture Outdoors Night at REI!
II. Venture Outdoors Activity Spotlight (Fall Foliage on the Rocks, 60 Hikes within 60 Miles
of Pittsburgh, Alive in Nature)
III. Venture Outdoors Activities Listing
IV. Inspirations (Sam Walter Foss)
V. What's Goin' On?
VI. Support VO (iGive)
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 - Fishing for Fun?
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).
Fishing for fun?
Fall is a great time of year for fishing! Catfish and walleye are popular
catches downtown this time of year. Join the Venture Outdoors TriAnglers every
Wednesday for lunch time fishing at North Shore, Riverfront Park.
Nice catch!
Tips for catching Catfish:
- use raw shrimp or chicken liver for bait
- use a rigging method that allows your bait to rest close to the bottom
Tips for catching Walleyes:
- use a float or a jighead tipped with a minnow or a worm
- cast imitation lures like, Rapalas and Thundersticks, and reel them through the slower
moving current
Fishy Activities...
October 18th - In addition to fishing,
the TriAnglers are having their season ending awards ceremony
on Wednesday, October 18 at 12:30 pm on the North Shore (in front of PNC Park).
October 28th - The Family Fishing Derby
- Filleting & Cooking Demonstrations is great
fun for everyone! There will be prizes for the most outstanding and unusual catches of the day.
The Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission will have a 2 hour fishing clinic, and Venture Outdoors
will provide fish cleaning and cooking demonstrations.
For more information on these and other fishing activities visit our website
www.ventureoutdoors.org, check out the listings in the left column (sections III. & V.),
or gives us a call at 412-255-0564.
Something's Fishy Puzzler...
You can find the answer at the bottom of the newsletter.
I lived in the Allegheny, Beaver and Youghiogheny rivers before 1900.
The females of my species are always larger than the males.
I have two separate dorsal fins with small dark spots that form lengthwise rows.
What kind of Pennsylvania fish am I?
Experience Pittsburgh from a different perspective
Only 5 days left to paddle this season!!!
2.
V.O. in the News
Check
out the latest about Venture Outdoors in the news. See more press on our website.
Fishing Report, 10/6/06
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Sports, Hunting/Fishing
- October 6, 2006
The Kids List
Pittsburgh Tribune-Review
-October 5, 2006
North Bulletin Board
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Local News, North Neighborhoods
-October 5, 2006
Fishing Report, 9/29/2006
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Sports, Hunting/Fishing
-September 29, 2006
To prevent deja vu, alter your view for leaf gazing
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Travel
-September 17, 2006
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania:
Go From Street to Summit
(from "Your Kind of Town")
National Geographic Adventure Magazine
-September 2006
3.
Call for Volunteers
We need a little help here!
Calling all Database Dynamos and Office Oficianos
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). Shifts are flexible.
Please contact Allison Ruppert at 412-255-0564, ext. 26 or aruppert@ventureoutdoors.org today.
4.
Venture Outdoors Membership Corner
Venture Outdoors Night at REI!
Date: Wednesday, October 11
Time: 5 pm - 7 pm
Place: REI - Pittsburgh; 412 S. 27th Street
Cost: Free
Purpose:Join REI as we welcome Erik Lingren, the new Executive Director
of Venture Outdoors, to Pittsburgh. Erik will present the new Venture Outdoors
Promotional Video and take a few minutes to introduce himself and his background.
All Venture Outdoor Members in attendance will be invited to climb the REI Pinnacle
for free from 5:00pm – 7:00pm. While you are in the store make sure you check out
all the great savings during REI’s annual Fall Sale (October 4th – 15th).
Anybody who joins Venture Outdoors at the event will receive a 15% off one full
priced item coupon (some restrictions apply).
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, ext. 26 or e-mail aruppert@ventureoutdoors.org.
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.
 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.
Outdoor Announcements & Events
Get out your planners folks...
Special Events
A Night of Orienteering
Presented by the Western Pennsylvania Orienteering Club
Date: Saturday, October 14, 2006
Place: Camp Seph Mack, Yellow Creek State Park
Purpose: Orienteering is for all ages and degrees of fitness and skill. It provides the suspense and excitement of a
treasure hunt. The object of orienteering is to locate control points by using a map
and compass to navigate through the woods. The orienteering controls will
have reflective tape on them for optimum visibility. All you will need to bring is
a flashlight or headlamp, extra batteries, a compass, a whistle and your sense of
Adventure!
Contact: Please pre-register with Jim Wolfe at
jlwolfe@atlanticbb.net.
Western Pa Trails Symposium
by PA Environmental Council &
PA Recreation & Park Society, Inc.
Dates: October 27th & 28th
Places: Friday: The Regional Learning Alliance Conference Center, Cranberry Twnshp, Butler Cnty
Saturday: McKeever Environmental Learning Center, Sandy Lake, Mercer Cnty
Purpose: This two-day symposium will be an opportunity for trail enthusiasts to meet others from
PA and neighboring states and learn about developing trails in the region. You will have an
opportunity to envision the future of trails in Western Pa and beyond! The event will include
learning sessions, a raffle, exhibits, & more!
Contact: Hannah Hardy at the PA Environmental Council (412) 481-9400,
hhardy@pecpa.org, to register or for more information.
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
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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Environment/Health/Community
Fall Lecture Series
Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy is proud to announce that their fall lecture series now
has a new emphasis: your health. The UPMC Health Plan Healthy Living Lecture Series
covers a wide range of topics important to making Pittsburgh one of the healthiest
cities in the country.
When: Every Thursday from October 12th to November 16th at noon
Where: Schenley Park Visitor Center across from Phipps Conservatory
Cost: Lectures are free to the public
For more information, please visit
www.pittsburghparks.org or call 412-682-7275.
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!
Clean-Up/Trails
IMBA
Trail Care 3 Day Event
Sponsored by Subaru
Friday, October 20
IMBA Slide Show and Social Hour
Time: 7 - 9 PM
Place: 412 South 27th St. in the South Side Works
Purpose: Join us for a multi-media presentation about
IMBA's work around the world - with amazing photos and video
from all over the world. Meet the trail care crew and get to
know more of your fellow local mountain bikers.
Saturday, October 21
IMBA Trail Care Crew Class and Work Session
*Seats are filling up fast! Make your reservation today!*
Time: IMBA Trail Building School: 9 a.m. - Noon, Lunch:
Noon - 1:00 p.m., Trail work (Frick Park): 1:00 - 4 p.m.
Place: Meet at Wilkins School Community Center, 7604
Charleston Ave., Regent Square. Head to Frick Park from there.
Purpose: Learn the principals of building sustainable,
fun trails in this classroom session. Apply what you've learned
in the morning by building a trail in Frick Park with the experts.
If you've already had the training, no need to attend the class.
Contact: Karl Rosengarth at imbakar1@verizon.net
or 412-767-5021. Please make reservations to attend the class.
Sunday, October 22
IMBA Trail Care Crew Work Session and MTB Ride
Time: Trail work: 10 a.m.-Noon, 1:30 p.m. start.
Place: Frick Park (Meet at the English Lane parking lot
near the Blue Slide playground on Beechwood. Come at 9:30 for
pre-work coffee and pastries!)
Mountain
Bike Trail Maintenance
with the Pittsburgh
Trail Advocacy Group
Bring: tools, water and lunch, gloves, and appropriate clothes.
Next Date and Location: Sunday, November 5
- Hartwood
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
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I. Venture Outdoors Night at REI!
We hope to see you there!
Date: Wednesday, October 11
Time: 5 pm - 7 pm
Place: REI - Pittsburgh; 412 S. 27th Street
Cost: Free
Purpose:Join REI as we welcome Erik Lingren, the new Executive Director
of Venture Outdoors, to Pittsburgh. Erik will present the new Venture Outdoors
Promotional Video and take a few minutes to introduce himself and his background.
All Venture Outdoor Members in attendance will be invited to climb the REI Pinnacle
for free from 5:00pm – 7:00pm. While you are in the store make sure you check out
all the great savings during REI’s annual Fall Sale (October 4th – 15th).
Anybody who joins Venture Outdoors at the event will receive a 15% off one full
priced item coupon (some restrictions apply).
II.
The Venture Outdoors
Activity Spotlight
Here are some trips that you'll really enjoy.
Saturday, October 14
Fall Foliage on the Rocks
Western PA offers some of the most beautiful fall scenery in the country. Come join us for a
wonderful hike through the Laurel Ridge Wolf Rocks and Beam Rocks area. This will be an easy
6-7 mile hike featuring some of the most breathtaking vistas and inspiring fall foliage in
Western PA. After the hike, stopping at Primanti’s or Red Star Brewery might be a fun option
(not included in fee). Autumn is a wonderful time to be outdoors in this area, don’t miss out
on this hike.
Location: Laurel Summit State Park
Time: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Cost: $10.00 member/$15.00 non-member
Sunday, October 15
60 Hikes within 60 Miles of Pittsburgh
Donna L. Ruff, author of 60 Hikes within 60 Miles of Pittsburgh, will be leading a series
of four of her favorite hikes from her book. Ruff is a native Pittsburgher and graduate of
the University of Pittsburgh, has spent most of her life outside, especially in southwestern
Pennsylvania. At each event, Ruff will lead the hike, answer questions and give advice, and
autograph copies of her book. Filled with detailed trail descriptions, precise directions,
GPS-based trail maps, and elevation profiles, 60 Hikes will also be available for purchase.
Title and description used under permission of Donna Ruff and Menasha Ridge Press.
Location: Bear Run Nature Reserve
Time: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Cost: $8.00 member/$10.00 non-member
Maybe you'll see me on the Alive in Nature hike!
Sunday, October 22
Alive in Nature
More than anywhere else, we can open up to life in a bigger way in the ambiance of our
beautiful natural surroundings. Go on a paced walk with Life-Coach Jessie Hipolit for a
surprising blend of experiences, including movement, contemplation, connection, and expansion.
This series of specialty walks are approximately 2 hours, covering 2-3 miles, in a variety of
inspiring natural settings. They will comprise a series of unique interactions with nature that
will include activities, provocative questions and times for quiet thought, and some discussion;
all designed to raise our awareness of our own aliveness in relationship to the natural world
around us. Be sure to bring a journal, a sit-upon, camera, binoculars, snacks, and a sense of
expectancy!
Location: Todd Sanctuary
Time: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Cost: $12.00 member/$15.00 non-member
Check out our new line-up of activities for the Fall!
www.ventureoutdoors.org.
III. Venture
Outdoors Activities
For more information
on any of our activities visit our website
www.ventureoutdoors.org.
Weekly Activities
Every Monday
Beginner Paddle
*Check out our website for the times, places, and costs*
Every Tuesday
Tyke Hike
Location: Schenley Park Café
Time: 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Cost: $4.00 member/$4.00 non-member
Every Wednesday
TriAnglers
Location: North Shore, Riverfront Park
Time: 11:30 AM - 1:30 PM
Cost: $5.00 member/$5.00 non-member
Other Activities
Friday, October 13
Lunch Hour Paddle
Location: Kayak Pittsburgh: under 6th St. bridge
Time: 12:15 PM - 1:30 PM
Cost: $10.00 member/$15.00 non-member
Canoe Camping
Location: Buckaloons to Tionesta, Allegheney River
Time: 7:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Cost: $120.00 member/$150.00 non-member
Saturday, October 14
South Side Hike and Tour of WYEP
*Members Only*
Location: South Side Riverfront Park
Time: 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Cost: Free
Doggie Day Trek
Location: Hartwood Acres
Time: 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Cost: $10.00 member/$12.00 non-member
Sunday, October 15
Bird Banding and Hike
Location: Powdermill Avian Research Center
Time: 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Cost: $15.00 member/$20.00 non-member
Friday, October 20
Breakfast Hour Paddle
Location: Kayak Pittsburgh: under 6th St. bridge
Time: 6:15 AM - 7:30 AM
Cost: $10.00 member/$15.00 non-member
Saturday, October 21
Fall Foliage Paddle & Hike
Location: North Park Lake
Time: 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Cost: $10.00 member/$12.00 non-member
Apple Pie Hike
Location: Frick Park
Time: 1:00 PM - 3:30 PM
Cost: $12.00 member/$15.00 non-member
Pancake Hike
Breakfast Hour Paddle
Location: Laurel Hill State Park
Time: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Cost: $12.00 member/$15.00 non-member
Sunday, October 22
Rock Climbing
Location: Laurel Highlands
Time: 9:30 AM - 4:00 PM
Cost: $45.00 member/$55.00 non-member
New Moon Hike
Location: Deer Lakes Park
Time: 6:30 PM - 9:30 PM
Cost: $12.00 member/$15.00 non-member
IV.
Words of Inspiration
Things that make you go, "Hmmmm..."
"The woods were made for the hunters of dreams,
The brooks for the fishers of song;
To the hunters who hunt for the gunless game
The streams and the woods belong."
~Sam Walter Foss
V.
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
tchicka@ventureoutdoors.org for more information.
Saturday, October 14
Pymatuning Area
Location: Pymatuning Wildlife Learning Center
Time: 9:00 AM -
Cost: Free
Organization:
Audubon Society of Western Pennsylvania
Hike
Location: Ohiopyle Area
Time: 9:00 AM - Call
Cost: Free
Organization: Sierra Club, Allegheny Group
Sunday, October 15
Hike (Easy)
Call John or Kathy Murphy, 412-341-9367, and Bill Lawrence, 412-922-3951.
Location: Seldom Seen
Time: 1:30 PM - Call
Cost: Free
Organization: Sierra Club, Allegheny Group
Hike (Moderate)
John Dern, 412-856-4642.
Location: Rt.31 Area -Laurel Ridge
Time: 9:00 AM - Call
Cost: Free
Organization: Sierra Club, Allegheny Group
Hike (Strenuous)
Call Dick Pratt, 412-362-5567.
Location: Lake Arthur - East end
Time: Call
Cost: Free
Organization: Sierra Club, Allegheny Group
Saturday, October 21
Bicycle
Call Bill Kozorra or Dianne Ciccarelli, 412-531-6236 to reserve.
Location: Ghost Town Trail
Time: 9:00 AM - Call
Cost: Free
Organization: Sierra Club, Allegheny Group
Backpacking
Contact Patrick Roberts, 412-596-3566, or pdroberts19@hotmail.com.
Location: Quehanna Trail
Time: 8:00 AM - Call
Cost: Free
Organization: Sierra Club, Allegheny Group
Hike
Call Jim Ritchie, 412-828-0210.
Location: Moraine State Park
Time: 9:00 AM - Call
Cost: Free
Organization: Sierra Club, Allegheny Group
Cave
Call Norm Snyder, 412-351-4068.
Location: Lower Beaver Hole Cave
Time: Call
Cost: Free
Organization: Sierra Club, Allegheny Group
Sunday, October 22
Hike
Call Luc Berger, 412-362-5792.
Location: Hampton Community Park
Time: Call
Cost: Free
Organization: Sierra Club, Allegheny Group
Canoe
Call Dave Mottorn, 724-327-7582.
Location: Kiski River
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.
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VI.
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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PUZZLER ANSWERS: Sauger (Sander Canadensis). The sauger is very
closely related to the walleye and looks very similar. Saugers have been known
to be the most frequently caught species by anglers in the Ohio River watershed
in Pennsylvania, and in navigation pools of the Monongahela River and Ohio River.
They are fairly abundant in the lower Allegheny River and upper Ohio River.
Saugers appear very similar to walleyes except that saugers have small dark spots
on their dorsal fins, do not have a white tip on its lower tail like the walleye,
and saugers are generally smaller than walleyes.
- (
PA's state fishing website information on state fishes).
For more PA fishing
information check out Pennsylvania's state fishing site (
www.fish.state.pa.us).
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