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: Fall Into the Outdoors
2. Call for Volunteers
3. Venture Outdoors Membership Corner (Venture Outdoors Night at REI!)
4. Outdoor Announcements and Events
5. Support VO (iGive)
Even More Fun Stuff: (Right Column)
I. Venture Outdoors Activity Spotlight (Curry Hike, Brunch Paddle, Full Moon Paddle, Hike at Kentuck Knob)
Check out the Fall Schedule on the web!
www.ventureoutdoors.org
II. V.O. in the News
III. Venture Outdoors Activities Listing
IV. Inspirations (Albert Camus)
V. 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 - Fall Into the Outdoors
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).
Changing seasons...
The summer heat is slipping away and the cool autumn breeze is
sneaking in on Pittsburgh. Fall officially began on the
autumnal equinox on September 23rd. The autumnal equinox is the day when
the sun is located directly above the equator giving us a day
of equal light and equal darkness. After the autumnal equinox,
the days will get shorter until the
winter solstice, or the first day of winter. But don't let short days get you down,
fall is full of fun!
Fall into the Outdoors...
Here are a few places to find great fall activities!
To prevent deja vu, alter
your view for leaf gazing - an article in Pittsburgh Post-Gazette with great ideas for fall!
ARL Wildlife
Center Harvest Fest '06 - This Harvest Festival benefits the
ARL Wildlife Center and has five local bands and exciting activities
for the whole family! (See Outdoor Announcements & Events for more info.)
Kayak Pittsburgh - View the fall foliage from the river!
Kayak Pittsburgh Downtown is still open, going to just weekends in October. Kayak Pittsburgh
North is open weekends through October 31st.
GO Guide - Check out the GO Guide to
discover outdoor activities all over Western Pennsylvania.
Venture Outdoors - Visit our website and/or check out
the Activity Spotlight and Venture Outdoors Activities listings in the right
column for tons of fall fun!
Autumn Puzzler...
(See the bottom of the page for the answer.)
We are invisible most of the time.
We change the color of light.
We are usually not found together, but often appear next to each other.
What are we?
2.
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.
Experience Pittsburgh from a different perspective
Open weekends now through October!
3.
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.
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!
4.
Outdoor Announcements & Events
Get out your planners folks...
Special Events
Pittsburgh Step Trek
Date: October 1st
Time: 10 am Start Time
Place: Meet at 21st and Josephine streets on the South Side
Cost: $10 per person, or two people for $15 if pre-registered
by Sept. 19. Children under 12 are free when accompanied by an
adult. Purpose: The Pittsburgh StepTrek offers a walking
tour of the South Side Slopes with breath-taking views of downtown,
Oakland and the rivers. This year’s October 1 event features the
steps of city neighborhoods through the photography of Tim Fabian.
Contact: For more information, please visit www.steptrek.org
or call 412-488-0486.
Moonsplash Trail Mix[er]
Date: October 6th
Time: 6 - 11 pm
Place: On the Three Rivers Heritage Trail at the South Side Riverfront Park (Take E. Carson Street to 18th Street)
Cost: $50 per person (or $35 for members of Friends of the Riverfront or if you hike, bike, boat, or
bus to the party!)
Contact: For more information call 412-488-0212 x3 or e-mail
friends@friendsoftheriverfront.org
ARL
Wildlife Center Harvest Fest 06
Dates: Saturday, October 7 (Rain Date - October 14)
Time: Noon - 5 pm
Place: 6000 Verona Road in Verona
Cost: Free!
Purpose: Fundraiser to help us stay open this winter!
"Hibernation Hayride", Scooby's Scavenger Hunt, Kids Crafts,
Food, Education Programs. Five local bands including Jay Hitt
and Vequinox. Visit
www.pawildlifecenter.org for more information.
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
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.
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.
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!
Job/Volunteer
Postings
Venture
Outdoors Job/Volunteer Opportunities!
Want to be a part of one of the largest and most acclaimed rowing regattas in the U. S.?
Volunteers Needed for HOTO (Head of the Ohio)
Taking place on October 7th, the Head of the Ohio Regatta celebrates the beauty, majesty,
and energy of Pittsburgh's rivers. This day-long festival is one of Pittsburgh's premier
outdoor events featuring activities and entertainment for people of all ages.
There are lots of volunteer opportunities for individuals of all skill levels. Please
contact Kristi Sparta at 412-231-8772 or
Kristi@threeriversrowing.org if you would like
to help.
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, October 1
- North Park
For general information, email trail@bike-pgh.org
Become a V.O. Member!
Discover the advantages of a Venture Outdoors membership...call today!
412-255-0564, ext. 26
Or, click here.
|
5.
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.
The Venture Outdoors
Activity Spotlight
Here are some trips that you'll really enjoy.
Saturday, September 30
Curry Hike
We will start off by spending a couple hours on one of Pittsburgh's best kept secrets, The Panhandle
Trail. We will get some exercise and discover this wonderful area just outside of downtown. Afterwards,
we will join hostess and Indian curry cook extraordinaire Kanak Siyer and sample some fine Indian curry,
a mouth-tingling treat to warm up on a cold day. The chef will share information about the origins of
curry and what it takes to make this wonderful food!
Location: Panhandle Trail
Time: 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Cost: $15.00 member/$20.00 non-member
Sunday, October 1
Sunday Brunch Paddle
Come enjoy the cool morning air and refreshing sights of downtown Pittsburgh from a totally new
perspective. We will paddle over to Station Square to generate a nice appetite for brunch. We will
leave the kayaks at Station Square's new marina and walk to the Grand Concourse. Here we will enjoy
the best brunch Pittsburgh has to offer. After brunch, we'll ease back into paddling and return to our
starting point at Kayak Pittsburgh.
Location: Kayak Pittsburgh (under 6th St. Bridge)
Time: 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Cost: $45.00 member/$55.00 non-member
Saturday, October 7
Full Moon Paddle
The full moon is out and the water is fine! Join us as we follow the full moon through the evening
quiet and sights of the Allegheny River. The shimmering sky line provides a humble foreground for the
celestial bodies above. After basic instruction and tips on technique, you'll find yourself enjoying
the ease of paddling a sea kayak on the smooth Allegheny River.
Location: Kayak Pittsburgh (under 6th St. Bridge)
Time: 7:45 PM - 10:00 PM
Cost: $20.00 member/$30.00 non-member
Sunday, October 8
Hike at Kentuck Knob
Come and experience Frank Lloyd Wright's other Laurel Highland treasure, as we tour the magnificent
Kentuck Knob. Built by Frank Lloyd Wright in the last decade of his career, Kentuck Knob is seven
miles south of Fallingwater and six miles from the historic National Road, the trail cut 250 years
ago by Indians for George Washington and his troops. Kentuck Knob is a house built in hexagons
(you'll see what we mean) from native sandstone, tidewater cypress and copper, a Usonian beauty that
blends into the natural surroundings. Originally built for dairy magnate Mr. I.N. Hagan, the house
is now owned by Lord Peter Palumbo. The house tour will begin with a short walk from the Visitor
Center to the carport (FLW didn't believe in garages), and we'll step into the hexagon shaped
living room (with a hexagon shaped fireplace) and from there to the beautiful views from the dining
room to the cork lined floor in the kitchen, etc. Many small scenic treats await the visitor. After
the 90 minute tour, you can choose to either lunch in the sculpture garden or in the Kentuck Knob Café
(sandwiches available). Then we'll head to nearby Ohiopyle State Park for a gorgeous hike along Meadow
Run. A taste of the best of the Laurel Highlands!
Location: Ohiopyle State Park
Time: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Cost: $25.00 member/$30.00 non-member
Hiking through the fall leaves.
Check out our new line-up of activities for the Fall!
www.ventureoutdoors.org.
II.
V.O. in the News
Check
out the latest about Venture Outdoors in the news. See more press on our website.
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
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
Saturday, September 30
Wilderness First Aid
Location: Crooked Creek Environmental Learning Center
Time: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Cost: $150.00 member/$170.00 non-member
Sunday, October 1
Sunday Brunch Paddle
Location: Kayak Pittsburgh: under 6th St. Bridge
Time: 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Cost: $45.00 member/$55.00 non-member
Wednesday, October 4
Happy Hour Paddle
Location: Kayak Pittsburgh: under 6th St. bridge
Time: 5:45 PM - 7:00 PM
Cost: $10.00 member/$15.00 non-member
Thursday, October 5
All Terrain Evening Hikes - NEW Fall Series!
Location: Glenwood, South Side
Time: 5:45 PM - 8:30 PM
Cost: $10.00 member/$12.00 non-member
Friday, October 6
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 7
Flyfishing for Wild Brown Trout
Location: Yellow Creek, Bedford County
Time: 9:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Cost: $50.00 member/$60.00 non-member
Christopher Columbus Discovery Hike
Location: Harrison Hills Park
Time: 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Cost: $15.00 member/$20.00 non-member
Full Moon Hike
Location: Settler's Cabin Park
Time: 6:30 PM - 9:30 PM
Cost: $12.00 member/$15.00 non-member
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
Full Moon Paddle
Location: Kayak Pittsburgh: under 6th St. bridge
Time: 7:45 PM - 10:00 PM
Cost: $20.00 member/$30.00 non-member
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.
|
Sunday, October 8
Hike at Kentuck Knob
Location: Ohiopyle State Park
Time: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Cost: $25.00 member/$30.00 non-member
Urban Bike Tour of Pittsburgh's Riverfront Trails
Location: Eliza Furnace Trail
Time: 1:30 PM - 3:00 PM
Cost: $18.00 member/$23.00 non-member
IV.
Words of Inspiration
Things that make you go, "Hmmmm..."
"Autumn is a second spring when every leaf is a flower."
- Albert Camus
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.
Wednesday, September 27
ASWP Members Night
Location: Beechwood Farms Nature Reserve
Time: 7:00 PM -
Cost: Free
Organization:
Audubon Society of Western Pennsylvania
Canoe Camping 101
Location: REI Pittsburgh
Time: 7:00 PM - 8:15 PM
Cost: Free
Organization: R.E.I.
Saturday, September 30
Breathe Outside: Yoga at SouthSide Works
Location: REI Pittsburgh
Time: 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM
Cost: $5.00
Organization: R.E.I.
Sunday, October 1
Lower Buffalo Creek Watershed
Location: Buffalo Creek Watershed, Washington County
Time: 8:00 AM -
Cost: Free
Organization:
Audubon Society of Western Pennsylvania
Hike
Call Don Stone, 412-441-2027.
Location: Dunbar State Gamelands
Time: 9:30 AM - Call
Cost: Free
Organization: Sierra Club, Allegheny Group
Saturday, October 7
ARL Wildlife Center Harvest Fest 06
Location: 6000 Verona Road
Time: Noon - 5:00 PM
Cost: Free
Organization:
Animal Rescue League Wildlife Center
Sunday, October 8
Hike
Call Dave Mottorn, 724-327-7582.
Location: Oil Creek State Park
Time: Call
Cost: Free
Organization: Sierra Club, Allegheny Group
Tuesday, October 10
Mountain Bike Trail Maintenance
Location: North 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: Carotene and Anthocyanins, the reason that leaves change color.
Chlorophyll is the compound trees use to absorb sunlight during the photosynthesis
process to produce food for themselves. Chlorophyll also gives the leaves their green
color because it absorbs red and blue light, and so the light reflected appears green.
As the chlorophyll disappears because of the cooler temperatures of fall, other
chemicals in the leaves absorb and reflect different colors of light. Leaves that contain
Carotene appear yellow, and leaves that contain Anthocyanins appear red. Check out
the article,
The Chemistry of Autumn Colors in Chemical of the Week for more information.
|
|
