Contact: Rebecca Malena
Tel. 412.255.0564 ext. 29
rmalena@ventureoutdoors.org
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

ADVANCED PROGRAMS CHALLENGE PARTICIPANTS
Venture Outdoors members demand more difficult programs in fall schedule
(Pittsburgh, PA - August 21, 2007) - Recently, some members of Venture Outdoors voiced their concerns that the public programs weren't up to speed, literally, and they requested activities just a bit beyond the beginner level.

To cater to the skill level and needs of those long-time Venture Outdoors participants and other advanced individuals, Venture Outdoors added a series of advanced public programs while still maintaining a variety of programs for those just beginning to explore the outdoors as a recreational option.

People are no longer asking for merely a walk in the park; they want to use the outdoors for their physical and mental wellness, and the Advanced Programs provide the level of exercise needed for a challenging healthy lifestyle.

Programs include a Long Distance Hike Series through Western PA's longer trails, a Dolly Sods Backpacking trip through West Virginia wilderness, a Downtown Urban Escape Hike, a Riverview Escape Hike, and a Sparkle Season Lights Hike to explore the main light exhibits of Downtown.

A Fine Wine and Filet Hike leads participants through a 7-mile hike through the Laurel Highlands. An Advanced Paddle Series covers 7 to 8 miles up the Monongahela River, up the Allegheny River and Down the Ohio River. Experienced paddlers will have the chance to partake in the Canoe Camping program in two days down the Allegheny River.

*Long Distance Hike Series - Saturday, Sept. 8 at North Country Trail in Moraine State Park, Saturday, Sept. 29 on West Loop in Raccoon Creek State Park, and Saturday, Oct. 13 on East Loop in Raccoon Creek State Park.

*Dolly Sods Backpacking - Saturday, Sept. 15- Sept. 16 in Dolly Sods, WV
Training Sessions - Saturday, Aug. 26 and Saturday, Sept. 8 at North Park

*Downtown Urban Escape Hike - Sunday, Nov. 18 in Downtown Pittsburgh

*Riverview Escape Hike - Sunday, Oct. 21 at Riverview Park

*Sparkle Season Lights Hike - Saturday, Dec. 8 in Downtown Pittsburgh

*Fine Wine and Filet Hike - Saturday, Sept. 15 at North Park

*Advanced Paddle Series - Sunday, Sept. 9 at Hot Metal Bridge; Sunday, Sept. 23 at Pine Creek; and Sunday Oct. 14 at Brunot's Island

*Canoe Camping: Allegheny River - Friday, Oct. 12 to Sunday, Oct. 14

To register for any of the Advanced Programs, or for any events, those interested need only call the Venture Outdoors office at 412.255.0564 or visit the Web site, where there is a complete listing of programs, at www.ventureoutdoors.org.

Venture Outdoors, a non-profit organization, seeks to transform the Pittsburgh region into a place where the outdoors is an integral part of our culture, our identity, and our lifestyle. Venture Outdoors does this by increasing participation in outdoor recreational activity. This in turn creates a sense of community among participants, an increased awareness of the region’s excellent quality of life, and a better understanding of and deeper appreciation for the environment and wilderness among the residents of and visitors to western Pennsylvania.

For more information on Venture Outdoors, visit www.ventureoutdoors.org or call 412.255.0564.

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