January – March 2016 Schedule

VENTURE OUTDOORS trailhead Connecting Everyone with the Outdoors

Explore the outdoors with the whole family! Craft hikes, snowshoe adventures, bunny hunts - our family outings have something for every member of the family!

Join us on a winter wonderland adventure! Try snowshoeing or cross-country skiing this winter!

Banff, the greatest film festival of the year, is only a few months away!

See page 15 for more details. Did You Know… Board of Directors Venture Outdoors is a 501(c)3 charitable nonprofit organization. We are dedicated to Alice Johnston, Board Chair connecting everyone to the benefits of outdoor recreation throughout Southwestern Drew Lessard, Vice Chair & Treasurer . We provide a variety of activities that inspire an active lifestyle, promote the Erik Agostoni, Secretary region’s unique natural amenities, highlight its excellent quality of life, and foster a greater Todd Owens, Immediate Past Chair appreciation for the environment. L. Todd Becker Abby Corbin Here’s how we do it… Becoming a member helps us… Dennis Henderson With more than 700 outings and events • Get children and low-income families David Hunt each year, people of all ages, families, kids, outside and active, experiencing the Lindsay Patross and even pets, can enjoy our first-rate wonder and beauty of outdoor Darlene Schiller outdoor recreation. recreation Robert J. Standish • Develop adaptive outdoor recreation Geoff Tolley Members save on outings, but everyone is programs for people with disabilities David Wolf welcome. Want to create a unique group experience? Call about customized outings. • Fund our continued efforts to promote Staff healthy lifestyles throughout Venture Outdoors also runs Kayak Southwestern Pennsylvania Joey-Linn Ulrich, Executive Director and operates a 24’ portable climbing wall to bring fun to your next festival, PROGRAM DEPARTMENT community day, or corporate event. Lora Woodward, Director Liz Fager, Program Manager And join us each spring for two of our most Jim Smith, Equipment and Facilities Manager popular events – the Banff Mountain Film Lora Hutelmyer, Youth Program Coordinator Festival at the Carnegie Library and Music Jake Very, Program Administrator Hall of Homestead and the Venture Outdoors Festival in . KAYAK PITTSBURGH Vanessa Bashur, Kayak Pittsburgh Manager Membership Has Its Benefits Membership Levels DEVELOPMENT AND COMMUNICATIONS Time to renew your Membership or join for Student /Senior – $15 (Students or Donna L. Bour, Director the first time? Go to ventureoutdoors.org Seniors age 62+) Kathi Radock, Membership and Volunteer to show your support of our programs and Individual – $25 Manager mission to connect people to the outdoors! Danielle Levsky, Communications and Dual – $35 (any two members of the same household) Media Coordinator As a Member you save everyday on Jayme Penner, Development and outing fees, rentals at Kayak Pittsburgh, Family – $50 (up to six members of the same household) Communications Administrator and invitations to Members only outings and events. Trailblazer – $75 ADMINISTRATION Adriane Harrison, Human Resources Paddler – $100 Coordinator Don’t miss these great benefits any Ranger – $125 Sherry Buckham, Operations Administrator longer – become a Member now at ventureoutdoors.org. Steward – $250 Trustee – $500 Trip Leader Council Have a question about Membership? Pathfinder – $1,000 Email [email protected] Nanci Goldberg or call 412.255.0564, ext. 224. All members receive: Joel Johnston • Discounts of up to 40% on Venture Nancy Latimer Thank you for your continued support! Erin McCormick Outdoors outings Henry Schumacher • $5 off your first hour at either Kayak Sheila Stagnitta Pittsburgh location and savings on Orville Steininger Kayak Pittsburgh season passes Christen Stroh Kevin Thomson • Invitations to free Members only Joe Walko outings (selected each month by the VENTURE Venture Outdoors Programming Team) and events OUTDOORS Members at the Steward level and above also receive the following for up to six members of the same household: • Two FREE Kayak Pittsburgh 1-hour rental vouchers • Two FREE general admissions to the Contributor Choice #1529517 Banff Mountain Film Festival

2 VENTUREOUTDOORS.ORG Levels of Difficulty Table of Contents Membership p. 2 Educational p. 4 Leadership p. 7 This terminology is general. Please refer to program description for specifics. The Levels of Difficulty p. 3 Family p. 4 Snowshoeing p. 7 activity information is accurate at the How to Sign Up p. 3 Fly Fishing p. 5 Specialty Hikes p. 8 time of printing. Occasionally, an activity’s Cross Country Skiing p. 4 Hiking p. 5 Workshops p. 10 information is altered before its start date. You will receive the most recent information when you register. RELAXED How to Sign Up • Short distances at a slow pace • Generally flat terrain, well defined trails ONLINE If at any point in the process you have a question • No prior activity experience is necessary Visit ventureoutdoors.org. or would like assistance, please call 412.255.0564, • Perfect start for beginners x0 or email [email protected]. • Not too physically challenging Members Registrations are confirmed within 1–2 business days. EASY • Click Sign In at the top right corner of the • Short distances at a slow pace homepage, enter your email address and • Relatively flat terrain, well defined trails, password, then navigate to Activities Calendar MORE INFORMATION and select your outing. may involve some hills We will provide you with an information sheet that • No prior activity experience is necessary includes meeting time and location, directions, • Perfect start for beginners Non-Members and a list of what to wear and bring. Participants • Not too physically challenging • Click Join Today at the top right corner of the provide their own transportation and food unless homepage to become a Member and start otherwise noted. MODERATE saving on outings OR navigate to Activities • Varying distances at a steady pace Calendar and select your outing. • Varying terrain, fairly established trails ACCOMMODATIONS • Some prior experience in the activity is Next Steps If you need an accommodation to participate, required • Click on the Register button which takes you please call 412.255.0564 or email info@ • Physically challenging, only for those in to the next page. That’s where you select who ventureoutdoors.org. good physical condition is attending. ADVANCED • Check the boxes for all family members you CANCELLATION POLICY • Fast-paced over a short distance or wish to register. Refunds are processed for cancellations steady-paced over a long distance – If you are registering someone who is made at least three business days (Monday – • Varying terrain, may include off-trail NOT a Member, enter information in the Friday) in advance. Simply email registration@ sections, rough spots, unexpected Other Participants fields. Then click Add ventureoutdoors.org or call 412.255.0564, ext. 0 obstacles Participant. Cancellations cannot be made on our website. • Prior experience in the activity is required • Once all participants have been added, check • Physically challenging, only for those in I agree to VO terms and click Next. Cancellations with insufficient notice, no-shows, good physical condition and late arrivals who miss the group’s departure • Select Save and Continue Shopping to go will not receive a refund or trip credit. STRENUOUS back to the Activities Calendar and add more • Fast-paced over a short distance or outings. Then repeat the steps. When ready to Refunds are issued in the form of original payment fast-paced over a long distance check out, add discount code or gift unless otherwise requested. Paid reservations certificate numbers if applicable, then click are transferable to other participants. However, • Difficult terrain, will include off-trail Apply! Check for accuracy, click Next, and we request advanced notice of the transfer. sections, rough spots and unexpected enter payment information on the next page. obstacles • Prior experience in the activity is required • Ready to complete your transaction? Click • Only for those in excellent physical Submit and you’re done! condition. Most physically challenging FAMILY FRIENDLY • These activities are geared toward the whole family and offer discounts for children under 18; some restrictions apply. A parent or legal guardian must sign an assumption of risk form for a participant under 18 years of age. DOG FRIENDLY • Bring your best friend along on the trip. These activities are great for both you and your dog. • The number of dogs allowed on an activity is limited AND those dogs must be registered with participants. Dogs must have licenses and up-to-date shots.

VENTUREOUTDOORS.ORG 3 INTERMEDIATE CROSS COUNTRY SKIING CROSS COUNTRY This moderate outing is for those who wish to improve their cross country skiing technique FAMILY and to ski at a steady pace. We’ll showcase EASY SKIING popular places to cross country ski that NOTE: Ski rentals are not included in the fee include varying terrain and picturesque but are available near the meeting location. landscapes. Pack a lunch and snacks. FAMILY SNOWSHOE ADVENTURE Dates and Locations: Saturday, January 30 at Bring the whole family on an easy snowshoe EASY Laurel Summit and Saturday, February 27 at outing through a winter wonderland. We’ll start with the basics of snowshoeing, and then hike along an easy trail that everyone in the BEGINNER CROSS COUNTRY SKIING Time: 10 AM - 2:30 PM This outing is for true beginners at cross family can enjoy! After the outing, we will country skiing or those that have not been out Cost: Member $18, Non-Member $24 gather for a warm cup of hot cocoa! This activity for a long period of time. We’ll emphasize is great for children aged 8-15 and their education and technique as we wind our way families. The fee includes snowshoe rental. If around this beautiful state park. The route is there is not enough snow to snowshoe, then mostly level with some gently rolling terrain. EDUCATIONAL we will still go over the basics of snowshoeing, We’ll focus on getting down the basics while practice in the grass, and then go for a hike. reveling in winter’s beauty. Pack a lunch and EASY Dates and Locations: Sunday, January 10 at snacks. WINTER TREE ID WALK Highland Park; Sunday, January 31 at Moon Dates and Locations: Saturday, January 2; Park; and Saturday, February 20 at You may be able to tell an oak leaf from a Sunday, January 10; Saturday, January 16; maple leaf, but how do you identify trees in Time: 10 - 11:30 AM Saturday, February 6 at ; and the winter when the branches are bare? It’s Cost: Member $8, Non-Member $12, Kids $5, Sunday, February 21 at easier than you think! Local ecologist Henry Member Family $20 Time: 10 AM - 2:30 PM Schumacher will lead us on a walk through Cost: Member $18, Non-Member $24 Frick Park, teaching us the ins and outs of KIDS CRAFT HIKE winter tree identification. We’ll enjoy a Inspire your little ones with art and refreshing outing while developing a new creativity! Join Venture Outdoors on a MODERATE appreciation for the winter landscape. family-friendly hike through the Friendship/ DESTINATION CROSS COUNTRY SKIING - COOK FOREST Date: Saturday, January 9 Bloomfield neighborhood, where kids will have For novice to intermediate skiers, we’ll Time: 1 - 3 PM a chance to explore the arts district along showcase as a Penn Ave. Then, we’ll warm up inside Location: Frick Park Assemble’s Saturday Crafternoons, where kids popular place to cross country ski. Located in Cost: Member $8, Non-Member $12, Kids $6 the PA snow belt, Cook Forest is known for its can use their creativity and build something of wintery landscape of snow-draped old growth their own with local makers and community trees and icicle-laden hemlocks.The route WINTER BIRD COUNT WALK partners! This hike and hands-on craft includes varying terrain and picturesque Ever wonder what birds are program is great for children in grades 1-8 scenery. Pack a lunch and snacks. utilizing Pittsburgh’s wooded and their families. hillsides for habitat? Join Date: Saturday, January 23 Date: Saturday, January 30 local naturalists on a winter bird walk through Time: 12 - 2 PM Time: 10 AM - 2:30 PM Emerald View Park. The 3-mile walk will Location: Cook Forest State Park cover mostly easy terrain with some steep Location: Friendship Cost: Member $18, Non-Member $24 hills. This outing is gauged for the amateur or Cost: Member $8, Non-Member $12, Kids $5, beginner bird enthusiast, but we encourage Member Family $20 birders of all levels to attend and contribute! DESTINATION CROSS COUNTRY SKIING - WILDERNESS LODGE Date: Saturday, February 13 For novice to intermediate skiers, we’ll Time: 1 - 3 PM showcase Wilderness Lodge as a popular Location: Emerald View Park place to cross country ski. Located near Erie, Cost: FREE – Members Only Wilderness Lodge is known for its great ski trails and warm lodge. Enjoy gliding through the wintery landscape. The route includes varying terrain and picturesque scenery. Pack a lunch and snacks. 2016 Members Date: Saturday, February 13 Time: 10 AM - 2:30 PM Only Events Location: Wilderness Lodge, near Erie Cost: Member $35, Non-Member $47 Join us this winter as we screen the documentary Power of One Voice - A 50 Year Perspective on the Life of Rachel Carson. This event is FREE to current Venture Outdoors Members. For more details and to register for tickets, please visit Fantastic outing. Learning and ventureoutdoors.org/member-events. Check back often for more excercising, Win win! “ information about Member Events. 4 ” VENTUREOUTDOORS.ORG FERNCLIFF PENINSULA HIKE This 2.4 mile loop hike follows the perimeter FLY FISHING of Ferncliff Peninsula, created by a horseshoe turn in the Youghiogheny River. We’ll experience MODERATE this scenic and spectacular view of the Falls, river and gorge, old growth forests, and rock EUROPEAN NYMPHING FOR TROUT embedded with fossils along our hike. The Trout spend 70-90% of their feeding time path includes sections that are rocky and eating subsurface insects. In this class you uneven. Bring your hiking boots! will learn the new European nymphing Date: Sunday, March 6 techniques. Originated in Poland and refined Time: 1 - 3 PM KIDS IMPROV COMEDY HIKE by the Czech, Spanish, and French world fly Warm up on a Saturday afternoon with fishing teams, this style of nymph fishing will Location: Ohiopyle State Park laughter! Bring the entire family on a hike greatly improve your success on moving water Cost: Member $6, Non-Member $10 through Pittsburgh’s downtown Cultural anywhere in the world. We will examine the District to learn about the history, art, and flies, retrieves, leaders, gear and tactics to WOMEN OF PITTSBURGH WALK catch bigger fish. After lunch we will take culture of the area. After the hike, we’ll warm March is Women’s History Month, and Pittsburgh what we learned in class to the water in up inside with a fast-paced and funny children’s is one of the most historically rich places for pursuit of trout! This outing features expert improv comedy show, presented by the women’s history in the country. Join us for a instruction from Dale and Cyndi Kotowski, of Penny Arcade. guided walk around Oakland as we visit Chestnut Ridge Trout Unlimited. Pennsylvania historical sites and revisit some of Pittsburgh’s Date: Saturday, February 13 Fishing License requirements apply. Prior fly most famous and influential women. Time: 12 - 2 PM fishing experience is required for this outing. Date: Saturday, March 12 Location: Downtown Pittsburgh Date: Saturday, March 26 Time: 9 AM - 12 PM Cost: Member $12, Non-Member $18, Kids $8, Time: 9 AM - 5 PM Member Family $30 Location: Oakland Location: Ohiopyle State Park Cost: Member $6, Non-Member $10 POT O’ GOLD GEOCACHING Cost: Member $65, Non-Member $86 Embark on a special mission to find hidden treasures in Mellon Park! We’ll learn MODERATE all about the hand-held GPS (Global Positioning Watch for these upcoming NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTION HIKE Satellite) units that we can use to locate the programs in April! Have you made a resolution this year to get treasures, or “caches” in this family-friendly outdoors and get more exercise? Why not St. Patrick’s Day adventure. No experience start right away with a steady-paced hike necessary. Fly Fishing: Intro through beautiful Frick Park? We’ll hike 4-5 Date: Saturday, March 5 Date: Saturday, April 9 miles over hilly terrain, while admiring Time: 1:30 - 3:30 PM Time: 9 AM - 5 PM winter’s beauty from the trail. It’s the perfect beginning to a great new year! Location: Mellon Park Location: Ohiopyle State Park Cost: Member $8, Non-Member $12, Kids $5, Cost: Member $65, Non-Member $86 Date: Friday, January 1 Member Family $20 Time: 1 - 4 PM Match the Hatch Location: Frick Park FAMILY PI DAY HIKE Date: Saturday, April 23 Cost: Member $6, Non-Member $10 The world is filled with circles, and we’re Time: 9 AM - 5 PM ready to celebrate them! Pi Day is just around GAME DAY HIKE Location: Ohiopyle State Park the corner on 3/14. Join Venture Outdoors on Get in a good workout before the big game! a hike around Frick Park, where kids and Cost: Member $65, Non-Member $86 We’ll explore our largest county parks at a adults will learn neat Pi facts, sing math steady pace covering 4-6 miles of moderate melodies, and explore the world of circles to terrain. This hike is focused on showcasing celebrate Pi Day. After the hike, we’ll continue the area, enjoying the company of others and the celebration with delicious pie dessert! HIKING getting in a great workout! Date: Saturday, March 12 Dates and Locations: Sunday, January 3 at North Time: 1 - 3 PM EASY Park and Sunday, February 7 at Location: Frick Park BOSTON HISTORY HIKE Time: 9 AM - 12 PM Cost: Member $8, Non-Member $12, Kids $5, Take a 3-4 mile hike in and around little Cost: Member $6, Non-Member $10 Member Family $20 Boston, a lesser-known village along the Youghiogheny River. Join living historians Ed STARGAZING HIKE EASTER EGG GEOCACHING Falvo and John McNulty as they weave stories Join us for a hike in the darkness of a new Embark on a special mission to find hidden of the landscape’s past into our hiking route. moon. We will enjoy the tranquility of the Easter eggs in North Park! We’ll learn all The outing includes a visit to the Elizabeth evening while observing the stars and the about the hand-held GPS (Global Positioning Township Historical Society’s archive room wildlife that is more active at night. The hike Satellite) units that we can use to locate the and a log cabin circa 1794. will cover 3-4 miles at a moderate pace going eggs, or “caches” in this family-friendly Date: Saturday, March 5 up and down some hills. Marvel at how well Easter adventure. No experience necessary. your eyes can adapt to the night! Time: 1 - 4 PM Date: Saturday, March 26 Location: Boston Dates and Locations: Saturday, January 9 at ; Monday, February 8 at Round Hill Time: 10:30 AM - 12:30 PM Cost: Member $8, Non-Member $12 Location: North Park Park; and Tuesday, March 8 at North Park Cost: Member $12, Non-Member $18, Kids $8, Time: 6:30 - 8:30 PM Member Family $30 Cost: Member $6, Non-Member $10 VENTUREOUTDOORS.ORG 5 OWL PROWL HIKE Join Venture Outdoors for an evening hike through these two magnificent parks while searching for owls! We will learn more about these winged creatures, and will even spend some time learning and practicing their calls. After the hike, we will gather for hot chocolate to warm up as we discuss our experience. Dates and Locations: Thursday, January 28 at Riverview Park and Friday, February 19 at Robin Hill Park Time: 6:30 - 8:30 PM Cost: Member $6, Non-Member $10

GROUNDHOG DAY HIKE RYERSON STATION TREK You’ll enjoy this hike so much you’ll want to Spend a day in the woods exploring the Urban Fitness repeat it over and over again. We’ll celebrate beautiful hiking trails of Ryerson Station State Punxsutawney Phil with an invigorating early Park. We’ll learn the natural and social Hike Series morning hike through the hustle and bustle of history of this Greene County park while downtown Pittsburgh. Whether you want to covering 6-9 miles of moderate terrain. Hear ADVANCED see winter stick around, or are looking the tales of Native Americans and early forward to the warmer days ahead, get your colonists who inhabited the land. Treks are Exercise doesn’t have to be dull! This day started with a hike that includes a stop at designed to showcase some of the best hiking winter, come outside and play as we hike the Point State Park fountain. We’ll end at a in Western PA. Pittsburgh’s rugged terrain. We’ll warm up coffee shop for an early morning pick me up! Date: Saturday, March 19 quickly, climbing steep hills and impossibly Date: Tuesday, February 2 high stairways with incredible views of the Time: 10 AM - 4 PM Time: 6:30 - 8 AM city from unusual vantages. This series of Location: Ryerson Station State Park nine challenging 5-6-mile weeknight hikes Location: Downtown Pittsburgh Cost: Member $8, Non-Member $12 will move at a fast pace – we’ll work up a Cost: Member $6, Non-Member $10 sweat! We will be stopping occasionally to MAPLE SUGARING HIKE discuss local landmarks. WONDERLAND HIKE We’ll take an easy hike to and from North Get out of the city and enter into the Park’s Latodami Nature Center for a maple 1/7 North Side Topsy Turvy winter wonderland of the ! sugaring demonstration. Interpretive Naturalist, We’re going to enjoy a hike through the Meg Scanlon will present the history of maple 1/21 Mt. Washington & Beyond peaceful woods of . A sugaring and demonstrate the sugaring 2/4 Sewickley Town & Country grove of old-growth Hemlocks, a serene lake, process. This activity is recommended for and plenty of woodland creatures await! ages 12 and up. 2/18 West End Up-And-Away Date: Sunday, February 14 Date: Saturday, March 19 3/3 South Side Slopes Time: 12 - 4 PM Time: 12 - 3 PM 3/17 Oakland Top to Bottom Location: Laurel Hill State Park Location: North Park 3/31 Greenfield-Hazelwood: Up ‘n Cost: Member $8, Non-Member $12 Cost: FREE – Members Only Over, Around ‘n Back URBAN SAFARI HIKE VERNAL EQUINOX HIKE The great outdoors is closer than you think! Spring is finally here! Celebrate the sun’s position Location: Various neighborhoods in and around Leave the Land Rover behind as we strike out over the equator with a night hike around Pittsburgh on foot for a day in the urban jungle. This Hartwood Acres. We’ll wind our way along wooded Time: 6 - 9:30 PM North Side overland expedition is somewhat trails and view the star-studded sky while Cost: Member $8, Non-Member $12 challenging, moving at a moderate pace for 5 enjoying the first spring evening of the year. to 6 miles with occasional hills. We’ll stop along the way to explore landmarks and learn Date: Sunday, March 20 about the city’s history. Watch for turkeys, Time: 6:30 - 9 PM cyclists, and other wild game. Location: Hartwood Acres Date: Saturday, February 20 Cost: Member $6, Non-Member $10 Time: 10 AM - 1 PM Location: North Side FULL MOON HIKE Cost: Member $8, Non-Member $12 Join us for an evening of hiking and forest exploration under the light of a full moon. We will enjoy the tranquility of the evening while observing the stars and the wildlife that is more active at night. The hike will cover 3-4 miles at an easy pace going up and down Looking forward to more adventures some hills. Marvel at how well your eyes can with you, thanks for everything! see by the light of the moon! Date: Wednesday, March 23 “ Time: 7 - 9 PM Location: Deer Lakes Park Cost: Member $6, Non-Member $10 6 ” VENTUREOUTDOORS.ORG LEADERSHIP Quest Series RELAXED STRENUOUS OUTDOOR LEADERSHIP TRAINING: ONE DAY This day-long classroom-based training is The Rachel Carson Trail snakes for 34 miles Hike #1 - This first hike will start in Harrison designed to improve your leadership skills in across northern Allegheny County. It is the Hills Park and cover 9.8 miles to a format that fits your schedule. The 8 hour most rugged trail in Western Pennsylvania Tarentum. course is a fast paced mix of skill training, as it follows power and gas lines, skirts awareness development and fun. The residential areas, challenges your arches Hike #2 - This second hike will start in curriculum is based on our popular in-depth on paved roads, crosses creeks without Tarentum and cover 8.9 miles to weekend training but scaled down to cover the bridges, meanders through woods and Springdale. basics. No leadership experience is neces- fields and passes along the edge of steep sary. In fact, that’s just what this course is bluffs. Parts of this trail are pretty; parts Hike #3 - This third hike will start in Springdale about - learning to be an excellent leader. are wretched; all of it is surprising. Every and cover 9.8 miles to Dorseyville. Topics include assessing the group, setting year some 600 people take the Rachel Hike #4 - This fourth hike will start in expectations, and managing risk. Carson Trail Challenge and complete the Dorseyville and cover 9.3 miles to Dates and Locations: Saturday, January 9 on the full distance in one exhausting day…with North Park. appropriate bragging rights. This Quest North Side and Sunday, February 28 at Hidden series lets you hike the trail in four sections Valley in the direction of this year’s Rachel Carson Dates: Saturdays, March 5, March 12, March Time: 9 AM - 5 PM Trail Challenge. On each hike, we will meet 19, and March 26 at the hike end point and carpool to the start. Cost: Member $50, Non-Member $80 Time: 9 AM - 3 PM BE AWARE: This is a very strenuous hike and Location: Rachel Carson Trail ANNUAL LEADERSHIP MEETING you need to be in shape to attempt it. The Cost Per Hike: Member $8, Non-Member $12 All Trip Leaders are encouraged to attend the saying is: “If there’s a possible worst way for Venture Outdoors’ Annual Leadership a trail to go, that’s where The Rachel goes.” Member Series Cost: $25 Meeting. The evening will begin with an This trail includes sections that are very hour-long presentation from VO Staff and the steep with no switchbacks or alternatives. Trip Leader Council. They will discuss how far Venture Outdoors has come in the past 14 years and our plan for 2016. Each attendee will receive a packet of information including Watch for these upcoming the 2016 training calendar, program passes, SNOWSHOEING business cards, and swag! Each attendee will programs in April! NOTE: Snowshoeing is dependent on proper be entered into a raffle gear and other prizes. snow conditions. It will be determined by The presentation will be followed by a dinner. Wilderness First Aid office staff if conditions are favorable. If Date: Saturday, April 19 – Sunday, conditions are not favorable, a hike may be Date: Sunday, January 31 offered instead. Participants who attend the Time: 4 - 7 PM April 20 alternate outing will receive compensation for Location: North Side Time: 7:45 AM - 5 PM the difference in cost of the outings. Those Cost: FREE Location: Crooked Creek Environmental that opt out of the outing will receive a full Learning Center refund. Fee includes snowshoe rental. Cost: Member $225, Non-Member $260 Participants with their own snowshoes may EASY register for any snowshoe outing and will Early Bird Special: Use Promo Code receive $10 off the outing cost. Please call the TRIP LEADER WINTER ACTIVITY TRAINING SWFA16 online before February 15 to office to register. Winter is one of the most exciting times to be receive 10% off outdoors. Traces of wildlife are more obvious, snow turns any landscape into a winter EASY wonderland, and snowshoes and cross Outdoor Leadership Training: country skis make any snow-filled journey BEGINNER SNOWSHOEING less arduous. With the colder temperatures Modules comes more responsibility for trip leaders to MODULE 1 – Understanding Yourself and Snowshoeing is an easy and low-impact way care for themselves and their participants. Your Group to get some exercise and fresh air during the We’ll start with a discussion on how to winter. It’s as simple as walking but a lot more MODULE 2 – Elements for Effective fun! We’ll learn to “float” across deep snow prepare yourself to lead any type of outing in Teaching, Learning and Managing the winter. Then we’ll dive into the nuances of and easily access terrain that could challenge cross country skiing and snowshoeing. After Expectations a hiker or cross-country skier. This trip will a break for lunch, we’ll discuss winter MODULE 3 – Managing Risk, Group cover 2-3 miles with time to rest and appreciate nature while enjoying the winter wonderland! camping. This training will give each Safety and Incidents participant a good basis of knowledge to care Dates and Locations: Saturday, January 2 at for groups and plan outings in the wintertime Dates: Tuesdays, April 12, 19, 26 Laurel Summit; Saturday, January 9 at Laurel no matter your skill level. Time: 6:30 PM - 9 PM Summit; Saturday, January 16 at Laurel Hill State Date: Sunday, January 24 Location: Venture Outdoor Office Park; and Saturday, February 6 at Laurel Summit Time: 9 AM - 1 PM Cost per Module: Member $20, Time: 10 AM - 1 PM Location: Hidden Valley Non-Member $27 Cost: Member $20, Non-Member $27 Cost: Member $35, Non-Member $49 Series Cost: Member $50, Non-Member $80

VENTUREOUTDOORS.ORG 7 INTERMEDIATE SNOWSHOEING Join us for a snowshoeing adventure. This activity is for those who are physically fit and know the basics of snowshoeing. Distance and pace will increase from beginner trips and the participant will encounter more challenging terrain. Dates and Locations: Sunday, January 17 at Roaring Run Natural Area; Saturday, January 30 at Raccoon Creek State Park; and Sunday, February 21 at Roaring Run Natural Area Time: 1 - 4 PM Cost: Member $20, Non-Member $27

DESTINATION SNOWSHOEING Already an avid snowshoer but still want to hit the trails with a group? Join us as we pack up our snowshoes and take them outside the SPECIALTY ‘Burgh to explore other parks! The moderate BEGINNER SNOWSHOEING – MORAINE pace and longer distance will feel wonderful Snowshoeing is an easy and low-impact way on a cold winter day! Previous snowshoeing HIKES to get some exercise and fresh air during the experience is recommended. EASY winter. It’s as simple as walking but a lot more fun! We’ll learn to “float” across deep snow Dates and Locations: Saturday, January 23 at and easily access terrain that could challenge Cook Forest State Park; Saturday, February 13 MILLVALE BEER TASTING WALK a hiker or cross-country skier. This trip at at ; and Saturday, February Explore Millvale’s rich history and bright will cover 2-3 miles with 27 at future on this easy hike. We will wander time to rest and appreciate nature while Time: 10 AM - 2 PM through Millvale’s neighborhood and commercial enjoying the winter wonderland! district in search of the interesting, the unique Cost: Member $20, Non-Member $27 and the offbeat. We will then try some tasty Date: Sunday, February 14 brews at Grist House Brewing! Each participant Time: 1 – 4 PM FULL MOON SNOWSHOE will receive a growler of beer straight from the Location: Moraine State Park Join us for an evening of snowshoe hiking and source! The minimum age is 21. Cost: Member $20, Non-Member $27 forest exploration under the light of a full Date: Saturday, January 16 moon. We will enjoy the sounds of the forest and the tranquility of the evening while hiking Time: 11 AM - 2 PM MODERATE 3-4 miles at a moderate pace going up and Location: Millvale down hills. Marvel at how well your eyes can Cost: Member $32, Non-Member $45 TWILIGHT SNOWSHOE see by the light of the moon! The winter landscapes changes dramatically Dates and Locations: Saturday, January 23 at as the sun lowers below the horizon. We’ll Schenley Park and Monday, February 22 at traverse 3-4 miles along the forest paths Highland Park while enjoying the tranquility of the evening. The brewery was great! I really Time: 7 - 9 PM The snowshoe hike follows an easy pace going enjoyed learning about how they up and down some hills. Marvel at how well Cost: Member $20, Non-Member $27 your eyes can see by the light of the moon! create and craft their beers. As Dates and Locations: Fridays, January 1 at South “with previous Venture Outdoors’ Park; January 15 at North Park; January 29 at hikes, I was introduced to new ; February 12 at Deer Lakes Park; and locales and businesses I want to February 26 at Settlers Cabin Park patronize in the future. Time: 7 - 9 PM Cost: Member $20, Non-Member $27 Volunteer Orientation ” Do you love the outdoors? Share your Date: Saturday, January 23 passion with others by becoming a Time: 9:30 - 10:30 AM volunteer with Venture Outdoors. Location: Moraine State Park From trip leading to helping with events, we’ve got a place for you in Date: Monday, February 8 our community. Learn more about Time: 6:30 - 7:30 PM Location: Venture Outdoors Office the organization and opportunities to give back. Date: Tuesday, March 8 Time: 10 - 11 AM Location: Robin Hill Park

8 VENTUREOUTDOORS.ORG SOUP OF THE MONTH WALK Join us for an invigorating 3-4 mile walk that explores one FREE MEMBERS ONLY Outings of the beautiful regional parks . Each month the Venture Outdoors Programming Team selects one outing that is free to After the walk, we will gather and be treated current members. Not a member? Not a problem. Join us at ventureoutdoors.org/join to a hot bowl of tasty soup. Two homemade and enjoy this benefit of membership! soups will be served (one vegetarian) as well as bread, hot chocolate, and tea. Soups are provided by Soup Sega! of the Bulgarian HEARTY STEW HIKE Macedonian National Educational and Do you want to know our recipe for the perfect winter day? How about hiking for a couple Cultural Center. of hours through the winter landscape and then enjoying a hearty hot stew! We’ll put in 4-5 miles at an easy pace before finishing at the Environmental Learning Center for Dates and Locations: Sundays, January 17 at some homemade Irish beef stew, bread, and hot beverages. Schenley Park; February 21 at Highland Park; and March 13 at Frick Park Date: Sunday, January 24 Time: 10 AM - 1 PM Time: 10 AM - 1 PM Cost: Member $12, Non-Member $18, Kids $8 Location: Cost: FREE – Members Only WINTER WINE TASTING HIKE Food, wine, and merriment are the ingredients WINTER BIRD COUNT WALK for a perfect Venture Outdoors outing. We’ll Ever wonder what birds are utilizing Pittsburgh’s wooded hillsides for begin with an easy 3-4 mile hike through Frick habitat? Join local naturalists on a winter bird walk through Emerald Park. After the hike, we’ll go to the nearby View Park. The 3-mile walk will cover mostly easy terrain with some Pino’s Contemporary Italian Restaurant to steep hills. This outing is gauged for the amateur or beginner bird taste a delicious selection of wines with enthusiast, but we encourage birders of all levels to attend and contribute! appetizers. The minimum age is 21. Date: Saturday, February 13 Date: Saturday, January 23 Time: 1 - 3 PM Time: 2 - 5:30 PM Location: Emerald View Park Location: Point Breeze Cost: FREE – Members Only Cost: Member $40, Non-Member $52

PITTSBURGH WINE TASTING HIKE Enjoy an easy 3-4 mile winter hike in the Strip MAPLE SUGARING HIKE District while learning about the history of the We’ll take an easy hike to and from North Park’s Latodami Nature Center for a maple area. After the hike, we’ll go to a nearby sugaring demonstration. Interpretive Naturalist, Meg Scanlon will present the history of boutique urban winery to taste a variety of maple sugaring and demonstrate the sugaring process. This activity is recommended for quality wines. The urban winery sources ages 12 and up. premium wine grapes from California and Date: Saturday, March 19 Chile to produce hand crafted, fine wines. The Time: 12 - 3 PM minimum age is 21. Location: North Park Date: Saturday, February 6 Cost: FREE – Members Only Time: 1 - 4 PM Location: Strip District Cost: Member $25, Non-Member $33

WHISKEY TASTING WALK Join us for a brisk walk through the Strip District and surrounding areas. We’ll discuss the history of the area while connecting its riverfront trails, side streets, and main corridors. After the walk, we’ll take a tour of Wigle Whiskey, a craft whiskey distillery in the Strip District. We’ll start with a cocktail and learn about the whiskey making process, including how whiskey production has affected Western PA’s history. The tour will end with a tasting of samples from Wigle Whiskey accompanied by meats and cheeses. The minimum age is 21. Date: Saturday, March 5 Time: 1:30 - 4:30 PM Location: Strip District Cost: Member $30, Non-Member $40

VENTUREOUTDOORS.ORG 9 HARD CIDER TASTING WALK ZELIE BREW TASTING HIKE We’ll take a 3-mile hike through historic Enjoy a winter hike over the hilly terrain and Lawrenceville, while learning about its winding trails of ECOZ Park, part of The industrial past. Afterward, we’ll stop in at Western PA Water Conservancy. The 2-3 mile Arsenal Cider House and Wine Cellar. Owner, hike showcases one of the lesser-known Bill Larkin, will be on hand to share the hiking areas in Zelienople. Following the hike, intricacies of the small batch cider making we’ll visit ShuBrew Handcrafted Ales & Pub, and lead a private tasting. Each participant where owner Zachary Shumaker, will lead the will receive a bottle of fresh hard cider group in a tour of PA’s smallest brewery. straight from the source! The minimum age Participants will enjoy a tasting of the beers is 21. and light appetizers. The minimum age is 21. Date: Saturday, March 19 Date: Saturday, March 12 Time: 9 AM - 12 PM Time: 2 - 5 PM Location: Lawrenceville Location: Zelienople Cost: Member $35, Non-Member $47 Cost: Member $27, Non-Member $35

CELLO & WINE TASTING WALK COFFEE ROASTING HIKE Explore downtown Pittsburgh’s cultural side Calling all coffee lovers, take a hike with a on this 2-mile walk that includes inside tours caffeinated twist! We’ll begin our ramble with of the city’s cultural venues, including Heinz a 3-4 mile hike through the East End. We’ll Hall, Phillip Injeian’s Master Violin Shop, and then meet the folks at Commonplace Coffee a local gallery. We will finish with a glass of for a private tour of their facility. We’ll learn wine and a private performance by Cello about their roasting process, bean procure- Cello. The minimum age is 21. WINTER’S BREW TASTING HIKE ment, and the history of the local company, while tasting their different brews. Each Date: Sunday, March 20 Explore 2,013-acre South Park on this 3-4 participant will receive a half pound of coffee mile hike. We’ll hear about the history of the Time: 12:30 - 4:30 PM to take home after the outing. Location: Downtown Pittsburgh area while hiking the wooded trails. We’ll finish at Spoonwood Brewing for a beer Date: Sunday, March 13 Cost: Member $35, Non-Member $47 tasting and snacks. The minimum age is 21. Time: 9 AM - 12 PM BOYCE PARK BRUNCH HIKE Date: Saturday, February 20 Location: East End Time: 1 - 4 PM Cost: Member $20, Non-Member $27 Work up an appetite on this easy, 2-3-mile hike through the winter landscape of Boyce Location: South Park Park and afterward we’ll visit Eighty Acres for Cost: Member $27, Non-Member $36 brunch, where Chef Don Winkie incorporates farm-fresh ingredients into his dishes. WONDERLAND WINE TASTING HIKE WORKSHOPS Date: Sunday, March 20 Enter the winter landscape of Boyce Park as Time: 11 AM - 2 PM we enjoy an easy 3-4 mile hike while learning RELAXED Location: Boyce Park about the history of the area. After the hike, we’ll go to nearby restaurant Eighty Acres to Cost: Member $25, Non-Member $33 taste a variety of quality wines paired with SNOWSHOE WORKSHOP small plates. The minimum age is 21. Join Venture Outdoors Snowshoeing Trip Leaders for an introductory workshop on MODERATE Date: Saturday, February 27 snowshoeing. We’ll discuss the gear you’ll HEARTY STEW HIKE Time: 2 - 5:30 PM need, the techniques you’ll use when on the trails, and highlight some of the best places in Do you want to know our recipe for the perfect Location: Boyce Park the region to snowshoe. winter day? How about hiking for a couple of Cost: Member $40, Non-Member $52 hours through the winter landscape and then Date: Wednesday, January 6 enjoying a hearty hot stew! We’ll put in 4-5 NORTH PARK BRUNCH HIKE Time: 6:30 - 8 PM miles at an easy pace before finishing at the Join us for a 4-5 mile hike around North Park. Location: Venture Outdoors Office Environmental Learning Center for some Mid-hike, we’ll stop at a shelter and enjoy a homemade Irish beef stew, bread, and hot Cost: FREE light-brunch of delicious delicacies from OTB beverages. North Park Boathouse before finishing our Date: Sunday, January 24 route. The pace will be steady over rolling terrain. Time: 10 AM - 1 PM Date: Sunday, February 28 Location: Harrison Hills Park Time: 10 AM - 1 PM Cost: FREE – Members Only Location: North Park Cost: Member $20, Non-Member $27

What I liked most? Everything! The walk was terrific, very easy, nice pace, interesting tidbits of info (YAY HISTORY!), and the tour, tastings, and goodies at Arsenal were wonderful. We love Arsenal “and really appreciated the tour and opportunity to ask questions of the owners! 10 ” VENTUREOUTDOORS.ORG Kayak Pittsburgh Season Passes and Gift Certificates Available! Our 2015 Kayak Pittsburgh season was a huge success at both locations. Our flat-water recreational kayaks are 12’ in length and very stable. We opened for business in 2004 and have continued to expand our fleet to make it possible for EVERYONE to get on the water! Kayaking is easy to learn and is great for beginners. No experience is necessary and most folks learn how to manage a kayak in 10 to 15 minutes.

We are currently offering Kayak Pittsburgh season passes and gift certificates which make great holiday gifts for family, friends, and coworkers. Check out our online site to purchase some stocking stuffers today: ventureoutdoors.bigcartel.com/

CROSS COUNTRY SKI WORKSHOP KIDS OUTDOOR SKILLS: FUN WITH KNOTS Join VO Cross Country Ski Trip Leaders for an Survival in the outdoors can be tied to knots! introductory workshop on cross country Bring the whole family to a fun evening of skiing. We’ll discuss the gear you’ll need, learning lots of knots. Kids will learn and try where to ski based on the skier’s ability, and knot-tying skills that will come in handy for a the techniques you’ll use when on the trails. variety of outdoor recreational activities, like This outing was fantastic. Date: Monday, January 11 fishing and camping. No knot experience The guides and their necessary! This outing is recommended for Time: 6:30 - 8 PM children over the age of 8 and their families. knowledge and willingness to Location: Venture Outdoors Office “be patient with questions Date: Wednesday, February 17 Cost: FREE were great. They provided Time: 6:30 - 7:30 PM information to take home KIDS OUTDOOR SKILLS: LEAVE NO TRACE Location: Venture Outdoors Office Cost: Member FREE with us which was very Learn how to Leave No Trace - Sasquatch has nice. Overall the experience been doing it for years! Join Venture Outdoors in a fun and interactive evening to learn the KIDS OUTDOOR SKILLS: MAPIGATION was extremely satisfying basic principles of exploring the great What would you do without Google maps? and we would absolutely do outdoors. We’ll play games, have races, and Bring the entire family to a fun evening of more outings. allow for kids to discuss the importance of mapigation! Kids will learn how to read maps, following the Leave No Trace outdoor use a map and compass, and collaborate with principles. This outing is recommended for others to build their own maps. This outing is children over the age of 8 and their families. recommended for children over the age of 8 Venture Outdoors is my Date: Thursday, January 14 and their families. sanity safety net when Time: 6:30 - 7:30 PM Date: Tuesday, March 15 winter drives me crazy. Location: Venture Outdoors Office Time: 6:30 - 7:30 PM Cost: FREE Location: Venture Outdoors Office Cost: FREE VENTUREOUTDOORS.ORG ”11 JANUARY 2016 VENTURE OUTDOORS

SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY 1 2 New Year’s Resolution Beginner Cross Hike Country Skiing Twilight Snowshoe Beginner Snowshoeing

3 4 5 6 7 8 9 Game Day Hike Snowshoe Workshop Urban Fitness Hike Beginner Snowshoe Outdoor Leadership Training: One Day Stargazing Hike Winter Tree ID Walk

10 11 12 13 14 15 16 Beginner Cross Cross Country Ski Kids Outdoor Skills: Twilight Snowshoe Beginner Cross Country Skiing Workshop Leave No Trace Country Skiing Family Snowshoe Beginner Snowshoeing Adventure Millvale Beer Tasting Walk

17 18 19 20 21 22 23 Intermediate Urban Fitness Hike Winter Wine Tasting Snowshoeing Hike Soup of the Month Hike Destination Coss Country Skiing Destination Snowshoeing Full Moon Snowshoeing Volunteer Orientation

24 25 26 27 28 29 30 Hearty Stew Hike Owl Prowl Hike Twilight Snowshoe Intermediate Cross Trip Leader Winter Country Skiing Activity Training Intermediate Snowshoeing Kids Craft Hike 31 Annual Leadership Meeting Family Snowshoe Adventure

12 VENTUREOUTDOORS.ORG FEBRUARY 2016 VENTURE OUTDOORS

SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY 1 2 3 4 5 6 Groundhog Day Hike Urban Fitness Hike Beginner Cross Country Skiing Beginner Snowshoeing Pittsburgh Wine Tasting Hike

7 8 9 10 11 12 13 Game Day Hike Stargazing Hike Twilight Snowshoe Destination Cross Volunteer Orientation Country Skiing Destination Snowshoeing Kids Improv Comedy Hike Winter Bird Count Walk

14 15 16 17 18 19 20 Beginner Snowshoeing Kids Outdoor Skills: Urban Fitness Hike Owl Prowl Hike Family Snowshoe Wonderland Hike Fun with Knots Adventure Urban Safari Hike Winter’s Brew Tasting Hike

21 22 23 24 25 26 27 Beginner Cross Full Moon Snowshoe Twilight Snowshoe Destination Country Skiing Snowshoeing Intermediate Intermediate Cross Snowshoeing Country Skiing Soup of the Month Wonderland Wine Walk Tasting Walk

28 29 North Park Brunch Hike Outdoor Leadership Training: One Day

VENTUREOUTDOORS.ORG 13 MARCH 2016 VENTURE OUTDOORS

SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY 1 2 3 4 5 Urban Fitness Hike Boston History Hike Pot O’ Gold Geocaching Rachel Carson Trail Quest Hike #1 Whiskey Tasting Walk

6 7 8 9 10 11 12 Ferncliff Peninsula Volunteer Orientation Family Pi Day Hike Hike Stargazing Hike Rachel Carson Trail Quest Hike #2 Women of Pittsburgh Walk Zelie Brew Tasting Hike

13 14 15 16 17 18 19 Coffee Roasting Hike Kids Outdoor Skills: Urban Fitness Hike Hard Cider Tasting Soup of the Month Mapigation Hike Walk Maple Sugaring Hike Rachel Carson Trail Quest Hike #3 Ryerson Station Trek

20 21 22 23 24 25 26 Boyce Park Brunch Full Moon Hike Easter Egg Geocaching Hike European Nymphing Cello and Wine Tasting for Trout Walk Rachel Carson Trail Vernal Equinox Hike Quest Hike #4

27 28 29 30 31 Urban Fitness Hike

14 VENTUREOUTDOORS.ORG SAVE THE DATE APRIL 2–3, 2016

The Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour returns to Pittsburgh at its new location, the Carnegie Library and Music Hall of Homestead on April 2 and 3, 2016 for two days of awe-inspiring action! Audiences will experience what it’s like to be the most accomplished climbers, paddlers, skiers, snowboarders, mountaineers, mountain bikers, explorers, and adventure filmmakers alive today. Stay tuned. Ticket sales will be opening soon!

VENTUREOUTDOORS.ORG 15 NON-PROFIT US POSTAGE VENTURE OUTDOORS PAID PERMIT NO. 593 33 Terminal Way, Suite 537A PITTSBURGH, PA Pittsburgh, PA 15219

Venture Outdoors Thank You to our Sponsors thanks the participants and volunteers who generously provided photographs for this issue of Trailhead.

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