September – December 2015 Calendar of Events VENTURE OUTDOORS TRAILHEAD Connecting Everyone with the Outdoors. Watch the leaves fall with a great view from the water. Kayak Pittsburgh is open through October. Explore the outdoors with the whole family! Decorate pumpkins. Make bird feeders. Find candy canes. Our Family Outings have something for everyone! Be a tourist in your own backyard! Join an urban hike that highlights the art, archaeology, or architecture of Pittsburgh. 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 Pennsylvania. 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 healthy lifestyles throughout Western Staff Venture Outdoors also runs Kayak Pennsylvania Pittsburgh and operates a 24’ climbing Joey-Linn Ulrich, Executive Director wall to bring fun to your next festival, community day, or corporate event. PROGRAM DEPARTMENT Lora Woodward, Director And join us each spring for two of our most Liz Fager, Program Manager popular events – the Banff Mountain Film Jim Smith, Equipment and Facilities Manager Festival and the Venture Outdoors Festival Lora Hutelmyer, Youth Program Coordinator in Point State Park. Jake Very, Program Administrator KAYAK PITTSBURGH Membership Has Its Benefits Basic Membership Levels Vanessa Bashur, Manager Time to renew your Membership or join for • Discounts of up to 50% on Venture DEVELOPMENT AND COMMUNICATIONS the first time? Go to ventureoutdoors.org Outdoors outings Donna L. Bour, Director to show your support of our programs and • $5 off your first hour at either Kayak Kathi Radock, Membership and Volunteer mission to connect people to the outdoors! Pittsburgh location and savings on Manager Kayak Pittsburgh season passes Jayme Penner, Development and As a Member you save everyday on Communications Administrator outing fees, rentals at Kayak Pittsburgh, • Invitations to free Members’ only and invitations to Members’ only outings outings (selected each month by the ADMINISTRATION and events. Venture Outdoors Program Department) Adriane Harrison, Human Resources and events Coordinator Don’t miss these great benefits any Sherry Buckham, Operations Administrator Student /Senior – $15 (Students or longer – become a Member now at Seniors age 62+) ventureoutdoors.org. Trip Leader Council Individual – $25 Have a question about Membership? Dual – $35 (any two members of the same household) Nanci Goldberg Email [email protected] Joel Johnston or call 412.255.0564. Family – $50 (up to six members of the Cyndi Kotowski same household) Nancy Latimer Thank you for your continued support! Erin McCormick Sheila Stagnitta Sustaining Membership Levels Orville Steininger • All the basic benefits PLUS Christen Stroh - Two FREE Kayak Pittsburgh 1-hour Kevin Thomson rental vouchers Joe Walko - Two FREE general admission tickets Veronica White to the Banff Mountain Film Festival • All Sustaining members receive benefits for up to six members of the same VENTURE household Ranger – $125 OUTDOORS Steward – $250 Trustee – $500 Pathfinder – $1,000 2 VENTUREOUTDOORS.ORG Levels of Difficulty Table of Contents Membership p. 2 Hiking p. 5 Leadership p. 13 This terminology is general. Please refer to program description for specifics. The Levels of Difficulty p. 3 Backpacking p. 10 Paddling p. 13 activity information is accurate at the How to Sign Up p. 3 Family p. 10 Rock Climbing p. 15 time of printing. Occasionally, an activity’s Biking p. 4 Specialty p. 11 Winter p. 15 information is altered before its start Fishing p. 5 date. You will receive the most recent information when you register. RELAXED • Short distances at a slow pace • Generally flat terrain, well defined trails How to Sign Up • No prior activity experience is necessary • Perfect start for beginners ONLINE If at any point in the process you have a question • Not too physically challenging Visit ventureoutdoors.org. or would like assistance, please call 412.255.0564, x0 or email [email protected]. EASY Members • Short distances at a slow pace Registrations are confirmed within 1–2 business days. • Relatively flat terrain, well defined trails, • Click Sign In at the top right corner of the homepage, enter your email address and may involve some hills password, then navigate to Activities Calendar MORE INFORMATION • No prior activity experience is necessary and select your outing. • Perfect start for beginners We will provide you with an information sheet that • Not too physically challenging includes meeting time and location, directions, Non-Members and a list of what to wear and bring. Participants MODERATE • Click Join Today at the top right corner of the provide their own transportation and food unless • Varying distances at a steady pace homepage to become a Member and start otherwise noted. • Varying terrain, fairly established trails saving on outings OR navigate to Activities • Some prior experience in the activity is Calendar and select your outing. required ACCOMMODATIONS Next Steps • Physically challenging, only for those in If you need an accommodation to participate, good physical condition • Click on the Register button which takes you please call 412.255.0564 or email info@ to the next page. That’s where you select who ventureoutdoors.org. ADVANCED is attending. • Fast-paced over a short distance or • Check the boxes for all family members you steady-paced over a long distance wish to register. CANCELLATION POLICY • Varying terrain, may include off-trail Refunds are processed for cancellations sections, rough spots, unexpected – If you are registering someone who is made at least three business days (Monday – NOT a Member, enter information in the obstacles Friday) in advance. Simply email registration@ Other Participants fields. Then click Add ventureoutdoors.org or call 412.255.0564. • Prior experience in the activity is required Participant. Cancellations cannot be made on our website. • Physically challenging, only for those in good physical condition • Once all participants have been added, check I agree to VO terms and click Next. Cancellations with insufficient notice, no-shows, STRENUOUS and late arrivals who miss the group’s departure • Select Save and Continue Shopping to go will not receive a refund or trip credit. • Fast-paced over a short distance or back to the Activities Calendar and add more fast-paced over a long distance outings. Then repeat the steps. When ready to Refunds are issued in the form of original payment • Difficult terrain, will include off-trail check out, add discount code or gift unless otherwise requested. Paid reservations sections, rough spots and unexpected certificate numbers if applicable, then click are transferable to other participants. However, obstacles Apply! Check for accuracy, click Next, and we request advanced notice of the transfer. • Prior experience in the activity is required enter payment information on the next page. • Only for those in excellent physical • Ready to complete your transaction? Click condition. Most physically challenging Submit and you’re done! 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 NORTH SIDE BIKE TOUR: HISTORY & ARCHITECTURE MODERATE BIKING Biking through the North Side we will discover some hidden treasures beyond the river and GHOST TOWN TRAIL RIDE learn what the former Allegheny City used to Nothing scary about this trail. Its name is EASY be. We will ride deep into the neighborhood derived from the numerous ghost towns along and stop at historic sites and fascinating RIVERFRONT TRAIL RIDE the way that were abandoned after the decline pieces of old and new architecture of various of the local coal mining industry. This 38 mile Pittsburgh has bike trails along all three of its styles. Bike rentals are available through round trip boasts both historic sites and rivers! Our knowledgeable guides will show Venture Outdoors for $8. Reservations should natural features including a mid-19th century you how to connect the trails smoothly on this be made by calling 412.255.0564, x0 after blast iron furnace. The trail also passes along 12-15 mile ride. Expect a great tour of the city registering for the program. large areas of State Game Lands giving riders and its riverfronts with plenty of interesting opportunities to see deer, bear, beaver and stops along the way. Prices do not include Date: Saturday, October 10 other woodland creatures. We will meet in bike rentals. Bike rentals are available Time: 11 AM – 2 PM Dilltown and ride to Ebensburg. Pack your through Venture Outdoors for $8. Reservations Location: North Side lunch or walk your bike to one of the town’s for rentals should be made by calling the Cost: Member $12, Non-Member $18 varied restaurants.