Venture Outdoors » Education

Sixth-graders, big fish, and a treasure hunt

admin — Thu, 10 Jun 2010 18:36:56 +0000

On May 27, 87 sixth graders from Steel Valley Middle School visited downtown of the Steel City for an afternoon of geocaching in Pittsburgh’s Cultural District, fishing the Allegheny River, and grilling hot dogs. Yum! The classes divided into two groups who switched fishing and geocaching for two hours each.

One highlight of the day: one sixth-grade girl caught a 24 inch carp with a worm! She wasn’t the only one to get a great bite, though. Several students caught fish that were displayed in a temporary live well along the riverwalk before they were safely returned to the river.

If you’ve geocached, you know it’s most fun if you’re able to be a close part of the action, so SVMS kids traveled in small groups of 5-6 students per GPS unit. All but 3 students were first-timers, and they did a great job of “finding” answers to clues provided to them. The course highlights 16 examples of great architecture, public art, and historical markers found in the Cultural District.

All told, another great day to be outside in Pittsburgh! If you’re interested in arranging a similar trip, contact our Group and Youth Programs Manager, Jeremiah, at jmorrison@ventureoutdoors.org.

Jack-o-'lantern hike carves them all

admin — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 15:19:14 +0000

No pumpkin was spared last Saturday on the Venture Outdoors Jack-O-’Lantern Hike at Highland Park! Trip leader specialist, Chris Corbran, took everyone for a short hike on the wooded trails surrounding the reservoir and along the way identified three of the major invasive species in the Pittsburgh area.

Can you name them? They are Japanese Knotweed, Garlic Mustard, and the Norway Maple.

The group also discussed some of the positive aspects of these plants and why they initially came to the region. A few other plants spotted were the Devil’s Walking Stick, Purple Deadlock, Wild Garlic, Yarrow, and Plantain. That’s quite an interesting mix all within the boundaries of Highland Park.

After learning some of the natural aspects of the park, they got down to business scalping and gutting some pumpkins. No pumpkin was spared as they ripped out their seeds and orange sinewy innards, cutting eyes and smirking grins in their tough outer skins. Needless to say, everyone had a great time! Thanks to all the adventurous hikers turned carvers that came along for the evening!

Our next Family Program is the Renzie Walk ‘N Cookout at Renziehausen Park in McKeesport, PA on Saturday, November 7. We hope to see you all there!

Outdoor Happenings

admin — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 21:12:41 +0000

Brian’s Ride for Cystic Fibrosis
Brian McCandless is a 3rd year Physical Education major at Slippery Rock University who was diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis at the young age of 2 months. In an effort to raise money for CF research Brian has completed two bike rides from Florida to Maine covering over 4,000 miles and raising $20,000. Brian in planning a 3rd ride from Washington D.C. to Pittsburgh, June 23-28, and he is looking for people to support him on the trail.

To see an informational brochure about how you can get involved click here.

More information will be coming soon at www.BriansRide.org

Southwestern Pennsylvania Commission (SPC) Launches Travel Information Survey
The Southwestern Pennsylvania Commission (SPC) is seeking input from motorists and other travelers across Southwestern Pennsylvania regarding what kinds of information about travel conditions they are interested in and how they would like to receive it. SPC is gathering this feedback to aid PennDOT?s planned launch of the statewide 511 traveler information system in Pennsylvania this summer. SPC has developed a brief online survey located at http://www.swpatravelsurvey.com and encourages anyone who is interested to submit their responses. The survey is available beginning today through February 15, 2009.

Jan. 23 Winter Mountain Adventure. Jennings Environmental Education Center, Slippery Rock. Two-night winter outdoors activity sampler includes cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, hiking, sledding, winter ecology, Civilian Conservation Corps discussion, horse-drawn sleigh ride at locations in Laurel Hill, Laurel Ridge and Ohiopyle State Parks. All equipment provided, five meals plus snacks, two-night lodging, $225. Registration deadline Jan. 9. 724-794-6011.

Jan. 23 Winter Tree ID Workshop. McKeever Environmental Learning Center. Teachers and outdoors leaders invited to free workshop. Indoor and hands-on outdoors instruction on winter identification of trees using bark, twigs and buds. Laptops provided, Act 48 credits, materials provided to be used in teachers’ classrooms. Limited to 15 participants, $25 includes materials and lunch. 724-376-1000, info@mckeever.org.

Jan. 23 Nature at Night. Raccoon Creek State Park. 7-9 p.m. hike in western part of park (if there’s snow, snowshoes provided). Free. 724- 899-3611 for directions and details.

Jan. 25 Myths, Lore and Uses of Local Plants. Presentation and hike. $10 ages 12 and up, children accompanied by adult. 2-4 p.m. Regional Environmental Education Center, Upper St. Clair. Pre-register at 412-838-0064, www.regionaleec.org.

Jan. 29 The Nine Mile Run Watershed Association Open House. 5:30-8 p.m., 702 S. Trenton Ave., Regent Square. 412-371-8779 ext. 15, lisa@ninemilerun.org.

Historic Hike with George Washington

admin — Fri, 19 Dec 2008 21:44:39 +0000

Saturday, December 27
10:00 AM – Providence Plantation, Evans City
History buffs and hikers of all ages are invited to take a walk in the woods with George Washington as Providence Plantation commemorates the 255th Anniversary of Washington passing through Butler Country. The event starts with a slide show and presentation about Washington?s travels in 1753. Following the presentation participants will drive to a trail head parking area for the hike which begins at 11 a.m. The hike will be led by re-enactors portraying Washington, his guide Christopher Gist, and several Indians. The one-hour hike closely follows the original Venango Path , an Indian trail historians believe Washington and Gist used. Dress for the weather and wear sturdy shoes.
More information: Carl Roberts ? 724.538.8818 or Rod Gasch ? 724.290.2129
Providence Plantation
300 Textor Hill Road
Evans City, PA

To see a listing of all the Outdoor Happenings CLICK HERE.

REI Winter Cycling Class

admin — Fri, 19 Dec 2008 21:39:56 +0000

Tuesday, December 30
7:00 PM – REI Southside Works
As the weather gets colder, and the days get shorter, commuting to work by bicycle or just hitting the road for a relaxing ride becomes more and more challenging. Join us for an informative clinic on cold weather bike riding. We’ll cover all aspects of this rewarding activity: Bike set-up and maintenance, clothing for warmth and safety, lights, and motivation. Don’t lose your summer fitness this winter; continue riding through the cold weather!

To see a listing of all the Outdoor Happenings CLICK HERE.

Talk -n-Walk Series: Hawks

admin — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 02:08:47 +0000

Sunday, November 23, 2008
Regional Environmental Education Center
Learn the basics behind the biology, behavior and identification of some of Pennsylvania’s most beautiful birds or prey. Look and listen for our feathered friends while hiking through the many habitats in Boyce-Mayview Park. Pre-registration is required. Group size is limited.
Contact: www.regionaleec.org or Jessica at 412.838.0064
Cost: $10.00