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When participating in Butler Outdoor Club events, it is assumed that all participants are responsible for their own safety and of their dependents(such as children) at the event. The facilitator is simply providing an opportunity for everyone to enjoy the event together and is not assuming responsibility or liability for the safety of the participants.
Outing Leader Event Log | |
| May 2 | BOC Wildflower easy hike Meet 6:00 at the Wolfe Creek Narrows Trailhead. Hike along stream and 2 mile loop to see trilliums, bluebells,etc. Wear hiking boots - may be several muddy areas to cross. Optional dinner at North Country Brew Pub in Slippery Rock. From Slippery Rock, go West to Water St, then South about a mile. Cross bridge and parking is on your left. Call for details Jean Adams 724.453.1685 |
| May 2-4 | 2nd Annual Oil Region Birding Festival 3 days of tours, workshops, bird walks, picnic, banquet, |
| May 3 | Davis Hollow Outdoor Cabin Clean up Day. Anyone interested in helping to open up the NCT Cabin in Moraine and cleaning it up to get it ready for the summer season, please come. Someone will be there at 9 AM to start. Come out and have fun in the park afterwards. Joyce Appel 724.526.5407 |
| May 3 | Rachel Carson Trail Work Day Join a work crew and help re-route the trail Saturday May 03, 2008 from 09:00 am to 01:00 pm Help us reroute the trail off Bailey's Run Road in Creighton. We will be relocating the trail up a small rise and over a brook. Bring work gloves if you have them. Meet behind the Sheetz in Creighton. Directions: Take Route 28 to Exit #13. At the bottom of the ramp, turn right and in about 30 feet turn right again into a gravel parking lot surrounded by a chainlink fence. |
| May 4 | Sierra Club hike Sunday 12:00 am Take an easy 4-mile walk in Harrison Hills County Park near Freeport. Enjoy scenic views overlooking the Allegheny River from a high vantage point. Visit the pond in the park and learn about woodland wildflowers near the end of the season. $1.25 carpool - 10 miles from Harmarville. Call Luc Berger, 412-362-5792. |
| May 7 | Wissahickon Nature Club Wednesday Walk 10:00am Meet at the Buffalo Fire Hall on Sarver Road. Everyone is welcome. Wear a hat. Bring your binoculars and field guides, lunch and beverages. Call Susanne at 412.771.4737 to let us know your're coming. |
| May 7 | Join us at our monthly BOC membership meeting at the Butler YMCA on Wed March 5 at 6:30 pm - 9:00pm Join us in our annual Cinco de Mayo Party. Prize for best Mexican outfit. BOC supplies beverages, chips, salsa, food - Bring a main dish to share. |
| May 9 | annual Wind and Water Boatworks Paddlefest Friday, May 9 1:00pm to 7:00pm, Moraine State Park South Shore next to the swimming beach. Factory reps and a large collection of 100 craft to try out, and its free! |
| May 10 | Butler Freeport Trail Work Day 9-12. It's time again to work on the trail and spruce it up for the Groundbreaking/Community Walk. Parking will be on the trail off Loco Lane (next to Etzel Masonry, 119 Herman Rd just East of Father Marinaro Park) (please do not park on the lane). If you pull up the drive and we back in on the trail we will be out of everyone's way and Jim Meyer won't have to walk a mile carrying his chainsaw. I will also get permission to park overflow (hopefully) on his lot out of the way. We will be clearing brush again, so you know the tools you need and don't forget the safety glasses. Medicine Shoppe has donated a first aid kit (THANK YOU!!!) Hope to see you there. |
| May 10 | McConnells Mill State Park Community Program Saturday, May 10, 2008 9:00 AM “Early Birds” Celebrate Mother’s Day a day early by watching for birds on a morning walk at McConnells Mill State Park. The beautiful Slippery Rock Gorge is the perfect setting for a morning hike and we may spot some interesting birds along the way. You may wish to bring binoculars, snack, & beverage to carry. Wear sturdy shoes and meet the park naturalist in Kildoo Picnic Area. Phone 724 368-3612 or email mcmill@localnet.com |
| May 10 |
The First Annual Allegheny-Clarion Valley River Classic is an amateur canoe and kayak race open to all ages and skill levels. The event takes place on the central Allegheny River through the historic Allegheny-Clarion Valley.
The morning race will follow an 8.2 mile down river course, with a challenging up river loop, from Emlenton to to Parker, Pennsylvania. This will be a USCA event.
The afternoon races will follow a 3 mile down river course from Foxburg to Parker.
All participants receive a free T-Shirt and raffle ticket.
All proceeds go to benefit American Cancer Society. Enter in One of Two Divisions: Recreational Canoe Races: Registration Begins at 11:30 a.m. in Foxburg , next to the Foxburg Library. Race Begins at 1:00 p.m. Are you a beginner? Are you just in it for fun? Then this is the race for you! 3.0 miles. Canoe / Kayak Races USCA Rules: Registration begins at 8:30 a.m. in Emlenton, under the bridge, near IGA Race Begins at 10:30 a.m. For the Serious Paddler! A 8.2 Mile Race that begins in Emlenton and ends in Parker with a sudden twist around Fox Island (1.0 mile). Come canoe and compete on one of the most scenic and finest canoeing rivers in PA. Where: Foxburg & Emlenton Clarion County Rain Date - Sat. May 17, 2008 Deadline to Register is May 5, 2008 Register Online at website. Contact Info: Captain Dick (724) 659-3752 Email: info@canoeparker.com www.acvriverclassic.com For details: Captain Dick Garrard at 724-659-3752 or info@canoeparker.com or contact Cindy Irwin at 724-399-1100 or blackforest208@embarqmail.com |
| May 10 ... |
Rachel Carson Trail Challenge Training Hike Series - These 10 hikes are intended to prepare you to take on the Challenge on June 21. We begin with a five-mile fairly level hike and build over the subsequent three months up to nearly 20 miles on the section of the trail with the most hills. These hikes not only help you build your endurance, but they also allow you to field test your gear. Your new shoes or pants may seem fine on your 10 mile hikes, but only when you approach 20 miles over hilly terrain do previously imperceptible problems become incapacitating.
Everyone is welcome on these hikes; you do not need to be entered into the Challenge to participate.
Be sure to let the indicated leader know you'll be attending a particular hike at least twelve (12) hours in advance.
For each hike there is a $3 activity fee per person ($1 for Rachel Carson Trails Conservancy members). This fee will be collected by the leader on the day of the hike.
Please bring at least a quart of water (more if the temperature will be warm) and some energy snacks (e.g. Powerbar).
Minimum age is 12. May 10 Leader: Bob Mulshine, 412-741-0862 15.6 miles Difficulty level (1-10): 7 This hike begins at the Log Cabin Road checkpoint location and covers Lefever Hill and Rich Hill. We'll glide through Emmerling Park, then through Hampton and Crouse Run and into North Park. We'll end at the Cabin on Ingomar Road where the Conservancy's annual public meeting will be taking place. Food and drink will be provided! Meet at the Cabin in North Park at 8 AM. Directions: Take I279 north to the McKnight Road exit and travel 6.4 miles north. Take the North Park/Ingomar Rd. exit east and about 100 yards before the third traffic light, turn right into parking lot. |
| May 11 | McConnells Mill State Park Community Program Sunday, May 11, 2008 3:00 PM “Spring Wildflower Walk” Experience the beauty of Mother’s Day with a walk in the lovely Hell’s Hollow valley. Despite the name, it is one of the most charming places to experience the wildflowers in McConnells Mill State Park. Join the park naturalist for a mile stroll on an easy trail starting at the Hell’s Hollow parking lot. . Allow 15 minutes to get to Hells Hollow (no facilities) if coming from the old mill Phone 724 368-3612 or email mcmill@localnet.com |
| May 14 | 12:00 am Visit Boyce Park with Joanne Winwood 412-371-3167. Bag lunch. |
| May 16- 20 | Alle/Kiski/Connie Sojourn: Friday intermediate level 11 mile paddle on the Connemaugh River. Saturday novice level 10 mile paddle on the Kiski River Sunday novice level 8 mile paddle on the Kiski River. Optional ACA Paddling Instruction May 15-16 You can pick the ?day of your choice? or sign up for the entire weekend. For those of you staying overnight, the accommodations at the Keystone Tall Tree Girl Scout Council Program Center, Skymeadow, near Avonmore, are perfect. You can spend the night in a heated building with showers, camp in a platform tent, or bring your own tent or RV Camper to suit your ?roughing it? style. The cost is reasonable, considering the trip includes all food, insurance, shuttles and side tours, listed in the flier. For example on Saturday the group will visit historic Casino Theatre in Vandergrift For details call 724.845.5426 or email strongland@alltell.net |
| May 17 | BOC first cleanup of the season Saturday at 10am. We have adopted a 1 mile section of Rt 422 at Moraine State Park - South Shore west to the bridge. We will meet at the South Shore exit in the dirt parking lot at 10am. Supplies are provided for clean up. This is a 2 hour job, all help is appreciated. Dana 724-282-1169 |
| May 17 | McConnells Mill State Park Community Program Join the park naturalist at the picnic tables beside the old mill for a guided walk focusing on ferns. Slippery Rock Gorge is home to many varieties of ferns, some of which are rare. Also, wildflowers of many descriptions are found in the park. Explore the rocky paths near the old mill in search of these delicate beauties. Some moderate hiking involved, bring water and sturdy shoes. Parking available at Kildoo picnic area, then walk down to the mill. Phone 724 368-3612 or email mcmill@localnet.com |
| May 20 | BOC Moraine State Park North Shore Bike Trail. Easy ride on a newly paved trail about 14 miles. Meet 6:00pm at the bike rental lot. Jean Adams 724.453.1685 |
| May 23 | McConnells Mill State Park Community Program Friday, May 23, 2008 8:30 PM “Owl Prowl” Join the search for the sounds and sights of owls on Hell’s Hollow trail. We may even carry on a conversation with one. Bring a flashlight, wear sturdy shoes, and meet park staff at the Hell’s Hollow parking lot for a nighttime adventure. Allow 15 minutes to get to Hells Hollow (no facilities) if coming from the old mill. Phone 724 368-3612 or email mcmill@localnet.com |
| May 23- 26 | Annual BOC Outdoor Extravaganza over Memorial Weekend Base camp at Breakneck Campground (Near McConnells Mill & Moraine State Park) Sponsored by Butler Outdoor Club ( From I80 or Pa.Turnpike,take I79, exit Route 422 west 1.4 miles. Then take Rt.19 South 2.9 miles and follow Outdoor Extravaganza signs as you turn right onto Cheeseman Rd. 1.7 miles to campground.) We have a weekend full of various outdoor activities: road bike and bike trail trips, mountain biking, canoeing or kayaking on lakes or streams, sailing, rock climbing and rapeling, rafting, caving, horseback riding and various levels of hikes. There is also a pontoon boat tour and fun workshops. Breakneck Campground is our base camp, but camping is optional. Leaders meet you here 9:00 AM each morning and take you to where each trip or workshop begins. Delicious breakfasts, bag lunches and evening meals are catered at the campground, but also optional. Friday is a Weiner Roast/Picnic, and Sat. we go all out with a Pig Roast. Each evening brings a great speaker presentation or wonderful entertainment, followed afterwards with telescope viewing and sitting around the campfire. Throughout the weekend a gear exchange/flea market will be set up, so join us to buy or sale. If there is interest, we will have a Kids Activities Group for a Kids Extravaganza. This weekend is a must! Last year over 200 people from six states participated in this event. Details, Registration or Volunteer help: joyceappel@windstream.net 724-526-5407 www.butleroutdoorclub.org |
| May 25 | McConnells Mill State Park Community Program Sunday, May 25, 2008 4:00 PM “Heart Hike” Come out and get fit! This is the first in a series of five guided hikes this summer, traveling over the beautiful paths in McConnells Mill State Park. Join park staff for hikes of gently increasing challenge and enjoy the scenery along the way. Watch the DCNR Calendar of Events for dates, times and locations, and for all hikes wear sturdy shoes and bring drinking water. This first hike meets in Kildoo Picnic Area, goes down the stone steps to the gristmill, then up Alpha Pass Trail to the Point Parking Area, then back to Kildoo, for a total of about 1 & 1/2 miles. Phone 724 368-3612 or email mcmill@localnet.com |
| June 7 |
Butler Freeport Trail Groundbreaking and Community Walk 10:00am - 1:00pm starting at Franklin Field, Herman Rd. |
| June 7-8 |
Escape to the Lake MS-150 bike ride from Cranberry Twp to Lake Erie Tom Nesbit invites any BOC members to join with him and the "Wacky Wheelers" team. This team holds training rides and Tom will be doing various trail rides for training this spring. Cost of this event is $ 250 per person and all proceeds go directly to M.S. sufferers. This is the 23rd annual MS-150 ride and I have participated in 7 previous rides. For more details and what to expect, call Tom Nesbitt anytime at 724-452-0145 or email at tomnesbitt@zoominternet.net 1500 riders make this trip each year for a worthy cause and see the MS web page for more details and registration at http://bikepax.nationalmssociety.org/site/PageServer?pagename=BIKE_PAX_Details_EscapetotheLakeErie |
| June 21 |
Rachel Carson Trail Challenge 2008
The twelfth annual Rachel Carson Trail Challenge is on Saturday June 21, 2008, the summer solstice, the longest day of the year.
Full Challenge
34 Miles The traditional Challenge. It begins in Harrison Hills Park and ends in North Park. Starts at 5:30 AM, finish deadline is 8:54 PM, or 15 hours 4 minutes, whichever comes first. Limit 600 participants, minimum age 12.
Homestead Challenge 18 Miles Also known as the "Half Challenge", it begins at the Springdale High School, near the Rachel Carson Homestead, and ends in North Park. Starts at 9:00 AM, finish deadline is 4:53 PM or 7 hours 53 minutes, whichever comes first. If you ever thought about trying the Challenge but never thought you could go 34 miles, this may be for you. Limit 200 participants, minimum age 12. Family Challenge 8 Miles This begins in Hartwood Acres Park in Indiana Township and ends at North Park. Starts at noon. It's intended for families of up to 5 members, and the minimum age is 8. Unlike last year, there are only a few modest hills on this section of the trail. Limit 50 families. There'll be a cookout at the Beaver Shelter in North Park for everyone to enjoy. This year, all three events are ending at the same place. |
| June 23 | Tumpline Ministries is planning a bicycle trip from Pittsbugh to Washington, DC June 23 to 28 Dan Jenny 724.898.3322 |
| July 19 | Venture Outdoors Adventure Bike Tour of the Butler Freeport Trail Time: 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM The Butler-Freeport Community Trail follows the path of the Butler branch of the Western Pennsylvania Railroad. We'll pass stone quarries and brick kilns along this 12-mile trail. Join us for a ride into Western Pennsylvania's past. Cost: $10.00 member/$20.00 non-member |
| Aug 2,3 | Regatta at Lake Arthur, Moraine State Park, North Shore, Prospect, PA, Phone: 724-368-8811 Focused on the environment, outdoor sports & family-centered activities for all ages. Fishing for the kids. Voyager canoe rides. Nature tours in paddle craft. Sail across the lake. Dance to the music at the Classic Car Cruise. Ongoing children’s activities. Dead fish polo. Live entertainment. Plus Moraine Marketplace, an outdoor bazaar of goods & services. Canoe, kayak & sailboat races. Hot air balloon launches. Food vendors. FIREWORKS on Saturday Night! and its FREE! 724.368.8811 |
| Aug 7- 10 | North Country Scenic Trail Annual Conference, Cazenovia, NY. Registration May 19 - July 21. |
| Sep 6 | Keystone Trails Association is sponsoring a 26-mile megahike to be held September 6 in York and Lancaster counties. Tentatively called the Susquehanna Megahike, this very strenuous fundraising event promises to challenge even the most avid long-distance hikers. The route will begin on the Mason-Dixon Trail near the Otter Creek Campground and head south, crossing the Susquehanna River at the Norman Woods Bridge. It then continues north on the Conestoga Trail, ending near the village of Pequea. Holtwood Recreation Area is the megahike headquarters and site of the after-hike picnic. Buses will shuttle hikers to the starting point and take them back to the picnic area as they finish. Highlights of the hike include many vistas overlooking the Susquehanna River, numerous ups and downs, and Kelly’s Run. Pre-registration is required. Many volunteers will be needed. If interested, contact Kate Leventry at ktaadmin@verizon.netThis e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it or call 717-238-7017. Much more detail will be provided in the next KTA newsletter. |
Last Updated on April 28, 2008
By Dave Adams
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