Area Outdoor Activities and Educational Events


All BOC events are open to the public. 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
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Sep
1
Our monthly meeting this month will be at Moraine State Park Lakeview Picnic Shelter. Join us 6:00 pm for a potluck picnic. BOC will provide roast corn and hot dogs. Come early for hiking, biking, paddling, etc. Bring a dish to share.
Sep
3
For those interested in riding the Butler City route, we are going to ride every Friday, meet 6 pm, city parking lot across from Pizza Joe's on North Main St. (look for the newly installed bike rack) Hope to see you at one of these rides. Chris email scadziggy@zoominternet.net
Sep
4
6
The Butler Outdoor Club would like to invite everyone to our annual Labor day weekend campout (Sept 4th thru 6th). This year we will be camping at Laurel Hill State Park located near Seven Springs. Theres plenty to do at Laurel Hill. Hike the parks trails. Canoe or kayak the beautiful Laurel Hill Lake(rentals availble at the beach). Peddle your bicycle along the nearby Indian Creek Valley railtrail. We will be camping at the Group area so the cost will be minimual and space is not limited. Bring your family, friends and neighbors all are welcome. Call Mike Dailey for details 724-452-7870 evenings please . Email md9973@zoominternet.net Don’t forget your tent !
Sep
4
Nature Watch Kayaking 1:00 PM Experience the peace and tranquility that can be yours floating on Lake Arthur. This entry-level kayaking program is designed to meet the needs of those more interested in an easy peaceful experience rather than a long hard paddle. Meet the park naturalist at the Pleasant Valley launch on the South Shore of Moraine to take part in this activity. Participants may bring their own kayak, or borrow one of Moraine’s kayaks. To reserve a kayak or to register, call the park office at 724-368-8811. Participants that use park kayaks must be at least 12 years of age. An adult must accompany those participants that are under the age of 18. Bring drinking water.
Sep
5
Armstrong Trail Biking Adventure (24 or 36 mile option or even Paddling)- Sunday September 5, 2010 Meet at Kings Lanes at 8:30AM on 590 South Water Street Kittanning, PA 16201. Explore one of the newest rail trails which is still being developed. (For this reason you may want to walk your bike through certain areas or use a mountain bike if you have one). Begin by biking North through the towns of Cowanshannock, Mosgrove, Templeton, and Mahoning. Trail conditions range from paved to crushed limestone, go about 2 more miles on grass and rough terrain to the current Northern End of the trail in Hooks Station, PA (passing around a scenic bend in the Allegheny River). Head back toward Kittanning, and depending on time stop for lunch in a suitable area, people wishing to only ride 24 miles can return to their cars, while others can continue on from Kittanning through Manorville, Ford City (the most well developed part of the trail) and finally Rosston, the turnaround point will be at the Rosston Fish and Boat Commission Launch about 1/2 mile past the Southern end of the trail. This trail runs through some very scenic and wild areas, small towns, and past old mills over a bridge, and the Allegheny River is almost always close by. I estimate the trip to take 5 hours to actually bike 36 miles with a half hour to an hour more for lunch, bathroom stops, etc. The trail is very level. Please call Mike Ciccone at 724-584-8045 to RSVP with your trip preference & any questions. For those interested in a full day, I would like to paddle from the Rosston Boat Launch after the biking. Mike Ciccone
Sep
7
10
Hello Volunteers, We have a series of school fieldtrips coming out to Moraine September 7 – 10 for a butterfly field exploration program. We can use assistance while the students are out in the field by helping them to identify different insects that they see in the field. I’ll provide you with a field guide and an overview of what we will most likely see while out in the field. There are two sessions a day, 10 – 12 and 1 – 3 – although the times may vary slightly each day. If anyone is interested in assisting with any of these programs, please let me know and I’ll provide additional details. Thank you for your interest in volunteering at Moraine and McConnells Mill. Kelly Klasnick, CIG Environmental Education Specialist Moraine/McConnells Mill State Parks 225 Pleasant Valley Road Portersville, PA 16051-9650 Ph: (724) 368-3612 Fax: (724) 368-3417 moraineenvedsp@state.pa.us
Sep
11
12
The Keystone Trails Association will host the second annual Susquehanna Super Hike & Ultra Trail Run on Saturday, September 11, 2010. Join KTA for the 28.4-mile trail challenge for adventurous hikers and trail runners on the wild river hills of the lower Susquehanna Gorge in York and Lancaster Counties. The trail challenge course follows the Mason Dixon and Conestoga Trails along both sides of the Susquehanna River. Event participants will begin at the Otter Creek Campground in Airville and end at the Pequea Creek Campground in Pequea. Participants can visit www.kta-hike.org for more information or to register online. Two training hikes are scheduled for later this summer. The first training hike will be held Sunday, July 11 on the Mason Dixon Trail, and the second training hike is scheduled on Sunday, August 22 on the Conestoga Trail. For more information, contact Paul Shaw at pshaw@ptd.net or visit www.kta-hike.org.
Sep
12
BOC Fall Presque Isle Bike/Hike/Paddle/Bird Watch Outing - Meet 10am inside the entrance to the Tom Ridge Environmental Center (on your right just before entering Presque Isle SP) Dave/Jean 724.453.1685
Sep
18
Evening Kayak Tour 7:00 PM The park takes on an entirely different character at night. Kayaking at night opens up your senses to a new way of experiencing the lake. Combine the two during an evening paddle on Lake Arthur. This trip is designed for intermediate paddlers. Meet the park naturalist at the Old 422 launch area off of old Route 422/Park Road to learn about and experience the peace and beauty that Moraine has to offer. Bring your own kayak to participate, or you can reserve one of Moraine State Park’s kayaks free of charge. Participants that use park kayaks must be at least 12 years of age. An adult must accompany those participants that are under the age of 18. To reserve a park kayak call the Moraine office at 724-368-8811. Please be sure to dress for the weather conditions and bring drinking water. Kayaking at night requires a white light source, such as a flashlight. Park kayaks will have a light provided. All paddlers bringing their own boats must also have a light.
Sep
18
Ironmaster's Challenge 24 mile hike and March for the Mansion 8.7 mile walk - Colonel Denning State Park, Newville, Pa. The Challenge is a hkie and trail run through the Tuscarora State Forest designed to test the serious hike and trail runner as well as the seasoned recreational hiker. Each route will challenge you to give 110% - 100% physical effort and 10% from financial support in registration fees and pledges. All registrants are encouraged to secure pledge donations for a prize incentive. Your donation will support restoration of the Ironmaster's Mansion, a significant historical structure located in Pine Grove Furnace State Park. Early registration deadline for both events is Aug 23. All other registrations ust be made by Sept 10. Registration fees will include a light, cold breakfast, snacks and drinks at each checkpoint, lunch at the finish and a T-shirt. For more information see online http://mysite.verizon.net/vzezchws/index.html
Sep
19
Spend a day doing a "Hawk Watch" in Somerset County with the Butler Outdoor Club - weather permitting (hawks won't be flying there in the rain). We will sit on Shaffer Mountain and count hawks and anything else that floats by. This is the time for the Broad-wing Hawk migration. Other raptors we might see are Osprey, Bald Eagle, Northern Harrier, Sharp-shinned Hawk, Cooper's Hawk, Red-tailed Hawk, American Kestrel,Peregrine Falcon and occasionally a Golden Eagle. The location is the Allegheny Front Watch, operated by the Allegheny Plateau Audubon Society. See this link to learn more: http://www.alleghenyplateauaudubon.org/hw.html Bring your binoculars or scope if you have them. Bring a chair, cushion or blanket to sit on. Bring a lunch and something to drink. And bring a jacket in case it gets cold up on the mountain. We can stay till closing - around 5:00 and have dinner at an area restaurant. Time: We can carpool and head up together - leave at 10 from the store in Portersville. Contact: Dorothy Weisberg at dotweisberg@zoominternet.net for directions and any change of plans.
Sep
19
Explore Lake Arthur 1:00 PM Meet the park naturalist at the Pleasant Valley launch, on the South Shore of Moraine, to kayak among the beautiful natural scenery. This is an intermediate paced paddle. Bring your own kayak to participate, or you can reserve one of Moraine State Park’s kayaks free of charge. Participants that use park kayaks must be at least 12 years of age. An adult must accompany those participants that are under the age of 18. To reserve a park kayak call the Moraine office at 724-368-8811. Please be sure to dress for the weather conditions and bring drinking water.
Sep
26
Tour de NCTA PA The current plan for Stage 16 will be an 8 mile section in the Clarion Chapter section, from Van (Rt 322 and Rt 38) to Stone house Road along the old railroad bed on Sunday September 26th. More details to follow. John Stehle Cell 724-256-0674
Sep
26
Fall PA NCTA State Council Meeting Time: 11:00 AM Place: Carriage Inn, 520 E. State St., Knox, PA The Carriage Inn is on the North side of State Street (PA 208) near the center Knox. Paul Henry phenry@choiceonemail.com PA NCTA State Council Chair
Oct
1
3
KTA HOSTS FALL HIKING WEEKEND IN MIFFLIN COUNTY The Keystone Trails Association will host its Fall Meeting & Hiking Weekend from Friday, October 1 to Sunday, October 3 in Milroy, Mifflin County. Mifflin County is located in central Pennsylvania and is part of the Seven Mountains Region. Some of Pennsylvania’s most challenging and rewarding hikes are found in this area, where hikers are treated to a wealth of stunning vistas, rugged climbs and rocky ridge tops. Milroy is located in close proximity to two of the state’s premier long-distance hiking trails: the Mid State Trail and the Standing Stone Trail. Hikers will be able to enjoy day hikes on these trails as well as other hikes located in the nearby state forests and state parks. After a day on the trails, hikers will enjoy a comfortable stay at the Best Western Nittany Inn Milroy. Meals will be served at the Hartman Center, located approximately one mile from the hotel on Old US 322.
Oct
10
11
TWO DAY FALL BICYCLE RIDE TO BE SPONSORED BY THE ARMSTRONG RAILS TO TRAILS ASSCOIATION On Sunday, October 10th and Monday, October 11th (Columbus Day weekend) an organized two day overnight bicycle ride will be held on the Allegheny River Trail with options to extend the ride on the Samuel Justus and Sandy Creek Trails. The ride will begin at 10:30 AM on Sunday in Emlenton in the parking lot behind the Crawford Center (overnight parking has been arranged). The ride will conclude at the same location sometime Monday afternoon. The “short” ride will be 26 miles each day with an overnight stay in Franklin. Additional trail miles can be enjoyed either day by taking the Samuel Justus Trail to Oil City and back (up to 14 additional miles) or by taking the Sandy Creek spur (up to 24 additional miles). Upon receipt of your registration and $15.00 fee you will receive a list of accommodations (two B & Bs and a hotel) and phone numbers for contacts. It will be the responsibility of each registrant to make their own room reservations. Room rates vary between $80-$105 a night double occupancy. All room rates include a full breakfast. You will also receive a Release of Liability form that must be signed and turned in at the ride start. A detailed itinerary with suggested packing list will also be provided. A bag of trail mix and a trail map will be available to each rider on the first day of the trip. Please make your check payable to the Armstrong Rails to Trails Association (ARTA) and mail it by Saturday, September 18 to P.O. Box 777, Kittanning PA 16201. Contact Toni Henry by email at tonilhenry@yahoo.com or at home at 724-526-3552 or by cell phone at 412-759-9152 for additional information on the ride. For information regarding the trails check out the website at www.avta-trails.org The trail is paved, mostly level and suitable for road or hybrid bicycles and for bicyclists with minimal trail experience. Note that there are 2 very dark tunnels (bring a flashlight) and a half mile rough detour to navigate. Participants must wear a safety helmet and be able to carry all gear and extra clothing on their bike. The ride is being held as a fund raiser for the Armstrong Rails to Trails Association. Similar day rides have been organized in the past on the Armstrong Trail. This ride itinerary has been developed as a result of local interest in exploring other neighboring Rail Trails.
Oct
22
The Western Pa Trails Symposium will bring together the leaders in land and water trail development from Western PA. The symposium stems from the desire to capitalize on our increasingly connected trail system. How can we take advantage of our connections to benefit more from our growing trail system? Western PA is well-poised to be a major statewide and national destination for outdoor recreation. This event is all about working together to capitalize on our success. SAVE THE DATE! For registration (available in early Sept) and more information goto http://www.pecpa.org/trailssymposium2010 For more information contact Hannah E. Hardy hhardy@pecpa.org, 412-481-9400
Nov
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KTA Trailcare NCT Clarion County
Nov
13
BOC Annual Dinner Saturday, November 13. Our featured speaker this year is Larry Luxemberg, author of Walking the Appalachian Trail, hiker. One of the things we do ahead of time is nominate worthy people and organizations for the BOC Outstanding Contributor to the Outdoors Award. So, consider if you have a person or organization that you think should receive the award this year. Send you nominations to the Butler Outdoor Club, PO Box 243, Butler PA 16003.



Last Updated on August 29, 2010
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