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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 26- Sep 1 | Historic Gristmill Summer Hours Nestled amidst striking scenery and the deep gorge of the Slippery Rock Creek, a National Natural Landmark, McConnell's Mill State Park is a great place for an adventure. You can tour the restored rolling gristmill or the covered bridge. There is also scenic hiking, whitewater boating and two rock climbing and rappelling areas. The 19th century gristmill is the centerpiece of McConnell’s Mill State Park. A new turbine has been installed in the mill and corn grinding will once again be demonstrated. From Memorial Day through Labor Day the old mill will be open: Fridays: 11:00 am to 3:30 pm Saturdays and Sundays: 11:00 am to 5:30 pm Our guided tours open the history of the historic mill to visitors. Falling water was harnessed to grind wheat, corn, buckwheat and other grains in this automated, state-of-the-art (for the late 1800’s) gristmill. |
| Jul 22 29 | We've cleared the last mile of the Butler Freeport Trail to the new bridge location. Thanks to all your help, the brush has been cleared, chipped and the sides mowed. We'll continue our Trailwork Tuesdays and meet at 9:00am and at 6:00pm at the Bonnie Brook Rd. trailhead. The trail from Bonnie Brook Rd has been boom mowed South to Jones. Rd. There are branches that need to be thrown off to the side and limbs that need trimming. Tuesday night we will help get the final three bulletin boards installed (Bonniebrook, Sheetz, and Jones) and landscaped around. We will be also collecting rocks from the side of the trail. Click for view of trailhead Please include DO NOT park in near the gravel piles at Summit Twp. building. You can park outside the gate. Doesn't matter if it is blocked we won't be bringing anything thru there in the morning. Bring lopers, bowsaws, pruners, gloves, safety glasses etc. If you have no tools, just bring some gloves. Also bring some water and wear long pants and hiking boots, etc Dave Adams 724.453.1685 |
| Jul 22 | Tuesday Night Ramble - Meet in the Prairie parking lot at Jennings at 6:00 P.M. as we will venture through the prairie and observe the beautiful array of wild flowers. Afterwards maybe we can ventrue up to North Country Brewery. Gina Hench 724/772-7022 |
| Jul 25 | Amateur Astronomers Assoc. of Pittsburgh Star Party 8:00pm meet North Shore Bicycle Rental Lot at Moraine State Park. |
| Jul 26 | Saturday July 26th will be our second BOC road clean up. We will meet at 10am at the dirt parking lot at the South Shore exit of Moraine State Park. All materials will be provided. Clean up takes about 2 hours. All help is appreciated. After the clean up lets get together and do a paddle since we are right there at the park. Meet at the south shore old boat launch by the sunken garden trail parking lot around 12:30 if you can't make it to the clean up. Bring water and a snack and maybe dinner at a local restaurant. Any other questions please call Dana at 724-376-3526 |
| Jul 26 | Moraine State Park Program On the Trail of the Black Bear 2:00pm - 3:30pm. Meet WCO, wildlife conservation officer, Brunst, of the Pennsylvania Game Commission, at the former Marina restaurant located near the Davis Hollow Marina at Moraine State Park. Officer Brunst will be presenting a program on Black Bears in PA. Come to learn about this amazing creature, and find out if they are in your area. |
| Jul 26 | McConnells Mill State Park Community Program Saturday, July 26, 2008 2:00 PM “GPS Navigation & Geocaching” Looking for a new family activity? Join the hunt! Learn the basics of geocaching and GPS navigation during this introductory program. Grab a GPS unit and meet the park naturalist at the Kildoo Picnic Area in McConnells Mill State Park. A limited number of GPS units are available for use during the program, reserve one by calling 724 368-9320 or emailing mcmill@localnet.com. |
| Jul 27 | Moraine State Park Program "Discover Lake Arthur" 9:00am - 10:30am 3225 acre Lake Arthur is the crown jewel of Moraine State Park. The lake has approximately 42 miles of shoreline to explore. Meet the park naturalist at the McDanel?s boat launch on the North Shore of Moraine State Park to paddle miles of lakeshore and see Moraine from a different view. This is a moderately strenuous kayaking program. Participants must be 18 to participate. Moraine has several kayaks to loan to participants for use during this program. To reserve a kayak, call the park office at 724-368-8811. |
| Jul 27 | McConnells Mill State Park Community Program Sunday, July 27, 2008 3:00 PM “ Geology of Slippery Rock Gorge” Many geologists believe that the Slippery Rock Creek used to flow in the opposite direction! Explore the fascinating geology of the Slippery Rock Gorge. Meet the park naturalist at the Point Parking Area for a moderate hike along the road leading to McConnell’s Mill, returning along the Alpha Pass Trail. Bring water and wear sturdy shoes for this geologic adventure. |
| Jul 27 | Moraine State Park Program Intro to Kayaking 2:00pm - 4:00pm Interest in Kayaking has increased 300% in recent years. In response, Moraine State Park and WPPSA, Western Pennsylvania Paddle Sport Association, is offering a “learn to kayak” class on Lake Arthur. Park staff and members of the WPPSA will be available to teach some basic kayaking skills. Participants must be at least 12 years of age. An adult must accompany those participants that are under the age of 16. Meet at the McDanel’s launch on the North Shore of Moraine to take part in this program. WPPSA and Moraine State park will have a number of kayaks on hand to use during the program. Registration is recommended, but not required. There is a fee of ten dollars per person. Questions or to register, call the Moraine State Park office at 724-368-8811. |
| Jul 27 | July 27 - Tentative BOC Canoe/kayak trip depending on water level. Rental available. Call for details on time and place. joyceappel 724-526-5407 |
| Aug 1 | PA NCTA Summer council meeting 6:30 PM, Friday August 1 at Moraine State Park, North Shore, Davis Hollow Outdoor Center (the cabin) We can have a fire & wiener roast afterward. Remember that overnight stays can be reserved in the cabin & tent platforms can be reserved as well. Reserve early because there is an occupancy limit at the cabin. For reservations call: Diane Winston at 724-654-4918 or Jenny Kienzle at 724-355-4891 Those wishing to help with the Cherry Run bridge on the following day can contact Keith Klos at nct001@verizon.net or 814-484-7420. Those wishing to help at The Moraine Regatta on either or both of the following days can contact Joyce Appel at joyceeappel@windstream.net or 724-526-5407. Please prepare chapter & committee reports & submit agenda items. |
| 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 2,3 | WFR course The Wilderness First Responder Course is designed for trip leaders, members of search and rescue organizations, youth group leaders, scouting organizations, or for any back country traveler looking for more than basic knowledge on wilderness medicine techniques. Students receive instruction on how to deal everything from minor cuts and scrapes to medical emergencies and trauma. Course topics include airway management, heat and cold injuries, basic anatomy and assessment, orthopedic injuries, wound care, bites and stings, common injuries, burns, lightning, altitude illness, wilderness medical problems, patient comfort and protection, documentation and other legal issues, and the basic wilderness first aid kit Certification is for three years for our WFR course. Dates: July 26,27th August 2,3 & 9,10 Location: Trees Hall located on Pitt Campus. Room: 130 Cost is dependent on the number of people taking the course. Contact : tom.prigg@gmail.com to reserve a spot. |
| Aug 6 |
Our monthly meetings are 6:30 pm social hour, 7:30 pm announcements and 8:00 program on the first Wed. of each month at the Butler YMCA, 339 N. Washington, St. Butler, Pa. Each meeting includes outing announcements, a featured speaker and slide show or outdoor educational program and is open to the public. Join us at 6:30pm on Wed Aug 6 at the Butler YMCA, lower level meeting rooms. We will have a program on backpacking. |
| Aug 7- 10 | North Country Scenic Trail Annual Conference, Cazenovia, NY. Registration May 19 - July 21. |
| Aug 9 | McConnells Mill State Park Community Program Saturday, August 9, 2008 2:00 PM “Whole Grains” The fine white flour produced by McConnells Mill was widely sought out by the consumers of the day, not the old-fashioned stone ground whole wheat flour produced by other gristmills. Ironically, we now know that the whole grains are healthier in many ways. See both milling techniques and learn about the health and flavor benefits of various foods, produced or replaced by the historic gristmill. Meet in the courtyard beside the old mill. |
| Aug 9 | Saturday Walks at Todd Nature Reserve 9:00am Patrol the reserve on an exhilirating morning hike with our Todd Naturalist. Free, sponsored by the Audubon Society of Western Penna. |
| Aug 10 | McConnells Mill State Park Community Program Sunday, August 10, 2008 2:00 PM “Heart Hike #4” We will meet again at Kildoo Picnic Area ready to hike the Alpha Pass Trail to the falls and back, about 3 miles, and take time to discuss some hiking and backpacking tips to prepare for our next hike, our longest of the summer. Wear sturdy shoes and bring water, and a snack. |
| Aug 13 | Miniature Golf Outing - Meet at Eracers on Rt 68 W. at 6:00 P.M. for a game of minature golf. Gina Hench 724/772-7022 |
| Aug 16 | Moraine State Park Community Program Saturday, August 16, 2008 9:00 AM “Volunteer Work Day” The Eastern Bluebird experienced a 92% decline in population from 1920 to 1970 due to several factors including the use of the pesticide DDT. State parks created bluebird networks within their boundaries to help the population of this beautiful songbird thrive once again. Moraine State Park is home to 52 bluebird boxes. These many boxes are scattered throughout the park. This large network is in constant need of work. Boxes can fall into disrepair, and brush overtakes the bluebird habitat. Meet at the park office, on the South Shore of Moraine, if you would like to help public lands and the Eastern Bluebird. Come prepared to fix and replace nesting boxes, cut brush and grass, and meet others with interests like your own. |
| Aug 16 | McConnells Mill State Park Community Program Saturday, August 16, 2008 2:00 PM “Crossing the River” Pennsylvania has more covered bridges than any other state. Learn about the Howe truss design covered bridge spanning Slippery Rock Creek, right by the historic gristmill it still serves. This scenic gem has guided travelers across the waters since 1876. Explore how the waterpower of the Slippery Rock Creek was harnessed in the 1800’s. Meet at the old mill courtyard at 2:00. Park at the Kildoo Picnic Area and hike down the stairs to the old mill. Handicapped parking is available at the mill. |
| Aug 16 | Saturday Walks at Todd Nature Reserve 9:00am Patrol the reserve on an exhilirating morning hike with our Todd Naturalist. Free |
| Aug 17 | McConnells Mill State Park Community Program Sunday, August 17, 2008 8:00 PM “Owl Prowl” Bats, owls, fox: many Pennsylvania creatures only come out at night. Join the search for nocturnal surprises on Hell’s Hollow trail. Allow 15 minutes to get to Hells Hollow (no facilities) if coming from the old mill. Bring a flashlight and wear sturdy shoes and meet park staff at the Hell’s Hollow parking lot for a nighttime adventure. |
| Aug 20 | Owl Prowl at Todd Nature Reserve sponsored by the Audubon Society of Western Penna. Learn about the behaviors and calls of owls as we try to spot them in their natural habitats. Reservations requested. $2 members; $5 nonmembers 8:00–10:00 pm Registration is required for all programs with fees, and recommended for free programs. We can process payments by check, MasterCard, Visa and Discover Mail: Send your name, the attenders' names, address, phone number and payment (check or credit card number with expiration date) to ASWP, 614 Dorseyville Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15238 Phone: Call 412-963-6100, Have your credit card ready. In Person: Stop by the Audubon Nature Store Cancellation Policy Individuals may cancel up to 72 hours (3 days) in advance of the program to receive a full refund. |
| Aug 22 | McConnells Mill State Park Community Program Friday, August 22, 2008 9:00 AM “Early Birds” Watch and listen 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. |
| Aug 23 | McConnells Mill State Park Community Program Saturday, August 23, 2008 11:00 AM “Campfire Cuisine” What better way to top off a visit to the woods than with a tasty snack prepared outside? See various methods of outdoor cooking demonstrated & pick up some tips for satisfying hunger in the outdoors. Meet the park naturalist in the courtyard beside the old mill. |
| Aug 24 | McConnells Mill State Park Community Program Sunday, August 24, 2008 1:00 PM “Heart Hike #5” Our most challenging hike of the summer. Meet at Hell’s Hollow parking lot (no facilities) from where we will take the Slippery Rock Gorge Trail (Part of the North Country Trail) 6.2 miles to Eckert Bridge, where a park vehicle will shuttle you back to Hell’s Hollow. Allow a minimum of 4.5 hours for the hike, and bring food as we will stop to eat along the trail. |
| Aug 30 | McConnells Mill State Park Community Program Saturday, August 30, 2008 2:00 PM “Bird Songs” Find birds the way they find each other at McConnells Mill State Park. Learn some birdcall basics, and use them to investigate bird life. The beautiful Slippery Rock Gorge is the perfect setting for a 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. |
| Sep 6- 7 |
That Dam Ride to Confluence REGISTRATION DEADLINE AUGUST 21!! Start at Boston ....................... 69 miles each way Start at Connellsville ............... 30 miles each way Tour de Confluence ..............10-12 miles An overnight bicycle ride to Confluence with camping at the Youghiogheny River Dam Corps of Engineers Campground. The Ride follows the packed limestone Youghiogheny River Trail which is part of the Great Allegheny Passage, the Cumberland to Pittsburgh Trail. Travel at your own pace adjacent to the beautiful river valley, through small towns, historic sites and stretches of unpopulated wooded areas. That Dam Ride Pre-registration required! start in Boston or Connellsville - early bird $60.00 until June 30 $65.00 July 1 - August 21 Includes: Gear transport, Rest stops with energy drinks and snacks, Lunch in Connellsville, Dinner, Camping, Coffee, juice, and light snacks in morning, Event T-shirt, Entertainment! Prize drawings! What a deal! Tour de Confluence with Larry Walsh and Bill Metzger - $35.00 Space is limited! Post-Gazette Staff writer Larry Walsh, who writes a weekly column on recreational bicycling, and Bill Metzger, author, historian will be the Ride leaders. Check out Larry's August 5, 2005 article. The leisurely 12-mile tour starts at 1:30 PM in Confluence and ends in Confluence. It will include a visit to the historical marker that overlooks the confluence of the Casselman and Youghiogheny Rivers and Laurel Hill Creek, the town itself, and a four mile roundtrip ride to Harnedsville on the Great Allegheny Passage. Includes T-shirt, Rest Stop, Dinner, Camping, Coffee, juice, and light snacks in morning, Entertainment! Prize drawings! What a deal! |
| 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. |
| Sep 13- 14 | Allegheny Mountain Rescue Group will hold a Wilderness First Aid class on Sept. 13 & 14 at the Middle Lancaster Community Center, Butler County. This is a CDS Outdoor School class following Wilderness Medical Society guidelines. It’s a very appropriate class for anyone who spends time outdoors. Total cost of the class is $130, which includes meals (BLD Saturday, BL Sunday), course materials, and the textbook, Wilderness First Aid: Emergency Care for Remote Locations , which alone retails for $29.95). All proceeds from the class go to AMRG, a nonprofit search-and-rescue team serving communities throughout the southwest Pennsylvania region at no cost to local authorities, lost persons, or their families. Please contact Ken Chiacchia at chiacchiakb (at) yahoo (dot) com to sign up. |
| Sep 19- 21 | Solo Canoe Rendezvous Announcing an event for those of you who like to paddle an open, or decked, canoe alone, but with others. The Western PA Solo Canoe Rendezvous is designed for the solo canoeist, or those curious about solo canoes, of all stripes, from freestyle to whitewater, from wood strip to Kevlar/Graphite composites. Dates are September 19 through 21 at Cooper’s Lake Campground, Slippery Rock, PA The event will be centered around the campground’s 10 acre lake, but other paddling venues are nearby including flat and whitewater sections of Slippery Rock Creek and 3000 acre Lake Arthur in Moraine State Park. Pick up paddling trips as well as some scheduled trips are anticipated. Some manufacturers of solo canoes and paddling equipment including Hemlock Canoe have already signed on and individuals with gear or boats to sell are encouraged to participate. There is no fee to attend the event, other than those imposed by the campground. Anyone who camps on site will be covered for the duration of the event. Those visiting for a day will pay a day fee to the campground that could be between $3 and $5 per person per day. Come celebrate the solo canoe, satisfy your curiosity about those weird paddlers who insist on paddling their own canoe, tell stories, sell stuff or paddle with like-minded individualists. Additional info and forum at www.wpascr.org. |
| Sep 27- 28 | 16th Annual Heritage Festival at McConnells Mill State Park 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM Saturday 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM Sunday Vendors, dressed in period costumes, will display their crafts inspired by those dating back to the operational period of the historic gristmill - 1852 to 1928. Special tours of the mill and period music will be offered. A new turbine has been installed in the McConnell’s gristmill to demonstrate corn grinding and the fascinating machinery that ground the grain for the community surrounding Slippery Rock Gorge. Entertainment for the festival includes bluegrass music by “Mountain Therapy”, cloggers, and old time music by “Elk Creek Family Band”. A civil war encampment brings history to life, and artisans & craftsmen will demonstrate their skills throughout the festival. Animals, games and face painting will attract the children. Lots of good food! The Portersville-Prospect Rotary Club, aided by several local businesses and non-profit organizations, sponsors the Festival. Come out and visit McConnells Mill State Park the last weekend in September, the 27th & 28th. Hours on Saturday are 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM and on Sunday from 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM. For more information contact Natalie Simon at 724 368-9320 or mcmill@localnet.com. |
| Oct 4 | TRAIN/BICYCLE RIDE IN OIL CITY SATURDAY, OCTOBER 4, 2008 Board train @ 12:30P @ Petroleum Center for a one hour scenic ride thru Oil Creek State Park After unloading your bicycle you are free to spend time at the park before bicycling ten miles back to your parked car. Cost including bicycle hauling: $10 Adult $8 Children (under 12) I need to have the money for reservations by August 20. You could pay me at the August BOC meeting or send a check. Contact Joanne Winwood 412-371-3167 |
Last Updated on July 20, 2008
By Dave Adams
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