Great Outdoor Blog

Saturday, November 8th, 2008 - 5th Annual Wrightsville Beach Sea Kayak Race:

This race is an annual fundraiser for the NC Coastal Land Trust. The event takes place soundside on Wrightsville Beach and is comprised of 3 races; a 6-mile main event, a 3-mile fun race, and a 200 meter sprint for kids 12 and under.

The race will start at 1pm this year and is sponsored by both Salt Marsh Kayak and Great Outdoor Provision Co. The shops work together to organize an after event raffle that is open to the public. Over $4000 in prizes, including a kayak donated by Hurricane Aquasports, was given away after the 2007 race. Spectators are welcome and volunteers needed. Participants please have your entries in by Thursday, November 6th to avoid a late entry fee, and remember to send in the appropriate ACA waiver with your entry.

2008 ENTRY FORM

ADULT WAIVER

MINOR WAIVER

Tyler paddles his new Perception Acadia youth kayak. Old City Lake in Lexington, NC

Ok, so I don’t exactly have the type of kids that can participate in “Take a Child Outside” week activities – my “child” is the four-legged, furry type – but I do plan on observing “Take a Child Outside” week because any reason to go outside is cause for some serious celebration (not to mention playtime!)!

Check out the press release we posted last week for some cool ideas in the Piedmont. There are quite a few activities going on in Raleigh – fitting considering that the “Take a Child Outside” movement started right here!

Day trip anyone? Just because it’s getting cooler doesn’t mean we say goodbye to the coast! Grab some water, snacks, jackets and backpacks (Oh! And don’t forget the kids!).

Goose Creek State Park in Washington, NC is hosting an entire week of activities!

Wednesday, Sept. 24: Stay Safe and Leave No Trace at 5 p.m.
Thursday, Sept. 25: Wetlands at 5 p.m.
Friday, Sept. 26: Bug Safari Bingo at 5 p.m.
Saturday, Sept. 27: Seining the Pamlico at 10 a.m.
Sunday, Sept. 28: Tree ID on the Live Oak Trail at 3 p.m.
Monday, Sept. 29: Canoeing for ages 6 and up at 5 p.m. pre-registration required for this program
Tuesday, Sept. 30: Fishing at 5 p.m.

Also be sure to check out the North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores. They’re hosting a family fun day on Saturday, September 27th from 10:00-3:00 that will include a guided tour of the beach, sound, and maritime forest. Be sure to register when you get there!

For more coastal areas worth checking out, visit Partnership for the Sounds.

Being in North Carolina, we have the luxury of both mountains and beaches – the NC State Parks website has a great listing of state parks – all of which are great to visit. Find one near you or pack your bags and head out on the road!

Whatever the case, take some time to enjoy nature and your children (whether they have two legs or four!)… and don’t forget to stop by the “Take a Child Outside” website for other ideas!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - September 15, 2008
Contact: Jon Pishney, 919-733-7450 x304, jonathan.pishney@ncmail.net

RALEIGH — The North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences, an agency of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, is proud to spearhead a national initiative called Take A Child Outside week. Now in its second year, this program was inspired by Richard Louv’s book “Last Child in the Woods,” which identifies the benefits of outdoor experiences for children and addresses some of the problems of what he terms ‘nature deficit disorder,’ such as increased feelings of stress, trouble paying attention and feelings of being disconnected from the world.

The Museum’s experience with, and commitment to, getting children outdoors led to the development of Take A Child Outside week, scheduled for Sept. 24-30. According to the event’s creator Liz Baird, “the Museum hopes to inspire even more parents, teachers and caregivers to take children outdoors and help reacquaint them with nature.” This summer, Gov. Easley officially proclaimed Sept. 24-30 as Take A Child Outside week, noting that “in an era when many children believe that computers are more important than nature, it is vital for parents to introduce their children to the outdoors as an essential part of their education.”

On the Take A Child Outside web site , adults can make a promise to take a child outside during the week. After their outing, they can return and post a description of where they went and what they did, or read about other people’s adventures. There is a list of possible activities to do outdoors if the adults need inspiration. Additionally, they can search the nation (and beyond) for partners in the Take A Child Outside effort. Teachers who make a pledge and take their classes outside will receive a discount coupon from Great Outdoor Provision Co.

Baird, who is also the director of school programs for the Museum, says the event’s reach and popularity has been pleasantly surprising. Last year, more than 160 organizations signed on as partners representing 38 states and two foreign countries (Canada and Belize). This year the reach will be even greater, with more than 250 partners, including ones in Puerto Rico and the United Kingdom. Additionally, Louv is scheduled to speak and attend a book signing at the Greensboro Montessori School Thursday, September 25.

You can also venture outside with Museum educators to explore a variety of habitats — including a piedmont prairie, woodlands, a lowland forest and a pond — on Tuesday, September 30 from 3 to 6:30 p.m. at the Museum’s Prairie Ridge Ecostation in west Raleigh. Guided walks will begin every 30 minutes, with the last walk at 6 p.m. The Great Outdoor Provision Company has donated $500 worth of outdoor equipment to be given away at this event! For directions and more information on Prairie Ridge, visit naturalsciences.org/prairieridge. Dover Foundation of Shelby is also a sponsor of Take A Child Outside week.

The North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences in downtown Raleigh documents and interprets the natural history of the state through exhibits, research, collections, publications and educational programming. Hours: Mon.-Sat., 9 a.m.-5 p.m., and Sun., noon-5 p.m. Admission is free. Visit the Museum online at naturalsciences.org. The Museum is an agency of the N.C. Department of Environment and Natural Resources, William G. Ross Jr., Secretary.

Sept. 27, 2008
10 am – 12 pm
Sponsored by: North Carolina Sea Grant

CMAST (Center for Marine Sciences and Technology)
303 College Circle - Morehead City, NC

Come and learn the latest tackle and techniques for kayak angling from professional fishing guides. Participants also will learn about current research in recreational fisheries, including speckled trout and red drum tagging projects.

This event is FREE and open to the public.

For directions to CMAST, visit cmast.ncsu.edu/directions.php

Equipment provided by:

• Great Outdoor Provision Co.
• Heritage Kayaks
• Hurricane Kayaks
• Wilderness Systems

For more information about the event contact Brian Efland at 252/222-6314 or brian_efland@ncsu.edu

Saturday, October 18

View pictures of the trash:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/tpcolson/sets/72157604414321472/

Volunteers are needed for a “clean sweep” removal of trash near Robeson Creek Boat Ramp on Jordan Lake on Saturday, Oct. 18, starting at 8 am. Several groups are collaborating with the project to help remove a large area of trash floating on the water that could impair wildlife in the area, including a nesting pair of bald eagles, ospreys and egrets.

“There is no land access to this part of the land, so we especially need volunteers with boats,” said Tom Colson..

“The main purpose of the event is to perform a preliminary trash pick-up effort to assess how much trash is present and to identify what we need to do to remove all the trash,” Colson said.

The clean sweep day was planned when local officials identified a large amount of trash in Jordan Lake that had collected immediately downstream of where the Haw River drains into the lake.

A site inspection revealed several dozen tons of trash, including thousands of recyclable bottles, hundreds of tires, coolers, orange highway barrels, styrofoam, and balls covering dozens of acres of shoreline. In some places, the mat of trash floating on the water is so wide and thick that it could be
detrimental to the habitat of Jordan Lake wildlife.

The trash site is about a 45-minute paddle from the Robeson Creek Boat Ramp. Chatham County’s Waste Management Department will provide dumpsters at boat ramp. The group will be concentrating on an area near the boat ramp that appears to have the worst concentration of trash and is also home to several ospreys, egrets, and a nesting pair of bald eagles, Colson said.

“We need boat owner volunteers the most. Anything that floats will do, but some motor boats are needed to move the trash,” Colson said. Boats that hold at least six passengers would also be ideal, but boat owners must make sure that they have enough life vests for all passengers.

The group also needs at least one “hanger queen” boat as a place to dump muddy tires, without having to worry about scrubbing the decks. “A 27-foot Grady White wouldn’t fit in here, but an 18-foot Carolina Skiff is perfect for this purpose,” Colson said.

Other volunteers needed include:

At least 30 trash sweepers, who will ride in boats (their own or someone else’s) to the trash site, where they will collect trash and move it to loading points.

At least six boat loaders, who will pick up collected trash at the loading points and put it in boats. Colson noted that this could be the most uncomfortable task, because it will involve being wet much of the time and possibly wearing chest waders. “Comfort level depends on how close we can get the boats to the shore, which depends on the types of boats that show up to help out.”

Four to six dock workers to remove trash from boats and put it on the dock, sort and catalog the trash and make sure the trash goes into the right waste container.

Colson reminds potential volunteers that there are no bathrooms or running water in the work area. “It may be hot and sweaty and you can count on being muddy and dirty. We need people who can work in the woods or water for six to eight hours in these conditions.”

All volunteers need to bring boots, long pants, bug repellent (ticks and chiggers), water to drink and their own lunch. “We are seeking small donations beverages and lunch, but are not sure if this will happen. We would also like to get donations to cover the cost of gas for the boats, trash bags and gloves for volunteers, so please contact me at 919-630-2569 if you can help out,” Colson said.

All boats and volunteers need to be at the Robeson Creek Boat Ramp by 8 am. The ramp is located off of Hanks Chapel Road, which is on the east side of Pittsboro, just off of US 64.

“All of these groups and the citizens of the state that depend on Jordan Lake for recreation and water supply greatly appreciate any help that volunteers can provide. We are hoping that the volunteers’ efforts will identify the need for a comprehensive trash removal effort, followed by an educational program aimed at reducing trash. This will benefit the entire Cape Fear Watershed,” Colson added.

Time: Saturday, October 18th, 2008
8AM until 5PM(ish)

Place. Robeson Boat Ramp, Jordan Lake
Boat volunteers: Please coordinate with Tom Colson. We are asking that boats be launched and docked by 0800.

All other volunteers. Please indicate to Tom Colson your willingness to participate in this exciting event!

The Chargers and Rechargers Hiking Club, part of the Watauga Task  Force, is sponsoring MST Big Dig #2 on September 20 (Saturday) and 21 (Sunday).  All tools and equipment  will be furnished. Work site on the Blue Ridge Parkway is in scenic Goshen Creek Gorge, four miles north of Blowing Rock at milepost 287. Volunteer headquarters is in Price Park Campground, south of Blowing Rock. (All  access to the work site is from Blowing Rock because the Parkway is closed north of Goshen Creek Gorge.)

Contact Allen de Hart at email: adh4771@aol.com, or tel: 919-496-477l by September 8 if you plan to volunteer work (Saturday 8:30 a.m. to noon, or l:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. or both; and Sunday 8:30 a.m. to noon, or l:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m or both). For a reserved free campsite  at Price Park Campground indicate how many in your party and if for Friday or Saturday or both nights. After your response, detailed directions and answers to any questions will be provided.

September 11 and 13, 2008 - South Ashe Task Force workdays on the Blue Ridge Parkway.

September 27, 2008 - National Public Lands Day - Falls Lake Workday - Durham and Wake Counties.  At the last workday the Falls Lake Section of the MST has reached the 40 mile mark on it’s way to Durham, NC.

greatoutdoorprovision.com/mst

by Todd Hancock, Cameron Village Staff

Through the years I have participated in, competed in and been a spectator of many events that involve an aspect of sport. Last month, after the recommendation of friends, I decided to participate in something that was quite different than anything before. Still sport, I guess.

Muddy Buddy is an event that occurs in some 9 locations nationwide. Lucky for us, one happens to be close by in Richmond, VA. This ‘race’ involves you and a partner covering 6-7 miles by foot and bike. You share one bicycle. There are 5 legs and at the completion of each leg you do a quick obstacle. Then, you change to cycling or running from what you just did on the last leg. The course was crazy. Lots of people were running with bike helmets on, wearing wild outfits, having fun and pushing themselves to the limit.

At the end, you find out where the name of the event comes from. One last obstacle awaits you. You and your partner rendezvous and join up together for the first time in the event. Only 100 feet remains until the finish line. However, there is a military style crawl through a giant mud pit that leaves you no hope but to be covered in mud, with your buddy, by the time you reach the line.

My partner and I are quite competitive and decided to give the event a solid go. At no point, were we not having tons of fun. The nice part is you yo-yo with your partner as you switch running and cycling multiple times, communicating along the way with yells and words of encouragement. There were balance beams and military style wooden obstacles. My favorite was towards the end as you climbed a rope to slide down a big inflatable slide.

After the event, you get to hang out in a huge water hose station where people just try to get cleaned off. It is not until you actually shower that you get rid of the mud behind your ears and underneath your fingernails.

I would recommend it to anyone who is looking for an event unlike any other. It is as hilarious to watch, as it is to participate in. We are already planning on doing it again next year. We will be looking to stand a top the podium next year!

Check out muddybuddy.com

Ride for the Land 2008
Nearly 200 cyclists rolled out July 19 for Ride for the Land 2008: The Little River Roll. The tour brought attention to TLC’s Little River Priority Area and raised awareness of our efforts to preserve this critical piece of our natural heritage. While we at TLC have packed away the water jugs and signage until next year, you can reminisce about this year’s ride by reviewing our photos online.

Burrito Bash - Sept 9
TLC is teaming up with Haw River Assembly and the General Store Cafe of Pittsboro for a Burrito Bash! Join us on Tuesday, September 9, 2008 at the General Store Cafe (39 West St, Pittsboro) for music, dancing, a silent auction, and of course, burritos! If you are interested in volunteering at the event or would like to donate an item to the silent auction, please contact Marisa Bryant at mbryant@tlc-nc.org or 919-833-3662 ext. 111. For tickets and to view the growing list of auction items, click here.

Haw River Paddle Day - August 30
Join us for an all-day paddling extravaganza on the Haw River at the Lower Haw State Natural Area upstream of the Bynum Dam. We’re offering a different kind of paddle trip on August 30 — six different two-hour trips allowing different ways to see the Haw River. Some of the trips will be themed guided trips: birding, natural history, and geocaching. Others will be “freestyle” do-it-yourself explorations. Details and registration

Hot off the Press - The Raleigh News and Observer is doing a 4 part series about the Mountains-to-Sea Trail. Click Here for all of the articles, video’s, and interviews about the MST.

Falls Lake Trail Workday - August 23, 2008

Come help FMST extend the Falls Lake Trail to Durham. Great Outdoor Provision Co. will be providing Chick-fil-a breakfast for the workers! Great Outdoor Provision Co. also joined forces with Patagonia to purchase a trailer to store & transport all the Trail Crew tools.

Meeting Location: Rolling View State Recreation Area - MST Parking Lot at 9:00 AM for the start of work.  Please RSVP this week with Jeff Brewer (jdbrewer@bellsouth.net) so we put the finishing touches on our projects for this workday. With a good turn out we will reach the 40 mile mark at Falls Lake as we close the gap at Santee Road. Once we close the gap at Santee we will move over near Patterson Road and start building the trail to Hickory Hill Boat Ramp - about 7.2 miles. We have some trail work to do at the dead end of Boyce Mill Road  for a group of about 10-12 workers. Your RSVP is a huge help in knowing our total attendance for the workday.

» MORE INFO

Beautiful images of the natural wonders of North Carolina have inspired generations of people to be better stewards of our precious natural resources. The Wildlife in North Carolina Photo Competition aims to encourage people to participate in nature photography, thereby fostering greater appreciation of North Carolina’s wildlife and wild places.

All winners will be published in the January 2009 issue of Wildlife in North Carolina magazine and exhibited at the N.C. Museum of Natural Sciences in Raleigh. Winners will also receive a print of their winning entry and products from sponsor Great Outdoor Provision Co.

• Grand prize: Your photo published on the cover of the January 2009 issue of Wildlife in North Carolina magazine, plus $200
• First place, all categories: $100
• Second place, all categories: $75
• Third place, all categories: $50

Special state parks prize: One photo taken in North Carolina state parks, regardless of category, will be selected as Best of State Parks. The winner will receive camping passes at their choice of North Carolina state parks and other noncash prizes to be determined. Finalists in consideration for this honor will be exhibited at various parks across the state.

» Enter Online by Sept 15