Rta Takes Part In Garden And Landscaping Outdoor Living Exhibition

is taking part in the regional Garden, Landscaping Outdoor Living Exhibition; which opens today at Dubai International Convention and Centre, and continues through 27 May.

The event boasts participation of 150 from 23 countries specialized in gardens &; outdoor .

Engineer Nabeel , Director of Roads Dep’t at RTA Traffic &; Roads Agency, spoke about the objectives of participation in this premier global . “We are intending to showcase the important role played by Roads Beautification &; Section at Traffic &; Roads Agency in upgrading &; expanding in areas surrounding roads, which is part of an overall plan to keep abreast of urban in the emirate of Dubai.

“ participation also aims to have a presence in this world event and exchange concepts &; experiments with suppliers and specialized . It will also enable us to review the &; latest technologies in the field of plantation &; . We will be able to explore the possibility of applying these aspects in Dubai, with a view to applying them in our future projects.”

“ is having a prominent stand covering an area of 295 square feet; where a group of projects undertaken by the Section will be exhibited, reflecting various phases ranging from design to full implementation. By the end of last February, completed works in seven large projects costing about 60 million dirham, spanning an area of 98 hectares. Construction of more projects is underway at various locations in the emirate of Dubai, and they are expected to be completed during this year” said Nabeel.

Traffic &; Roads Agency has an integrated plan aiming to expand the green areas in the emirate and create a of roads &; surrounding patios. The Plan envisages provision of safety &; , artistic effects, and . The fast-moving property development in Dubai warrants keeping in place a modern road network, and applying innovative concepts of road .

The marks the significance attached to outdoor sector in Dubai in particular and the whole region in general; and also showcases the required tools &; equipment for indoor &; outdoor decoration.

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Saturday, May 31st, 2008

Landscaping No Comments

Gcc Spend On Garden And Landscaping To Reach Dhs60.5Bn In Five Years

The exhibition will be held from May 25 to 27 at the Dubai International Convention and Centre.

‘The market for outdoor lifestyle goods is growing due to two key factors, the boom in property, leisure and municipal developments, both require considerable amounts of interior and exterior landscaping.’ said Eckhard Pruy, CEO of Epoc Messe Frankfurt. ‘Dubai authorities forecast that spend on projects this year would be worth Dhs165m ($45m). Construction of parks and new golf courses in the region for the next five years will fuel spending on gardens and , estimated at Dhs60.5bn ($16.5bn)

‘The second factor is the fact that home buyers themselves are keen about improving their with a view to increase the property’s value, Yard Landscaping and to differentiate their property from their neighbors,’ Mr. Pruy said.

Population growth combined with changes in property laws in some areas, allow foreigners to own property; good weather and high disposable incomes are also spurring the demand for outdoor living and garden products such as barbecues, garden furniture, garden tools, and swimming pools, by over 12.5 % per annum.

‘The UAE population is expected to grow at 3.3% per annum to reach around 4.15 million in 2010 and expatriates account for more than 75% of UAE population. Asians account for 80% of expatriate population and a big number are investing in property in the UAE,’ said Gavin A. Morlini, Senior Show Manager of Garden and Middle East. ‘The UAE’s population is young - with more than 40% under 25. Latest census shows that 82% of Dubai’s population comprised of expatriates, who could be attracted to invest with the new liberalized rules on property. Dubai’s population was 862,000 in 1999, which constitutes 27.7% of UAE’s population

The country’s growing population and fast paced construction activity in and Dubai leading to infrastructure and real estate development in the countries, has highlighted the importance of an such as, Garden and Middle East, as a relevant forum for developers.

A massive beautification drive will see the stretch of land from Dubai World Trade Centre behind the skyscrapers of Shaikh Zayed Road turned into a massive garden with the Business Bay lagoon flowing into the area, after a massive demolition and reconstruction of old villas in Satwa. Many such upcoming projects would add a total of 113 hectares of to the urban landscape.

‘A big factor in the success of last year’s was the support enjoyed by the Garden and Middle East from local government authorities and departments such as Road Transport Authority (), Dubai Municipality, and UAE Society of Engineers’, said Mr. Morlini.

RTA has announced their support to the in 2008 as well. The recently launched department of the , which has allotted Dhs170m to implement projects in Dubai roads, will be taking this opportunity to exhibit their plans for making Dubai a ‘greener’ place to live in.

Internationally, the show is supported by GardenEx UK Yard , the Garden &; Leisure Federation which helps create export trade opportunities, and the Taiwan Importers and Exporters Association.

Garden and Middle East has been growing 60 per cent year on year, and 80 per cent of those who exhibited in 2007 have booked their participation for this year’s edition of the trade show as well.

Mr. Morlini added, ‘The are presented with an opportunity to capitalize on this rapidly increasing industry and raise their company profile in the Middle East. 89% of the last year stated that Garden and Middle East is crucial to their marketing activity in the region. From the 6000 unique visitors that attended the in 2007, 95% were directly involved in the onsite purchasing decision.’ This year 150 are participating from 23 countries.

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Tuesday, April 22nd, 2008

Yard Landscaping No Comments

Jennifer VanderSmith Pet Tales

Pet Tales Retire and sit at home? Neigh!">

Jennifer VanderSmith Pet Tales

Pet Tales Retire and sit at home? Neigh!

When I was 3 or 4 years old my uncle took me for my first ride on a horse %26#8212;and I was hooked.

I started lessons when I was 7. I joined a mounted drill team a couple years later, got my first horse at age 13 and went to college to learn how to teach colts to accept riders. Id always wanted my life and career to revolve around the horse industry, but my life has taken a different path %26#8212; for now.

A couple of weeks ago I ran a photo of Cindy and Randy Reids dog, Gonzo. Through e-mail, I learned that the Reids were involved in the horse industry and I just had to ask what they did.

Heres what Cindy wrote me:

%26#8220;Ive been involved with showing horses since I was a young kid. I worked in the profession briefly but then went on to a long career in law enforcement. During my work career I competed as an amateur rider. In the show world I became aware of show stewards, the people who monitor the events and the treatment of the horses. Ron Rhodes, the Olympic steward, mentored me and helped me get started. We are licensed by the United States Equestrian Federation in Lexington, Ky.

%26#8220;I began stewarding to help offset my own horse show expenses and because it was a great way to be involved in horse shows without the expense.

%26#8220;As a steward, I am self-employed and can work when and where I want to. I originally thought it would be a great retirement job when I was through with law enforcement. But several years ago I realized I was making more doing various horse show jobs than at my %26#8216;real job, and enjoying it a lot more. So I began to do USEF work on a regular basis and left my other job.

%26#8220;All horse events, which are sanctioned by the USEF, are required to have at least one steward on the grounds at all times during a show; larger shows have more stewards. The USEF covers all hunter, jumper, dressage, reining and many breed disciplines.

%26#8220;Our job is to make sure that both the show and the remain in compliance with USEF rules. The treatment and welfare of the horses and ensuring there is a fair playing field for all, are our main concerns.

%26#8220;I cannot say enough about what a great job stewarding is. I have officiated at National Championships in many different breeds, as well as some great other events. I generally get to work in great places at great times of the year: Scottsdale in February, Georgia in May and Louisville in October, to name a few.

%26#8220;Randys job is horse-related as well. He spent 32 years with the California Highway Patrol. Several years before he retired, organizers of one of the events asked him if he wanted to be a security consultant for them. At the time there was no one in the position, so he was able to build his own job.

%26#8220;Randy now works several events each year, all of the National Arabian shows plus the Scottsdale Arabian show in the consultant/coordinator capacity. It is held over 10 days and 250,000 spectators attend the event during that time, so security is of vital importance.

%26#8220;Randy works as a liaison between the local police in the various venues and with the hired security companies. He usually flies in to visit the venues during the year in preparation for the event. One wonderful perk of the job is that we were guests of the Louisville Police Department at the Kentucky Derby a few years back, sitting in the celebrity section.

%26#8220;We both have been extremely fortunate to find jobs that we can do in our retirement that are mentally challenging, as well as rewarding and fun.%26#8221;

If you have pet stories, photos or news of a local event that youd like to share, e-mail me at

pettales@thetribunenews.com
.

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Thursday, March 13th, 2008

Landscaping Stone No Comments

Local Calendar

Calendar for Sunday Mar 2">

Local Calendar

Calendar for Sunday Mar 2

1. %26#8216;MADE IN AMERICA LEAP YEAR CONCERT, 3 p. m.

The San Luis Obispo Wind Orchestra performs musical selections from Holsinger, Copland, Gillingham and Mahr. Trinity United Methodist Church, 490 Los Osos Valley Road, Los Osos. $10. 756-2787.

2. SAN LUIS OBISPO YOUTH SYMPHONY, 3 p. m.

Spring Concert featuring violinist Joseph Christianson. Clark Center, 487 Fair Oaks Ave., Arroyo Grande. $5 to $15. 489-9444.

MORE TODAY

Elder Bills Outdoor Events: Black

Lake Canyon. 9:30 a. m. Meet at the junction of Laguna Negra and Guadalupe Road. Call 929-3647 or e-mail
bdenneen@kcbx.net
. Wedding and Special Event Expo. 11 a. m. to 3 p. m. include formal-wear boutiques, florists, photographers, caterers, limousine services and receptions sites. Paso Robles Inn Ballroom, 1103 Spring St., Paso Robles. 238-4103.

Adventures With Nature. 772-2694 or
www.morrobaymuseum.org
. Rain or bad weather cancels outdoor activities. %26#8226; San Simeon History. 11 a. m. Explore the diverse history and uses of San Simeon Cove. Meet at the Coastal Discovery Center at W. R Hearst State Beach.

%26#8226; Natures 7 in 1 Spectacular. 2

p. m. Take a walk through distinct habitats in a unique, integrated ecosystem. View the wetlands, riparian forest, coastal scrub, grassland, pine forest, marine estuary and vernal pool and their effect on the plants and critters that live there. Meet at Washburn Day-Use Area, San Simeon State Park, on east side of Highway 1, just south of San Simeon Creek, north of Cambria. 3.5 miles, 2.5 hours.

Spaghetti Dinner. Noon to 5 p. m. Presented by and benefits the Lions Club of San Luis Obispo. Elks Club, 222 Elks Lane, San Luis Obispo. $5 donation. 544-3274.

Slow Food San Luis Obispo Organizational Meeting. 1 to 3 p. m. Meeting followed by social hour at 15 Degrees C Wine Shop. Reservations required for social hour, $15. Dancing Deer Ranch, 2975 Vineyard Drive, Templeton. 237-0273.

Al Musso. Reception: 1 to 3 p. m. Paintings. Cayucos Community Art Gallery, 10 Cayucos Drive, Cayucos. 995-2049.

North SLO County Concert Series.

3 p. m. Featuring performance by Trio Excelsior. Doors open at 2:30 p. m. Trinity Lutheran Church, 940 Creston Road, Paso Robles. $15 to $50. 239- 2770 or 238-5342.

Readers Theater. 3 p. m. %26#8220;The Bushmans Honeymoon,%26#8221; by Dorothy

L. Sayres. St. Benedicts Episcopal Church, 2220 Snowy Egret Lane, Los Osos. $10. 528-0654.

Jazz Concert Series at The

Hamlet. 4 and 7:15 p. m. Pianist Bill Cunliffe joined by guitarist John Chiodini, bassist Tom Warrington. The Hamlet, , Cambria. $12 to $20. 927-0567.

Movie Night. 6 p. m. %26#8220;High Society.%26#8221; Plymouth Congregational Church Fellowship Hall, 13th Street, Paso Robles. Free. 238-3321.

ENDS TODAY

%26#8220;Just Kidding.%26#8221; 6 p. m. Comedy. The Great American Melodrama and Vaudeville, 1863 Pacific Blvd., , Oceano. $16 to $20. 489-2499.

%26#8220;Othello.%26#8221; 2 p. m. Presented by PCPA Theaterfest. Marian Theatre, Allen Hancock College, 800 S. College Drive, Santa Maria. $16.25 to $26. 922-8313 or
www.pcpa.org
.

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Saturday, March 8th, 2008

Landscaping Stone No Comments

Dubai Art Fair and International Horse Fair - March 20-22 , 2008

The Dubai International Horse Fair (DIHF), the region’s leading equestrian exhibition is set for its most prestigious edition ever in 2008. The event has grown every year since its launch in 2005 in numbers of , features and official country participations. This year it will host for the first time an official French pavilion plus from Japan and Singapore.

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Tuesday, March 4th, 2008

Backyard Landscaping No Comments

WYE MARSH Eco-Pioneers Energy Conservation Fair in Ontario, Canada

Midland, Ontario- The Wye Marsh continues to provide leading environmental education to Ontario and Simcoe County residents. In conjunction with Ontario’s Ministry of Energy Community Conservation Initiative, Wye Marsh is hosting the Eco-Pioneers Energy Conservation Fair on Saturday, February 23rd from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. Fair visitors will have the opportunity to step back in time 200 years, and explore products and habits that can help them reduce their energy use and carbon .

Local will be on hand to display their energy saving products and appliances, while engaging speakers and movies on renewable energy and renovation tips will be featured in the Blue Room. The pioneer theme will feature crafters, weavers, wandering minstrels and lunch items.

Attendees will receive a free compact fluorescent light bulb, are encouraged to lug-a-mug for a free coffee or juice, and lunch is also included. A suggested donation of only $5.00 per person provides participants entrance to the fair and all Wye Marsh exhibits and walking trails.

A FREE shuttle bus service is being offered with pick-ups in Midland, Penetanguishene, Port McNicoll, Victoria Harbour, and Waubaushene. Visit www.wyemarsh.com or call 526-7809 for scheduled stop information. (Schedule is included below for media wishing to publish)

This event will be an exciting mix of energy saving ideas and family fun! The fair has been generously funded by the Ministry of Energy’s Community Conservation Initiative (CCI) Program. For more information on CCI visit: http://www.energy.gov.on.ca/index.cfm?fuseaction=conservation.community

Ontario’s Wye Marsh is leading the way in developing interactive environmental activities appealing to the increased tourist demand for ecological friendly experiences. “Behind The Scenes” programs range from a behind the scenes look at the Trumpeter Swans, Birds of Prey to a canoe eco-tour deep into the Wye Valley wetlands, to interactive days such as the recent World Wetlands Day.

For more information or to become an exhibitor contact Denise Brophey, Marketing and Communications Coordinator at (705) 526-7809 Ext. 220.

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Thursday, February 21st, 2008

Backyard Landscaping No Comments

IMEX 2008 in Frankfurt Germany in April reinforces strong lead on green issues

IMEX will reinforce the strong lead it has taken on environmental best practice within the international meetings industry with a series of new ‘green’ initiatives at this year’s show, April 22 –24th in Frankfurt.

IMEX will become the first exhibition in its sector to use completely biodegradable and recyclable badges. In common with many other shows, IMEX traditionally used to print over 21,000 plastic badges and the same number of plastic badge holders.

The new badges, which have been sourced on request by badging services provider, RefTech, will be printed on 100 per cent recycled paper. They are coated with a polymer made from lactic acid, which is made from fermentable sugars. This derives from corn which itself is a 100 per cent annually renewable resource. No petrochemicals are used in their production and the badges are also completely compostable in water. As a result IMEX will save not only the equivalent weight in plastic to nearly five average men but, due to their lighter weight and ability to be printed as part of a direct mailing letter, will also save on paper usage within the badge mailing.

The award-winning trade show will also be the first ever at Messe Frankfurt to take advantage of green energy. All of the organisers’ lighting and electricity requirements for the entire week will be provided by a local hydroelectric power scheme. From 2009, IMEX will also be able to offer this green energy option to for use on their stands.

Also new for 2008 is the launch of the IMEX Green Supplier Award. This new award complements the existing and popular Green Exhibitor Award and also a series of Green Meetings Awards, run in conjunction with the Green Meetings Industry Council.

The Green Supplier Award is designed to recognise and reward the efforts of many suppliers within the global meetings industry to measure and improve the environmental impact of the facilities and they offer to clients. The Award has been greeted with an enthusiastic industry response. Judges were delighted both by the volume and high quality of entries. The winner will be announced at the IMEX Gala Dinner on April 23rd.

In a further effort to give suppliers of environmentally friendly products and a higher profile, IMEX will be also highlighting their credentials in the ’ manual.

Focus on train travel

In addition, hosted buyers and visitors from selected European destinations have been encouraged to travel to Frankfurt by train with the help of special promotional discounts from Deutsche Bahn. All visitors travelling by air are also being invited to offset their air miles through IMEX’s online carbon offset scheme.

To further reduce emissions, IMEX will introduce an anti-idling policy on all its courtesy buses during the week of the show. This will prevent drivers from leaving their engines running during pick-up and drop-off times. In addition, the majority of hosted buyer buses will use bio-diesel fuel for the first time. IMEX organisers will also be issuing walking maps for the first time as most hotels used by and visitors in Frankfurt are within a 20-minute walk of the Messe.

Other ‘green’ initiatives include the introduction of new IMEX delegate bags which will be made of environmentally friendly jute, whilst new Association Day bags will be made from jute and coconut shell.

IMEX already makes every effort to source food, flowers and other perishable supplies from local, seasonal growers. This year stand construction teams will also be faced with stricter waste and disposal policies. Paper usage is also on target to be lower than ever before thanks to enhancements in the interactive messaging and information available on the IMEX Mobile Assistant.

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Thursday, February 21st, 2008

Backyard Landscaping No Comments

Get Out Events Hunting amp; Fishing Calendar

HIKING

Wednesdays: The Audubon Society of Pennsylvania holds walks every Wednesday, 9 a.m. Call 412-963-6100.

Feb. 20 Visit Chatham College with Martha Raak, 412-802-7266. Leisurely 2-3 mile walk. Meet in Mellon Park upper parking lot on Shady Avenue just south of Fifth Avenue, Shadyside, at 10 a.m.

Feb. 24 Moderately strenuous hike in the large west side of Raccoon Creek State Park, including historic Frankfort Mineral Springs and its large icicle formations, beaver activity along Traverse Creek, and the beautiful valley of Little Service Run. $3.50 carpool, 30 miles from Shadyside. Sierra Club’s Dick Pratt, 412-362-5567.

Feb. 27 Visit the Squirrel Hill area with Ruth Fischer, 412-421-0922. Leisurely 2-3 mile walk. Meet in Mellon Park upper parking lot on Shady Avenue just south of Fifth Avenue, Shadyside, at 10 a.m.

March 2 Intermediate-to-difficult three hour hike in McConnell’s Mill State Park. Meet in Mellon Park in the lower lot near the Arts Center, Shadyside, at 10 a.m. $5 carpool, 42 miles. Call Ben Brugmans, 412-361-3623.

WINTER SPORTS

Feb. 17 Intermediate 10-mile ski-touring or hiking on Glacier Ridge Trail in Moraine State Park. $3.25 carpool 17 miles from Cranberry Mall. Sierra Club’s John Dern, 412-856-4642.

Feb. 23 or Feb. 24 Easy, intermediate ski-touring in the Laurel Mountain area or in Laurel Ridge State Park. $7.50 carpool 57 miles from Monroeville to Laurel Mountain. Sierra Club’s Diane Neely, 724-459-3012.

March 1 or March 2 Easy ski-touring on Lower Indian Creek Valley Trail. About 8 miles round trip. If snow conditions are not adequate, hike in the same vicinity. $8.25 carpool from Monroeville, 56 miles. Sierra Club’s Don Stone, 412-441-2027.

March 9 Easy 7-mile ski-touring or hiking on Indian Creek Trail starting at Champion. $6.50 carpool from Monroeville, 41 miles. Sierra Club’s John Dern, 412-856-4642.

HUNTING

March 7-9 Coyote Hunt. Tubmill Trout Club Big Dog Hunt, New Florence, Westmoreland County. $30, registration/entry fee. $5,000 prize. Details at 724-235-9798 and www.tubmilltroutclub.org.

March 15 Deer Management Open House. The Pennsylvania Game Commission will answer questions from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Game Commission Southwest Region Office, 4820 Route 711 North, Bolivar, Pa. (Westmoreland County). Find information about the deer management plan at www.pgc.state.pa.us.

SHOOTS

ALL SEASONS TRAP AND SKEET Wednesdays: Open shoots, 5 p.m. Call 1-814-590-3777.

CHARLEROI ARCHERY CLUB March 1-2, NFAA Mid-Atlantic archery shoot Call Patrick Sinal for details, 724-366-3596.

CONNELLSVILLE SPORTSMEN Tuesdays: Trap practice and skeet shooting, 5 p.m.

EAST MONONGAHELA SPORTSMEN Mondays and Thursdays: Bowling pin shoot, 6:30 p.m. Thursdays: Trap, 6:30 p.m. Third Sunday of each Month: Air pistol Silhouette match, 1 p.m. Call 412-384-4747 or visit www.dp.net/~emsc.

FOREST GROVE SPORTSMEN Mondays: Trap, 6 p.m. Thursdays: Combat pistol shoots, 4 p.m., Third Wednesdays each month: Membership meetings, 7 p.m. Third Sundays each month: Muzzle-loaders shoots, noon. Call 412-269-0942.

McDONALD SPORTSMEN Thursdays: Trap and skeet, 7 p.m. Call 724-796-2271 or visit www.mcdonaldsportsmen.com.

NORTH SIDE SPORTSMEN Wednesdays: Skeet, 6 p.m. Thursdays: 3-D shoots, 5 p.m. (June and July). Trap, 6 p.m. Sundays: Trap and skeet, 11 a.m. Call 724-935-9884 visit www.nssa.ws.

ROSTRAVER SPORTSMEN Practice trap, pistol and 3-D archery. Call 724-872-4399.

SHANNOCK VALLEY SPORTSMEN Thursdays: Trap shooting, 6:30 p.m. (Beginning April 26). Call 724-783-6450.

TARENTUM SPORTSMEN Thursdays: Skeet practice, 5:30 p.m. Call Paul McConville, 724- 353-1216.

WEST PENN SPORTSMEN Five-stand, Sundays, 10 a.m. and Thursdays, 4 p.m. Thursdays: Traps, 4:30 p.m.

HUNTER-TRAPPER COURSES

Allegheny County

March 29-30 Monroeville Municipal Building. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Sat. and Sun. Pre-registration required, lunch provided. 412-856-3369.

March 28-29 Bullcreek Rod and Gun Club. 6-9 p.m. Fri.; 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Sat. Pre-registration required, lunch provided. 724-226-3369.

Beaver County

Feb. 22-23 Beaver County YMCA. 5:30-9:30 p.m. Fri.; 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Sat. Pre-registration required. 724-775-3563.

Cambria County

March 7-8 Middle Taylor Fire Company. 5-9 p.m. Fri.; 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Sat. Pre-registration required, lunch provided. 814-535-3893.

Greene County

Feb. 16-17 Bobtown Rod %26amp; Gun Club. 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Sat.; 1-4 p.m. Sun. Lunch provided. 724-839-7460.

March 8-9 Mt. Morris Sportsmen’s Club. 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Sat.; 1-4 p.m. Sun. Lunch provided. 724-324-9185.

Indiana County

March 14-15 Marion Center Park Hall. 5-9 p.m. Fri.; 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Sat. Pre-registration required, lunch $3. 724-463-3843.

Westmoreland County

March 9-11 White Oak Rod %26amp; Gun Club. 4-9 p.m. Sun.; 5-9 p.m. Mon.; 5-9 p.m. Tue. Pre-registration required. 724-863-7552.

March 14-15 Gander Mountain, Rt. 30. 6-9 p.m. Fri.; 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Sat. Pre-registration required, lunch $5. 724-834-2400.

FISHING

Feb. 22-24 Fly Fishing Fantasy Weekend with George Daniel, 2007 National Fly Fishing Champion, and Jason Elkins, Orvis Worldwide Travel. Two-night lodging in deluxe suite, wine reception, meals and presentations $499, $699 per couple. Gateway Lodge, Cook Forest. 800-843-6862, 814-744-8017, gatewaylodge.com.

March 2 Cabin Fever. Penn’s Woods West Trout Unlimited fly-fishing expo at Four Points Sheraton Hotel, Cranberry. 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. $7, under 12 free. 412-963-2824. Includes over 50 , seminars with Will Turek, Rod Rohrbach and Tom Brtalik, demonstrations, introductory fly-tying and youth casting lessons with Family Tyes, bucket raffles, flea market. Benefits PWWTU and its Pine Creek stream improvement project.

March 29 Fly Fishing Seminar. Annual Penn’s Woods West Trout Unlimited free event at St. Bede Activity Center, 509 S. Dallas Ave., Point Breeze. 9:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Open to members and non-members, children and adults, women and men. Free lunch and refreshments. 412-521-0714.

April 26 Magical Macros and Art of Fly Tying. McKeever Environmental Learning Center, Sandy Lake. 724-376-1000, info@mckeever.org. www.mckeever.org.

May 17-18 Fly Fishing Clinic with George Daniel. McKeever Environmental Learning Center, Sandy Lake. 724-376-1000, info@mckeever.org, www.mckeever.org.

June 7 Fisherman’s Paradise Bus Trip. Annual Penn’s Woods West Trout Unlimited bus trip to Spring Creek, Bellefont/State College area. $50, $45 if paid before May 1. Members and non-members welcome. Limited to 30 people. For reservations 412-521-0714.

BOATING

Pittsburgh Area Power Squadon boating safety seminars are free, but there’s a fee for course materials.

March 1 Using GPS. Gander Mountain, Washington Crown Center, Washington. 10 a.m. Jim Stark, 724-225-7605, jstark@verizon.net.

March 6 Using GPS. Oakmont Yacht Club, Oakmont. 7 p.m. Mark Steele, 412-760-1465, m.d.steele@verizon.net.

March 11, 18, 25, April 1 Boating Course. West Marine, North Hills. 7 p.m. Jane Brandenstein, 724-728-2284, jane.brandenstein@verizon.net.

EDUCATIONAL

Feb. 17 Great Backyard Bird Count. McKeever Environmental Learning Center, Sandy Lake. 9-11 a.m. 724-376-1000, info@mckeever.org, www.mckeever.org.

Feb. 23 Frick Park Geology Tour, Nine Mile Run Association. 1-3:30 p.m. Meet in the Biddle Parking Lot on Braddock Avenue. Explore Frick Park with geologist Albert Kollar on this popular annual hike. Dress properly and wear sturdy shoes.

Feb. 23 Woodcrafting for Wildlife. McKeever Environmental Learning Center, Sandy Lake. 9 a.m. 724-376-1000, info@mckeever.org, www.mckeever.org.

Feb. 24 Animal Adaptations for Winter, Boyce Mayview Park Talk-n-Walk program, 2 p.m., age 12-plus, $10. Jessica Stombaugh 412-838-0064.

Feb. 24 Fledging Experience. Jennings Environmental Education Center, Slippery Rock. Bird expert Harry Schmeider demonstrates proper nest box construction. 724-794-6011.

Feb. 28 Barn Owl Reintroduction Program. Fern Hollow Nature Center and Wissahickon Nature Club, 7:30 p.m. Fern Hollow Nature Center, 1901 Glen Mitchell Road, Sewickley, 412-741-7536.

March 7 Movie Night: Planet Earth, McKeever Environmental Learning Center, Sandy Lake. Popcorn, refreshments and viewing of award-winning Discovery Channel program “Planet Earth.” Free, 7 p.m. 724-376-1000, info@mckeever.org. www.mckeever.org.

March 8 16th annual Bluebird/Purple Martin Workshop. McKeever Environmental Learning Center, Sandy Lake. 8 a.m. 724-376-1000, info@mckeever.org. www.mckeever.org.

March 13 Sarah Lyle on spiders. 7:30 p.m. Fern Hollow Nature Center, 1901 Glen Mitchell Road, Sewickley, 412-741-7536.

March 16 Maple Sugaring. Jennings Environmental Education Center, Slippery Rock. How trees function and the art of maple sugaring. Includes guided walk and taste of fresh maple syrup. 2 p.m. 724-794-6011.

April 6 The Case of the Vanishing Pond. Jennings Environmental Education Center, Slippery Rock. Guests search for clues regarding seasonal disappearance of a small pond. Indoor and outdoor discovery. 2 p.m. Register by March 31 at 724-794-1090.

April 13, April 27 Sunday Strolls (Signs of spring and dam hike). McKeever Environmental Learning Center, Sandy Lake. 724-376-1000, info@mckeever.org. www.mckeever.org.

April 19 Volunteer Work Day. McKeever Environmental Learning Center, Sandy Lake. 724-376-1000, info@mckeever.org. www.mckeever.org.

MISC.

Feb. 23 Wilkinsburg Tree Care Session. Nine Mile Run Watershed Association. 10 a.m.-noon. Meet in Taylor Park in Wilkinsburg at the corner of Lamar Avenue and Hay Street. Wilkinsburg Shade Tree Committee inspecting and pruning trees on Barnes Street, in Taylor and Whitney Parks, and on the Rowland Connector. Pre-register at 412-371-8779 ext. 14 or jeff@ninemilerun.org.

March 15 Urban EcoSteward Erosion Control Workshop, Nine Mile Run Watershed Association. 9 a.m.-noon. Meets in Riverview Park. Workshop discusses how water can cause problems in natural areas by eroding soil. Techniques for controlling erosion demonstrated, including cross-slope trenching, jute netting, and water bars. Pre-register at 412-371-8779 ext. 14 or jeff@ninemilerun.org.

April 19 Nine Mile Run Stream Sweep, Nine Mile Run Watershed Association. 9:30 a.m.-noon. Meets in soccer field in Lower Frick Park, off Lancaster Avenue entrance. As part of the Great PA Clean Up, NMRWA sweeps Nine Mile Run clean of litter. All supplies including gloves, trash bags, and safety vests provided. Wear long pants and sturdy shoes.

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Sunday, February 17th, 2008

Backyard Landscaping No Comments

Get Out Events Calendar

HIKING

Wednesdays The Audubon Society of Pennsylvania holds walks every Wednesday, 9 a.m. Call 412-963-6100.

Feb. 13 Visit Dark Hollow with Connie Black, 412-371-1062. Leisurely 2-3 mile walk. Meet in Mellon Park upper parking lot on Shady Avenue just south of Fifth Avenue, Shadyside, at 10 a.m.

Feb. 20 Visit Chatham College with Martha Raak, 412-802-7266. Leisurely 2-3 mile walk. Meet in Mellon Park upper parking lot on Shady Avenue just south of Fifth Avenue, Shadyside, at 10 a.m.

Feb. 24 Moderately strenuous hike in the large west side of Raccoon Creek State Park, including historic Frankfort Mineral Springs and its large icicle formations, beaver activity along Traverse Creek, and the beautiful valley of Little Service Run. $3.50 carpool, 30 miles from Shadyside. Sierra Club’s Dick Pratt, 412-362-5567.

Feb. 27 Visit the Squirrel Hill area with Ruth Fischer, 412-421-0922. Leisurely 2-3 mile walk. Meet in Mellon Park upper parking lot on Shady Avenue just south of Fifth Avenue, Shadyside, at 10 a.m.

March 2 Intermediate-to-difficult 3-hour hike in McConnell’s Mill State Park. Meet in Mellon Park in the lower lot near the Arts Center, Shadyside, at 10 a.m. $5 carpool, 42 miles. Call Ben Brugmans, 412-361-3623.

WINTER EVENTS

Feb. 16 Snowman in the Forest Day. Cook Forest State Park, Ice Skating Pond on River Road approximately one mile upriver from the Park Office. Activities include reindeer pulled wagon rides, snowshoe interpretive hike within the old growth forest along Cook Trail , snowman building contest, chili cook-off, hot food and beverages. 11:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. 814-744-8407.

Feb. 16 Ski-touring in the Laurel Mountain area or hike in McConnell’s Mill State Park, depending on snow conditions. The hike would be about 12 miles of strenuous hiking; skiing would be about 12 miles. Participants should be in good condition. $7.50 carpool from Duff Park, Murrysville, 57 miles to Laurel Mountain. Sierra Club’s Dave Mottorn, 724-327-7582.

Feb. 17 Intermediate 10-mile ski-touring or hiking on Glacier Ridge Trail in Moraine State Park. $3.25 carpool 17 miles from Cranberry Mall. Sierra Club’s John Dern, 412-856-4642.

Feb. 23 or Feb. 24 Easy, intermediate ski-touring in the Laurel Mountain area or in Laurel Ridge State Park. $7.50 carpool 57 miles from Monroeville to Laurel Mountain. Sierra Club’s Diane Neely, 724-459-3012.

March 1 or March 2 Easy ski-touring on Lower Indian Creek Valley Trail. About 8 miles round trip. If snow conditions are not adequate, hike in the same vicinity. $8.25 carpool from Monroeville, 56 miles. Sierra Club’s Don Stone, 412-441-2027.

March 9 Easy 7-mile ski-touring or hiking on Indian Creek Trail starting at Champion. $6.50 carpool from Monroeville, 41 miles. Sierra Club’s John Dern, 412-856-4642.

March 15 Twelve-mile ski-touring in the Laurel Mountain area, or strenuous 12-mile hike at Moraine State Park or at Goddard State Park depending on snow conditions. Participants should be in good condition. $7.50 carpool from Monroeville, 57 miles to Laurel Mountain. Sierra Club’s Dave Mottorn, 724-327-7582.

EXPOS

Feb. 13-17 Allegheny Sport, Travel and Outdoor Show. Monroeville ExpoMart, Monroeville. Product , demonstrations, petting zoo, seminars with fishing pros Joe Kelly, Keith Eshbaugh, Howard Wagner, Doug Strickland, and hunting experts Rich Kerlin and Greg Neumann. $8.50 admission, children 12 and under free with paid adult admission. 800-600-0307, www.sportandtravel.com.

HUNTING

Feb. 16-17 Mount Hope Farm and Game Preserve Chukar Challenge. 9 a.m. 292 Scenic Drive, Avella, Pa. Upland partridge hunting event benefits the Covered Bridge Chapter of the Ruffed Grouse Society. 724-947-3574.

March 15 Deer Management Open House. The Pennsylvania Game Commission will answer questions from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Game Commission Southwest Region Office, 4820 Route 711 North, Bolivar, Pa. (Westmoreland County). Find information about the deer management plan at www.pgc.state.pa.us.

SHOOTS

For a more complete listing of shoots, visit www.post-gazette.com/sports

CARRICK SPORTSMEN Sundays: Traps, 1 p.m. Junior rifle and traps programs, personal protection/firearms safety, hunter safety courses. Call 724-348-5354 or visit www.carricksportsmen.com.

DORMONT-MT. LEBANON SPORTSMEN Mondays: Outdoor pistol, NMC and MPRL, 7 p.m., Wednesdays: Indoor Open shoot, noon. Call 412-531-5043 or visit www.mdi.net/dml.

EAST MONONGAHELA SPORTSMEN Mondays and Thursdays: Bowling pin shoot, 6:30 p.m. Thursdays: Trap, 6:30 p.m. Third Sunday of each Month: Air pistol Silhouette match, 1 p.m. Call 412-384-4747 or visit www.dp.net/~emsc. FOREST GROVE SPORTSMEN Mondays: Trap, 6 p.m. Thursdays: Combat pistol shoots, 4 p.m., Third Wednesdays each month: Membership meetings, 7 p.m. Third Sundays each month: Muzzle-loaders shoots, noon. Call 412-269-0942.

NORTH SIDE SPORTSMEN Wednesdays: Skeet, 6 p.m. Thursdays: 3-D shoots, 5 p.m. (June and July). Trap, 6 p.m. Sundays: Trap and skeet, 11 a.m. Call 724-935-9884 visit www.nssa.ws.

FISHING

Feb. 22-24 Fly Fishing Fantasy Weekend with George Daniel, 2007 National Fly Fishing Champion, and Jason Elkins, Orvis Worldwide Travel. Two-night lodging in deluxe suite, wine reception, meals and presentations $499, $699 per couple. Gateway Lodge, Cook Forest. 800-843-6862, 814-744-8017, gatewaylodge.com.

March 29 Fly Fishing Seminar. Annual Penn’s Woods West Trout Unlimited free event at St. Bede Activity Center, 509 S. Dallas Ave., Point Breeze. 9:30 a.m. - 2 p.m. Selecting and assembling a fly outfit, basic knots, lines and leaders, equipment selection, flies, individual casting instruction (bring their fly rods and reels). Open to members and non-members, children and adults, women and men. Free lunch and refreshments. Call 412-521-0714 for information.

April 26 Magical Macros and Art of Fly Tying. McKeever Environmental Learning Center, Sandy Lake. 724-376-1000, info@mckeever.org. www.mckeever.org.

May 17-18 Fly Fishing Clinic with George Daniel. McKeever Environmental Learning Center, Sandy Lake. 724-376-1000, info@mckeever.org, www.mckeever.org.

June 7 Fisherman’s Paradise Bus Trip. Penn’s Woods West Trout Unlimited trip to Fisherman’s Paradise, a Fly Fishing Only Special Regulations area of Spring Creek near Bellefonte and State College. $50, $45 if paid before May 1. Members and non-members welcome. Limited to 30 people. Bob Bukk, 412-521-0714 (evenings) or pwwtubustrip@gmail.com.

BOATING

Pittsburgh Area Power Squadon boating safety seminars. Free, but there’s a fee for course materials.

Feb. 10, 17, 24 and March 2 Boating Course. Oakmont Yacht Club, Oakmont. 1 p.m. Jane Brandenstein, 724-728-2284, jane.brandenstein@verizon.net.

Feb. 12 Boat Smart. Giant Eagle, Village Square Market District, . 7 p.m. Jim Stark, 724-225-7605, jstark@verizon.net.

Feb. 12, 19, 26 and March 4 Boating Course. Boater’s World, Monroeville. 7 p.m. Jane Brandenstein, 724-728-2284, jane.brandenstein@verizon.net.

Feb. 13, March 12 Boating Course. BMC Office Building, Columbiana, Ohio. 7 p.m. Ron Thomas, 330-726-8534, rvt1@zoominternet.net.

March 1 Using GPS. Gander Mountain, Washington Crown Center, Washington. 10 a.m. Jim Stark, 724-225-7605, jstark@verizon.net.

March 6 Using GPS. Oakmont Yacht Club, Oakmont. 7 p.m. Mark Steele, 412-760-1465, m.d.steele@verizon.net.

March 11, 18, 25 and April 1 Boating Course. West Marine, North Hills. 7 p.m. Jane Brandenstein, 724-728-2284, jane.brandenstein@verizon.net.

EDUCATIONAL

Feb. 10 Winter Tracking, Boyce Mayview Park Talk-n-Walk program, 2 p.m., age 12-plus, $10. Jessica Stombaugh 412-838-0064.

Feb. 10 Winter Tree Identification. Jennings Environmental Education Center, Slippery Rock. 2 p.m. 724-794-6011.

Feb. 12 Public Forum, 7 p.m. McKeever Environmental Learning Center, Sandy Lake. 724-376-1000, info@mckeever.org, www.mckeever.org.

Feb. 15 Movie Night: Planet Earth. McKeever Environmental Learning Center, Sandy Lake. Popcorn, refreshments and viewing of award-winning Discovery Channel program “Planet Earth.” Free, 7 p.m. 724-376-1000, info@mckeever.org, www.mckeever.org.

Feb. 16 Great Backyard Bird Count. Jennings Environmental Education Center, Slippery Rock. 9 a.m. to noon. Learn the basics of bird identification and learn to contribute to nationwide bird counting event. Age 16-plus. 724-794-6011.

Feb. 17 Great Backyard Bird Count. McKeever Environmental Learning Center, Sandy Lake. 9-11 a.m. 724-376-1000, info@mckeever.org, www.mckeever.org.

Feb. 23 Woodcrafting for Wildlife. McKeever Environmental Learning Center, Sandy Lake. 9 a.m. 724-376-1000, info@mckeever.org, www.mckeever.org.

Feb. 24 Animal Adaptations for Winter, Boyce Mayview Park Talk-n-Walk program, 2 p.m., age 12-plus, $10. Jessica Stombaugh 412-838-0064.

Feb. 24 Fledging Experience. Jennings Environmental Education Center, Slippery Rock. Bird expert Harry Schmeider demonstrates proper nest box construction. 724-794-6011.

March 7 Movie Night: Planet Earth, McKeever Environmental Learning Center, Sandy Lake. Popcorn, refreshments and viewing of award-winning Discovery Channel program “Planet Earth.” Free, 7 p.m. 724-376-1000, info@mckeever.org. www.mckeever.org.

March 8 16th annual Bluebird/Purple Martin Workshop. McKeever Environmental Learning Center, Sandy Lake. 8 a.m. 724-376-1000, info@mckeever.org. www.mckeever.org.

March 16 Maple Sugaring. Jennings Environmental Education Center, Slippery Rock. Program begins indoors and moves outside, and includes guided walk and tasting. 2 p.m. 724-794-6011.

May 11 Spring Wildflowers. Jennings Environmental Education Center, Slippery Rock. Half-hour guided walk includes biology, folklore and history of the season’s first blooms. 2 p.m. 724-794-6011.

May 11 and 25 Sunday Strolls (Mother’s Day Hike and Leave No Trace). McKeever Environmental Learning Center, Sandy Lake. 724-376-1000, info@mckeever.org. www.mckeever.org.

May 24 Spring Woodland Flowers. McKeever Environmental Learning Center, Sandy Lake. 724-376-1000, info@mckeever.org, www.mckeever.org.

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Sunday, February 10th, 2008

Backyard Landscaping No Comments

Surprise well hidden

For a start, its right smack bang up against the commercial area, with a car park on one side and a bank and shops over the back.
From the street it is an attractive, but not exceptional property, its front garden crammed with colour from perennials and the split-level house itself screened at this time of year by a vigorous wisteria.
Theres also the dogwood planted by a previous owner, from which the garden takes its name, Dogwood Cottage.
All the old timers of Alexandra knew Mrs Thompsons dogwood, Mr Heenan says.
Its a favourable location, backed into a small rocky hill, so completely sheltered from the south-west and lying open to the north-east.
But from the street the slope appears gentle, not revealing how steeply the section rises up the rockface hidden in the behind the house. So when the unsuspecting visitor begins exploring, its quite astonishing how many discrete garden areas are packed in to a deceptively small space, all screened from one another, on different levels and terrains.
On a flat section this could be claustrophobically pokey, but the vertical arrangement works magic.
Adults feel it, but its a special joy to children, with all its paths and hidden places, which include niches specially built into the rock retaining walls to house small creatures who have elaborate mythologies created for them by the Heenan grandchildren.
The character of each area has been created by artful plant selection and an equally sensitive choice of furnishings, from ceramic pots to metal sculptures.
Theres also a unique created from a copper spiral supported on a solid hunk of timber ex-Roxburgh hydro that encapsulates something of Central Otagos sunny character and rugged history.
There are a seemingly bewildering number of places for sitting out, all screened from one another, so the playful variety of furniture styles makes no difference to the overall harmony of any scheme. The Heenans must be able to lunch out at a different location every day of the week or hide away a busful of visitors.
Theres places to retreat to the shade on hot summer days, or to sit and look out over the town, places lush with vegetation, or featuring the bare splendours of rock.
The trees absorb sound from both without and within, so that even during the busiest visiting hours of Alexandras Art in the Garden event earlier this month, when the Heenans hosted both and visitors, there was little sense of crowding.
Paths wind up, through and around the property, creating a sense of journey, with something new and delightful to appreciate at every turn.
Mr Heenan says he no longer experiences the gardens surprise factor, but thats what people always comment on.
The Heenans bought the property in 1994, but didnt move in permanently until after Mr Hennans retirement as principal of Waihopai school.
Early retirement years, especially for teachers, are traditional times for great projects, and this has proved the case here.
The Heenans sought advice from Cromwell garden designer Sue Mort and credit her suggestions as the basis of the transformation.
It wasnt a question of planting by numbers, but being giving concepts and challenges.
One of the first of these was did they really want a lawn? No, they concluded, not necessarily.
So out went the little lawn at the front with the cherry tree in the middle.
And yes, but a useable one, so in came truckloads of soil to create a small level lawn directly behind the house.
The design called for many plants the Heenans didnt know, and difficult to find, such as a dwarf holly.
It was great fun hunting them down, involving trips to out-of-the-way places, Mrs Heenan says.
The seasons are strongly marked in this garden, with bulbs in spring and the wisteria bursting back into bud; autumn the Virginia creeper, smoke bush and dogwoods.
But gardens are more than , Mr Heenan says. For a start, gardens are work, and he quotes Kiplings line, Gardens are not made by singing %26quot;Oh, how beautiful%26quot; and sitting in the shade.
Redeveloping this garden has clearly been a huge amount of work, but not just to create something beautiful, or even just useful, as summed up in the Heenan philosophy, %26quot;Gardens are about stories and about sharing with people%26quot;.

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Friday, February 1st, 2008

Garden Landscaping No Comments

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