This is a list of "everyone invited" public outings in the Monongahela National Forest, sponsored by the West Virginia Highlands Conservancy and cooperating groups. Please contact the listed outing leader directly for more information on participating in an outing. Outings can be canceled due to weather, etc., so be sure to do a last-minute check! This list is updated every few weeks. This version of the list is as of June 11, 2000. You can visit < http://www.wvhighlands.org> for the current list. See the end of this list for lots more information on Mon-Athon 2000, including how you can win fabulous outdoor recreation prizes when you recreate in the Mon!

Monday-Wednesday, July 17, 18, 19, 2000 –"Backpack Extravaganza." Middle Fork of the Williams River, Cranberry Wilderness. Moderate level. Leader: Jack Slocomb, 301-777-8810; JSLOCOMB@prodigy.net. Jack does great outdoor writing for the Voice. DeHart and Sundquist give this one an exceptional rating for scenery -- pure wilderness feel. Meet midafternoon on July 17 at the W trailhead and hike 2 or 3 miles to set up a base camp. On July 18, hike the many trails nearby, or laze or meditate in the sun and turquoise waters of the Middle Fork.

Saturday and Sunday, July 29-30, 2000 – "I Seed What You’re Up To" Balsam Fir Seed Collection Outing. Near Spruce Knob In Pendleton County, or possibly in Canaan Valley. All ages activity, easy level. Join WVHC staffer Dave Saville on a project to collect cones from this native species that is in jeopardy. The seeds will be germinated to create seedlings for reforestation. Help a neat species and have a neat day in the great Mon Forest. outdoors Leader: Dave Saville, 304-284-9548; PO Box 569, Morgantown WV 26507; daves@labs.net.

Saturday, August 5, 2000 -- "How Green Was My Valley" Day Tour and Hike, Germany Valley, Pendleton County. Just South of Seneca Rocks, this National Natural Landmark area is home to two endangered bat species, and is one of West Virginia’s scenic treasures. This tour begins about 11:00 AM and will go to mid-afternoon. Hike several miles (easy pace) over paths and country roads with local residents, experience the fantastic vistas (if you’ve never seen the amazing knife-edge stone ridgetop that frames Germany Valley, you’ve got a treat coming!), and discuss possible threats to the Valley from expanded quarrying. Picnic lunch. Leader: Rafe Pomerance, 2026 Allen Place, NW, Washington, DC 20009 (Rafe, a long-time Conservancy member, has a home in Germany Valley); (202) 232-6885 or (304) 567-2607; < rafelenore@aol.com>.

Saturday, August 12, 2000 -- "Earth Walk" Outdoor Education Experience - Day Outing/Camping.. Leader: Jack Slocomb, (301) 777-8810; <JSLOCOMB@prodigy.net>. Easy to moderate. Jack is putting together a program of holistic nature education in a stunning outdoor setting around Dolly Sods. This will be good for all ages, but especially younger people. One optional overnight camp is being planned. Call Jack for more info on an inspiring outing!

Saturday, September 30, 2000 – "The Great Greenbrier Trail Connection," starting at Hosterman in Pocahontas County. Join Frank Proud and others from the Greenbrier River Trail Association to explore a moderate exertion trail for 5-7miles. This hike will draw attention to ongoing work to connect Durbin to Cass by trail – that is, to connect the Greenbrier River Trail with the West Fork Trail. A box lunch will be available for a modest charge. Some of this trail overlooks the radio astronomy site. There is also a beaver dam and huge beaver pond on this trail. This is a beauty. Leader: Frank Proud, PO Box 76, Durbin, WV 26264 ; (304) 456-5469; <fproud@meer.net> or see <www.durbinoutfitters.com>.

"Mon-Athon 2000" is a West Virginia Highlands Conservancy project (cooperating with others) to celebrate and enjoy our wonder-full Monongahela National Forest. Mon-Athon 2000 includes all types of outdoor recreational activity -- hiking, biking, swimming, fishing, birding, hunting, boating, skiing, etc. -- in or adjoining the Monongahela National Forest Proclamation Area (green on state road maps.) Join a Mon-Athon 2000 "everyone invited" public outing in the Mon, like the ones listed above -- and/or report on your own private outing in the Mon. (It’s easy to make an outing report at <http://www.wvhighlands.org>). All outing participants, public and private, will be entered in drawings for fabulous outdoor recreation prizes. We send a free MON-ATHON 2000 T-SHIRT to everyone who submits a report! (They are cool shirts!) If you’re looking for a good excuse – heck, any excuse – to get out and enjoy an excursion in the Mon this year, we’d love to have YOU lead an outing. It’s easy -- call, write, or e-mail for more information. Looking for ideas about recreational activities in your Monongahela National Forest? We can connect you with an experienced volunteer to talk about trip planning, destinations, gear, accommodations, etc. For more info, contact: Tom Rodd, c/o WVHC, PO Box 306, Charleston, WV, 25321. E-mail: <thomasrodd@hotmail.com>. Phone: (304) 345-7663 (WVHC Charleston Office); (304) 265-0018 (Rodd home). Or go to <http://www.wvhighlands.org> J