Group finds fun, projects in Butler's Outdoors
The Butler Outdoor Club has been exploring the natural landscape of Western Pennsylvania since 1994.
Led by third-year President John Stehle, the club has grown to more than 160 members and offers a varieties of outdoor activities including hiking, canoeing, biking, backpacking and bird watching.
Stehle joined the club about seven years ago. With his children in college at that time, Stehle had more time on his hands and thought the outdoor club would be a nice social organization to pursue some of his interests.
Stehle is a systems analyst at the Tech Industries division of Steel Dynamics, based in Pittsburgh.
For many members like Stehle, The Butler Outdoor Club offers an escape from the rigors of the 9-to-5 routine.
The group also gives back to the community.
"The outdoor club provides recreational opportunities for its members and anybody who participates in our events," Stehle said.
"We contribute to the community by building trails, raising money to help other organizations and providing opportunities for people to get together in a social way."
Stehle introduced bird-watching as a new activity for the group.
The club cooperates with other nature groups such as the Butler County chapter of the North Country Trail Association and the Keystone Trails Association. Club members help these organizations maintain stretches of trails.
Anyone can participate in club events, whether they are members or not.
Stehle said many of the group's activities are free or low cost.
"We don't have a lot of expenses in running the club, aside from postage, the newsletter or club promotion," Stehle said.
Stehle said extra membership fees often are used to raise money for organizations such as the Butler-Freeport Trail group.
The group often lends its time to Moraine and McConnells Mill state parks when park officials need volunteers.
Recently, the Butler Outdoor Club participated in finding boundary markers at Moraine.
Stehle said the club can be a lot of work, but is an enjoyable experience.
"It's a great group to lead. They are a very cooperative fun group of people, but I think it's a challenge to keep everyone connected," he said.
Stehle said staying connected has changed from face to face contact to communication via e-mail, which he said is more immediate but less personal.
The group's activities have become less strenuous as the group has aged, and Stehle is interested in attracting younger members.
"We hope to keep responding to people that come out and will think of ways to keep them interested and involved," Stehle said.
To learn more about the Butler Outdoor Club, visit the website at http://www.butleroutdoorclub.org.
