The Committee planning the September 25 Ohio River Watershed Celebration wants to double your fun and the value of its annual cruise around Pittsburgh by offering not just one, but two boats this year.

Video Blog: 2007 Ohio River Celebration

The “Networker Cruise” will be on the Majestic paddle wheel boat and the “Imagination Cruise” is on the Empress provided by Gateway Clippers.

“The Networker Cruise” is for adults 18 and older who are interested in networking with other professionals including Watershed Groups, Government Agency Personnel, Business and Industry Leaders, Educators, and Interested Citizens.

This cruise will depart Station Square at 1:00 PM on the Gateway Clipper Fleet’s Majestic sailing down the Ohio River through the Emsworth Lock and Dam and back to the Point during the three-hour cruise.

The theme for this year’s event is “Innovative Energy for a Green World.”

Innovative energy topics will be presented throughout the cruise. Many points of interest, current and historical, will be highlighted with a very informative narration provided by Celebration Committee members.

The history of Neville Island, water wells, and river ecology are a few of the topics that will be addressed. Over 50 watershed related displays will on the Majestic providing you the opportunity to meet and discuss with organization representatives. The ORWC schedule offers opportunities for every one to learn about and celebrate the recovery of our rivers and watersheds in a very relaxing and fun event!

“The Imagination Cruise” is specifically designed for children grades K-12, parents and teachers. Allow your imagination to set sail during this fascinating and fun voyage upon the Ohio River.

Sixteen regional organizations dedicated to providing quality outdoor experiences will facilitate over 25 interactive activity stations aboard the Gateway Clipper’s “Empress” boat. These stations, organized into four thematic “areas”, will reveal the history, diversity and conservation of the Ohio River Watershed.

Investigate water quality by sampling Ohio River water, go birding from the “top deck”, interact with people portraying populations living in the region 250 years ago, touch critters that call the watershed home and create memories designed to connect you to our watershed.

This cruise is a hands-on exploration of the Ohio River Watershed for school age students, their parents and teachers. Students will receive a certificate of participation upon completing a percentage of available activities along with a wealth of free materials, information and fuel for their imagination.

We look forward to seeing you again this year but please remember Each Individual Attending the Cruise Must Register Separately and there must be a minimum of one adult chaperone for every four students you register.

Under the Education section select event registration and choose a cruise in the drop down menu. All required fields must be completed in order for the registration to be approved. You will receive an email approval of your registration. Additional information and a cruise schedule will be included in the email.

Online registration is available or for questions, please call 724-776-0150

8/15/2008