Grandveiw

As the Bioneers, our job is to go around to different crews in the city and help them. We recently went to Grandview Park to meet their crew. They were all really welcoming and enthusiastic. They had amazing veiws and everyone just seemed happy and glad to have us there. We got the oppurtunity to play many games with them,and learned that they play a few games differently. But it was very fun to learn their ways. Some, we thought were betther than ours! It was really fun to meet them and rhey kept me laughing. I would love to wotk with them again in the future.

Kayaking

On a hot summer day our group and a few other crews decided to go kayaking. It was very fun. I had the oppurtunity to do something that i had never done and would have otherwise not done without the help of SCA. Some people were fairly scared of the water, but still made a great effort and got out there anyway. It was a fun, new way to see Pittsburgh. I really enjoyed myself!

Leadership

We as bioneers have to promote leadership. Our job is to help other crews, summer crews mainly see what they could posssibly be doing next year. We play games, get to know he crews on a fun level, while teaching them new things, as well as them teaching us, be it games or expiriences they,ve had. Promoting the Bioneers Conference is our goal. Getting the youth involved is what we do. Staying positive and being open. Leadership is not only about fascilitating but allowing otheers to teach you as well. I think we do that very well.

*How The Bioneers Showed Leadership*

The Bioneers did such a great job showing leadership this week, we stayed postive didn't complain,and rose above some negativity that we were shown this week. We remained calm and we learned valuable lessons and skills from the crews that we visited and also the crew leaders including ours.

We are great leaders because we always get the job done RIGHT, and in a fun and positive way. We learn something new about ourselves and about others in our crew everyday, we make room to grow not only for ouselves, but for others, and I'm very proud of the way that we present, and became comfortable going out and presenting to the others.

LEADERSHIP...How do you see your leader.

I had many leaders in my life. I try to let them lead me the way is best for them but also knowing how i want things to be. For example , parents. They always wants what's best for the child, even though sometimes you think they're doing just to be mean. They have a insight in being a child so if they see something that they might have done and sees it going wrong, they are going to do everything they can to stop you from making that mistake. you never see that when your growing up, but when you're older you are able to look back on those things and thank your parents for the things they did when you were younger.

Teachers are nothing like your parents, but they can and try to teach you life long skills you can take with you everywhere. If you're being resistant then they're going to let you be, only because its not their job to take care of you. The good things about teachers are they're always willing to help you out with whatever they can.

As a SCA worker I have many crew leaders to help me with my problems as a teen and as a worker. There and many leaders I know who are willing to talk to us about personal things, or even helping us with homework we might need help with they're willing to stay after or before work. For example, my recent crew leader Barbara. she is a English teacher and she always help me with my grammar and spelling. Once I asked her for a little grammar lesson and she helped me, no problem.

The other type of leaders I really appreciate are my peers. They teach me many things, not schooling, but life lessons and building relationships in a way. I think of everyone around me as leaders and even myself as a leader.

Working in the Bioneers expanped my leadership skills a lot. when the program first started I was kind of a leader but now that it's nearing the end of the program I see myself more of a leader then I was at the begging. When my crew membemers are upset or down I try to cheer them up, or even get their mind off the probelm for a little while. Another is when we go out to visit the other crews I tell them how I have grewn being with the SCA, and how it have changed me a lot.

*Frick Park*

Hey, It's Niecy B. here to tell you about the Bioneers trip to Frick Park this week. The Bioneers crew went out to Frick Park Thursday afternoon to visit the Frick Park Crew. We started out the afternoon with a game called the name game which we use to not only break the ice, but so we could get to know one another. The kids seemed to enjoy that game,and that got them warmed up for the next game that we played Big Booty, funny name right? It's a fun game also they enjoyed that alot, after we were done with the games, we took them back to the pavillon to talk with them about the Bioneers conference, and to talk with them a little bit about some of the places we've visited in the Bioneers Program, and asked them to tell us about a green place that they've been with SCA or just by themselves or with their families. Most of them said that they liked going to the Phipps Conservatory which we've been to and enjoyed also, so we were able to talk with them about that too. After our discussion about some of the green places that we've been, we incorporated a little Q and A and passed out papers with information on them about those places, and pictures of those places also. They learned alot of things about Round Hill Farm, The Macoskey Center, The Carpenters Union, and the Jennings Environmental Center from the Q and A. Next we split the kids up into to groups, Doricka and Myself took the first group of kids to make t-shirts while Kayla and Sharon took the other to play games, then we switched so that they would be able to do both. They were really into decorating their shirts,and playing the games. They followed all our rules by staying positive, and not complaining. We ended the day with huddling in a circle and we all went around and told eachother our highs and lows of the day. It was awesome we really enjoyed ourselves and wouldn't mind going back anytime.

National Crew by Sharon Jackson

From July 8th until the 22ND I went on a trip to Allegheny National Forest for a SCA National Crew Placement. I slept in a tent and I really got to enjoy the beauty of nature. While there I maintained some trails and I built a bridge. During our time there we did a lot of brushing along the trails and removed many shrubs and non native plants that were growing in the tread of the trail. Tread is the area of the trail that you walk on. There were many different trees that were growing in the tread of the trail. We were able to tell that the trail was not used in a while. The work was very hard and exhausting, but at the end of the day to see what I have accomplished made it so much more worth it.

I got the pleasure of meeting other SCA kids from all over America. I got to sleep outside under all the stars and i saw my first shooting star. It was amazing. Most people never get to see those because of the light in the city. I saw plenty of wildlife. I saw bears walking around our camp site. I also witnessed many bugs that I never knew existed.

I would love to go back out there with the same crew I had.

I saw a raccoon there my first night. At first I wasn't sure if I was going to be able to handle staying out there for two whole weeks. After my first two days of work I was ready to head home. I didn't want to let Josh down so I persevered though the tough times and shortly after, the crew began to get funnier after everyone got to know each other. With everyone being so friendly it was hard not to have fun while I was there. I didn't think that the trip would be that intense. I am happy to be able to say I did something like that. I'm most likely the only one from my family to ever went camping in a tent. I enjoyed all the games we played. I have many memories from the trip that I will never forget.

The reason I loved this crew so much is because they were so nice. I never heard people actually say please and thank you for every little thing you did for them. My friend Noe that I met out there seemed like he would've been one of my best friend if he lived out here. We shared many of the same hobbies. We also had some friendly competition. We were always in a race to complete work. That was fun because it pushed me to my limit and beyond and I like being on edge.

Leadership

I have seen true leadership skills with the team i am on this year. We were able to lead a crew with no problems while our crew leader was gone. I have seen how my co worker Rashawna was able to talk to a crew with no hesitation and at the same time keep the other SCA group intertained. My other co workers Doricka and Shawniece lead in the design of the t shirts and when i went up to see what they were doing the other crew was really into it, asking questions, and having fun. My partner was Kayla, she helped me lead the games with half of the crew while the others were doing t shirts. Both groups of kids were so involed and they really enjoyed our company.

Schenley Park one day& Kayaking the next!

On Tuesday the Bioneers went to a group in Schenley park. the start of the day was OK but it really wasn't that great. As the day continued on the group really didn't want to be involved in anything. They didn't even want to do their work on their trail! They was a rude and stubborn.

They all wasn't like that just a hand full. there was two or three girls there who was happy that we came out and helped, they said the others didn't help at any time and it was very nice of us to come out and help do things. i thought the games would be a relief for everyone but it turned into a choir for us to make sure everyone was playing and not putting anyone down about anything. by the time the day was over and it was time to go the crew was very upset because how the day turned out and that we didn't or couldn't change the ways of some kids like we do on other days. All in all it was a learning experience for the Bioneers and next time if this was to happen we would know how to deal a group in that mind state.

A really good relief for us was the next day we went kayaking and it was better then i remember from last year! i think what made it better was the Bioneers I was i had a better connection with so we laughed about things more and it really fun to go with people you have fun with. My co-worker Shawniece thought it looked way easier then she had in mind and went by her self! once she got in into that river she FREAKED out! she lost all focus on how to maneuver her kayak to get her back, after a couple minutes of panicking she was saved by a professional. Good old Barbara talked her into getting in a kayak with her and she had a much better time. For me, I thought kayaking would be old news because I did it already but it was still a new thing for me. I still can't keep straight and Sharon had to turn me around every two seconds and thats what made it better then last time.

*Kayaking*

Hey It's Niecy B. here to tell you all about the Bioneers exciting trips this week!

The Bioneers took a trip to an exciting place called Venture Outdoors near Pnc Park where we went kayaking it was my first time and I got to you I was extremely excited I had never thought that I would be able to go kayaking well the thought never even crossed my mind, until Barbara my crew leader told us that we would be going on Wednsday. Wednsday morning came and we met at the office and took the short walk over to Venture Outdoors. We walked down the steps and the Allegheny river was smack dab in my face thats when the fear started rolling in. I didn't know that we'd be kayaking in such a huge body of water, thats a big deal for someone who can't swim. They went over the rules gave us a life jackets and padels, and started to put us all in our boats, they gave us the option to have a partner, but I thought I could handle it by myself. I quickly learned that I couldn't when they pushed my kayak into that water I became as panicky as a teen mom who's water just broke.

Everything the leaders told me went out of my head, the only thing that was on my mind was getting out of the water after a few mins of me panicking,and screaming to get out, one of the leaders talked me through getting back to shore. Where I got out, and decided to partner up with my Crew Leader Barbara I felt much better with her in the boat with me, beacause I knew that if I messed up Barbara had my back. We traveled all the way to the Veterens Bridge and down past the shore to the front of Pnc Park, they told us that we can rent a kayak during a game and come in front of the Park, and listen to the details of the game. It was an exciting, and nerve wracking experience that I probably wouldn't do again without a professional in the boat with me.

This week has been very fun. We've visited more crews than usual and had a couple ups and downs but we still remain the Bioneers. Monday was our 2nd trip to AIR and again i really enjoyed it. We took another tour of the building for those who weren't with us. I love the light in the building its really relaxing. We were to bring in an image and a letter which we used when broke up into groups and drew our images on a piece of paper. Of course I'm not the artistic type, but it was a lot of fun. I like how we get to know each other well, when Maritza our crew leader, puts us into twos & we just talk. I love that. With the images we brought in we made another screen It turned out nice & I can wait to see the finished product.

Tuesday we visited the Schenely park crew, It was a little different than what we're used to, they were more of our age. I actually enjoyed myself at that site. It's good that we've had a chance to witness all different of work groups. On the other hand they showed a lot of fun when they were playing with the cards, which some of the crews don't. They seemed to have fun with the shirts . A lot of them signed up for the conference which is also good to. I'm glad we were able to visit a crew like that. It was able to show our real leaderships skills.

Leadership is a skill everyone needs, no matter in what case it may be. We all have different types of leadership skills. I find that i like getting straight to the point. A positive youth leader is someone who remains on task, avoids negativity, shows maturity, works hard, doesn't complain, holds grounds, and is above the influence. I believe I show all of these. I always want to have fun with the crews, but we still have to go out & work. If we're not out there working when we go visit, then they probably wont. And if they are not working that's when our leader ships skills should come in. Just because there not working doesn't mean that we shouldn't. We are leaders & should work maybe even twice as hard, & also try to get them to start doing there work. On the other hand if there crew leaders don't make them work, then there's not much we can do. I love the way Rashawna (who is the newest member of the crew) she showed great leadership skills. The way she works & talks with our peers is a good look. Our whole crew as one works well for different reasons we all showcase different skills and they work for us; that's what makes us the Bioneers! =)

Another HUGS poem

I am happy and grateful
I wonder how the world would be if I changed one thing in history
I hear screaming
I see success in my future
I want happiness in my future
I feel love for my family and friends
I touch my face
I worry I won't make the right decision
I understand things happen for a reason
I say...if you give, you get
I dream about my future
I am happy and grateful

Poem - From HUGS crew

I am an African American who is very independent.
I wonder if I'm going to become what I want in life.
I hear you can do it if you put your mind to it.
I see myself pushing harder and harder to reach my goal.
I want to complete what I need to be successful.
I feel myself slowly accomplishing my goals each and every day.
I want my short-term goal to become my long-term goal.
I worry about all of the distractions that might throw me off track.
I understand that you have to work hard in order to get something good in return.
I say I'm going to become the nurse I want to be.
I dream about my life everyday because...
I am an African American who is very independent.
- Anonymous -from "Hugs" crew

How positive can you be?

Positive things can happen any time and that's what we, the Bioneers hope for from the crews. A positive is when we get there the crew is happy to have visitors. Another is when we start working they aren't complaining. I like it when we start talking about the conference that they all are attentive and showing me that what we're saying is getting through. The games can turn a day to a good day just because the kids relax and laugh a little and start to really enjoy themselves.

*Postively Bioneers*

Hey it's Niecy B. here to talk about all the positive things that go on while we're out working with the other crews. The first positive thing is that we're actually allowed to go out and provide support for the other groups, they've been working hard everyday of this summer to better our communities, and make our earth a better place, so I think they deserve a little bit of a break, and some help with the work that their doing out on their sites.

Some of the positive things that go on while we're out on the sites is we educate the kids on things that they don't know about for instance the Bioneers Conference we make up fun ways for them to learn about it instead of just giving them a lecture about it we turned it into a game. It was like a Q and A and the kids enjoyed it, because it was a fun way for them to learn about something positive in a positive way.
The Bioneers goes out to different crews, and provide a hand with the work that their doing, and we also provide positive, and educational ways for them to have fun, and to walk away and the end of the day with a little more knowledge then they began with.

Going out to visit the Crews is very fun. It seems as if they enjoy us coming to visit. They get a break from working and get to play some fun and enviromental games. Going out to talk to them about what we do for the Bioneers and what trips we go one is also very relaxing and intersesting to them (well it seems that way). Different activites for different crews. It seems like they all like playing taboo which is also one of my faves. Sometimes there behaviors can get a little wild when there palying the games, but that lets me know that were doing our job & there having fun. Alot of people really like doin the T-shirts and head bands. The screen printing is a plus for the groups. After doing lots & lots of work sometimes you get frustated and some of the games really relaxes you and lets you have a good day. I'm use to all different types of attitides so im good for, when people start to get in the little moods. One thing we can improve is explaining the games amd other things a little better, but other than that i enjoyed myself with all the crews.

*Carnegie Art Museum*

Hey It's Niecy B. here to tell you about our trip to Carnegie Arts Museum on Monday.

Carnegie Arts Museum is a place that i've visited before I enjoyed it but not as much as i would have liked to because I was younger at the time so, I didn't quite understand some of the things that guides were talking about. My recent trip to the Carnegie Museum I enjoyed more because I'm older and I know and understand more, so I can appreciate the quality of the art that is displayed there at the museum. Back then all I thought of the art was that it was a pretty picture, or it was wierd. Now I try to figure out what the artist was thinking while he was making the portrait, what made he/ she make it, and what it means.

While touring the museum I came across many beautiful paintings and sculptures, but the one that really caught my eye was a wall/relief called The Chariot Of Aurora. This particular piece of art intrigued me, because of the way it looked it had a very bright color to it which is gold, and it shone so brightly. It was a beautiful sight to see it had a few of the gods in it, but the one that stood out the most was Aurora the God of Dawn and also the daughter of the sun god. She stood out to me because of the way the artist pertrayed her in the painting. It looked to me like they were fighting with one another. Thats what drawed me to it the most, because I didn't know what was going on, but I could make my own insumptions, it kept me guessing.

Round Hill Farm was one of my favorite trips. This is located at a very small town in Elizabeth. It's cool; I think all the SCA crews should be able to visit. We visted that site with the Hazelwood crew and it was a lot of fun. This farm was so amazing to me. I never was able to visit a farm as a child and i always wanted to see what it was like to just be around the animals. Well this is the one! After watching Food Inc, actually visting a farm helped me learn alot. I like how the animals there are just free. They dont have to be slotherd up or anything, they are just free. I loved all the animals especially the horse. The horse had arthritas which was was very sad to me. I hate seeing animals in pain. They seemed very nice animals and were in a nice and safe farm. I aslo was able to witness a lamb poop (lol ). There was a green house with lots of gardens. Being able to work in the garden and plant stuff was also really nice.

We also visited the Carnegie Museum of Art. Once again I was stunned by all the beautifull paintings. Its crazy how they all say/mean something. The colors are perfect for each painting . The dark ones I love, but I also enjoy ther colorful ones. All the carved stones from the 20th century were really amazing. I dont know how they were able to do them, they seem so real. I really liked the painting were a man described his wife. After she passed he drew her floating in a tub. (Since she was always sick and stayed in the tub.) The painting was called 'Nude in the Tub'. One of my favorites.

ROUND HILL& ART MUSEUM

On Friday the 16th we went to Round Hill farm, which is south of Pittsburgh. this farm was for all retried animals. There are: pigs, horses, cows, sheep, goats, chickens, and turkeys. The pigs were really fat and slept all day; the horses were there for retirement. There were two kinds of cow, dairy and beef. The dairy cows were used to feed the pigs and nothing else, and the beef was just there. The sheep were there for their wool, getting it cut once a year. The goats were there for milking. The chickens were show chickens, meaning they were in shows to show them off. The turkeys were there because the chickens were there.

On Monday the 19th we took a trip to the Carnegie art museum. I really liked the museum because it showed how art developed through history. The painting I liked the most was Woman 6. The first thing that caught my attention was that even though were was more paintings in that style it stood out. I caught my eye, made me want to read the history behind it. I really feel that people back then didn't care to much for a female artist and she had to mussel her way to the top. I think artists are like authors, they tell stories deep enough to be better then a book and I really find that interesting.

*Road Hill Farm*

Hey Its Niecy B. and I'm here to tell you guys about our exciting trip to Road Hill Farm last friday.

Road Hill Farm is in a small town called Elizabeth, Pa. Our reasons for going out there was to learn more about farm life and to experience it first hand and that we did.

The first thing we did when we got there was tour the farm they took us to see some of the farm animals such as the sheep, pigs chickens, horses, cows, and the goats.

My favorite out of all the animals was the horse his name was John and he was very friendly, when I seen him I could tell that he was in alot of pain because, he had a tear in his eye I felt so bad I wanted to do something for him but unfortnately there was nothing i could do. They later told me that John is a retired police horse and had arthitis in his legs thats why he seemed to be so sad. This may sound silly but in that short amount of time i'd grown to love him, and decided to change my career path. Instead of being a dentist I now want to be a veternarian.

After we left from the horses, we seen the pigs these weren't any ordinary pigs they were boars, they weren't really doing much of anything because they were sleeping!

The last thing we did was go to the garden and help them plant kell, and beans. It turned out pretty well for it to be our first time planting things we also had a conservation about the earth, and where we get our food from. It was a great, and fun experience I would love to go back sometime especially to see John.

This week we had alot of fun. I really enjoyd visting all the diffrent crews. I kind of miss doing that type of work. Well, Anyway its always fun to do it again. On Wensday we vistied the Mt. Washington MWDC crew. I really enjoyd lopping things. And also putting the fencing around the plants to protect them from the deers. It was nice being able to see the kids i worked with in the LEAP program. Playing the games with them was really fun. Sam really knows how to have a good time. There crew isnt quite like ares, It seems as if there having a couple difficulties. But, it also seems as if they get the job done. Even though there was a few complaints the day turned out pretty good. I really had fun with them. It seems as like all the crews we visit really like to play taboo. We should always play that. & they all signed up for the Bioneers confrence which is always a plus!

ALLEGHENY COMMONS

When we get to go out to different crews you notice different things. Things like what the crew leaders put up with and what some don't tolerate. When the Bioneers crew went to work with the Allegheny commons crew. I notice that must of them was in the LEAP program and feel like they shouldn't be don't this type of work. I'm not saying they was bad or disrespectful but I could see that they didn't want to be there. Their leaders kind of stood back and let them do their own thing. when we got there I saw that they kind of thought that we wasn't going to do any work, but when we start working and should them we was there to help they lighted up and our work got done fast and before we knew it, it was time for lunch and work was done and it was time to play!

By the time lunch was over it was time to learn about the Bioneers and what we do. By then we was all friends and having a good time. we start playing games, making t-shirts and head bands, and all in the mix the time when out the window. As we was driving home I got this warm feeling in my chest. We, the Bioneers go around to different crews and really bring some joy to them. They're working all day everyday and don't get time to play, and when we come and help out and teach them new useful stuff it warms my heart in a sappy way.

I am me

I wonder if they see what i see

I hear what there saying but i think it was suppose to be secretly

I see beyond the tress and what hides the beauty in front of me

I want it all I strive for the best, What's life without living? So, i live for the rest

I feel like I'm alone but im still going on with a stepping stone

I touch peoples feelings who feel deeply of me

I wonder if he feels the way i feel for he

I worry about the future but i will be all i can be

I understand lifes a struggle but why do we have to do stupidly

I say stuff i dont mean but I'm changing slowly

I was raised by a women strong who always believes in me

I dream beyond the clouds and I'm fearless with a great strategy

I am me...

I AM FROM...

I am from my mother, who has a smile ,as bright and radiant as the sun.

I am the running track, durable and ready for the world ahead.

I am the nature, blowing in the breeze having a good time.

I am from a apple, crisp, sweet, and wanted to be bitten into.

I am a photograph, still but tells a story of my own.

I am all these things, and all these things are me.

I Am From...

I Am From Independent Women with sassy attitudes, Sometimes I wonder where our shyness has gone.

I hear the pitter patter of my feet and the beat of the drum ( which is my heart)

I see a beautiful person inside of me everyday I look in the mirror.

I want nothing more then to be myself.

I feel the desire to suceed in life, love, and happiness.

I touch the sky and always aim high.

I worry that one day I will let my anger get the best of me, and take me to a place that I dont want to be.

I understand that I am who I am that one thing is true, and that you should never let anyone get the best of you.

I say im the best and always will be

I dream of better days and serenity

I am from independent women with sassy attitudes.

By: Shawniece Mitchell

AIR and first crew outing

our first crew visit... at first i thought that it would be just me and Barbara going to Mt. Washing at 9:00 because Doricka was sick and Shawniece was late. so we get half way there and YEEEAAYYY shawniece calls and we go back to get her. we finally make it to Mt. Washington at about 9:30 and we get started. there was two crews at the site so we had to break thing up for two. the morning crew was great. they was ready to do what we had planned, they loved that we came out to talk to them about bioneers. they were really into the whole thing, and they really got something out of our visit.

the afternoon crew was a bit more loud and really wasn't into it, i think they was just happy to get out of doing work for half the day and that's cool to. i could tell that all of em was as into it as other, but they was still respectful to us and they did start to enjoy it after a couple minutes playing games and us telling them about what we was doing, what trips we went on, and other great things.

All and all the day turned out great and I loved my job even more. see that i can talk to kids around my ages about important things about the earth and how us kids can help a lot was great for me to see.

Air is a program for artist who doesn't have the space or the money to express them selves the way they want to. AIR is on the north side and open to the public. we go to learn to learn about making screen printed art to get kids in with the bioneers.

*Mount Washington*

Hey It's Niecy B. here to tell you guys about the bioneers trip to Mount Washington. The trip to Mount Washington was such a great experience. My original thoughts were that we were just going out there to screenprint and play a couple games i didn't think that i'd get anything out of, but when i left i had. I learned alot about presenting, and i became more confident with my communication skills, and with talking in front of and to others.

We got off to such a great start we began with the Name Game, which broke the ice, and helped us to get to know eachother in a fun and exciting way which everybody seemed to enjoy. We even threw in some of the things that we the bioneers do in our own program like the incentive points. The incentive points made the kids more excited and interested in participating in the stuff that we had planned for them. We also gave them a point goal for the day ( 50 points) and if they reached that goal by the end of our session they would receive a treat. After we played the Name Game we talked alot about the Bioneers Conference, like what is was, and the kinds of things it dealt with, then we incorporated that into a Q & A game where we passed out cards with the answers to the questions on them and kept the cards with the question. A few of us (the Bioneers) asked the questions then the person who had the card with the answer on it would say the answer, and they would get a point for it, Which would go towards there point goal for the day.

After Lunch we did screenprinting with the kids, we let them choose the color shirts, designs and paint they wanted, then we got started they sat down next to us and let us know everything that they wanted to be done, and while they did that we explained to them how to do it while we did it. They enjoyed the experience, and their shirts!

To end our session we played a game of Sca Taboo, the kids reached there goal for there points and got their snack. Overall it was a great day and great experience and i wouldn't mind going back.

Air Visit

We went and visted Air, on the Northside. Its an art studio its really cool. It's been there for many years. I never even knew it was there. Were going be working there doing screen printing and getting ready for the Bioneers Confrence in October. Theres really alot of cool pantings there. Its really a neat place for local artist to go off and showcase there art. I was really amazed at all the different art work that we saw. Really different things you dont see often. I would go there just to look at the paintings or even make things of my own. I really wanna take a picture of me down there and get it screen printed on a shirt that would be really cool. We kinda like went on a tour of the whole studio. A lady name Jen lead the tour. I really was interested in how she explained everything, all the paintings. She talked about all the art and explained each one in a specific way which was good, it really caught my eye.

Theres nights were you can go and do your own thing down at the studio. Tuesday and Thursday nights for only six bucks to use all the materials they have down there. You may want to bring your own paint beacause they only have really basic colors. You can even sale your art down there. You can also buy some of the art. You can do all sorts of diffent things there such as shirts, posters, bussiness cards etc.. So, if you can go visit, just to check it out it would be really nice!

Pittsburgh center for the arts and shady side phipps

The Pgh center for the arts is a art studio for any one who pays a little fee can have their art displayed there. There was no cost to get in to walk around and see all the different types of art. I really liked it there because it's so quiet and so open that it gives you that open-minded feeling that you can draw or write what ever it is that you want there without any one to disturb you. I really liked it there because of the environment and how it was there for any body to express their selves.

The Phipps garden in Shady side was amazing in my eyes. It was so serine and peaceful. It made you want to stay there for ever. I think as kids in the city we don't get things like that and when you do it's not as often as we should. being in a place like that will clam the soul, relax the mind and body. If we could go there once a week then this would be different for us. I think kids (us) should try it. When school is becoming a stress, parents, or even our personal life can stress us out, and we need a place where we can relax and get our thoughts together.

If your reading this and your feeling stressed out about anything go see phipps garden in Shady side. You'll like it and it might change your life, you never know.

Eco Stewards ( City High)

Hey It's Niecy B.

Last Friday the Bioneers Crew visited the City High Eco Stewards at Schenley Park. It was a very fun, and exciting experience it was nice to be the ones listening to the presentations instead of the being the ones doing the presenting. There were many participants there and they talked alot about the different things they did while on there outings. I was surprised to find out that they were alot like us ( The Bioneers), the Eco Stewards were nature friendly, their really almost one with nature.Tthe ethusiam they had in there voices and faces was great I and my coworkers could definately tell that they enjoyed what they did and would continue to do all the great things that they've been doing for the environment and for our communities.

Some of the things they did while they were on there outings were, Juke Netting, and juke netting is used to keep away invasive species, because they aren't good for plant life, nor the environment. They pulled out Garlic Mustard weeds, watered the plants and the trees that were dying, and planted new ones. This group did alot for the environment, and still does they are a great asset to the world. So for that they were recognized and presented awards for all there hardwork.

Neighborhood Comparison

So, we went out on a sort of neighborhood tour. We visited Homestead, EastLiberty, and Shadyside. They were alike in some ways but also very diffrent. Homestead was the first place we visited it didnt have many green practices, but there was alot of open green space not being used for anything. It seemed afforadle for people to live. Theres alot of places where you can go for eating, shop for clothes in other things in that nature, right down the street. I didnt see alot of litter anywere, and it seemed pretty peacful on the roads were drove on. Next, we visted East Liberty which is also a very liveable community. Theres alot of green bussinesses and stores around. They have a co-op, with lots of organic foods. That are locally grown and healthier. Theres really alot of new things being put into East Liberty, & its really coming along nice. Also on the other hand it seems as if there trynna push the colored or low income people out, and make it like it use to be back in the day. Even though its nice over there I wouldnt consider moving ouat there. Shadyside is another beautiful community to live in also has alot of green practices. Lots of green, such as gardens, recycle bins solar panels and lots of trees. Altthough it seems as if its more expensive then the other places. If i had a good income i would love to live there, but if not i wouldnt.

The community i live in today is called beechview its not a real big community on green, but we do have lots of garbage cans and recycling bins on the streets. We also have a farmers market every Thursday which is a good thing. Fresh fruit & vegetables from a local farm is always a plus. It's also affordable for my mom and her five kids. The only thing i would change about the community would be more local stores. Also, more green practices.

Food Inc.

Food Inc. is a documentary that was created in 2009, and it shows about how only a handful of meat packing and slaughter factories can monopolize the meat business. It also shows how one big company can financially dominate local people who make their living off their farms.

For example, the seed company Monsanto is a company that produced genitally modified corn that it grows faster than normal corn. Monsanto had to get a "private eye" to go out to local people's farm and see if farmers was using their corn they created without the proper paper work. Farmers that wasn't using Monsanto's corn had farmers next to them using their corn. It's very much possible that the seeds could travel to a farmer's farm if the farm was close enough, but Monsanto didn't see it that way. This company was after one thing...MONEY.

Meat companies just wanted their cattle, pigs, or chickens grow bigger faster and cheaper, they would do anything. If that meant feeding cow corn because it was cheaper, or buying more cows without the space they needed. What the company didn't know was feeding the cow corn was making them sick. All the cows needed was five days of eating grass to lower the risk of pathogen 70% which meant the e coil break out won't have happened like it did, but company just wanted the money out of it.

It took a young child to die before they recalled their contaminated beef, Barbara Kowalcyk the mother, of Kevin Kowalcyk to try to sue the Supreme Beef company, the company had the money to get the right lawyer they needed to protect them from incidences like this happening. After her failed attempted she went to Ana Eshoo, a lawyer and activist. To get help these kind of things from happening.

I feel as we as a nation can stop, or help to stop this from happening. These big meat companies need us to buy the food and if we just start buying organic foods, or from local farmers then we are helping. I think that's all it takes is for us to stand up and help out. I know organic foods are not in all people's price range, but maybe buying one organic product every time you go to the store, then that's a start.

McConnells Mills

This State Park is located about an hour north of Pittsburgh. It is an excellent place for whitewater rafting, though we went on a hike. The walk down to the mill and covered bridge is steep, but hikers are rewarded by the gorgeous scenery and the many flowers and plants that grow along the way. The trail continues from the mill and covered bridge along Slippery Rock Creek. The SCA Bioneers group used this as an opportunity to identify a variety of trees, flowers and other plants.

Food Inc.

Hey Its Niecy B. and today im going to talk to you about the importance of healthy, sustaniable foods.
Today the Bioneers group got together to watch a movie called Food Inc. This movie, to me was a true eye opener. Food Inc taught me alot about the dangers of the food that not only I eat, but the food that my friends and family eat also. It's a terrible thing what they do to the animals that we get our food from. I say thats it doesn't take a genius to know that if you dnt take care of the animal and feed them what they're suspose to eat and make sure that its healthy, then the food that you get from the animal isnt going to be healthy, and you shouldnt give us the food that you make from it. It's common sense if the animals not healthy then the food isn't going to be healthy for us. Somebody needs to put a stop to it immediately so many people die from food not being processed the right way, and the food companies derserve to be punished.

There job is to help feed us not to kill us, and thats what they're doing killing off young children and adults because they're to lazy to do the job their paid to do the right way. There Laziness and lack of common sense took a toddler named Kevin Kowalcyk's life he simply ate a hamburger thinking it was perfectly fine and died from e.coli poisoning, because the farmers were feeding the cows (where the hamburger meat came from) corn instead of the grass they shud've been eating.

This is why eating healthy sustaniable foods is important, because if you eat healthy and sustaniable foods you won't have to worry about the dangers of nonhealthy unsustaniable foods.

McConnell's Mills is a very nice place to take a walk or just clean your mind. There's lot's of nice flowers and trees. We walked the Sippery Rock trail. Learned a couple little fun facts. We also identified different types of trees, flowers, and plants. Very nice place.

We also watched a movie called Food Inc. It's a great film to watch & learn about where the meats come from. & also what they do to them. I learned alot when i watched this video. Some farmers are just money hungry and just care about thereselves. They treat the chicken, pigs, cows & other farm animals with little to no respect. There was a two year old boy that died form eating a hamburger. They used every part of the cow for this burger, which is very unsanitary. The farmers really could careless about what happens to the people that eat the foods. Some of them clean with very stong cleaaning products which can get anyone sick. I'm not gonna tell you to much about it. But, If you havent seen the movie yet I think its a must that you do so.

Why should you buy sustainable foods?

Some people say sustainable foods taste better. There are more and more health benefits being found in meat. Substainable farms are an intergal part of the community, where money made on the farm is filterd back into local bussiness. Studeis have shown that factories farms can tear apart rural communites. Well today we visited a farmers market. We interviewd some of the people who were selling things. Most of there food came from there own farms or it was homemade. The thing they liked most about selling at the farmers market were the people. They were able to advertise and meet new people. A famers market is also wholesale. Most of them do not use geneticaly modified foods. Which is good for the food we eat today. So. buying at a farmers market is better than buying from a grocery store. If you have never visited a farmers market, Its a really place to get fresh fruit!

Phipps - History

No matter how many times I go to Phipps, I am always struck by its beauty. I have never been to Phipps in the summer...and it did not let me down. The place is gorgeous, gracious and welcoming. The amazing variety of plant life kept us moving from one room to another. One nice touch of this trip was the gargoyle display. A brief history of gargoyles showed that they were used to frighten away spirits (they were said to fly at night. Also, the Rain Forest room showed an amazing glimpse of plant life and culture in the Amazon -- and how local people use the plants for daily life. Another fun space was the Children's Garden. It was a hot day, but children still planted flowers that they could take home, watered garden plants and ran through a sprinkler. Finally, the airy beauty of the Butterfly Forest is a wonderful asset to a Phipps trip. It is interesting to note that the Conservatory was donated to the city by Henry Phipps who wanted to add beauty to the city -- and he wanted to be sure that it was open on Sunday so workers can have a place to see beauty in the city.

Yesterday we went to phipps conservacy. Very, Very hot day, but i enjoyed myself. It was the first time I seen a gargoyle up close. Some people say there used to scare to evil spirts away. There were so many beautiful plants/tress. Lots of pons with little cut fish inside. There were also alot of fun facts about each plant. There were diffrent rooms with, something diffrent in each one. More than half the plants that were there in never knew existed. I think it's good to learn about the diffrent plants and stuff in the world. Did you know there is a plant that waits 100 years to flower. Or, Did you know that a tropical forest tree can grow to about 200 feet tall. I never knew there were so many different flavors on tree such as a chocolate tree, i would have neve guessed one of those.

The most beautiful thing i seen today was the flowers & the butterflys. There so colorful & cute. There were 16 diffrent type of butterflies. & sometime they rest on the floor, probably beacause its the coolest. During the day the tempature in the room is around 80 degress and 70 degress at night. One of the ugliest things i seen was the little colored pod growing from one of the plants. The most interesting thing i saw today was the little skeleton sort of thing made from some sort of plant.

Its really a nice place for the kids to go. They can learn alot of things they also are aloud to water the plants which is pretty cool. Phipps is open all year round. I know its beautiful in the winter!

*Phipps Conservatory*

Hey It's Niecy B. here to fill you guys in on the Bioneers exciting trip to the Phipps Conservatory yesterday afternoon. The Phipps Conservatory is a very interesting, and fascinating place there are so many different rooms of the greenhouse, and so many different things in each room.

Everytime i walked into a room i was amazed. The first thing that caught my eye was the Gargoyles for those of you who don't know what those are, they are statues that are used as pieces of art to let us know about the people in the 1700's and what they believed in. These Gargoyles were used back then to scare away evil, and also to remind city dwellers of the perils of evil, and scare them straight.

I found these to be interesting because i'd never seen these up close, i've always seen them on television, or on top of the buildings around town so it was a great experience to learn about them and see them up close and personal.

The second thing i noticed was the different types of plants, Trees, and flowers there were so many heres a few to name a Vanilla Orchid, Weeping Cherry Tree, and the Spider Plant to be honest i would have never known about those plants if it wasn't for the Phipps Conservatory it taught me alot of new things it was a fun, and it was a beautiful place, I have to say the room I liked the most was the butterfly room, that room to me was the most beautiful place in the whole conservatory there were so many different kinds of butterflys it was gorgeous I loved it. It was so calm and serene definately a room i'd like to visit more often.

All in All Phipps Conservatory was a great, educational, evironmentally fun place that i'd love to go back and visit anytime.

Phipps...

Phipps is a conservatory that is well known in the country. It's a green house with plants form all over the world. They attend to these exotic plants all year around making sure they have the sunlight, water, and what ever else is need to keep the plants and tree healthy and growing. Phipps also have a butterfly habitat. there are 16 different species of butterflies, and around 1000 butterflies in the room.

Phipps is open all year round and they attend to the plants every day. they have all the sunlight they need with their one of a kind all glass roofing. they also have temperature control, watering control so they can be done at the same time every time. they separate the plants because something in some plants aren't always go for another.

Phipps has this wonderful butterfly forest, for 16 different species of butterflies to fly around freely and pollinate all the flower in there room. There are over 1000 butterflies in
Phipps's butterfly forest. there's a saying that if a butterfly lands on you or you can pick on up and it stays then you have a good soul. so when whatever you good see how butterflies act around you.

Phipps isn't just for plant lovers and adults there is a children's garden, which you can water plants and get your own plant to take home and grow your own plants. I'm saying this as a young adult go to Phipps. It's a nice place and I think that it will open your eyes to new things.

until next time....

bike riding on the B&O!!!!!!!!!!!!!

after a long car ride we took a fun nice enjoyable bike ride a couple miles down the road from falling water. this trail goes all the way to D.C. about 600 miles. a lot of people do take that trail, i would think it's fun and exciting to do with some friends. we didnt go all the way to D.C. we went down 3 miles and back 3miles. it was amazing to hear the brirds and the water as i ride, that was a thing experience and i would love to do it again and next time take some one who hasn't done it to show them something new.

Ohiopyle

On 6/25/10 We went to Ohiopyle for a bike trip. We also saw a river that had rapids for whitewater rafting. There were a lot of people in the water fishing, swimming, and kayaking. We went to a shop and rented bikes. Our bike trip was 6 miles. We went 3 miles on the B&O Railroad trail. Then we went back the same 3 miles. It was fun but tiring. I would do it again. The trail we were on went from Washington D.C to Pittsburgh.

I don't remember the last time I went bike riding actually. I was actually surprised that I still knew how to ride a bike. After about five minutes I adjusted to it and I took off. I was ahead of my whole group majority of the trip. It was fun to get back on a bike. I also enjoyed the scenery I got to see while biking. Biking on the trail is completely differ net from biking in the city. On a trail there are no cars and the air is cleaner because you are away from all the polluted air that the cars pump out. You also get to experience nature better on a trail.

OhioPyle

Hey Its Niecy B. here to tell about you about the Bioneers trip to Ohiopyle. While in OhioPyle we rode bikes on a trial called The B and O Railroad Trail.

We rode for two miles along the way we seen people fishing, swimming, and canoeing in the river.

There were also people along the trail bike riding as well, they were very friendly and waved to us as they rode by it was a fun experience.

I'd love to go back sometime, next time i'll remember to bring a water bottle because it was a workout!!

Week one of Bioneers

We put in our first week of the program of the Bioneers. What a great group and a great opportunity! Last week we were able to begin to explore what is available in the Southwestern PA region as far as conservation goes. We plan on putting this information together and presenting it to other SCA groups throughout the summer as part of our summer goals. Great start!

Fallingwater Visit

On 6/25/10 We went to Fallingwater. It is a house that was built by Frank Llyod Wright back in 1934. It was designed for Edgar J. Kaufmann. The house was built over a waterfall. That is what makes it so unique. The house was magnificent. The architect used in the house was amazing. I would recommend visiting there if looking to see something spectacular. During his late years Kaufmann gave the house to his son. He was a junior. He then gave the house to the Westen Pennsylvania Conservancy. They keep the house a tour attraction now.

Falling Water!!

Hey it's Niecy B!!

Here to to tell you about the Bioneers trip to a Conservancy/Home called Falling Waters on Friday.

Falling Waters is a house built by Frank Lloyd Wright a distinguished, and successful architect. Mr. Lloyd Wright built this house for Edgar Kaufmann and his family.

Edgar K. wanted this house to be built around nature because he loved it, and he wanted everyone to be able to see and share his love for nature.

In 1960 The Kaufmann House was turned into a Muesuem for people like us, so that we can witness the beauty it there were so many great pieces of art in that home, one would say it was an Art Gallery.

I didnt expect it to be so breathtaking, it was so big and there were so many places that you can relax at i enjoyed myself and im sure that anyone who took the time to go there would enjoy themselves too.