Western Pennsylvania Conservancy

CONSERVE | SPRING 2008
 
Building on a 75-Year Legacy of Land Conservation

Allegheny River Sojourn Promises a Weekend of Scenery and Discovery

The Allegheny River has been called a paddler’s dream, offering sections of changing currents followed by quiet, still waters on the back channels of undisturbed islands. On Saturday, June 21, and Sunday, June 22, the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy will host its eighth annual River Sojourn - and for the first time, it will be held on the Allegheny River. This popular event is open to WPC members and the general public and will lead canoeists through some of the most beautiful sections of the river. Activities planned for this guided tour of a Wild & Scenic River include:

• educational programs to “Mussel Your Way Down the Allegheny”
• lessons about the history and ecology of the Allegheny River
• a chance to get on the water and paddle with friends, family and WPC staff!

During the two-day event, canoeists will experience the Allegheny River at its cleanest and most natural state as they pass through dramatic hardwood forest valleys and discover undisturbed islands that are sanctuaries for wildlife. In 1984, Congress designated seven National
Forest islands between Buckaloons and Tionesta as part of the National Wilderness Preservation System. The sojourn will pass one of these islands, Baker Island, and two other islands along the way.

Participants also will explore and learn about the Allegheny's underwater communities. The Allegheny River is Pennsylvania's richest stream for freshwater mussels, with more than 30 species known to currently inhabit the river.

On Saturday, the sojourn will begin in Tidioute, Warren County, and travel to Tionesta, Forest County. WPC will provide a camping site as an option for those who wish to be outdoors as much as possible. Staff will also have a listing of accomodations in the area. Canoeists may choose to be a part of the excursion for one or both days. On Sunday, the group will continue on from Tionesta and paddle to President, Pa.

The cost is $80 for the entire two-day event or $50 for only one day. The price includes canoe rentals, environmental tours, meals (lunch and dinner on Saturday, plus breakfast and lunch on Sunday), shuttling and a WPC Allegheny River Sojourn t-shirt.

For more information about the Allegheny River Sojourn, contact Jennifer Bennett at 724-459-0953
or email her at jbennett@paconserve.org.

Register for this year's sojourn!