Clarion River Sojourn June 9-10: Tracks Through History

(Pittsburgh and Blairsville, Pennsylvania.  May 3, 2007)  On Saturday and Sunday, June 9-10 the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy will host its seventh annual river sojourn along the Clarion River. Activities planned for this guided tour of a designated Wild & Scenic River include:

• educational programs surrounding the theme “Tracks Through History”
• lessons about the history and ecology of the Clarion River
• a chance to get on the water and paddle!

The Clarion River slowly makes its way through narrow valleys, past large pools and is a relaxing trip, welcoming to all levels of boaters.  The float will start in Halton, Pa. and travel to Clear Creek State  Park by the end of the day. On Sunday, the group will leave Clear Creek and continue their guided tour to Cooksburg. Participants are welcome to attend either day individually, or the two days as a package. Participant cost is $45 per individual per day, or enjoy both days for $80. Registration fees include meals, canoe rental, and educational programs (lodging is not included).

Sponsors for the sojourn are Pennsylvania Organization for Watersheds and Rivers (POWR), Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR), Pennsylvania American Water, Pale Whale Canoe Livery, and the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy (WPC).

Register for the sojourn.

  For additional questions, phone the Freshwater Conservation Program at (724) 459-0953. The registration deadline is Friday, May 18.

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About the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy:
Since its founding in 1932, the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy has protected more than 212,000 acres of natural lands in Pennsylvania, restored watersheds and saved natural habitats for a diversity of life and uses.  The Conservancy has been responsible for the founding of six state parks, including Ohiopyle, Laurel Ridge, McConnell’s Mill, Moraine, Oil Creek and Erie Bluffs.  In addition, WPC created the 300-acre Wildflower Reserve at Raccoon Creek State Park, and added land to Blue Knob State Park.

The WPC also preserves Fallingwater®, the masterpiece home designed in 1935 by Frank Lloyd Wright for Edgar J. Kaufmann in Mill Run, Pennsylvania.  In 1963, Edgar Kaufmann jr. (sic) entrusted Fallingwater to the Conservancy.  Today, WPC continues its award winning preservation efforts and offers a wide variety of educational programs to more than 135,000 annual visitors.  The preservation of Fallingwater is a symbol of living in harmony with nature. 
Each year, WPC also partners with 4,000 volunteers and dozens of community organizations and businesses to plant and maintain more than 135 gardens and greening projects in 19 western Pennsylvania counties.