The Western Pennsylvania Conservancy (WPC) invites nature lovers to come on a scenic canoe trip by registering for WPC’s annual River Sojourn on Saturday, June 12, and Sunday, June 13. Open to the general public as well as WPC members, the event begins in Warren, Pa. and ends at Indian Waters Livery, located a few miles north of Tidioute, Pa.

This year’s sojourn includes activities and presentations that are centered on the theme “Soaring Down the Allegheny.” The upper Allegheny River is home to a variety of unique and interesting birds. Since the 1970s, bald eagles have been making a strong comeback in this region, and populations of great blue herons are on the rise. Come learn more about the birds that depend on the Allegheny River for their survival.

Registration for the sojourn, which costs $60 for one day and $90 for both days, includes daily meals, entertainment, canoes and shuttle service. Participants are responsible for their own overnight accommodations. The first day of the trip covers nine miles: from Allegheny Outfitters in Warren to Buckaloons Recreation Area. On the second day, participants travel ten miles, and will float past some of the Allegheny River’s designated National Forest Islands.

Since the 1960s, WPC has worked to protect the Allegheny River, its tributaries and wildlife. Over the decades, the Conservancy has protected 22 river islands totaling more than 500 acres and has also conserved 19,500 acres of shoreline, floodplain, valley slope and tributary watersheds.

Sponsors for the sojourn include Pennsylvania Organization for Watersheds and Rivers (POWR), Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR), Indian Waters Canoe and Kayak Rental, Pennsylvania American Water, and the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy.

To complete registration you must choose one of the following options:

Paying By Credit Card: At the end of your online registration, be sure to print the packet, complete the forms, and mail to Kelly Horrell at the address provided below, continue with your online registration here.

Paying by check: click here to print registration packet, complete the forms and mail with check payment made payable to Western Pennsylvania Conservancy to:

Western Pennsylvania Conservancy
Attention: Kelly Horrell
246 South Walnut Street
Blairsville, Pa
15717

Once payment and registration packets are received Sojourn Registration is complete. Thank you!

The registration deadline is Friday, May 28, 2010.

For more information contact Kelly Horrell at 724-459-0953 x 113 or khorrell@paconserve.org.