Board Member John Holden
inducted into the 2025 Venango County
Conservation Hall of Fame
Congratulations to AVC Board member John Holden for being inducted into the Venango County Conservation Hall of Fame 2025. John has dedicated both his professional work and personal life to the conservation of our natural resources. He is a co-founder of AVC, steward of his family farm, leader of water quality programs and an avid fisherman. The Hall of Fame was created by the Oil City Chapter of the Izaak Walton League to honor and remember conservation leaders and to inspire future stewards.
Also inducted this year was Robert "Mac" MacWilliams, who among many accolades started youth field days inspiring kids to conservation and recreation activities.
AVC River Sojourn
August 22, 2025
The board of the Allegheny Valley Conservancy is sorry to announce the cancellation of the 2025 Allegheny River Sojourn. We hope for a successful event in 2026. Thank you for your support.
For those that have registered, we apologize. A refund will be provided. AVC appreciates your interest and support. We intend to schedule the sojourn again in 2026.
The annual Allegheny River Sojourn sponsored by the Allegheny Valley Conservancy will be held on August 22. Floaters will begin from Outdoor Allegheny River Services (OARS), at 250 Elk Street in Franklin. Registration begins at 9:30 and the sojourn sets out by 10 am. After 3-1/2 – 4 hours on the beautiful Allegheny River, the OARS shuttle will bring floaters and their boats back to the OARS gathering place for some food, non-alcoholic beverages and conversation. The cost for the food, beverages and shuttle is $55.
Pre-registration is required. Registration and Waiver forms are available below. Payment can also be made through the button below the picture. Or, completed forms and a check payable to Allegheny Valley Conservancy may be sent to AVC, P.O. Box 96 in Franklin, PA 16323.
Floaters who need to rent a kayak from OARS should contact them directly at 814-388-9122 to make a reservation.
2025 Sojourn canceled
2023 River Sojourn
Thank you to this year's sponsors and donors.
Trails to Ales Brewery - for our after float. Good food and fun conversation after the trip.
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O.A.R.S. - Outdoor Allegheny River Services - for shuttle services
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We all had a great time!
Lance Bowes, AVC Vice President
2023 Spring Newsletter
We are entering a new season. Winter has turned to spring, migration is happening, the usual changes that come as the world keeps spinning. The Allegheny Valley Conservancy is also entering a new season. 2022 brought unexpected changes to the Board of Directors with the death of a long-time member and the marriage of another. But, our Board is also growing with new members bringing new perspectives.