Our Lands
The Allegheny Valley Conservancy is committed to preserving the natural beauty of the Allegheny River and French Creek watersheds. We accept donations of property from landowners that want to pass along this land into the hands of an organization that will care for it and keep it natural forever.
Dotter
Our most accessible property is located about four miles north of Emlenton, on Carl's Road off of Dotterer Road. AVC purchased this land along the river to conserve the riparian corridor and river habitat. A pavilion is available with a fire ring for picnics and steps lead to the river for a kayak access. A circle drive allows for drop off and pick up and then you can park in the lot across the trail. Primitive camping is permitted but remember to Leave No Trace and respect our neighbors.
Woll Nathanson Preserve
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The Preserve is accessible through State Game Lands 45 from a parking area on Whippoorwill Road off State RT 322 in Cranberry or by riding the Sandy Creek Trail. Near mile marker 5 of the trail you will find an interpretive panel describing the land and the story of how two families gave this land to AVC.
Young Pittsburgh friends who already knew and loved the upper Allegheny country found the opportunity to buy a parcel of property along East Sandy Creek. They grew to have a deep love for this fragment of natural environment and felt a deep longing that it should stay untouched. Years went by, young friends aged and moved apart. Finally they began to wonder how to pass on the adventure and be sure that the land and waterway habitat and natural environment would be preserved. Harvey Nathanson and Ed Woll and their families were lucky enough to discover the Allegheny Valley Conservancy whose mission it is to do just that.
Buttermilk Bluffs
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The Bluffs property is co-owned by the Allegheny Valley Conservancy and French Creek Valley Conservancy. It is located along French Creek and is important for its habitat, protection of the water quality of the stream and the scenic views. With 2,000 feet of frontage along the creek, the property is entirely wooded, bordered to the south by French Creek and has a small stream running through it. This stretch of French Creek is known to be home to endangered species including species of federally protected fresh-water mussels. The forest is also home to turkey, white tailed deer and a bear or two.
For public access to the property, please contact one of the conservancies.
Parker Landing
This 1.39 acre parcel within Clarion County is located under the bridge that carries Route 368 over the Allegheny River. AVC conserves this property to keep the riparian corridor along the river in a natural state. This protects the water quality of the river, provides wildlife habitat and also reduces downstream flooding.
A small part of this property also serves as an access to the Allegheny River Trail, a multi-use bike trail within the Erie to Pittsburgh Trail system. An educational kiosk stands at the entrance to the trail.
