FW2  Canoeing to Sycamore Island: The Protection, Planning and Transformation of a Unique River Oasis

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Leaders:
Emilie Rzotkiewicz (VP of Land Resources, Allegheny Land Trust)
Caitlin Seiler (Director of Volunteer and Land Resources, Allegheny Land Trust)
Michael McGraw (Senior Wildlife Biologist, Applied Ecological Services (AES))

Depart:  8:30 a.m.
Return: 4:00 p.m.

Difficulty: Intermediate. Attendees will canoe a short distance to the island and walk around it. 

Destination: Sycamore Island Conservation Area, Verona, PA

Conference themes: Floodplain Forest Management

Attendees will paddle their way to an island that has transformed from a knotweed infested abandoned marina to a rare forested floodplain with the help of Allegheny Land Trust. After a short bus ride to the quaint river town of Verona, the morning will be spent at the Steel City Rowing Club, a green state-of-the-art rowing facility on the banks of the Allegheny River. After a short classroom session to learn a bit of history, attendees will take a tour of the facility, have a quick lunch and get geared up for the short paddle to the island. Once there, attendees will explore the 14-acre oasis and talk in-depth about success with knotweed removal, habitat development, wildlife and dealing with people in our projects. End the day with some cold local brews and views before paddling back to get on the bus.

This Field Workshop will inform attendees about all aspects of island conservation management, including writing a prescriptive management plan, implementing and prioritization of recommendations, managing volunteers and property users to continue progress, Japanese knotweed control, and being realistic on a limited budget.    

Fee: $95

Capacity: 15

Transportation:  Bus from Conference Venue and canoe onsite

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