News
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Groundhog Hike canceled!
Because of icy, treacherous trail conditions and lots of ice and snow surrounding the shelter house, we are canceling the 2026 Groundhog Hike. It was rescheduled for Feb. 8, but we have decided conditions are unsafe for the event. We’re sorry to pull the plug on one of our favorite hikes. Please enjoy getting outdoors…
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Meet Colin Robbins, conservation specialist
Colin Robbins has joined Athens Conservancy as its new conservation specialist, effective Jan. 14. The new position focuses on expanding the organization’s efficiency and effectiveness to protect and conserve local, open space land with conservation easements and direct land acquisition. Colin will work closely with the community, individual landowners, and Athens Conservancy’s board, staff, and…
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Landmark Conservation Effort Protects Nearly 3,000 acres
Athens Conservancy and The Nature Conservancy Join to Safeguard One of the Largest Privately Protected Forest Tracts in State History… Athens Conservancy and The Nature Conservancy are working together to conserve nearly 3,000 acres of forested land in the southern Ohio foothills that are part of a vital wildlife corridor in the majestic and globally…
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My summer internship with Athens Conservancy
By Lillian Keener, Ohio University senior majoring in Environmental Science & Sustainability As a student, some of the most impactful and long-lasting lessons are those that are hands-on, outside, and in the community. That’s what makes interning with the Athens Conservancy such a special opportunity, and one that I know will stick with me. The…
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In the News: Media Coverage
The recently established Joy Valley Nature Preserve has received some nice news coverage in the region. Here are a few links for you! Ohio Public Media Statehouse Newsroom New Ohio nature preserve protects 3,000 acres of Appalachian foothills Ohio Magazine New 3,000-Acre Nature Preserve Coming to Appalachian Ohio WBNS-10TV (CBS) Columbus Joy Valley Nature Preserve:…
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Job Opening: Conservation Specialist
Athens Conservancy is seeking applicants for a conservation specialist who will be responsible for contracted tasks related to land acquisition and monitoring for both conservation easement and fee simple properties. Interested parties should provide a letter of interest, resume, and list of three references by deadline of October 8, 2025. Who We Are Athens Conservancy…
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Join us October 5 for our annual meeting
We hope to see our fabulous members and friends on Sunday, October 5, for our annual meeting. This year, we’re heading to nearby Stewart (just 11 miles from Athens) for hikes at the Lois Busch Winner Nature Preserve and a program and potluck (and more!) at the Federal Valley Resource Center (8225 St. Rt. 329).…
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The Ridges: Athens Indy article
Athens Conservancy is working closely with Ohio University to preserve about 535 acres of land at The Ridges by placing this undeveloped portion in a conservation easement. According to Donna Goodman, president of the board of Athens Conservancy, “We look forward to working with OU to protect the natural character of this beloved educational and…
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Healthy Forest Fund makes an impact
Athens Conservancy’s Healthy Forest Fund has a huge impact on the well-being of our nature preserves and trails … and is even helping care for rare plants and baby trees! Land steward Bill Rucker is leading a crew this summer that includes two undergraduate Ohio University interns and three AmeriCorps members. They’ve been prioritizing critical…
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New website: Check it out!
Welcome to our newly rebuilt, refreshed, redesigned, and updated website! We are delighted to share with you the new Athens Conservancy website. Take a wander around – we have updated and added information for your use – including a guide to popular trails, updated pages on our 17 preserves, lots of new pages about land…
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Trail feature: Liar’s Ridge
Introducing a new, occasional feature – brief overviews of some of our most popular trails, including length, difficulty, and a description of what hikers will experience. First up: Liar’s Ridge Trail at Baker Preserve. Although much of this 2.3-mile loop trail is easy, there are obstacles and stream crossings that will be difficult for some…
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Running buffalo clover come-back
The Athens County Independent, whose mission is to empower community engagement through accessible public service journalism, ran a well-researched article recently about our work to reestablish the rare running buffalo clover. The article – skillfully written by Dani Kington – focuses on how we work to protect and nurture the plant in Baker Preserve. Quoted…