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Delaney Gibbs,   volunteer coordinator, says she is delighted to see spring wildflowers in full swing in the forests in our preserves. But she adds, there is an unwelcome plant popping up amidst the posies. “Unfortunately, some of the special plant species are threatened by infestations of a non-native invasive species known as garlic mustard,” she…

We see starry skies ahead! Athens Conservancy is raising funds to establish a stargazing park within the Deep Hollow-Dark Skies Preserve near Athens. The project is featured through April 8 on the Foundation for Appalachian Ohio’s Cause Connector giving site. For some insight, we turned to an astronomy expert about the joys of stargazing ……

This year’s Groundhog Hike may have been delayed a week due to an ice storm, but the Feb. 13 event was loads of winter fun! Familiar faces and new friends enjoyed snacks, coffee, hot chocolate and a warm bonfire before heading out on the hiking trails. This year’s 19th annual event, presented in honor of…

Want to help us reach for the stars? Our Starry Skies project is seeking funds to establish a stargazing park within the Deep Hollow-Dark Skies Preserve near Athens. Kicking off Feb. 14, the Starry Skies project is featured on the Foundation for Appalachian Ohio’s Cause Connector giving site. This charitable matchmaking site helps people support…

A newly established fund in memory of a passionate, local young woman and aspiring wildland firefighter will support Athens Conservancy’s land conservation efforts in southeastern Ohio for years to come. Selinde Downey Roosenburg, 20, died in March 2021, as a result of a UTV (utility task vehicle) rollover accident in which she was a passenger,…

There’s something magical about walking in the woods in winter – it’s peaceful and quiet especially under a blanket of snow. The air is brisk and invigorating, and your breath turns into little puffs of clouds. Without its summer foliage and brush, the forest dons a whole new look, stark and beautiful and revealing secrets…

Due to icy trail conditions last week, we postponed the Groundhog Hike. But we’re gearing up for it this SUNDAY, FEB. 13. Come on out for an invigorating hike with plenty of time to head home and tune in to the Superbowl! (Go Joe !) Presented in honor of founder and friend John Knouse, this…

All of us at Athens Conservancy wish you a very happy, healthy holiday season! Thank you for being part of our organization – whether you’ve helped out as a volunteer or hiked our trails, attended events, explored the hills and forests around Athens County, donated to our efforts, or kept up with us via the…

It is with overwhelming gratitude that we announce a memorial fund has been established by Kate Kelley and Willem Roosenburg in memory of their daughter, Selinde Downey Roosenburg, and to protect the forests and fields of southeast Ohio for future generations. Selinde grew up building fairy houses in the woods, splashing in the creeks, and…

A key objective of Athens Conservancy is to preserve wild and scenic places, conserving lands that are valued by the community and connecting people with nature. Equally important is taking good care of the land over time – what we call stewardship. Board member Joe Brehm, in a recent presentation to community members, explained the…

Reach for the stars this GivingTuesday, and help us create a stargazing preserve! We’re delighted to be taking part in GivingTuesday on Nov. 30 – a global day of generosity that inspires people to come together in ways that enrich and transform their community. This #GivingTuesday we aim to raise funds to create a wonderful…

Athens Conservancy continues to expand and improve the publicly accessed lands in and around Athens County – so community members and visitors can hike, run, explore, bird-watch, or just mosey around our beautiful preserves. Please consider making a donation to support our local conservation efforts. Keeping our forests healthy is important, too, and it takes…