Athens Conservancy receives grant for project
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ATHENS, Ohio -- The Athens Conservancy has received a grant of $6,225 from the Foundation for Appalachian Ohio.
The grant through the Environmental Stewardship Pillar of Prosperity Fund will support the conservancy's Finding Your Way Outdoors project and efforts to connect Appalachian Ohioans with nature.
The project is a collaboration of local partners with the Athens Conservancy to encourage residents and visitors to explore the outdoors, become acquainted with preserves operated by the conservancy and learn about the natural world and its connection with everyone.
"We are delighted to embark on this shared endeavor to help individuals and families embrace the natural world around us," Christine Fahl, president of the board of Athens Conservancy, said. "The value of being active outdoors and breathing in the fresh air is of value at any time. Our recent public health crisis has magnified the importance of being outdoors, and has shown us how necessary outdoor experiences are to us."
The Finding Your Way Outdoors project will center on the Mary Beth Zak Lohse Preserve, upgrading and expanding the Gillette Pond Trail, adding maps and informational displays in a permanent kiosk and partnering with organizations to create engaging experiences.
Plans include establishing an Art Trail with Passion Works Studio, materials to educate visitors about the health benefits of being outside with Live Healthy Appalachia and engaging families with ideas for nature-based activities that connect to at-home discovering with the Ohio Valley Museum of Discovery.
"We're so grateful to be working in tandem with these community partners," Fahl said. "Together, we will help more people in our community connect with the outdoors, and support Athens County's creative and health and wellness initiatives."
Athens Conservancy is a nonprofit land trust with land in Athens and neighboring counties that are mostly forested and include ridge tops, stream bottoms, dramatic rock formations and scenic vistas.
The Foundation for Appalachian Ohio is a regional community foundation serving the 32 counties of Appalachian Ohio.