About the Site

The River Towns Program is a two year partnership between Pennsylvania Environmental Council (PEC) and the Student Conservation Association (SCA), and is funded through AmeriCorps and the Claude Worthington Benedum Foundation. The River Towns Outreach Corps (RTOC) consists of SCA volunteers who will be working in the communities of Point Marion (Fayette County), Greensboro and Rices Landing (Greene County), and Fredericktown-Millsboro and California (Washington County) along the Monongahela River. Corps members will be working to engage local citizens, business leaders, civic clubs, non-profit organizations, elected officials, and public office entities in ongoing and upcoming local and regional efforts.

The River Towns Program seeks to better connect the towns to the river as an outdoor recreational asset, while encouraging business growth through increased visitor revenue. It is similar to the Trail Towns approach but also concentrates on the river as an asset. Trails need to be built and often take many years to do so, but the Upper Monongahela is a readily available resource that is both navigable and beautiful. Although historically these towns have recognized the river as an industrial highway and essential to the industries of glass, coal and steel, it can and should be used by recreational users. The common heritage of these towns and the wealth of industrial heritage artifacts allows us to position the towns as unique attractions for visitors.

RTOC Mission: To foster economic revitalization and community development along the Monongahela River Towns through minds-on and hands-on community service.

RTOC Goals:
--To be an integrated resource and asset to the River Town communities
--To coordinate and increase reliance on local and regional economies
--To promote appreciate of rich cultural heritage of Southwest Pennsylvania