The launch at Porter's Cove in Jackson Township was recently improved with new stone stone steps leading toward the Connoquenessing Creek. The Allegheny Aquatic Alliance will celebrate with a two-day, 16-mile canoe/kayak paddle on June 17-18. The launch was funded with a grant from the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy.

JACKSON TWP — A new canoe launch will be celebrated next month at Connoquenessing Creek.

The Freedom-based Allegheny Aquatic Alliance recently reconstructed the Porter’s Cove launch and will celebrate with a two-day, 16-mile kayak/canoe paddle across Butler County on June 17 and 18.

“This event is to promote the public accesses on the creek,” said Christina Handley, Alliance president.

The trip also will serve to educate and encourage participants to learn more about the importance of waterway protection.

“It’s a great opportunity,” Handley said. “We have been focusing on the Connoquenessing Creek since 2012 with our cleanup projects. We’re hoping to get the attention back on this local waterway and help people realize we can’t let these things go and throw our possessions into this creek.”

Paddlers will drop off their boats at the Renfrew Canoe Launch and then drive to Major Washington Canoe Launch in Evans City to set up their camping gear and park their vehicles. From there, a shuttle will take people back to the Renfrew launch, where their boats will be launched.

Participants will paddle about seven miles before stopping at the Major Washington Canoe Launch and camping overnight. The next day, paddlers will travel the rest of the way to the Porter’s Cove launch.

“This is a great family event to explore the Connoquenessing Creek and our natural resources,” Handley said.

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