ORCA & The Baileys In the Press

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APRIL 18, 2024: The Yonder Report

Rural Wyoming needs more vocational teachers to sustain its workforce pipeline, Ohio environmental advocates fear harm from a proposal to open 40-thousand forest acres to fracking and rural communities build bike trail systems to promote nature, boost the economy.

APRIL 18, 2024: Athens may approve recreation council membership, but lacks funds to pay

The council saw an ordinance to authorize the mayor to pay the $90,000 membership fee — when the money is available.

APRIL 17, 2024: Blazing Trails in the Mountains

Rural communities throughout the country are developing mountain biking trail systems to immerse people in nature, boost the economy, and create a local culture of health.

APRIL 17, 2024:Blazing trails in the mountains

Mountain bikers ride for the thrill. The joy of racing downhill. The feeling of choosing the best path, hugging the ground, catching some air.

APRIL 11, 2024: The Power of Place

Research and partnership that fuels prosperity, here and beyond

APRIL 7, 2024: City of Athens urged to Support ORCA

APRIL 5, 2024: Ohio’s premiere mountain bike trail faces funding challenge

On a spring day in the Wayne National Forest, a crew of hard-hat clad volunteers pulls weeds, trims trees and clears branches from a winding dirt trail.

MARCH 26, 2024: Ohio University Partnership Offers Discounted Bikes on Campus

Thanks to a new partnership with the Outdoor Recreation Council of Appalachia (ORCA), Ohio University students and community members now have additional access to explore the natural beauty of the outdoors through biking.

MARCH 1, 2024: ORCA and partners receive federal grant to help 30 Appalachian communities

Outdoor Recreation Council of Appalachia (ORCA) is among several groups that will receive $387,500 to benefit 30 communities in Appalachian Pennsylvania and Ohio.

FEB. 28, 2024: Athens may adjust city code to continue funding Outdoor Recreation Council of Appalachia

On Monday, Mayor Steve Patterson urged Athens City Council to consider changing city code regarding the city’s payment of its $90,000 membership dues for Outdoor Recreation Council of Appalachia (ORCA).

FEB. 8, 2024: ORCA poised to add 27 miles of trail

This year is shaping up to be an exciting, busy year of construction for the Outdoor Recreation Council of Appalachia (ORCA), made possible by various funding sources and partnerships. ORCA and its nonprofit partner, the Athens-Wayne Outdoor Asset Development Corporation (AWOADC), will be managing four different construction projects in the Wayne National Forest at both the Athens and Marietta Units, in addition to ongoing projects. Projects include additional miles of trail at the Baileys Trail System, maintenance enhancements at the Baileys Trail System, and Trail Reroutes and Trailhead construction and improvements in the Marietta Unit.

JAN. 31, 2024: PA Wilds gets grant to work on mobile tourism app

The PA Wilds Center for Entrepreneurship has received a $387,500 grant to work with partners to research and plan a mobile app to promote tourism in the PA Wilds and in southeast Ohio.