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Sycamore Island
Sycamore Island, located in the Allegheny River near Blawnox, PA, is the last remaining privately owned undeveloped island in Allegheny County. The island hosts a unique floodplain hardwood forest - among the most rare plant community types globally. The Allegheny County Natural Heritage Inventory included Sycamore Island as part of the "Allegheny River Biological Diversity Area" which has a ranking of "High Significance."
On January 28, 2008, Allegheny Land Trust acquired Sycamore Island with Colcom Foundation providing full funding for its conservation. "The conservation of Sycamore Island through the generous support of the Colcom Foundation ensures that this undeveloped island and its ecological, educational and recreational benefits will be forever protected," said Roy Kraynyk, Executive Director of The Trust. "This is an extremely exciting project," said Colcom Program Director Carol Zagrocki. "Sycamore Island is truly a rare conservation opportunity in the county."
A trail passes a grove of sugar maple and
other hardwoods that create the
rare forested island habitat.
Conservation of Sycamore Island creates an unique opportunity for the public to visit and experience a wild, natural island within an urban county. Additionally, the island can be used as a demonstration site for education about invasive species removal and water quality improvements along rivers, creating a special model for future study.
Recreational boaters frequently visit Sycamore Island, which has been proposed as a docking location for the Allegheny River Trail project of the Friends of the Riverfront. A boat ramp and dock on the Verona side of the Allegheny River provide a location to put in and the island is about a one-half mile row from there.