Lancaster Conservancy Events

Celebrate Give Local York with a Party for the River! Stop by upstairs at John Wright Restaurant any time between 5:00 and 9:00 p.m. on Friday, May 3, to support nine local organizations that protect and care for York’s streams and rivers, including the mighty Susquehanna. Learn about both the unique and collaborative efforts of these organizations to make our community a healthier, happier place to live, work, visit, and play.

Join us to eat, drink, and Give Local for the river!

There will be a cash bar with appetizers provided. There is no cost to attend this event, but we hope it will get you excited to support the following participating organizations through Give Local York:

• Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay
• Chesapeake Bay Foundation
• Farm & Natural Lands Trust of York County
• Horn Farm Center for Agricultural Education
• Lancaster Conservancy
• Lower Susquehanna Riverkeeper
• Master Watershed Steward Program
• Susquehanna National Heritage Area
• Watershed Alliance of York

The party will be held in the River Room on the second floor of John Wright Restaurant. Enter the restaurant on Front Street via the ramp. Parking is available at John Wright and on side streets.

Although there is no cost to attend this event, we do ask that you RSVP so we know how many people will be attending.

Give Local York takes place on May 2 and 3, 2024. During the giving event, community members are encouraged to support nonprofits doing important work in York County.

Special thank you to our host and presenting sponsor, John Wright Restaurant!

The Lancaster Conservancy has protected 272 acres of land out of 945 acres of protected land in the area of Speedwell Forge Lake. These natural lands help protect the lake’s water quality. The Lancaster Conservancy is partnering with kayakLanCo to offer kayak trips on Speedwell Forge Lake that explore the life that depends on clean water.

What to Expect: All boats and PFD are provided. Participants are required to wear the provided PFD. Participant owned PFDs and boats are not allowed. No experience is necessary and kayaking instruction will be provided. This event is for ages 12 and up, and all participants must be accompanied by an adult if younger than 18.

What to Bring: Dress for the weather and bring drinking water.

Refund Policy: If you are unable to attend this event after purchasing a ticket, refund requests must be made at least 48 hours before the event.

Cancellation Policy: This event will be held rain or shine, with cancellation for severe weather made at the time of the event. If the Conservancy reschedules the event, attendees will be emailed and tickets will be automatically moved to the new date. If the Conservancy cancels the event, attendees will be notified via email when possible and refunded.

Photo Credit: kayakLanCo

The Lancaster Conservancy has protected 272 acres of land out of 945 acres of protected land in the area of Speedwell Forge Lake. These natural lands help protect the lake’s water quality. The Lancaster Conservancy is partnering with kayakLanCo to offer kayak trips on Speedwell Forge Lake that explore the life that depends on clean water.

What to Expect: All boats and PFD are provided. Participants are required to wear the provided PFD. Participant owned PFDs and boats are not allowed. No experience is necessary and kayaking instruction will be provided. This event is for ages 12 and up, and all participants must be accompanied by an adult if younger than 18.

What to Bring: Dress for the weather and bring drinking water.

Refund Policy: If you are unable to attend this event after purchasing a ticket, refund requests must be made at least 48 hours before the event.

Cancellation Policy: This event will be held rain or shine, with cancellation for severe weather made at the time of the event. If the Conservancy reschedules the event, attendees will be emailed and tickets will be automatically moved to the new date. If the Conservancy cancels the event, attendees will be notified via email when possible and refunded.

Photo Credit: kayakLanCo

The Lancaster Conservancy has protected 272 acres of land out of 945 acres of protected land in the area of Speedwell Forge Lake. These natural lands help protect the lake’s water quality. The Lancaster Conservancy is partnering with kayakLanCo to offer kayak trips on Speedwell Forge Lake that explore the life that depends on clean water.

What to Expect: All boats and PFD are provided. Participants are required to wear the provided PFD. Participant owned PFDs and boats are not allowed. No experience is necessary and kayaking instruction will be provided. This event is for ages 12 and up, and all participants must be accompanied by an adult if younger than 18.

What to Bring: Dress for the weather and bring drinking water.

Refund Policy: If you are unable to attend this event after purchasing a ticket, refund requests must be made at least 48 hours before the event.

Cancellation Policy: This event will be held rain or shine, with cancellation for severe weather made at the time of the event. If the Conservancy reschedules the event, attendees will be emailed and tickets will be automatically moved to the new date. If the Conservancy cancels the event, attendees will be notified via email when possible and refunded.

Photo Credit: kayakLanCo

Join us as we work to restore forest and grassland habitat. Work involves using hand tools to remove invasive shrubs like multiflora rose and bush honeysuckle or hand pulling invasive vines and herbaceous plants.

What to Expect: This event is for ages 12 and up. Volunteers under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Restroom facilities are available on-site.

What to Bring: All tools and work gloves are provided. Wear clothes that can get dirty and possibly torn. Dress for the weather and bring drinking water.

Cancellation Policy: This event will be held rain or shine, with cancellation for severe weather made at the time of the event. If the Conservancy reschedules the event, attendees will be emailed and tickets will be automatically moved to the new date. If the Conservancy cancels the event, attendees will be notified via email when possible and refunded

The Lancaster Conservancy has protected 272 acres of land out of 945 acres of protected land in the area of Speedwell Forge Lake. These natural lands help protect the lake’s water quality. The Lancaster Conservancy is partnering with kayakLanCo to offer kayak trips on Speedwell Forge Lake that explore the life that depends on clean water.

What to Expect: All boats and PFD are provided. Participants are required to wear the provided PFD. Participant owned PFDs and boats are not allowed. No experience is necessary and kayaking instruction will be provided. This event is for ages 12 and up, and all participants must be accompanied by an adult if younger than 18.

What to Bring: Dress for the weather and bring drinking water.

Refund Policy: If you are unable to attend this event after purchasing a ticket, refund requests must be made at least 48 hours before the event.

Cancellation Policy: This event will be held rain or shine, with cancellation for severe weather made at the time of the event. If the Conservancy reschedules the event, attendees will be emailed and tickets will be automatically moved to the new date. If the Conservancy cancels the event, attendees will be notified via email when possible and refunded.

Photo Credit: kayakLanCo

The Lancaster Conservancy has protected 272 acres of land out of 945 acres of protected land in the area of Speedwell Forge Lake. These natural lands help protect the lake’s water quality. The Lancaster Conservancy is partnering with kayakLanCo to offer kayak trips on Speedwell Forge Lake that explore the life that depends on clean water.

What to Expect: All boats and PFD are provided. Participants are required to wear the provided PFD. Participant owned PFDs and boats are not allowed. No experience is necessary and kayaking instruction will be provided. This event is for ages 12 and up, and all participants must be accompanied by an adult if younger than 18.

What to Bring: Dress for the weather and bring drinking water.

Refund Policy: If you are unable to attend this event after purchasing a ticket, refund requests must be made at least 48 hours before the event.

Cancellation Policy: This event will be held rain or shine, with cancellation for severe weather made at the time of the event. If the Conservancy reschedules the event, attendees will be emailed and tickets will be automatically moved to the new date. If the Conservancy cancels the event, attendees will be notified via email when possible and refunded.

Photo Credit: kayakLanCo

The Lancaster Conservancy has protected 272 acres of land out of 945 acres of protected land in the area of Speedwell Forge Lake. These natural lands help protect the lake’s water quality. The Lancaster Conservancy is partnering with kayakLanCo to offer kayak trips on Speedwell Forge Lake that explore the life that depends on clean water.

What to Expect: All boats and PFD are provided. Participants are required to wear the provided PFD. Participant owned PFDs and boats are not allowed. No experience is necessary and kayaking instruction will be provided. This event is for ages 12 and up, and all participants must be accompanied by an adult if younger than 18.

What to Bring: Dress for the weather and bring drinking water.

Refund Policy: If you are unable to attend this event after purchasing a ticket, refund requests must be made at least 48 hours before the event.

Cancellation Policy: This event will be held rain or shine, with cancellation for severe weather made at the time of the event. If the Conservancy reschedules the event, attendees will be emailed and tickets will be automatically moved to the new date. If the Conservancy cancels the event, attendees will be notified via email when possible and refunded.

Photo Credit: kayakLanCo

Phenology is the science of seasonal change in nature, using observations collected over time to see how these changes affect flora and fauna. In partnership with the USGS Phenology Network and Nature’s Notebook, this workshop will teach you the science of phenology and how you can collect and contribute your own observations as a volunteer scientist. Phenology volunteers will track seasonal changes on Lancaster Conservancy’s Mill Creek, Welsh, and Clark nature preserves using the digital data collection resources of the National Phenology Network. This information helps us to be better stewards of our living, ecological communities and helps our stewardship team make management decisions. We’ll learn how to use tracking software via cell phone, laptop, or tablet. You’ll need to open a free account with Nature’s Notebook and join the Lancaster Conservancy sites you are most likely to visit regularly. The data we collect is not only useful to us, but to hundreds of phenology projects around the region and nation.

Learn more about this community science project at https://www.lancasterconservancy.org/engaging-our-community/phenology/.

What to Expect: This event is for ages 12 and up (participants under 18 must be accompanied by an adult). We’ll meet both indoors and out throughout the day. Dress for the weather and for easy, short strolls along Climbers Run trails. Restroom available on site.

What to Bring: Bring a tablet, phone, and/or laptop that can connect to wifi in order to set up accounts, log observations and access training. Bring lunch and a beverage.

Refund Policy: If you are unable to attend this event after purchasing a ticket, refund requests must be made at least 48 hours before the event.

Cancellation Policy: This event will be held rain or shine, with cancellation for severe weather made at the time of the event. If the Conservancy reschedules the event, attendees will be emailed and tickets will be automatically moved to the new date. If the Conservancy cancels the event, attendees will be notified via email when possible and refunded.

Welsh Mountain is a fascinating forest ecosystem that contains plants not found elsewhere in the region. Join us to explore this magical preserve in spring when (hopefully) the mountain laurel are in bloom along with a few species of orchid.

What to Expect: This is a moderate three mile hike over rocky trails with a few gentle hills. This event is recommended for ages 8 and up (all participants under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult). There are no restrooms available on site.

What to Bring: Participants should dress for the weather, bring drinking water and snacks.

Refund Policy: If you are unable to attend this event after purchasing a ticket, refund requests must be made at least 48 hours before the event.

Cancellation Policy: This event will be held rain or shine, with cancellation for severe weather made at the time of the event. If the Conservancy reschedules the event, attendees will be emailed and tickets will be automatically moved to the new date. If the Conservancy cancels the event, attendees will be notified via email when possible and refunded.

Students will explore the life in the stream, pond, forest, and meadows at Climbers Run Nature Center. Get wet and woodsy as you explore the preserve from top to bottom, water to sky overhead. Learn how biotic (living) and abiotic (non-living) things form ecological communities and what we can do to protect them.

What to Expect: This will be an easy short hike on a flat trail with lots of stops to marvel at nature through magnifying lenses. Students in kindergarten through 5th grade are invited to attend and must be accompanied by an adult over 18 years old. Tickets are $5 per child, parents/guardians attend free. Restroom facilities are available on-site.

What to Bring: Bring waterproof boots or shoes that can get wet and muddy.

Refund Policy: If you are unable to attend this event after purchasing a ticket, refund requests must be made at least 48 hours before the event.

Cancellation Policy: This event will be held rain or shine, with severe weather cancellation a day in advance in March or at the time of the event in April and May. If the Conservancy reschedules the event, attendees will be emailed and tickets will be automatically moved to the new date. If the Conservancy cancels the event, attendees will be notified via email and refunded.

The Kellys Run gorge is quintessential Susquehanna Riverlands. Over eons, the Kellys Run stream has contributed to erosional processes that have exposed outcrops of the underlying geology and established cooler, more humid microclimates that support plant communities typically found in more northern latitudes or higher altitudes.

What to Expect: This event is for ages 10 and up (all participants under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult). Restroom is available on site. We will meet at the Kellys Run Nature preserve parking area near the intersection of Street Rd. and Crystal Dr. This moderately difficult hike will explore the geology, geomorphology and bio geography of this beautiful gorge. While we cant guarantee bloom time, this hike is in the window of extensive rhododendron blooms. The trail is rugged with multiple short rock outcrop scrambles and steep long climbs.

What to Bring: Dress for the weather, and bring drinking water.

Refund Policy: If you are unable to attend this event after purchasing a ticket, refund requests must be made at least 48 hours before the event.

Cancellation Policy: This event will be held rain or shine, with cancellation for severe weather made at the time of the event. If the Conservancy reschedules the event, attendees will be emailed and tickets will be automatically moved to the new date. If the Conservancy cancels the event, attendees will be notified via email when possible and refunded.

Photo: Michelle Johnsen

In celebration of Mental Health Month, please join Dr. Nadine Garner as we explore the connection between nature and mental health. Beginning in the Russo Barn with a lecture on the fascinating effects – both psychological and physiological – of our exposure to the natural world. We will continue the experience in the Climbers Run meadow and on the trails, with engaging activities that immerse us in nature.

Mental Health Month was founded by Mental Health America in 1949; this year’s theme is “Where to Start: Mental Health in a Changing World.” What better place to start than the wild and forested lands of the Lancaster Conservancy, to seek refuge from the often-overwhelming challenges of modern life!

Your Presenter: Nadine Garner, Ed.D., LPC is an associate professor of Psychology at Millersville University of Pennsylvania and the director of two Trauma Institutes: Trauma-Informed Training for K-12 Educators and Trauma-Informed Training for Mental Health Professionals. She is a counselor educator and supervisor in the School Counseling M.Ed. and Certification programs. Dr. Garner is the program coordinator for the Supervisor of Guidance Services certificate. She is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and holds certifications as a Professional School Counselor (PSC) and K12 Music Educator. Dr. Garner is the chair of the university’s Sustainability Committee and founded and directed the Center for Sustainability. Dr. Garner is a widely published author in professional journals and textbooks and is co-author of the book, A School with Solutions: Implementing a Solution-Focused/Adlerian-Based Comprehensive School Counseling Program. Dr. Garner is a Volunteer Land Steward at the Lancaster Conservancy and a Wilderness Advanced First Aid provider and assists with interpretive hikes through the Conservancy’s preserves.

What to Expect: This event will include a lecture followed by outdoor activities which will immerse participants in nature. There may be a half mile hike involved on easy terrain. This event is for ages 13 and up, and all participants must be accompanied by an adult if younger than 18. There are restroom facilities available at this site.

What to Bring: Dress for the weather and bring drinking water.

Refund Policy: If you are unable to attend this event after purchasing a ticket, refund requests must be made at least 48 hours before the event.

Cancellation Policy: This event will be held rain or shine, with cancellation for severe weather made at the time of the event. If the Conservancy reschedules the event, attendees will be emailed and tickets will be automatically moved to the new date. If the Conservancy cancels the event, attendees will be notified via email when possible and refunded.

Photo Credit: Peggy Eppig

We will meet at the intersection of Chimney Rock Road and Furnace Road and enjoy the springtime ecology of the fields and forests as we hike our way to Buzzards Roost where we will explore the geology of this incredible overlook. From there, we will descend to the dramatic cliffs that define Buzzards Roost and discuss the importance of cliffs and rock outcrops as climate resilient biodiversity reserves. We will complete the loop by hiking along Wildcat Run.

What to Expect: This is a moderate difficulty, 3 mile hike with some steep climbs on a rocky trail. This hike is recommended for ages 10 and up (any participant under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult). There are no restrooms available on site.

What to Bring: Participants should dress for the weather and bring drinking water.

Refund Policy: If you are unable to attend this event after purchasing a ticket, refund requests must be made at least 48 hours before the event.

Cancellation Policy: This event will be held rain or shine, with cancellation for severe weather made at the time of the event. If the Conservancy reschedules the event, attendees will be emailed and tickets will be automatically moved to the new date. If the Conservancy cancels the event, attendees will be notified via email when possible and refunded.

Photo: Simone Collins