Who We Are

Providing wild and forested lands and clean waterways for our community. Forever.

Lancaster Conservancy is an accredited nonprofit land trust that protects and restores natural lands for future generations. Since our founding in 1969 by local anglers, hunters and naturalists, the Conservancy has saved over 10,000 acres of land to protect the ecosystems and landscapes upon which we depend for food, clean water, clean air, economic and public health, and the restoration of the soul and spirit.

We manage the lands we own in 50 nature preserves and care for over 45 miles of hiking trails. Our preserves, located in Lancaster County as well as along the Susquehanna River in York County, are open to the public free of charge 365 days a year and provide opportunities for passive recreation like hiking, fishing, hunting, and swimming. We have protected some of the most beautiful and beloved natural places in the area – places like Climbers Run, Welsh Mountain, Tucquan Glen & Pyfer, and Shenks Ferry Wildflower preserves.

Our work cultivates a connection with nature and educates the community on the importance of clean water, native species, biodiversity, and proper land use. By partnering with other non-profit organizations and government entities, we work to protect the health of our lands, watersheds, and local wildlife – forever. As a member supported organization, we need your help to save nature.

At the Conservancy, our job is to find, fund, preserve and maintain natural lands in Lancaster and York Counties so that the community and visitors to the region can enjoy them for years to come.

The Conservancy manages 50 nature preserves and over 70 conservation easements, over 8,000 acres in total. Our preserves are managed to create habitat for animals, to protect plants and trees, and to provide public access to nature.

Through educational programs, volunteer opportunities, and partnership, the Conservancy engages and activates community members of all ages to protect and restore our natural lands!

Our Staff & Board

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Jessica Brown

Development & Events Coordinator

Favorite Preserve
Otter Creek

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Faith DeJong

Development & Accounting Manager

Favorite Preserve
Clark

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Peggy Eppig

Educator

Favorite Preserve
Climbers Run

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Mak Estill

Land Protection Coordinator

Favorite Preserve
Steinman Run

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Kate Gonick

Senior Vice President of Land Protection & General Counsel

Favorite Preserve
Pequea Preserve

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Beth Hacker

Operations Manager & Executive Support

Favorite Preserve
Climbers Run

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Mark Heller

Stewardship Project Manager

Favorite Preserve
Fox Hollow

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Travis Lyle

Regional Preserves Manager

Favorite Preserve
Hellam Hills

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Steve Mohr

Senior Preserves Manager

Favorite Preserve
Hellam Hills

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Dave Myer

Land Steward

Favorite Preserve
Windolph Landing

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Evan Peppers

Regional Preserves Manager

Favorite Preserve
Trout Run

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Mark Roberts

Land Steward

Favorite Preserve
Trout Run

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Sean Roberts

Regional Preserves Manager

Favorite Preserve
Bellaire Woods

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Kevin Rolfs

CFO

Favorite Preserve
Clark

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Eric Roper

Forester

Favorite Preserve
Bellaire Woods

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Fritz Schroeder

Interim President

Favorite Preserve
Trout Run

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Kelly Snavely

Vice President of Development & Marketing

Favorite Preserve
Kellys Run

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Corey Staver

Part-Time GIS Technician

Favorite Preserve
Clark

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Kristan Stengel

Community Impact Associate

Favorite Preserve
Ferncliff

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Brandon Tennis

Senior Vice President of Stewardship

Favorite Preserve
Otter Creek

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Jenn Teson

Vice President of Operations & Conservation

Favorite Preserve
Ferncliff

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Avery Van Etten

Marketing & Communications Manager

Favorite Preserve
Shenks Ferry

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Phil Wenger

CEO & President

Favorite Preserve
Otter Creek

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Keith Williams

Vice President of Engagement & Education

Favorite Preserve
Climbers Run

Our Seasonal Staff & Lead Volunteers

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Linda Ferich

Volunteer Leader - Community Wildlife Habitat

Favorite Preserve
Steinman Run

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Mike King

Volunteer Co-Leader - Water Quality Volunteer Coalition

Favorite Preserve
Steinman Run

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Allison & John Zechman

Volunteer Co-Leaders - Water Quality Volunteer Coalition

Favorite Preserve
Steinman Run

Board of Directors

Sara Lamichane, DMD
Board Chair

Eric Nordstrom
Vice Chair

Jennifer Lauver
Treasurer, Chair of Finance & Audit 

Christopher C. Ginder
Secretary, Chair of Land Protection

Julie L. Jones, MD
Chair of Community Impact

Jamie Rottmund, CFSP
Chair of Stewardship

John F. Pyfer Jr.
Immediate Past Board Chair

Dan Ardia

Spike Brant

J. Michael Flanagan Esq.

Doug Hoke

Sarah Jeffords

David Shenk

Mary Louise Shenk

Follin Smith

Alex E. Snyder, Esq.

Andres Zorrilla

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