Lancaster Conservancy Events

Join us for a morning hike to seek out the visitors to our area! In the second in the series for beginning birders, we will explore the Hellam Hills Nature Preserve in York County. The Susquehanna Riverlands is home to many different summer birds, including the brilliant scarlet tanager and the elusive hooded warbler. Many different types of migratory songbirds and raptors call Hellam Hills home, whether for a day, a week, or for a season. Bring your binoculars – or simply your eyes and ears – and learn tips on how to accurately identify bird species, as well as what you can do to help preserve habitat for generations of birds and bird watchers to enjoy.

Your Presenter

Sarah Gotwols is a Lancaster County native with a passion for birding, and enthusiasm for educating the public on the importance of conservation and protection of our wild spaces. Sarah has spent countless hours on both land and water, observing and learning about bird behavior and local habitat, identifying avian species across local preserves, waterways, and beyond.

Where to Meet

Hellam Hills Nature Preserve parking area at the corner of Furnace and Tower Road

What to Expect

Recommended for ages 10+. Anyone under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult. This event will include a hike. No restrooms available onsite. Event will be held rain or shine, with cancellations for severe weather at the time of the event.

What to Bring

Dress for the weather and wear sturdy shoes. Bring drinking water and a snack. Bring your binoculars, if you have them.

Photo: Stephen Rannels of a hooded warbler

Come out to the beautiful Wizard Ranch Nature Preserve to enjoy the mystical light show that fireflies create! We’ll learn about their life cycle, how to identify species by their light pattern, and the science behind their illuminated butts. We’ll also learn about the threats to fireflies and what steps you can take to ensure their survival.

Your Presenter

Keith Williams is the Vice President for Engagement and Education for Lancaster Conservancy. Keith is an environmental educator, naturalist, writer and photographer. He has a BS in Environmental Biology from Kutztown University and MS in Ecological Teaching and Learning from the Lesley University Audubon Expedition Institute. Keith was the founding Director of Education and is the past Executive Director of the NorthBay Education Foundation, one of the largest outdoor education programs in the US. He has served on the National Social Emotional Learning in Environmental Education Working Group, was appointed to the Maryland Governors Environmental Literacy Committee, and served on the Board of the Maryland Association for Environmental and Outdoor Education for 12 years.

Where to Meet

Participants should enter Wizard Ranch Nature Preserve at the gated entrance along Accomac Road between Dark Hollow Road and Furnace Road: 40°02’18.2″N 76°34’20.8″W(please click on this link for the exact google coordinates).

What to Expect

This event is open to all ages (anyone under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult). It will include a short, easy hike. No restrooms are available onsite. This event will run rain or shine – cancellations for severe weather will happen at the time of the event.

What to Bring

Dress for the weather and wear sturdy shoes. Bring a headlamp if you have one available. Bring any snacks or drinks you may wish to have.

Come out to the beautiful Climbers Run Nature Center to enjoy the mystical light show that fireflies create! We’ll learn about their life cycle, how to identify species by their light pattern, and the science behind their illuminated butts. We’ll also learn about the threats to fireflies and what steps you can take to ensure their survival.

Your Presenter

Keith Williams is the Vice President for Engagement and Education for Lancaster Conservancy. Keith is an environmental educator, naturalist, writer and photographer. He has a BS in Environmental Biology from Kutztown University and MS in Ecological Teaching and Learning from the Lesley University Audubon Expedition Institute. Keith was the founding Director of Education and is the past Executive Director of the NorthBay Education Foundation, one of the largest outdoor education programs in the US. He has served on the National Social Emotional Learning in Environmental Education Working Group, was appointed to the Maryland Governors Environmental Literacy Committee, and served on the Board of the Maryland Association for Environmental and Outdoor Education for 12 years.

Where to Meet

The Russo Barn at Climbers Run Nature Center

What to Expect

This event is open to all ages (anyone under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult). It will include a short, easy hike. Restrooms are available onsite. This event will run rain or shine – cancellations for sever weather will happen at the time of the event.

What to Bring

Dress for the weather and wear sturdy shoes. Bring a headlamp if you have one available. Bring any snacks or drinks you may wish to have.

The restoration plans outlined for Wizard Ranch Nature Preserve in the Hellam Hills Conservation Area Master Plan are expansive and extensive, and we’re very excited to have them underway! Come be a part of this momentous effort as we work to begin to restore forest and grassland habitat by removing invasive shrubs alike multiflora rose and bush honeysuckle.

Where to Meet

Participants should enter Wizard Ranch Nature Preserve at the gated entrance along Accomac Road between Dark Hollow Road and Furnace Road: 40°02’18.2″N 76°34’20.8″W(please click on this link for the exact google coordinates).

What to Expect

Recommended for ages 10 and up (under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult). We will use hand tools including loppers and hand saws to cut out larger invasive shrubs. This event will be held rain or shine, with cancellation in advance for severe weather. There are no restroom facilities available at this site.

What to Bring

All tools and work gloves will be provided. Wear sturdy shoes. Dress for the weather, and with long pants and long sleeves. Bring drinking water.

Start a creative collection of nature journal chapters that feature our most beautiful and accessible preserves by joining our Nature Journal Group as we begin a year-long journaling tour starting with Welsh Mountain Nature Preserve. We’ll explore the ADA-accessible trail to learn about this beautiful forest by drawing, painting, and writing about the plants, insects, trees, and animals all around us.

About Your Presenter

Peggy Eppig is an environmental historian and dynamic conservation educator who offers a hands-on approach to every theme from deep-time history to 21st century conservation methods and practices. She brings over thirty years of interpretive, experiential education experience for all who have an interest in saving our nature for this and future generations. Her wilder interests are in ornithology (birds), herpetology (reptiles and amphibians), silvology (woodlands) and natural history illustration. She is an avid long-distance hiker and enthusiastic bike-packer who shares outdoor adventures with Amos the Coonhound.

Where to Meet

Meet at the parking area at Welsh Mountain Nature Preserve.

What to Expect

Recommended for ages teen through adult. This will include an easy, short hike in deep shade on a flat, ADA-compliant trail. No restrooms are available onsite. This event will be run rain or shine, with cancellations for severe weather being made onsite at the time of the event.

What to Bring

Please bring a nature journal/ blank book, selection of creative materials (pens, pastels, watercolors, colored pencils, pencils – your choice!), camp chair if desired, and a water/snack. Dress for the weather and wear comfortable and sturdy shoes.

Join us for the third in our beginning birding series, as we gather at Wizard Ranch in York County to observe nocturnal visitors, stargaze and enjoy an evening in nature along the Susquehanna. Not all bird species prefer the morning hours – some are more adept at using the cover of darkness! Develop your skills on how to identify different songbirds as the sunsets, raptors as they search for an evening meal, and listen for WHOOO else might be out there! Our conservation efforts at Wizard Ranch are helping to improve the quality of habitat for many avian visitors throughout the meadows, wetlands, and woodlands on this beautiful preserve.

Your Presenter

Sarah Gotwols is a Lancaster County native with a passion for birding, and enthusiasm for educating the public on the importance of conservation and protection of our wild spaces. Sarah has spent countless hours on both land and water, observing and learning about bird behavior and local habitat, identifying avian species across local preserves, waterways, and beyond.

Where to Meet

Participants should enter Wizard Ranch Nature Preserve at the gated entrance along Accomac Road between Dark Hollow Road and Furnace Road: 40.038380, -76.572305 (please click on this link for the exact google coordinates).

What to Expect

Recommended for ages 10+. Anyone under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult. This event will include a short hike. Restrooms available onsite. Event will be held rain or shine, with cancellations for severe weather at the time of the event.

What to Bring

Dress for the weather and wear sturdy shoes. Bring drinking water and a snack. Bring binoculars and a camp chair if available. Headlamps equipped with a red or low light setting are strongly encouraged.

Photo: Stephen Rannels of a barred owl

Invasive plants take over ecosystems and eliminate biodiversity. While we have some relatively pristine areas at the Climbers Run Nature Center, we also have some areas that are infested with invasive plants. Removing these non-native plants will help make room for more biodiversity and native species to be re-introduced. One of the biggest offenders is muliflora rose, which is what we will primarily be working to remove. Nature gives to us all the time – here’s a chance to give back!

Where to Meet

Russo Barn at Climbers Run Nature Center

What to Expect

Recommended for ages 10 and up (under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult). We will use hand tools including loppers and hand saws to cut out larger invasive shrubs. Restroom facilities are available on-site. This event will be held rain or shine, with cancellation in advance for severe weather.

What to Bring

All tools and work gloves will be provided. Wear sturdy shoes. Dress for the weather, and with long pants and long sleeves. Bring drinking water.

Photo: Peggy Eppig

In this illuminating presentation into the flying creatures of the night, we’ll be using a cloth sheet and some specialized lighting to attract numerous moth species that make Climbers Run Nature Center their home! You’ll learn all about identifying moths (how are they different from butterflies, anyway?!), their life cycles, and how to make your own backyard a moth haven! Will we see Luna moths? Bess Beetles? June bugs? Giant Cecropia moths? Maybe giant eyed click beetles? You never know what we might attract at the gorgeous Climbers Run Nature Center!

Your Presenter

Keith Williams, VP of Engagement and Education, Lancaster Conservancy

Keith is an environmental educator, naturalist, writer and photographer. He has a BS in Environmental Biology from Kutztown University and MS in Ecological Teaching and Learning from the Lesley University Audubon Expedition Institute. Keith was the founding Director of Education and is the past Executive Director of the NorthBay Education Foundation, one of the largest outdoor education programs in the US. He has served on the National Social Emotional Learning in Environmental Education Working Group, was appointed to the Maryland Governors Environmental Literacy Committee, and served on the Board of the Maryland Association for Environmental and Outdoor Education for 12 years.

Where to Meet

The Russo Barn at Climbers Run

What to Expect

Open to all ages – under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Dress for the weather. Restroom facilities are available on-site. This event will be held rain or shine – cancellations for severe weather will be made on-site at the time of the event.

What to Bring

Dress for the weather. Bring a headlamp if you have one, and water to drink.

Photo: Kerry Givens

Wilderness First Aid is a 2-day introduction to general medical concepts and basic life support skills. It is targeted to the outdoor enthusiast on day trips or short adventures. This course results in a certification in Wilderness First Aid and Adult CPR. The class will run Saturday, July 29 to Sunday, July 30 from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. each day.

Your Presenter

Keith Williams is VP of Engagement and Education at Lancaster Conservancy. He is a nationally registered paramedic, Wilderness EMT, swift water rescue technician and wildlands firefighter with 30 years of EMS and backcountry medicine experience. He earned his MS in Ecological Teaching and Learning with 30 years of back country trip leading experience. He is a former adjunct faculty for the Cecil College Paramedic Program.

Where to Meet

The Russo Barn at Climbers Run Nature Center

What to Expect

Open to ages 18+. Restrooms available onsite. This class will run rain or shine.

What to Bring

Bring a packed lunch and any other snacks you may need throughout the day, along with bottled water. Most of the class will be held outdoors, so dress for the weather in comfortable clothing.

In this illuminating presentation into the flying creatures of the night, we’ll be using a cloth sheet and some specialized lighting to attract numerous moth species that make Wizard Ranch Nature Preserve their home! You’ll learn all about identifying moths (how are they different from butterflies, anyway?!), their life cycles, and how to make your own backyard a moth haven! Will we see Luna moths? Bess Beetles? June bugs? Giant Cecropia moths? Maybe giant eyed click beetles? You never know what we might attract at the gorgeous Wizard Ranch Nature Preserve!

Your Presenter

Keith Williams, VP of Engagement and Education, Lancaster Conservancy

Keith is an environmental educator, naturalist, writer and photographer. He has a BS in Environmental Biology from Kutztown University and MS in Ecological Teaching and Learning from the Lesley University Audubon Expedition Institute. Keith was the founding Director of Education and is the past Executive Director of the NorthBay Education Foundation, one of the largest outdoor education programs in the US. He has served on the National Social Emotional Learning in Environmental Education Working Group, was appointed to the Maryland Governors Environmental Literacy Committee, and served on the Board of the Maryland Association for Environmental and Outdoor Education for 12 years.

Where to Meet

Participants should enter Wizard Ranch Nature Preserve at the gated entrance along Accomac Road between Dark Hollow Road and Furnace Road: 40°02’18.2″N 76°34’20.8″W(please click on this link for the exact google coordinates).

What to Expect

Open to all ages – under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Dress for the weather. No restroom facilities are available on-site. This event will be held rain or shine – cancellations for severe weather will be made on-site at the time of the event.

What to Bring

Dress for the weather. Bring a headlamp if you have one, and water to drink.

Photo: Kerry Givens