Lancaster Conservancy Events

Join Adam Zurn, founder of Uncharted Lancaster, for an evening of ghost stories and tales of adventure. Adam will be sharing some of his favorite local legends and haunted myths from around the Susquehanna Valley. By the end of this entertaining presentation, you will know why Lancaster Conservancy insists you leave their preserves before dark.

About Nature Hour

Nature Hour is a virtual lecture series by Lancaster Conservancy, taking place on Wednesdays throughout fall, winter, and spring. To find out about other events in the series please follow this link: www.lancasterconservancy.org/events/

With consideration for the restrictions around COVID-19 and the safety of everyone, the Conservancy is excited to expand our educational outreach online to feature presentations and lectures from some of our favorite local and regional experts.

How to Participate

Registration is required. Attendees will receive an e-mail with a link to access the presentation via Zoom the day of the event. Conservancy staff will be on hand starting at 5:50pm prior to each lecture to answer your questions and help you familiarize yourself with how Zoom works.

Thank you to our incredible Annual Sponsors for their generous support!

Bats play critically important roles in our environment and have suffered great losses due to habitat loss and diseases. Efforts to protect our nation’s bat populations are underway, and we will be joined by national bat education expert Kim Winter, as she will discuss national Bat Conservation efforts coordinated through the US Fish and Wildlife NatureWatch program. We will also be joined by local expert Dan Ardia, as he explores with us the crucial role bats play in urban bat.

About the Presenter: Kelly Winter, NatureWatch

Kimberly Winter is NatureWatch National Program Manager for the U.S. Forest Service in Washington, D.C. She holds a Ph.D. in Wildlife Ecology and Management and a Master’s degree in Ecological Anthropology. Throughout her career in both the non-profit sector and in public service, Kim has sought ways to bring the value of conservation to the public eye by promoting opportunities for general audiences to immerse themselves fully in nature, whether through programs like freshwater snorkeling, special events hosted by National Forests and Grasslands like Fishing Days, Bat Week, and Pollinator Week; or online through media hosted by the NatureWatch website (www.fs.fed.us/naturewatch). Kim is a co-founder of Bat Week and continues to serve on its annual planning committee.

About the Presenter: Dan Ardia, Franklin and Marshall College

Dan Ardia is a Professor of Biology at Franklin & Marshall College. His primary research interest is understanding how organisms interact with their environment in response to rapid environmental change. Much of his research focuses on the physiology and behavior of birds across the world, including in Africa, South America and Alaska. But, he and his students also conduct local research projects, including forest mammals, urban bats, and the broader urban and social ecology of the City of Lancaster. Ardia is currently the Past-President of the Association of Field Ornithologists, and he sits on the Board of Directors of Lancaster Conservancy, Pennsylvania Master Naturalist; and Millport Conservancy.

About Nature Hour

Nature Hour is a virtual lecture series by Lancaster Conservancy, taking place on Wednesdays throughout fall, winter, and spring. To find out about other events in the series please follow this link: www.lancasterconservancy.org/events/

With consideration for the restrictions around COVID-19 and the safety of everyone, the Conservancy is excited to expand our educational outreach online to feature presentations and lectures from some of our favorite local and regional experts.

How to Participate

Registration is required. Attendees will receive an e-mail with a link to access the presentation via Zoom the day of the event. Conservancy staff will be on hand starting at 5:50pm prior to each lecture to answer your questions and help you familiarize yourself with how Zoom works.

Thank you to our incredible Annual Sponsors for their generous support!

Often, the human history of our nature preserves is just as interesting and worth protecting as the ecological features. From the area’s indigenous people to the Iron Works and beyond, join the Lancaster Conservancy’s Senior Vice President for Land Protection and archaeologist and historian Kate Gonick, as she unravels the hidden and complex history of the Safe Harbor Nature Preserve.

This interpretive hike will take place on moderate terrain at an easy pace. Total distance is approximately two miles.

Recommended for ages 12+. Under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

Wear closed-toe shoes and dress for the weather.

Bring drinking water.

This hike will run rain or shine. Severe weather cancellations will be made on site.

In this season of giving thanks, we will give thanks for one of the Conservancy’s newest protected preserves, Hellam Hills, with a hike! We will start at the pull-off on Chimney Rock Rd near the intersection with Furnace Road and explore the preserve including a hike up to Buzzards Roost where we will see great views of the Susquehanna River below. Keith Williams, the Conservancy’s Community Engagement Coordinator and a naturalist, will be on hand to point out interesting natural aspects of the trail throughout the hike.

Parking and check-in at the intersection of Chimney Rock Rd at Furnace Rd.

This interpretive hike will take place on difficult terrain at a moderate pace. Total distance is approximately four miles.

Recommended for ages 12+. Under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

Dress for the weather and wear closed toe shoes.

Bring drinking water.

Will run rain or shine. Severe weather cancellations will be made on site.