Lancaster Conservancy Events

Nature journaling is an excellent way to sharpen your observation skills, express your creativity, and in the process, learn more about the natural world around you. We will be searching the meadow at Kellys Run Nature Preserve for summer wildflowers, birds, and insects to observe and draw, while learning the basics of biological and botanical illustration.

Your Presenter: Peggy Eppig, Educator, Lancaster Conservancy

Peggy 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: The parking lot at Kellys Run Nature Preserve

What to Expect: This event will include a short hike. Recommended for ages 12 and up. Restroom facilities are available. This event will be held rain or shine with severe weather cancellations being made onsite at the time of the event.

What to Bring: Sketch journal, favorite drawing implements, camp chair or sit pad, snacks/water. Additional journaling materials will be provided.

At this special all-day workshop, 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!

Your Presenters:

Peggy Eppig, Educator, Lancaster Conservancy

Peggy 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.

Keith Williams, Naturalist and Community Engagement Coordinator, 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 barn at Climbers Run Nature Center

What to Expect

This event is designed for grades kindergarten through 5th. Students must be accompanied by parents. No drop offs. This event will be held rain or shine, with severe weather cancellations being made onsite at the time of the event. Restrooms are available onsite. Please note that tickets only need to be purchased for students. Parents are NO CHARGE and should NOT PURCHASE a ticket.

What to Bring

Students should pack a lunch and bring drinking water. Be ready to get wet! Wear clothes that can get wet and dirty and shoes that stay on your feet.

Students will explore life from the stream and pond to forest communities and meadows at Climbers Run. We will Investigate ecological systems that support pollinators, forest fungal partnerships, and how to measure the health of streams by observing aquatic organisms. We will also learn how to be a good steward to promote healthy ecosystems!

Your Presenters

Peggy Eppig, Educator, Lancaster Conservancy

Peggy 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.

Keith Williams, Naturalist and Community Engagement Coordinator, 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 barn at Climbers Run Nature Center

What to Expect

This event is designed for grades 6th through 8th. Students must be accompanied by parents. No drop offs. This event will be held rain or shine, with severe weather cancellations being made onsite at the time of the event. Restrooms are available onsite. Please note that tickets only need to be purchased for students. Parents are NO CHARGE and should NOT PURCHASE a ticket.

What to Bring

Students should pack a lunch and bring drinking water. Be ready to get wet! Wear clothes that can get wet and dirty and shoes that stay on your feet.

Fishing Creek is a gorgeous waterway, known for its abundant life and popular swimming holes! Join us as we explore the life of Fishing Creek and learn about the restoration activities the Lancaster Conservancy and partners Friends of Fishing Creek and Donegal Trout Unlimited are doing to improve the health of this stream. You will also learn how you can be a good steward of your local stream or creek!

The Presenter: Peggy Eppig, Educator, Lancaster Conservancy

Peggy is an environmental historian and dynamic conservation educator who offers a hands-on approach to her presentations. 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 pull-off at the new kiosk on Fishing Creek Road, off of Furniss Road.

What to Expect: This event will include a short hike, and we will be getting in the creek and getting wet! Suitable for all ages. There are no restroom facilities available onsite. This event will be held rain or shine, with cancellations for severe weather being made onsite at the time of the event.

What to Bring: Dress to get in the water, with footwear that will stay on your feet (no flip flops!) Bring water to drink and any snacks you may want.

Photo: Nick Gould

Calling all hikers, paddlers, cyclists, tubers, birders, anglers, and outdoor lovers! Celebrate National Pennsylvania Trails Month by coming out to Sickman’s Mill to share stories, tips, gear hacks, and experiences of exploring the many trails and waterways of the Susquehanna Riverlands.

Hiking, outdoor, and environmental organizations will be on hand with information about our incredible local and state trails, plus ways to get involved.

Participating Organizations:

• Keystone Trail Association
• Lancaster Hiking Club
• Mason-Dixon Trail System
• Run Ride Hike PA
• Lancaster County Bird Club
• More coming soon!

Everyone will get their chance to win fun prizes by participating in our Hiker Happy Hour game – part bingo, part scavenger hunt, part trivia. Join in the competition whenever you arrive! (Hint – you may want to brush up on your Leave No Trace knowledge before the event.)

Where to Meet:

Sickman’s Mill Outfitters

What to Expect:

Bar is cash only. Restroom facilities available onsite. Event will be held rain or shine, with any severe weather cancellations being made onsite at the time of the event.

What to Bring:

Pictures or maps of your favorite regional trails, favorite hiking apps, stories to share, favorite gear and gear hacks! Wear your favorite outdoor club or trail shirt/cap.

As work continues to improve the ecological health, safety, and sustainability of the trail system throughout Lancaster’s River Hills, we are excited to offer a rugged 4-mile hike that combines a section of the scenic long-distance Conestoga Trail between Clark and Tucquan Glen & Pyfer Nature Preserves with the trail being restored along Tucquan Creek. Explore and enjoy the defining beauty of the Susquehanna Riverlands from its iconic rhododendron and hemlock forest to some seriously cool geology. At the end of the hike, a shuttle will take us all back to our cars at Clark Nature Preserve.

Where to Meet:

The parking area at Clark Nature Preserve located at the end of House Rock Road.

What to Expect:

Recommended for ages 14 and above. Note that participants should be in good physical condition and be prepared for a strenuous 4-mile hike over rocky uneven terrain, with steep climbs and descents.

What to Bring:

Wear sturdy hiking boots or trail shoes. Bring backpack, hiking poles (if you have them), snacks, and plenty of water. A port-o-john is available at Clark Nature Preserve. Dress for and be prepared for any weather, as this event will run rain or shine. Any cancellations for severe weather will be made on-site at the time of the event.

As work continues to improve the ecological health, safety, and sustainability of the trail system throughout Lancaster’s River Hills, we are excited to offer a rugged 4-mile hike that combines a section of the scenic long-distance Conestoga Trail between Clark and Tucquan Glen & Pyfer Nature Preserves with the trail being restored along Tucquan Creek. Explore and enjoy the defining beauty of the Susquehanna Riverlands from its iconic rhododendron and hemlock forest to some seriously cool geology. At the end of the hike, a shuttle will take us all back to our cars at Clark Nature Preserve.

Where to Meet:

The parking area at Clark Nature Preserve located at the end of House Rock Road.

What to Expect:

Recommended for ages 14 and above. Note that participants should be in good physical condition and be prepared for a strenuous 4-mile hike over rocky uneven terrain, with steep climbs and descents.

What to Bring:

Wear sturdy hiking boots or trail shoes. Bring backpack, hiking poles (if you have them), snacks, and plenty of water. A port-o-john is available at Clark Nature Preserve. Dress for and be prepared for any weather, as this event will run rain or shine. Any cancellations for severe weather will be made on-site at the time of the event.

Join the Conservancy and the leaders of our Community Wildlife Habitat program at Kellys Run Nature Preserve to learn about the importance of native plants in our landscaping, tour a pollinator garden, explore options for your own property to encourage native ecosystems, and take home a native plant to get you started! Tours of the pollinator garden will leave from the pavilion at 9, 10, 11 and 12.

Where to Meet: Kellys Run Nature Preserve

What to Expect: Suitable for all ages. Restroom facilities are available onsite. Tours of the garden will include a short walk. This event will be held rain or shine, with sever weather cancellations being made on-site at the time of the event.

What to Bring: Comfortable walking shoes and water.

Photo: Michelle Johnsen

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: 40.038380, -76.572305 (please click on this link for the exact google coordinates).

What to Expect:

Recommended for ages 10 and up. There are no restroom facilities available at this site. This will be held rain or shine, with any cancellation for severe weather being made onsite at the time of the event.

What to Bring:

Tools and work gloves are provided. Please bring drinking water, wear long pants and closed toed shoes.

Photo by Greg Smolin