Lancaster Conservancy Events

Admission to the Lancaster Science Factory is FREE from 5pm – 7pm on Friday, June 4th. Kick off Water Week by painting rain barrels and then enter our raffle to win one to take home. THREE winners will be chosen! Thanks to the Junior League of Lancaster and Pennsylvania College of Art and Design for their partnership on this well-loved annual event!
Learn more about how Lancaster Science Factory is participating in Lancaster Water Week: https://www.lancastersciencefactory.org/waterweek/

The Lancaster Science Factory takes health and safety measures seriously and enforces the following mask requirement inside the facility:

CLOTH MASKS THAT COVER THE NOSE AND MOUTH FOR ALL GUESTS OVER THE AGE OF 2 ARE REQUIRED IN OUR FACILITY. NO EXCEPTIONS. Face or mouth shields alone are NOT acceptable. Click here to view our full COVID-19 policies: http://www.lancastersciencefactory.org/covid-19

Every river starts somewhere…

Every river, even the most mighty, starts as a little trickle. Two of the County’s largest rivers start on Welsh Mountain: the Conestoga and Pequea. Join Naturalists Mary Ann Schlegel and Keith Williams on this exploration of the geology, hydrology, flora, and fauna of this Welsh Mountain headwater area.

About the Presenters

Mary Ann Schlegel is a Naturalist with the Lancaster County Department of Parks and Recreation and an Adjunct Instructor in Earth Science at Millersville University. With graduate degrees in geology and oceanography and a lifetime fascination with the natural world, her special areas of interest include the spring wildflowers, the relationship between local flora and geology, and local and migratory waterfowl. In her free time, Mary Ann hikes, gardens, kayaks, and observes waterfowl, often in New Jersey. She enjoys vacationing further afield with her daughter Hyla and sister Tina.

Keith Williams is the Community Engagement Coordinator for the Lancaster Conservancy. He is an outdoor educator, naturalist, writer and photographer who especially enjoys exploring the often overlooked parts of our natural world. He has a BS in Environmental Biology from Kutztown University and MS in Ecological Teaching and Learning from the Lesley University Audubon Expedition Institute.

Participant Safety

This event is being limited to a maximum of 20 participants. Participants are required to wear masks/face coverings and maintain a social distance of 6 feet from other participants, but it should be noted that the Lancaster Conservancy and its partners are not responsible for the behavior of participants regarding those requirements.

Participants under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian at all time.

All participants will be required to sign a waiver when they arrive at the event.

What to Expect

Explorers should wear comfortable closed toed shoes and clothing appropriate for the weather as we’ll be outside the entire time and will hike approximately 2 miles.

Parking is located at the large gated parking area on Gault Road. Look for the large preserve signs. There is no restroom on site.

Weather Policy

This event will take place rain or shine! Should there be a forecast of weather conditions that would make the event unsafe, participants will be notified of a cancellation 24 hours prior to the event.

Lancaster has 1,400 miles of streams and rivers. Taking care of our streamside forests (riparian buffers) protects the quality of the water we drink, provides food and habitat for wildlife, preserves associated wetlands, and replenishes our groundwater. Let’s lead the way to protecting our clean water!

READ THE DESCRIPTION OF EACH OF THE STREAMSIDE SITES LISTED BELOW THEN SELECT THE SITE AT WHICH YOU WOULD LIKE TO PARTICIPATE WHEN YOU CLICK ON TICKET OPTIONS.

SITE #1: Upland Forest in Narvon, PA – led by Stroud Water Research Center
Prepare for something different! Please join us to help restore an upland forest that is upstream of a series of riparian forested buffers on cooperating farms in the valley below. This landowner has cleared the woods of invasives and planted native shrubs and trees to create an ecologically rich forest environment that is the “nursery” for healthy aquatic life (fish, insects, plants) to repopulate downstream.
Bring gloves, and any of the following: hammer or small hand sledge for pounding stakes, pliers, and pruning or lopping shears.
This site is mostly in established forest where landowner is replanting understory trees and shrubs now that invasive growth has been cleared. Work involves shelter and stake maintenance, wire cage deer exclosure installation, and invasives removal. We’ll also take a brief tour of this beautiful stream and the habitat that forests create.
Age Restriction: 18+

SITE #2: Buffer in New Providence, PA – led by Chesapeake Bay Foundation and Lancaster County Conservation District
Mask and social distancing will be required. We will be completing maintenance work for a 5-acre riparian buffer. This includes replacing stakes, straightening tubes, removing bird netting. Tree replacement if needed. As we walk and maintain the buffer, we will be touring the stream bank restoration, fish habitat work completed by LCCD, USFW, Donegal TU. After the tour and maintenance work, Matt Kofroth from the Lancaster District will be fish shocking the stream to show what fish species are on site.
Please bring your own shovel, hammer, gloves, and filled water bottle. Please wear knee high boots as we will be crossing the stream at several points. Please wear appropriate clothing as we will be working in a riparian buffer. A port-a-potty and hand washing station will be on site.
Age Restriction: None, but note that we will be crossing the stream and it can be deep.

SITE #3: Buffer in Lancaster City, PA – led by the City of Lancaster and Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay

Join the City of Lancaster, Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay and Lancaster Tree Tenders for an advanced training from Land Studies in the maintenance of riparian forest buffers. Come prepared to ask questions all about buffers and learn from the experts in the field. The training is open to conservation professionals and volunteers throughout Lancaster County and Pennsylvania, including staff and volunteers from Soil and Water Conservation Districts, municipalities, watershed organizations, and other nonprofits that install and maintain riparian buffers to improve water quality. Bring your own water bottle and shovel and remember to wear long sleeved shirts and pants and waterproof shoes or boots.

Age Restriction: 16+

SITE #4: Streamside at Climbers Run Nature Center in Pequea, PA – led by Lancaster Conservancy
Climbers Run is an amazing stream hat flows through the Climbers Run Nature Center. The lower section of stream has been restored for brook trout and other cold water species by Donegal Trout Unlimited. The flood plane has invasive plants growing on it which eliminate native vegetation necessary to the health of aquatic life in the stream. On this work day we will remove invasive shrubs, like multiflora rose, and plant native trees and shrubs in their place.
All tools and work gloves are provided. Please wear sturdy closed toed shoes and dress in clothes you don’t mind getting dirty – long sleeved shirt and pants are recommended. A porta-a-potty will be on site.
Age Restriction: 10+ (those under 18 must be accompanied by an adult at all times)

SITE #5: Community Garden in East Petersburg, PA – led by Little Conestoga Watershed Alliance and East Petersburg Borough

Join us in a community clean-up and kickoff of the East Pete Community Gardens. We will be weeding, mulching and planting to celebrate this new community space. Bring your own gloves and trowel and wear comfortable clothing.
Age Restriction: None! This is a family friendly location. (Those under 18 must be accompanied by an adult at all times).

Participant Safety

This event is being limited to a maximum of 20 participants. Participants are required to wear masks/face coverings and maintain a social distance of 6 feet from other participants, but it should be noted that the Lancaster Conservancy and its partners are not responsible for the behavior of participants regarding those requirements.
Participants under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian at all time.

Weather Policy

This event will take place rain or shine! Should there be a forecast of weather conditions that would make the event unsafe, participants will be notified of a cancellation 24 hours prior to the event.

Water is Powerful! Students in grades 3rd – 8th will build a machine that uses the force of moving water to lift a load and even create electricity.

Can you clean polluted water? Students in grades K – 3rd will make their own filters from a variety of materials and test how well they work.

Join us for a Water Week first- kayak along the Susquehanna River with a guided tour by Chiques Rock Outfitters! The 2-hour tour will begin at the Columbia River Boat launch through the beautiful and unique Conejohela flats and ending at the Blue Rock Access point.

This breathtaking experience will be a unique look at the Susquehanna River’s deep history and the irreplaceable habitat it provides to over 250 species of birds. The main focus of this event is the Conejohela Flats that you will be able to explore. The area is a combination of low-lying islands and mud flats that were formed by the effects of erosion and large sediment dumps in the river. You will learn about the history of the river from its origins as a trade route for the Susquehannocks to the development of the Safe Harbor Damn in 1931. Each era holds its own influence on the health and utility of the Conejohela Flats. The National Audobon Society has designated this area as an Important Bird Area (IBA) as it contributes to the migratory path of Tundra Swans and Snow Geese. The Flats are extremely important to these migrating shore birds as they cross over Pennsylvania during late winter and early spring. Throughout the year, thousands of birds rely on the Conejohela Flats as their only place to call home because of its special terrain and position within the river.

Reinvigorate your love for protecting clean water and habitat for all that benefit from our precious watershed! Reserve your spot today. Space is limited. All paddlers must be 12 years or older to ensure a safe trip. Tour groups are limited to 20 people. This trip is recommended for brave beginners and intermediate paddlers. Kayaks and guides are provided by Chiques Rock Outfitters. A shuttle service will be provided to bring paddlers back to the Columbia River boat launch. Shuttles hold 9 to 12 people. Those uncomfortable riding in the shuttle are responsible for arranging their own ride back to the Columbia River boat launch. Total trip time is 3 hours with 2 hours on the water and 1 hour reserved for transportation.

Single kayak equipment and registration fee: $40

Tandem kayak equipment and registration fee: $50

To register for this event, please call Chiques Rock Outfitters at 717-475-6196.

Can’t make this event? Enjoy 5% off at Chiques Rock Outfitters during Water Week! Just mention you’d like the Water Week discount when you book your reservation.

Our ecosystem is diverse! Students in grades K – 3rd will learn about a variety of insects, arachnids, and other creepy crawlers and explore their food chains. They’ll use what they learned to make their own “bug” to take home!

Be a Green Engineer! Students in grades 3rd – 8th will learn how engineers solve stormwater problems right here in our city! They’ll build a city model and incorporate green infrastructure design into their plans.

While many of us instinctively know the value of spending time in and around water, blue spaces—saltwater and inland freshwaters—are receiving increased interest from researchers who are investigating their impacts on our health, healing and learning. Preliminary studies, while sparse, suggest there are many positive outcomes to spending time near blue spaces. For this session, we’ll spend (physically distanced) time along a blue space, Climbers Run, letting the tumbling water carry away the extra stressors from the year. This restorative activity is the perfect way to unwind in a beautiful place on a Saturday afternoon. Please bring something to sit on, a journal or paper, and something to write with.

Cover photo by Michelle Johnsen Photography

About the Presenter

Kathy Chambliss, “Dr. Kathy,” is happiest when she is working alongside others to achieve shared goals that are regenerative and giving, and when she is hanging out with, beholding, and photographing other species in wilderness areas. For her, periods of silence are essential. Her formal education includes studies in plant science and horticulture (B. Sci.), secondary and environmental education (M.Ed.), and sustainability education (Ph.D.), as well as lots of violin and piano lessons. Her informal education includes the study and practice of contemplative activities such as mindfulness and yoga, experiential education, and natural history studies with an emphasis on birds, plants, reptiles and amphibians. She is most inspired by the phenomenon of migration, in particular, the birds that travel vast distances over the seas and connect us all together. A traveler and a volunteer, she has worked on citizen science and cultural projects in Thailand, Laos, Canada, Alaska, Delaware, Midway Atoll, and Haiti. Her current work with Goucher College & NorthBay Education fits her focus on projects and programs that empower, connect, and give.

Participant Safety

This event is being limited to a maximum of 20 participants. Participants are required to wear masks/face coverings and maintain a social distance of 6 feet from other participants, but it should be noted that the Lancaster Conservancy and its partners are not responsible for the behavior of participants regarding those requirements.

Participants under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian at all time.

All participants will be required to sign a waiver when they arrive at the event.

What to Expect

Participants should bring something to sit on, a journal* or paper, and something to write with. We will check in (no need to print confirmation form) and gather at the lower outside patio of the Nature Center. There is a restroom on site.

Weather Policy

This event will take place rain or shine! Should there be a forecast of weather conditions that would make the event unsafe, participants will be notified of a cancellation 24 hours prior to the event.

Join the Lancaster Conservancy at our Climbers Run Nature Center and meet local partners and experts from Donegal Trout Unlimited, Community Wildlife Habitat, Water Quality Volunteer Coalition, and the Chesapeake Bay Foundation.
Discover the creatures who call our cricks and creeks home, participate in a fly fishing demonstration, and learn from some of our favorite organizations about native plants, soil health and more!

Note that there are two different time slots for this event – 9 am – 11 am and 12 pm – 2 pm. Please pick a time slot to join us upon registering. 

Participant Safety

This event is being limited to a maximum of 20 participants. Participants are required to wear masks/face coverings and maintain a social distance of 6 feet from other participants, but it should be noted that the Lancaster Conservancy and its partners are not responsible for the behavior of participants regarding those requirements.

Participants under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian at all times.

Weather Policy

This event will take place rain or shine! Should there be a forecast of weather conditions that would make the event unsafe, participants will be notified of a cancellation 24 hours prior to the event.

Interested in the who, what, and why of stream restoration work? Join Donegal Trout Unlimited for a walking “eco tour” of a section of Climbers Run. You will learn how cold water streams are assessed and best management practices are designed to address pollution problems. During the tour, you will learn how volunteer citizen scientists monitor water quality to assure restoration improvements are working. In addition to the tours, Donegal Trout will be conducting fly casting demonstrations and inviting interested parties to try their hand at casting a line.

The two tours will take place during the “Day at Climbers Run” and there will be an information booth for DTU and many other great partners in clean water so you can learn more about getting involved to improve the environment.

Participant Safety

This event is being limited to a maximum of 20 participants. Participants are required to wear masks/face coverings and maintain a social distance of 6 feet from other participants, but it should be noted that the Lancaster Conservancy and its partners are not responsible for the behavior of participants regarding those requirements.

Participants under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian at all time.

All participants will be required to sign a waiver when they arrive at the event.

What to Expect

Participants should wear comfortable clothing and shoes. Participants will not need to get into the water to experience this event. We will check in (no need to print confirmation form) and gather at the lower outside patio of the Nature Center. There is a restroom on site.

Weather Policy

This event will take place rain or shine! Should there be a forecast of weather conditions that would make the event unsafe, participants will be notified of a cancellation 24 hours prior to the event.

Student Leaders with the Chesapeake Bay Foundation have been developing a Watershed Outdoor Bill of Rights to ensure that all people within the watershed have equitable access to the natural resources of this unique and ecologically diverse region. Join student leaders from Maryland, Virginia, and Pennsylvania to learn more about this initiative and provide feedback/input to ensure that all voices across the Watershed are represented! CBF’s Student Leadership Program is comprised of self-selecting high school students from across the Chesapeake Bay Watershed who are interested in advancing advocacy, taking action, and raising awareness on clean water issues facing their communities.

Cover photo by K. Fenn/CBF

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 10 minutes prior to each lecture to answer your questions and help you familiarize yourself with how Zoom works.

This Municipal Stormwater Forum is focused on providing municipalities with the information they need to achieve MS4 compliance and manage their stormwater operations and maintenance responsibilities. The 2021 forum is designed especially for municipal public works employees.

Participants will rotate between 4 locations in Lancaster County to learn about stormwater BMPs that municipal staff might need to design, install, or maintain to meet MS4 requirements.

A bagged lunch will be provided.

Participants will need to drive their own vehicles to the various stops (addresses, directions, and maps will be provided.

Participants will be asked to follow current Covid-19 masking and social distancing requirements.

If you are interested in sponsoring the event, please visit www.lccwc.com for details.

The 4 locations:

Rapho Township Building : Tour the recently renovated public works facility and the many green infrastructure and water quality improvements that were incorporated (12,000-gallon cistern that collects water used in their single wash-bay , drive-in hoop house for salt storage , fuel tank and dumpsters under roof , rain gardens

Mount Joy Borough : Explore a rain garden and learn how Mount Joy Borough recently redesigned and rebuilt the inlet to better direct water flow into the practice. Attendees will also learn about the history of the practice, grant funding, maintenance tasks and other projects within the Borough.

Manor Township : See two staff-completed detention basin retrofit projects that discharge stormwater runoff from a residential development to the Little Conestoga Creek. Both of these projects were implemented to achieve required pollutant reductions as identified in their approved Pollutant Reduction Plan.

Murry Ridge Park: Visit several stormwater BMPs installed by the West Hempfield Public Works Staff to reduce stormwater pollutants and improve water quality. They installed an inlet and pipe system to divert upland stormwater runoff into a vegetated swale and bioretention basin prior to being discharged downstream. Attendees will see a bioretention basin , vegetated swale , dry basin retrofit to a dry extended detention basin , riparian buffer plantings , proposed meadow plantings.

Use promo code “3plus” if you are registering three or more people from a single municipality!

We may not consider the crucial role our farmers play in our health and the health of our planet, but they are the “first responders” of our food supply and caretakers of the land. Join us for a panel discussion with farmers and agriculture organizations in our community to learn more about the connection between farming and clean water. As consumers, we have more choices than ever about the food we eat and the values we support with our dollars. Find out how you can make choices that support local organic and regenerative farmers who are dedicated to healthy food, healthy land and clean water.

Moderator

Diana Martin – Director of Communications & Marketing, Rodale Institute
Diana started as the Director of Communications & Marketing at Rodale Institute in January 2016 and oversees the Institute’s branding and outreach, including consumer education. Diana graduated with a degree in journalism from the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University and specializes in nonprofit marketing & communications. The tenth generation of her family to live in Lancaster, PA—an area with rich farmland and a hot spot for organic agriculture—Diana became passionate about issues in food & farming while backpacking around the world and WWOOFing (interning) on organic farms.
Today, Diana is particularly passionate about supporting family farmers, building resilient food systems, climate change, and intersectional environmentalism. Since beginning her role at Rodale Institute, some of Diana’s career achievements include starting Organic Farmers Association (focused on representing organic farmers on policy issues in DC), launching the Regenerative Organic Certification with partners, expanding Rodale Institute to 7 locations in 4 states, beginning a new longterm research trial & consumer education on farming and clean water, and helping to create Rodale Institute’s farmer consulting program. In her free-time, Diana enjoys skiing, traveling, and hiking with her dog Willow.

Panelists

Lisa Blazure – Soil Health Coordinator, Stroud Water Research Center
Lisa is an experienced conservation professional who advocates for improving soil health to achieve water quality goals and enhance the economic viability of agriculture. She works for Stroud Water Research Center and serves as the coordinator for the Pennsylvania Soil Health Coalition to foster collaboration among numerous stakeholders involved in soil health education and research. Lisa networks with a broad range of colleagues to implement conservation practices and organize educational programs.

• M.S. Environmental Science, Aquatic Ecology focus – Indiana University, Bloomington, IN
• B.S. Biology – Bucknell University, Lewisburg, PA
• Soil Health Coordinator – Stroud Water Research Center, January 2020 to Present
• Environmental Specialist, Larson Design Group, January 2000 to May 2008
• Water Quality Specialist, Idaho Department of Environmental Quality, May 1993 to November 1997
• Chesapeake Bay & Nutrient Management Technician, Clinton County Conservation District, May 2008 to December 2019

Jeb Musser – Director of Land Protection, Lancaster Farmland Trust
Jeb is responsible for carrying out LFT’s farmland preservation program, on-farm conservation programs, fee for service activities, and grant management. Jeb is a member of the Lancaster Clean Water Partners Watershed Action Team, serve’s on the Lancaster County Planning Commission, and is a certified FAA Part 107 drone pilot. Jeb is a graduate of Millersville University; he also has a professional certificate in Geographic Information Systems from Pennsylvania State University and a certificate in Drones for Land Trust Monitoring from Duke University.

Emily Newman – Organic Crop Consulting Program Manager, Rodale Institute
Emily helps farmers transition to organic, including clients in Lancaster County. She has a broad understanding of organics from consumer products to farming practices, and could speak to the PA Farm Bill’s efforts around clean water, challenges farmers face to transitioning to organic, private-public partnerships addressing those challenges, and how consumers can support famers in our area. Emily lives in Lancaster City.

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 10 minutes prior to each lecture to answer your questions and help you familiarize yourself with how Zoom works.

This presentation will explore more deeply the 18TH & 19TH century “improvements” made to the Conestoga during the attempts to establish mills, transportation, and power generating stations. The successes and failures also yielded unintended consequences both good and bad. The dams necessary for the mills and such resulted in lovely step-pools that were miles-long and available for a variety of recreational purposes. The dams also provided a stunning amount of flood control. But, these dams also trapped sediment, pollution, refuse, and debris.

The impermanent construction and configuration doomed the dams from the beginning, exposing the negative side-effects long after the positive ones vanished. This has resulted in decade after decade of conservation and awareness efforts by various groups.

Presenter

Ben Webber serves Lancaster Township as its municipal engineer. He grew up and resides in Manheim Township along the Conestoga River. As a civil engineer for more than 35 years, he has always been fascinated with water. A few years ago, he asked the unfortunate question “Where does the name Bridgeport come from?” His thirst for local history has been unquenched ever since.

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 10 minutes prior to each lecture to answer your questions and help you familiarize yourself with how Zoom works.

When the sun sets low the frogs start to come out and call for mates. And salamanders start to move. This is a very special time of day to experience a very special group of animals…the amphibians. Our Conoy Wetlands Preserve is home to an impressive array of frogs and salamanders. Join Susquehannock Wildlife Society Executive Director, naturalist, and film maker Scott Mc Daniel for this evening exploration of one of the Conservancy’s most intriguing preserves.

Presenter

Scott McDaniel – Executive Director & Co-Founder, Susquehannock Wildlife Society

Growing up in rural Carroll County, Scott spent most of his childhood playing in streams, searching for reptiles and amphibians (with a particular obsession with turtles), reading books about wildlife and watching nature shows like Wild America. His family would go crabbing around the Chesapeake Bay and explore local parks every weekend it could. Through his involvement in Boy Scouts he would learn valuable outdoor skills and how to serve one’s community, eventually receiving the honor of Eagle Scout. He sought to pursue an educational path where he could share stories and advocate for issues he felt passionate about so he studied photography, video and graphic design in college, earning a Bachelors of Science in Electronic Media & Film at Towson University.

A few years after graduating he moved to Harford County where he now resides with his wife April and son, Jude, having fallen in love with this region of Maryland due to its incredible diversity of wildlife habitat and species as well its wealth of opportunities for outdoor recreation such as hiking and kayaking. He loves to travel around the country and take roadtrips, especially to enjoy wildlife and our National Parks, but has always felt strongly about protecting local wildlife in our own communities. Wanting to find ways to contribute to public education and conservation, he served on the board for the Mid-Atlantic Turtle & Tortoise Society, volunteered for various research projects with Maryland Department of Natural Resources and became a Harford County co-coordinator for the Maryland Amphibian & Reptile Atlas Project, a five year survey of the distribution of herp species in the state. From there Scott wanted to expand his formal knowledge in research and environmental education so he trained to become a Maryland Master Naturalist.

In 2011 Scott helped co-found Susquehannock Wildlife Society as one of the original directors of the then 100% volunteer organization. From its humble beginnings, he would help lead the organization as its first board president, serving the community and its wildlife through hands on rescues, environmental education, ecotourism events, habitat restoration, conservation efforts, advocacy, and scientific research while using his creative media background to create a variety of engaging video, articles and graphics for the organizations growing social media presence. Scott is proud to now serve as the Executive Director so he can be dedicated full time to completing the construction and opening of the Wildlife Center while helping to build a successful future for the organization.”

Participant Safety

This event is being limited to a maximum of 20 participants. Participants are required to wear masks/face coverings and maintain a social distance of 6 feet from other participants, but it should be noted that the Lancaster Conservancy and its partners are not responsible for the behavior of participants regarding those requirements.

Participants under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian at all time.

All participants will be required to sign a waiver when they arrive at the event.

What to Expect

Participants should wear comfortable clothing and closed toed shoes. The hike will be about one mile out and back along the flat paved Northwest River Trail, though participants will have the opportunity to step off trail and onto unimproved side trails at times. We will check in (no need to print confirmation form) and gather at the parking area at the end of Prescot Road. There is no restroom on site.

Weather Policy

This event will take place rain or shine! Should there be a forecast of weather conditions that would make the event unsafe, participants will be notified of a cancellation 24 hours prior to the event.

Tours are a great way for groups to learn more about the complexity of treating wastewater and how LASA (Lancaster Area Sewer Authority) keeps our community’s water clean for future generations.

For your safety and enjoyment, please be aware of the following guidelines:

• The minimum tour age is 9 years old (fourth grade).
• All participants younger than 18 years of age must have chaperones.
• The tour is approximately a one-mile walk roundtrip and will take approximately one hour. Please notify LASA staff in advance if there are any participants with physical disabilities and accommodations will be made.
• The majority of the tour is outdoors. Dress appropriately for the weather. In the summer it is advised to bring water, sunscreen, and insect repellent.
• Wear closed toe shoes. No flip flops or shoes with heels.
• No smoking or eating during the tour.
• Restrooms will be available at the beginning and end of the tour only.
• The facility is monitored by surveillance cameras, portions of the tour may be captured by these cameras.
• No picture taking or video recording is permitted without permission being granted by LASA staff.
• Tours may be ended for any reason. Safety is our first priority.

This presentation will provide information and guidance for landowners interested in implementing riparian buffers on their property. A manual, recently completed by the City of Lancaster, will be presented as a user-friendly guide for landowners to learn how to implement and install riparian buffers that provide multiple benefits. Studies have shown that adding trees and a healthy, diverse natural landscape adjacent to waterways improves the water quality of our streams and ultimately the Chesapeake Bay. The multi-functioning planting strategies described in this manual include approaches that improve the aesthetics, improve wildlife habitat, reduce maintenance, allow for views of the stream and provide an opportunity for harvesting berries, nuts, and flowers. The guide is meant to provide information about the functional benefits of riparian buffers along with user-friendly strategies on how to plan and install a buffer in a variety of typical conditions. These strategies are meant to allow even landowners without horticultural knowledge or planting experience, to understand the benefits and install the buffers either with the assistance of a professional, or on their own.

Presenters

Kelly Gutshall – President & Landscape Architect, Land Studies

Kate Austin – Green Infrastructure Asset Coordinator, City of Lancaster

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 10 minutes prior to each lecture to answer your questions and help you familiarize yourself with how Zoom works.

Water is Powerful! Students in grades 3rd – 8th will build a machine that uses the force of moving water to lift a load and even create electricity.

Can you clean polluted water? Students in grades K – 3rd will make their own filters from a variety of materials and test how well they work.

Join the City of Lancaster for tours of the recently renovated Culliton Park!

Learn about the history of the stream that gave ‘Water Street’ its name, while touring Culliton Park’s new rain gardens, native perennial plantings, over 60 native trees, and community inspired art installations. City stormwater and public art staff will lead the tours, describing the public engagement events that shaped the design of the public art and landscape design as well as the native plantings that now beautify the park.

Parking is limited in the park’s parking lot, but street parking is available on Water St. and adjacent streets. Bike or walk if you can!

Note that two tours will be offered – one at 5:00 pm and one at 6:00 pm. 

Participant Safety

Tours are being limited to a maximum of 15 participants. Participants are required to wear masks/face coverings and maintain a social distance of 6 feet from other participants, but it should be noted that the Lancaster Conservancy and its partners are not responsible for the behavior of participants regarding those requirements.

Participants under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian at all time.

All participants will be required to sign a waiver when they arrive at the event.

Weather Policy

This event will take place rain or shine! Should there be a forecast of weather conditions that would make the event unsafe, participants will be notified of a cancellation 24 hours prior to the event.

The Lancaster County Conservation District will be leading a ‘stomp’ in the Little Chiques to discover the life within our backyard creeks. Participants will learn how the fish and insects within a waterway can indicate the overall health of the creek. A hands-on experience where participants are encouraged to get their hands and feet wet to learn more about their local environments. Please wear clothing and shoes that can get wet if participating in the stomp. Tours will also be offered for the park’s wildflower meadow.

Participant Safety

Participants are required to wear masks/face coverings and maintain a social distance of 6 feet from other participants, but it should be noted that the Lancaster Conservancy and its partners are not responsible for the behavior of participants regarding those requirements.

Participants under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian at all time.

All participants will be required to sign a waiver when they arrive at the event.

Weather Policy

If the event must be cancelled due to weather or other circumstances, we will post that information on the CCWA website and registrants will ne notified.

Our ecosystem is diverse! Students in grades K – 3rd will learn about a variety of insects, arachnids, and other creepy crawlers and explore their food chains. They’ll use what they learned to make their own “bug” to take home!

Be a Green Engineer! Students in grades 3rd – 8th will learn how engineers solve stormwater problems right here in our city! They’ll build a city model and incorporate green infrastructure design into their plans.

In July of 2020 Keith Williams set out to kayak the length of the Susquehanna River. Along the way he encountered evidence of migratory fish, and directly experienced blockages to their journeys. Keith uses his Susquehanna 2020 trip as the backdrop to tell the tale of our fishy Susquehanna migrants past and present.

Presenter

Keith Williams is the Community Engagement Coordinator for the Lancaster Conservancy. He is an outdoor educator, naturalist, writer and photographer who especially enjoys exploring the often overlooked parts of our natural world. He has a BS in Environmental Biology from Kutztown University and MS in Ecological Teaching and Learning from the Lesley University Audubon Expedition Institute.

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 10 minutes prior to each lecture to answer your questions and help you familiarize yourself with how Zoom works.

Can you clean polluted water? Students in grades K – 3rd will make their own filters from a variety of materials and test how well they work.

Water is Powerful! Students in grades 3rd – 8th will build a machine that uses the force of moving water to lift a load and even create electricity.

For the fifth year in a row, the Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay, Lancaster Conservancy, and other community partners are hosting the Conestoga Clean Up on June 12, 2021 as part of Lancaster Water Week. Join us as we close out the week with a splash by removing as much debris as possible from the Conestoga River and its tributaries!

Grab your waders and help us work towards a cleaner, safer, and more beautiful Conestoga River. From 9am to 11am we’ll remove trash from the River with a goal of filling up as many dump trucks as possible.

What to Expect

This event is family friendly, but certain sites may be better for families due to safety reasons – these sites are noted in the event description. Volunteers are encouraged to wear long sleeves and long pants that they don’t mind getting muddy or wet. We also strongly encourage everyone to wear closed-toed, protective shoes such as boots or waders. Not all sites require entering the water, however, it may be necessary at times. Gloves will be provided, but feel free to bring your own if you wish. Other site details such as parking will be provided upon registration the week of the event.

Clean Up Sites

(SELECT THE SITE AT WHICH YOU’D LIKE TO PARTICIPATE WHEN YOU CLICK ON TICKET OPTIONS)
SITE #1: Long’s Park – led by City of Lancaster & Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay
Participants will remove debris and trash from a channel blockage. Participants will wear waders or boots as they may get wet. There are restrooms on site.
SITE #2: Reedy Lane – led by City of Lancaster & Eurofins
Participants are encouraged to bring wire cutters, shovels, or a wheelbarrow/wagon. Most work will happen along the banks since it is difficult to enter the water. Participants are highly encouraged to wear long sleeve pants and shirts as there is stinging nettle at this site.

Site #5: Millcreek from Strasburg Park South – led by Penn State Agriculture and Environment Center & East Lampeter Township
This is a family friendly site with easy access to the water for the clean up. All tools participants need will be provided!
Site #6: Camp Hogan/Boys & Girls Club – led by Lancaster Conservancy & Manor Township
This site is family friendly!
Site #7: Lititz Run by Millport Conservancy – led by Lititz Watershed Association
This is a family friendly site where we will branch out along Lititz Run to pick up debris.

Participant Safety

This event is being limited to a maximum of 20-25 participants. Participants are required to wear masks/face coverings and maintain a social distance of 6 feet from other participants, but it should be noted that the Lancaster Conservancy and its partners are not responsible for the behavior of participants regarding those requirements.

Participants under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian at all time.

Participants will be asked to sign a waver prior to participating.

Weather Policy

This event will take place rain or shine! Should there be a forecast of weather conditions that would make the event unsafe, participants will be notified of a cancellation 24 hours prior to the event.

Lancaster kayakers rejoice! Water Week has collaborated with Chiques Rock Outfitters to encourage residents to get outside and experience the Susquehanna River first hand. Experienced kayakers will enjoy a 2-hour guided tour from Marietta Boat Launch down to the Columbia River Park Access point. Participants will be able to shuttle back to the Marietta Boat Launch or utilize a bike provided by Chiques Rock Outfitters and enjoy the natural scenery as you ride along the Northwest River Trail.

Your tour guide will lead you down the river with various stopping points. Through your travels, you will notice the breathtaking and one-of-a-kind habitats unique to this stretch of the Susquehanna River. This trip will cradle against the Northwest River Trail. Travel around the bend of the river into wide-open stretches over the river and finish your trip under the Route 30 and Route 482 bridge. On your journey, you will learn of the Susquehanna’s deep history as a trade route and the impacts of pollution, poor agriculture, and the construction. Each era’s influence shaping the river you paddle down today.

Reinvigorate your love for protecting clean water and habitat for all that benefit from our precious watershed! Reserve your spot today. Space is limited. All paddlers must be 12 years or older to ensure a safe trip. Tour groups are limited to 20 people. This trip is recommended for intermediate and experienced paddlers. Kayaks and guides are provided by Chiques Rock Outfitters. A shuttle service will be provided to bring paddlers back to the Columbia River boat launch. Shuttles hold 9 to 12 people. However, you are encouraged to take advantage of the bike rental that is available to bring you back up the river path to Columbia River Front. Those uncomfortable riding in the shuttle and do not want to utilize the bikes provided are responsible for arranging their own ride back to the Columbia River boat launch. Total trip time is 3 hours with 2 hours on the water and 1 hour reserved for transportation.

Single kayak equipment and registration fee: $40

Tandem kayak equipment and registration fee: $50

Bike Rental- $5

To register for this event, please contact Chiques Rock Outfitters by calling 717-475-6196.

Can’t make this event? Enjoy 5% off at Chiques Rock Outfitters during Water Week! Just mention you’d like the Water Week discount when you book your reservation.