Lancaster Conservancy Events

Spring ephemerals sprout, grow, bloom, and die before the forest canopy leafs out, in a strategy to take advantage of the sunlight that reaches the early spring forest floor. This hike will explore Shenks Ferry Wildflower Preserve, renowned for the 70 species of spring wildflower it protects. On this easy 3 mile out and back hike through the preserve, your presenter will be pointing out the numerous native ephemeral wildflowers and the critical role they play in this ecosystem along the way.

Where to meet

Parking area at the end of Green Hill Rd

What to expect

This will be an easy 3 mile out and back hike with some gradual climbs and is open to all ages. A port-o-john is available on site. The event will run rain or shine. Severe weather cancellations will be made at the time of the event.

What to bring

Dress for the weather and bring water to drink.

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 (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.

Spring ephemerals sprout, grow, bloom, and die before the forest canopy leafs out, in a strategy to take advantage of the sunlight that reaches the early spring forest floor. This hike will explore Shenks Ferry Wildflower Preserve, renowned for the 70 species of spring wildflower it protects. On this easy 3 mile out and back hike through the preserve, your presenter will be pointing out the numerous native ephemeral wildflowers and the critical role they play in this ecosystem along the way.

Where to meet

Parking area at the end of Green Hill Rd

What to expect

This will be an easy 3 mile out and back hike with some gradual climbs and is open to all ages. A port-o-john is available on site. The event will run rain or shine. Severe weather cancellations will be made at the time of the event.

What to bring

Dress for the weather and bring water to drink.

Photo: Michelle Johnsen

Spring ephemerals sprout, grow, bloom, and die before the forest canopy leafs out, in a strategy to take advantage of the sunlight that reaches the early spring forest floor. This hike will explore Shenks Ferry Wildflower Preserve, renowned for the 70 species of spring wildflower it protects. On this easy 3 mile out and back hike through the preserve, your presenter will be pointing out the numerous native ephemeral wildflowers and the critical role they play in this ecosystem along the way.

Where to meet

Parking area at the end of Green Hill Rd

What to expect

This will be an easy 3 mile out and back hike with some gradual climbs and is open to all ages. A port-o-john is available on site. The event will run rain or shine. Severe weather cancellations will be made at the time of the event.

What to bring

Dress for the weather and bring water to drink.

Photo: Michelle Johnsen

Spring ephemerals sprout, grow, bloom, and die before the forest canopy leafs out, in a strategy to take advantage of the sunlight that reaches the early spring forest floor. This hike will explore Shenks Ferry Wildflower Preserve, renowned for the 70 species of spring wildflower it protects. On this easy 3 mile out and back hike through the preserve, your presenter will be pointing out the numerous native ephemeral wildflowers and the critical role they play in this ecosystem along the way.

Where to meet

Parking area at the end of Green Hill Rd

What to expect

This will be an easy 3 mile out and back hike with some gradual climbs and is open to all ages. A port-o-john is available on site. The event will run rain or shine. Severe weather cancellations will be made at the time of the event.

What to bring

Dress for the weather and bring water to drink.

Photo: Michelle Johnsen

Join a conservancy naturalist to explore the meadows and forests of one of the Conservancy’s newest acquisitions to see what wildflowers are in bloom and to witness how the removal of invasive plants as a first step in ecological restoration leads to increased biodiversity.

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

This will be a two-mile hike at an easy pace over uneven terrain with some steep climbs. This event will run rain or shine, with cancellations for severe weather made at the time of the event. No restrooms are available onsite.

What to Bring

Dress for the weather and bring drinking water.

Photo: Michelle Johnsen

The bad news: Invasive plants take over ecosystems, out compete native vegetation, and cause reductions in biodiversity. The good news: we can fix this problem by removing invasive plants! What better way to give back this Earth Day than to help support the major restoration efforts happening at Wizard Ranch Nature Preserve. We will use pruners to clip out invasive plants, including multifora rose. This work is not physically demanding but does involve plants with thorns as you might guess from its name (multiflora ROSE)!

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 (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 – cancellation for sudden severe weather will happen at the time of the event. 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.

The bad news: Invasive plants take over ecosystems, out compete native vegetation, and cause reductions in biodiversity. The good news: we can fix this problem by removing invasive plants! What better way to give back this Earth Day than to help support the amazing biodiversity found at Climbers Run Nature Center. We will use pruners to clip out invasive multiflora rose plants from the Climbers Run floodplain. This work is not physically demanding but does involve plants with thorns as you might guess from its name (multiflora ROSE)!

Where to meet

The 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 – cancellations for unexpected severe weather are made at the time of the event.

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.