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 #3: Site removed.

SITE #4: Maple Grove Park

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.