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.