June 5-13, 2026

Water Week Events

Schedule of Events

Since its inception in 2017, Lancaster Water Week has celebrated the many partners, organizations, and volunteers caring for our waterways! Join us during the 10th annual Lancaster Water Week for over 60 events to learn more about their work as we paddle, explore, volunteer, and take action to protect our streams and rivers for the future!

Photos by Michelle Johnsen

WATER WEEK PADDLES

Petroglyphs Float

Saturday, June 6 from 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM

Join the Conestoga River Club and Paul Nevin to listen to stories of Indigenous peoples told through petroglyphs along the Susquehanna River. There will be six one-hour-long trips to Big Indian Rock. Cost: $35, additional $15 for kayak rental
Register

Island Ecology Paddle

Saturday, June 6 from 10:00 – 11:30 AM

Join Susquehanna SUP and LandStudies on this guided paddle through a network of small, brushy islands while exploring the rich ecosystem of the Susquehanna River. Cost: $35
Register

4th Annual Pride on the Conestoga

Sunday, June 7 from 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM

The Conestoga River belongs to all of us! The Conestoga River Club’s Pride Float will provide a safe and accessible environment for members of the LGBTQ+ community, their families, and supporters to enjoy the river. Cost: $15, additional $25 for kayak rental
Register

Conestoga River History & Heritage Paddle Tours

Monday, June 8 from 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Tuesday, June 9 from 1:00 – 5:00 PM
Thursday, June 11 from 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Friday, June 12 from 1:00 – 5:00 PM

Discover the Conestoga River through educational paddle tours with Conestoga River Club. These guided excursions explore the cultural heritage of the watershed, highlighting the intersection of human history and environmental conservation. Cost: $25 (includes all equipment)
Register

Conejohela Flats Birding Paddle

Tuesday, June 9 from 3:30 – 5:30 PM & 6:00 – 8:00 PM
Wednesday, June 10 from 8:30 – 10:30 AM
Thursday, June 11 from 3:30 – 5:30 PM & 6:00 – 8:00 PM

Join kayakLanCo and ornithologist Mike Hudson (Interfaith Partners for the Chesapeake) for a guided paddle through some of the area’s best bird habitats. Cost: $45 with kayak rental, $35 with your own kayak
Register

Conestoga Conservation Legacy Paddle & River of the Year Keynote Event

Wednesday, June 10 from 8:00 AM – 1:30 PM

Join Conestoga River Club as we celebrate the Conestoga River, Pennsylvania’s 2026 River of the Year! Led by a collective of conservation experts, we will hear about the past, present, and future of the Conestoga River and surrounding communities. The paddle will be followed by a celebratory press conference and luncheon featuring Pennsylvania’s Secretary of Conservation and Natural Resources Cindy Adams Dunn. Cost: $25 for paddle, including boat rental; $15 for luncheon
Register

Introduction to Kayak Fishing

Wednesday, June 10 from 3:00 -6:00 PM

Join Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission at Speedwell Forge Lake for this hands-on program to learn about basic paddling skills and kayak fishing. Participants must be at least 16 years of age, and a parent or guardian must accompany minors. All equipment is provided.
Register

Riverkeeper Lock 15 Paddle Tour

Thursday, June 11 from 9:00 AM – 12:30 PM

Join Lower Susquehanna Riverkeeper Association for a guided paddle on the Susquehanna, learning about the towering rocks along the water. This tour ends with a light lunch and refreshments. Children ages 5-10 must have a parent/guardian in the kayak with them. Children 12+ may have their own kayak but must have a parent/guardian with them on the water. Cost: $85
Register

FRIDAY, JUNE 5

Where the River Reads

Friday, June 5 – Saturday, June 13
Multiple Locations

Lancaster County Conservation District is partnering with the Library System of Lancaster County for an exciting week-long watershed-themed event. Each library will have book lists for adults and children focused on conservation and watersheds, providing unique exploration topics for all ages.
LEARN MORE

Safe Harbor Dam Tours

Tours Starting at 9:00 AM, 10:00 AM, & 11:00 AM
Safe Harbor Dam

Experience how the power of moving water is transformed into renewable energy on a guided tour of the Safe Harbor Dam. Brookfield Renewable will lead you through the dam’s history, daily operations, river access, fish lifts, and more. For ages 8 and up; all minors must be accompanied by an adult.
REGISTER

Lancaster Wastewater Treatment Plant Tours

Tours Starting at 1:00 PM & 6:00 PM
Lancaster Wastewater Treatment Plant

Join the City of Lancaster on this educational tour to find out what happens once our water goes down the drain.
REGISTER FOR 1:00REGISTER FOR 6:00

Stewards of the Susquehanna: One Water Partnership Hub Gathering

4:30 – 6:30 PM
Lancaster Friends Meeting

Head to Lancaster Friends Meeting to learn how local congregations are partnering with Interfaith Partners for the Chesapeake to protect our watershed, and discover ways your faith community can get involved!
REGISTER

First Friday in Downtown Lancaster

5:00 – 8:00 PM
Penn Square

Kick off Water Week on First Friday in downtown Lancaster! Get a free native plant or seeds and learn how to help restore the health of our watersheds through immersive activities hosted by organizations working in the clean water movement.
REGISTER

Stories of Restoration Hike

6:00 – 8:00 PM
Susquehannock State Park

Join Keystone Trails Association on this sunset hike through Susquehannock State Park and hear stories of land and river restoration that benefit both humans and critters residing here. For participants ages 12+
REGISTER

SATURDAY, JUNE 6

Anadromous and Catadromous: How Susquehanna Dams Affect Fish

10:00 – 11:30 AM
Susquehannock State Park

Come on out to Susquehannock State Park to learn about two species of migratory fishes that have been affected by the dams on the Susquehanna and how the changes to their populations have affected life in and on the river. For participants ages 13+

REGISTRATION LINK COMING SOON

Sneak Peek Southeast: A History to Outdoor Action Tour

10:00 – 11:30 AM
Jackson Middle School

Join Let’s Go 1-2-3 and the Hazel I. Jackson Foundation on this walking tour exploring two unique nature learning spaces in Southeast Lancaster.
REGISTER

Public Water Independence Day

12:00 – 5:00 PM
Octoraro Reservoir

The 5th Annual Public Water Independence Day will feature free kayak lessons, pontoon boat tours, food, and ice cream. Get a tour of the public water treatment plant and dam at this family-friendly all-ages event.
Learn more

Nature Journaling – River and Rocks

1:00 – 3:00 PM
Clark Nature Preserve

Join Lancaster Conservancy as we explore the world of water through nature journaling! Explore drawing, painting, and writing techniques for capturing your observations of Clark Nature Preserve and the Susquehanna River. Cost: $10
REGISTER

Sacred Creation: Let Justice Flow Down Like Water

2:00 – 3:30 PM
Bright Side Baptist Church

Come out to Bright Side Baptist Church to hear from Rev. Dr. Heber Brown III, founder of the Black Church Food Security Network, about how access to clean water directly connects to the ability of communities to thrive and grow their own healthy food. Cost: $10
REGISTER

SUNDAY, JUNE 7

Lititz Run Watershed Bike Tour

10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Millport Conservancy

Come enjoy a 13-mile group ride through the Lititz Run watershed, guided by LandStudies. Learn how projects along the route are improving water quality, restoring ecological functions, and providing other benefits to the community. Recommended for intermediate to experienced road riders ages 18 and up. Cost: $15
register

One Water Partnership Lunch & Learn

11:00 AM – 1:30 PM
Ascension Lutheran Church

Head to Ascension Lutheran Church to learn how local congregations are partnering with Interfaith Partners for the Chesapeake to protect our watershed and steward our natural resources.
register

Grow a Pollinator Patch: Turn a Piece of Grass into a Pollinator Paradise

2:00 – 5:00 PM
Lancaster Friends Meeting

Join Gardens Gone Native for this hands-on workshop that will help you transform a small area of lawn into a thriving “Pollinator Patch.” At the conclusion, participants will have a garden design, plant list, and coupons for native plants or ecological landscaping services. Cost: $20
register

Paddling Film Festival

6:30 – 9:00 PM
Zoetropolis

Take a cinematic tour of the paddling world through the Paddling Film Festival hosted by conestogia.com, Zoetropolis, and Conestoga River Club! Be inspired to explore, push extremes, appreciate wild places, and fully embrace the paddling lifestyle. Cost: $15 in advance, $20 at the door
Register

Long’s Park Summer Concert

5:00 – 9:00 PM
Long’s Park

Jam out to some great music during the Long’s Park Summer Music Series while you learn about our local waterways and take home a free native plant or seeds!
Register

MONDAY, JUNE 8

Pollution Solutions

Monday, June 8 – Friday, June 12
Lancaster Science Factory

Kids entering grades 4-8 are invited to join Lancaster Science Factory and take on the role of environmental engineers to build green roofs, test permeable pavement, and design real solutions that keep our waterways clean. Through hands-on experiments and creative challenges, they will explore how scientists and engineers find pollution solutions. This camp includes a field trip to a local stream. Cost: $195
LEARN MORE & REGISTER

Splash Into Science

Monday, June 8 – Friday, June 12
Lancaster Science Factory

Kids entering grades 1-3 are invited to join Lancaster Science Factory to explore plants and animals in our local streams, rivers, and watersheds, engage in hands-on activities about watershed health, and learn how they can help improve their local waterways, including a field trip to a local stream. Cost: $195
LEARN MORE & REGISTER

Underwater Life of Streams Presentation

5:00 – 6:00 PM
S. Dale High Leadership Center

Join Lancaster Conservancy at Greenfield for this engaging presentation of the incredibly diverse fish and streamscapes of our freshwater ecosystems. Enjoy photos from underwater naturalist and freshwater snorkeler Keith Williams depicting this amazing underwater world.
REGISTER

‘Revealing Ancient Wetlands’ – Floodplain Wetland Restoration Documentary

6:00 – 7:00 PM
Franklin & Marshall Lombardo Welcome Center

Join the Chesapeake Watershed Initiative at Franklin & Marshall College for a screening of the 2026 documentary “Revealing Ancient Wetlands.” The Haverstick Films documentary explores the 2025 restoration of Indian Run in Millersville, PA as a case study for wetland floodplain restorations. The screening will be followed by a Q&A panel with the filmmakers, scientists, engineers, and grantors responsible for the project.
REGISTER

Benefitting Streams and Wildlife on Your Property

6:00 – 7:30 PM
Manheim Township Public Library

Join Heather Titanich from Stroud Water Research Center as she shares the wildlife benefits of the trees and shrubs associated with streamside forest plantings. Whether your property is large or small, you can create habitat and encourage new species to your property with some of Heather’s tricks and tips for native plants.
REGISTER

TUESDAY, JUNE 9

Lititz Wastewater Treatment Plant Tour

10:00 – 11:00 AM
Lititz Wastewater Treatment Plant

Take a tour of the Lititz Borough Wastewater Treatment Plant and see what happens to the water we use in our daily activities.
REGISTER

City Tree Tour

11:30 AM – 2:00 PM
Musser Park

Do you want to learn more about urban trees and how urban forests work? Go for a walk with the City of Lancaster to tour the diversity of city trees, their care, concerns, and how they fit into the “urban ecosystem.”
REGISTER

Rain Gardens for Beginners

4:00 – 6:00 PM
130 Village Drive, Millersville

Join a Clean Water Partners Leadership Academy graduate and Schroeder Gardens for this relaxed, interactive session on planning and planting a rain garden. We’ll involve you in hands-on planning activities, share resources, and send you home with plenty of ideas and a native plant for your garden! Cost: $20
REGISTER

Nature Journaling: Streams

5:00 – 7:00 PM
S. Dale High Leadership Center

Nature journaling is a great way to learn about nature through art, writing, and scientific observation. Join Lancaster Conservancy at Greenfield for an introduction to nature journaling. Learn illustration techniques and practice making observations that have scientific value. No experience necessary!
REGISTER

FEATURED EVENT!

Celebrate Water Week! 10th Anniversary Event at West Art

5:00 – 8:00 PM
West Art

Join Lancaster Conservancy as we celebrate 10 years of Water Week! Come connect with others in support of our amazing streams and rivers. Grab a drink from the Art Bar/cafe and enjoy DJ tunes and activities for all ages. This event is free and open to all.
REGISTER

Wednesday, June 10

Bugs & Buffers

10:00 – 11:00 AM
Froelich Park

What cool bugs live in our streams and how do buffers help them? Join Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay and Chesapeake Bay Foundation to explore what is under the surface and make your own bug craft to take home. This is a family-friendly event geared toward pre-K to elementary ages.
Register

River Cleanup with Sickman’s Mill

10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Sickman’s Mill

Want to help the world? Want to tube for free? Head to Sickman’s Mill for a free float and river cleanup. Ages 12 and up (minors must be accompanied by an adult)
Register

Eurofins Nature Trail Exploration

4:00 – 6:00 PM
Eurofins South Campus

Join Eurofins as they unveil a new self-guided nature trail located on one of their campus green spaces. Learn about riparian buffers, wetlands, and native habitats with 13 stations with QR codes that link to educational information and photos.
Register

Blue Green Connector Preview Hike

4:30 – 6:00 PM & 5:30 – 7:00 PM
Penn Medicine Lancaster General Health Trailhead

Explore a brand new section of the Blue Green Connector trail! Hear from the Little Conestoga Creek Foundation and partners LandStudies and Chesapeake Watershed Initiative at F&M College about how they are restoring water quality and functioning ecosystems along the Little Conestoga Creek and building 3.5 miles of trail with environmental learning lab features. Cost: $5
REGISTER FOR 4:30REGISTER FOR 5:30

Stauffer Run Creek Stomp

5:00 – 7:00 PM
S. Dale High Leadership Center

Explore the cool waters and amazing life in the Stauffer Run stream at Greenfield with Lancaster Conservancy! We will flip rocks to see who is living under them, net some fish, and learn about stream ecology and the importance of keeping water clean. Recommended for ages 5+
Register

Adopt-a-Rain Garden Tour and Training

5:30 – 7:30 PM
Lancaster City

Are you a Lancaster City resident who is interested in volunteering to care for a rain garden in your neighborhood? The City of Lancaster is launching the Adopt It! Adopt a Rain Garden program to engage residents who would like to support the city’s green infrastructure program. Join City Stormwater staff for a walking tour to learn more about rain gardens, how they work, and how they are maintained. This event is open to City residents and businesses only.
Register

Tiny Worlds & Watersheds Author Event

6:00 – 7:00 PM
Virtual

The Lancaster County Conservation District, collaborating with the Library System of Lancaster County, is excited to welcome author Rosalie Haizlett for a conversation about her gorgeous book, “Tiny Worlds of the Appalachian Mountains: An Artist’s Journey.” The evening will be perfect for all ages and leave you inspired to take a closer look at the tiny wonders in your local watershed.
Register

Thursday, June 11

The Scoop on Clean Water

10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Turkey Hill Experience

Join Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay, Turkey Hill Dairy, and Maola Local Dairies for this family friendly event and learn all about clean water, ice cream, and conservation in agriculture like never before! The hands-on exhibits are free and attendees will receive a discount on Turkey Hill Experience tickets.
Register

Long’s Park Wetland Tour

11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Long’s Park

Join Lancaster City Stormwater staff on a guided tour of the newly installed wetland system at Long’s Park. Learn how vegetated ‘filters’ create clean water for the pond, and explore the plants growing throughout the wetlands and park and how they support healthy water and a thriving ecosystem.
Register

Exploring the Power of Water

1:00 – 3:00 PM
Franklin & Marshall College

Join Franklin & Marshall College to explore how water flows with their stream table and other fun experiments that show why understanding and protecting our waterways is so important. This experience is geared towards students in grades 3-12.
Register

Lititz Wastewater Treatment Plant Tour

4:00-5:00 PM
Lititz Wastewater Treatment Plant

Take a tour of the Lititz Borough Wastewater Treatment Plant and see what happens to the water we use in our daily activities.
Register

Water Week Book Club at Pocket Books

6:00 – 7:00 PM
Pocket Books, Wheatland Avenue

Pocket Books is leading a book club to celebrate Water Week! Read and discuss “Theory of Water: Nishnaabe Maps to the Times Ahead” by Leanne Betasamosake Simpson.
Register

Sunnyside Guided Hike

6:00 – 8:00 PM
Sunnyside Peninsula

Join Partners for Environmental Stewardship and Lancaster Conservancy to explore Sunnyside Peninsula! This 2-mile guided hike will introduce participants to a remarkable natural area located within Lancaster City. Recommended for ages 10+ (participants under 18 must be accompanied by an adult)
Register

East Petersburg Community Gardens Tour

5:30 – 7:30 PM
East Petersburg Community Gardens

Join the Little Conestoga Watershed Alliance and East Petersburg Borough to tour the East Petersburg Community Gardens. The tour will showcase a rain garden, native plants gardens, and a riparian buffer. Come get inspiration for your own backyard!
Register

Friday, June 12

Sacred Habitats Nature Walk at Hope Episcopal Church

8:00 – 9:30 AM
Hope Episcopal Church

Join Interfaith Partners for the Chesapeake to explore how Hope Episcopal Church is caring for our watershed and creating wildlife habitat along Shearers Creek.
Register

Caring for Your Rain Garden

2:00 – 4:30 PM
Bright Side Baptist Church

In this workshop with certified Chesapeake Bay Landscaping Professionals from the Chesapeake Conservation Landscaping Council and the Penn State Agriculture and Environment Center, tackle challenges and learn about the skills required to care for rain gardens and similar best management practices that protect clean waterways.
Register

Creek Discovery Day: Exploring a Creek and Riparian Buffer

5:00 – 6:30 PM
Manheim

Join Chiques Creek Watershed Association for this hands-on exploration of a creek and riparian buffer restoration. This family-friendly event will include opportunities to build birdhouses, explore stream life, and learn how to identify trees! (Recommended for kids in grades K-5; minors must be accompanied by an adult)
Register

Water Week Trivia Night

6:00 – 8:30 PM
Sickman’s Mill

Go head-to-head with fellow crick lovin’ Lancastrians to test your knowledge of Lancaster and its streams and rivers. Prizes (as well as bragging rights) will be up for grabs at Sickman’s Mill! Cost: $20 per team of 2-8 people, ages 21+ only
Register

Saturday, June 13

Rally for the River & Conestoga Cleanup

9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Meet at Lancaster County Central Park

Kick off the Conestoga Cleanup with a Rally for the River at Lancaster County Central Park. Then head out to volunteer with the Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay and partners at multiple locations along the Conestoga River to help Lancaster County work towards cleaner and healthier streams, rivers, and communities!
REGISTER

Saturday Seedlings: Soil, Seeds, & Water

10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
The Wittel Farm

Join Lancaster Farmland Trust and The Wittel Farm for a special water-themed Saturday Seedlings, a hands-on farm experience where families can learn about how food grows and why our local farmland is so special. This session is designed for children ages 5-8, but all children are welcome to explore, create, and participate at their own comfort level. Cost: $5 per child
REGISTER

Water Week Storytime & Kids’ Craft

10:30 AM – 12:00 PM
Pocket Books, Wheatland Avenue

Join Pocket Books for a children’s storytime and craft and activity focused on water conservation. All ages welcome.
REGISTER

Weaving Indigenous Perspectives into Local Conservation and Restoration

2:00 – 5:00 PM
Zoetropolis

Learn about local ecological and cultural history with conservation professionals RiverStewards Collaborative and LandStudies as well as the local Conestoga-Susquehannock Tribe and Circle Legacy Center community group who represent the cultural relationship to the ecosystem. This event will include a presentation, short documentary screening on the Conestoga River, and a panel discussion. Cost: $5
REGISTER

Photos by Michelle Johnsen

Thank You, Water Week Sponsors!