Summer has arrived, and we’re ready to make a splash! My family is no stranger to Lancaster County’s waterways – 1,500 stream miles exist, not to mention destinations such as Speedwell Forge and Middle Creek – as we spend many hot summer days with kayak paddles in hand. And, we have plenty of company since kayaking is the fastest growing water sport in the country. Initially, we found our sea legs on the more mild Conestoga River, but it wasn’t long before we found our way to the Susquehanna River, the Chesapeake Bay and even the Outer Banks in North Carolina.
Fritz Schroeder, the director of Urban Greening at Lancaster County Conservancy, has a deep appreciation for our waterways and understands the problems they face. One day, Fritz and Spike Brant from Nimblist had an idea to celebrate our waterways while educating the public about the problems we face as a community, as well as how to get involved. These waterways connect us all: We rely on them for drinking water and recreation, and they are vital to the local economy. Unfortunately, 47% of those waters are too polluted to support their natural species.
With that vision in mind, Lancaster Water Week was born. The Lancaster County Conservancy has partnered with a number of local organizations to create events and activities throughout the week of June 3-10 to celebrate our waters. These partners have also created two grant funds – equally $30,000 – to support local water-based initiatives.
Water Week events: For details, visit lancasterwaterweek.org.
JUNE 3 Pedal to Preserve:
Proceeds from the rides of 6, 20 or 51 miles benefit Lancaster Farmland Trust. National Trails Day: Explore the Northwest Lancaster County River Trail. Sponsored by Susquehanna Riverlands.
JUNE 4 Conestoga River Cleanup:
Help clean the river of debris on Lancaster’s south side.
JUNE 5 3rd Annual Clearwaters Golf Tournament at Conestoga Country Club:
Proceeds benefit the Lancaster County Clear Water Consortium. The Water Landscape and YOU @ WETi: Millersville University students will be conducting an on-site stream study during this family-friendly event.
JUNE 6 Healthy Water Film Screening:
Short films relating to the importance of healthy water will be screened at Tellus360. Sponsored by the Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay.
JUNE 7 Chiques Creek Watershed Alliance Expo:
A family-friendly event that promises to be educational, motivational and fun. Manheim Farm Show Complex.
JUNE 8 Green Infrastructure Bike Tour:
Presented by the City of Lancaster and The Common Wheel, the ride ends at The Fridge.
JUNE 9 Guided Tour of Big Spring Run Restoration Project:
Water Science Institute is hosting this tour of the West Lampeter Township revitalization project. Native Plant Sale/Screening of Hometown Habitat: Bowman’s Hill Wildflower Preserve and the Native Plants in the Landscape Conference are sponsoring these activities at Millersville University.
JUNE 10 Make-Take Earth-Friendly Cleaning Products:
Sponsored by LCSWMA, the event will be held at the Transfer Station on Harrisburg Pike. Mill Creek Tree Planting: Sponsored by the Lancaster Conservation District. Picnic on the Preserve: Climbers Run Nature Preserve in Pequea will be the site of this event sponsored by the Lancaster County Conservancy.
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