June 7-15, 2024

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 8th 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!

This year during Water Week, we are celebrating efforts and opportunities to rewild for clean water! Any events with a 🌱 icon include information on rewilding to create healthier habitats, streams, and communities.

Photos by Michelle Johnsen

ALL WEEK LONG

WATER WEEK PADDLES

Conestoga River Paddles

Depart from Safe Harbor
June 8, 11, and 13 at 8:00 AM and 1:00 PM

Depart from Lancaster County Central Park
June 10, 12, 14, and 15 at 8:00 AM and 1:00 PM

Join the Conestoga River Club on a kayaking adventure down the Conestoga River as we explore a different side of Lancaster County. Perfect for beginners. Cost: $25 per person, includes equipment and a shuttle to launch
Register

Pride on the Conestoga

Sunday, June 9 at 7:30 AM

The Conestoga River belongs to all of us! The Pride Float will provide a safe and accessible environment for members of the LGBTQ+ community, their families, and supporters to enjoy the river. All equipment included. Cost: $15
Register

Petroglyphs Float with Paul Nevin

Depart from 1 Powerhouse Rd, Conestoga
Sunday, June 9 at 12:00 PM

Join the Conestoga River Club and Paul Nevin as we listen to stories of Indigenous peoples told through petroglyphs along the Susquehanna River. Cost: $35 with kayak rental or $15 if bringing your own kayak
Register

[SOLD OUT] Birding Floats with kayakLanCo

Depart from Blue Rock Heritage Center
Tuesday, June 11 at 3:30 PM and 6:00 PM
Wednesday, June 12 at 8:00 AM and 10:30 AM
Thursday, June 13 at 3:30 PM and 6:00 PM

Join kayakLanCo along with trained ornithologist Mike Hudson of Interfaith Partners for the Chesapeake as we explore some of the best bird habitats in the area. Cost: $35, includes kayak rental

SOLD OUT

[SOLD OUT] Kayaking Basics

Muddy Run Lake
Friday, June 14 from 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM

Calling all beginners! Join the PA Fish and Boat Commission for this introductory kayaking course. All equipment is provided. Ages 12 and up (minors must be accompanied by an adult)
join waitlist

Water Week at the Lancaster Science Factory

Sign up for Water Week-themed workshops led by Science Factory STEM Educators and offered at the reduced price of $10 per student, or participate in a Science Café Activity included with admission to the Science Factory.

Science Café Activities

Tour the Mueller Family Outdoor Courtyard: Saturday, June 8 from 12:30 – 2:30 PM
3-D Printed Macroinvertebrates: Monday, June 10 from 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
🌱 Milkweed Seedlings: Tuesday, June 11 from 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Food Chain Foldouts: Wednesday, June 12 from 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM

(Canceled) Workshop: Watershed Mapping (Grades 3-8)

Saturday, June 8 from 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Wednesday, June 12 from 4:00 – 5:00 PM

(Canceled) Workshop: Food Chains in the Forest (Grades K-3)

Saturday, June 8 from 3:00 – 4:00 PM

(Canceled) 🌱 Workshop: Powerhouse Pollinators (Grades K-8)

Monday, June 10 from 4:00 – 5:00 PM

(Canceled) Workshop: Water Cycles in a Bag (Grades K-8)

Tuesday, June 11 from 4:00 – 5:00 PM

Learn more

FRIDAY, JUNE 7

[SOLD OUT] Safe Harbor Dam Tours

9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Safe Harbor Dam

Harnessing the power of water into clean renewable energy is just part of what you will learn about on your tour of the Safe Harbor Dam! Join Brookfield Renewable to learn about the dam’s history, management, river access, fish lifts, and more. Ages 8 and up (all minors must be accompanied by an adult).
Join Waitlist

First Friday at the Science Factory

5:00 – 7:00 PM
Lancaster Science Factory

The Science Factory offers free admission for a special Water Week celebration with engaging activities and exhibits.
register

🌱 First Friday at Penn Square

5:00 – 8:00 PM
Penn Square

Kick off Water Week at Penn Square in Downtown Lancaster with free native trees and public art. Learn more about how rewilding can help protect our waterways.
register

SATURDAY, JUNE 8

🌱 Breakfast on the Farm

9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
The Zimmerman Farm, East Earl

Meet a farm family who is passionate about conservation, get an insider tour of their land, and enjoy a fresh breakfast on a Lancaster Farmland Trust preserved farm! Tickets: $25 per adult; $10 per child (ages 3-12); free for 2 and under
Register

[SOLD OUT] Creek Stomp at Climbers Run Nature Center

10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Climbers Run Nature Center

Explore the cool waters and amazing life in Climbers Run! Flip rocks to see who is living under them, net some fish, and learn about stream ecology and the importance of keeping water clean. Join us for this all-ages event.
join waitlist

SUNDAY, JUNE 9

[SOLD OUT] Northwest River Trail History Hike

9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Depart from Falmouth Boat Launch

Join Adam Zurn from Uncharted Lancaster and a Lancaster Conservancy naturalist for a Water Week adventure as we journey back in time on this guided history hike. Cost: $20
join waitlist

🌱 One Water Partnership Lunch & Learn

1:00 – 3:30 PM
Bright Side Baptist Church

Learn how local congregations are taking action to protect our watershed and steward our natural resources, and discover ways your faith community can get involved!
register

🌱 Long’s Park Summer Music Series with Wetland Tours

5:00 – 9:00 PM
Long’s Park

Jam out to some great music while you learn about our local waterways and take home a free native tree! Come early for a behind-the-scenes look at the Wetland Restoration Project conducted by the City of Lancaster at Long’s Park.
Register

MONDAY, JUNE 10

🌱 Managing for Biodiversity in Landscapes

4:00 – 7:00 PM
Landis Homes

Discover tricks to suppress invasive species and nurture a vibrant, biodiverse landscape as we explore the campus of Landis Homes. Bring your questions for the professionals from LandStudies and dedicated volunteers who stand ready to inspire you to rewild your open spaces.
Register

Morning Joe

7:00 – 8:30 AM
Greenfield Starbucks

Come out to Starbucks in Greenfield for a free cup of coffee, good conversation, and a packet of free native flower seeds!
learn more

[SOLD OUT] 🌱 Shiprock Woods Restoration Project Tour

6:00 – 7:00 PM
Shiprock Woods Nature Preserve

Take a tour of a collaborative stream restoration project between the Lancaster Conservancy and Lancaster County Conservation District at Shiprock Woods Nature Preserve!

SOLD OUT

[SOLD OUT] Sunnyside Peninsula Guided Hike

6:00 – 8:00 PM
235 Circle Avenue, Lancaster

Join the City of Lancaster and the Lancaster Conservancy as we discover the beauty, ecology, and history of the Sunnyside peninsula and floodplain.

SOLD OUT

TUESDAY, JUNE 11

Greenfield Stream Exploration

6:00 – 8:00 PM
Depart from The S. Dale High Leadership Center

Learn how to determine and improve the quality of a stream as you take a guided walk along Stauffer Run at Greenfield, examining the creatures that live below the water’s surface. A presentation and networking will follow at The S. Dale High Leadership Center.
Register

[SOLD OUT] 🌱 Built and Protected Urban Areas Bike Tour

6:00 – 8:00 PM
Depart from The Fridge

Take a bike tour of the City of Lancaster’s rain gardens, bike lanes, and urban tree canopy to learn about the opportunities and challenges of creating safer, greener streets for all users to enjoy.

SOLD OUT

🌱 Healthy Streams from an Ecosystem Lens

6:00 – 8:00 PM
Manheim Township Public Library

Come out to hear from Stroud Water Research Center about the important functions of an ecosystem as a it relates to stream health. Learn how streams respond to land use and pollutants. An optional tour of the native plant and forested buffer at Overlook Park will start at 5 p.m.
Register

Wednesday, June 12

[SOLD OUT] Creek Stomp at Climbers Run Nature Center

9:00 -11:00 AM
Climbers Run Nature Center

Explore the cool waters and amazing life in Climbers Run! Flip rocks to see who is living under them, net some fish, and learn about stream ecology and the importance of keeping water clean. Join us for this all-ages event.
join waitlist

River Cleanup at Sickman’s Mill

10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Sickman’s Mill

Want to help the world? Want to tube for free? Join us for a free float and river cleanup. Ages 7 & up (minors must be accompanied by an adult)
Register

🌱 Incorporating Green Infrastructure and Native Habitat on Corporate Campuses

3:00 – 5:00 PM
Eurofins Lancaster Laboratories

Eurofins Lancaster Laboratories Inc. invites you on a tour of their campus to provide insights and ideas on how green infrastructure and native habitat can be incorporated on corporate campuses.
Register

🌱 Experience the Upper Conestoga: Connecting with Our River

5:00 – 8:00 PM
Historic Poole Forge, 1940 Main Street, Narvon

Join the Chesapeake Bay Foundation in celebrating the upper reaches of the Conestoga River at Historic Poole Forge! This family-friendly event will include free demonstrations of fly fishing, water ecology, kayaking, pollinator gardening, raptor rehabilitation, and more. Free food, beverages, and giveaways included

FREE & OPEN TO ALL

🌱 Chiques Creek Watershed Alliance Expo

5:30 – 8:00 PM
Manheim Farm Show Complex

Bring the whole family for an educational evening filled with fun exhibits, activities, tours, and ice cream hosted by the Chiques Creek Watershed Alliance at the Manheim Farm Show Complex. This even is free and open to all.
Learn more

🌱 Clean Water Meadows

6:00 – 8:00 PM
Clark Nature Preserve

Native meadow and grassland plants have deep root zones that soak up rainwater like a sponge. Join the Lancaster Conservancy as we explore the restored meadows at the Clark Nature Preserve and use these ecosystems as examples of what can be done in our backyards.
Register

Paddling Film Festival at Zoetropolis

7:00 – 9:00 PM
Zoetropolis

Join fellow paddling enthusiasts for a screening of films at Zoetropolis from the World Tour of the Paddling Film Festival. Come and be inspired! Cost: $15
Learn More

Thursday, June 13

🌱 Buffer Tours During Family Farm Days

Tours at 11:15 AM, 11:45 AM, 1:00 PM, and 1:30 PM
Oregon Dairy

Come out for Family Farm Days at Oregon Dairy and catch a tour of forested buffers from Stroud Water Research Center. Learn how this working farm is incorporating habitat and water quality into their operations.
Learn more

Waterways on Wheels

5:30 – 8:00 PM
Depart from 551 Vinegar Ferry Road, Marietta

Join a Penn State Master Watershed Steward on this 15-mile bike ride along the Northwest River Trail highlighting the history and ecology of the area. Ages 18 and up. Cost: $10
Register

Concert in the Park: Central City Orchestra

Food trucks at 5:00 PM, Concert starts at 7:30 PM
Greenfield Park

Enjoy live music, get a snack from a food truck, grab a free native tree or shrub, and relax with friends and family at this free concert.
learn more

[SOLD OUT] Wastewater Treatment Plant Tour #1

6:30 – 8:00 PM
1220 New Danville Pike, Lancaster

Join the City of Lancaster on this educational tour to find out what happens once our water goes down the drain.

SOLD OUT

Friday, June 14

🌱 Sacred Habitats Nature Walk at Hope Episcopal Church

8:00 – 10:30 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

[SOLD OUT] Wastewater Treatment Plant Tour #2

9:00 AM – 10:30 AM
1220 New Danville Pike, Lancaster

Join the City of Lancaster on this educational tour to find out what happens once our water goes down the drain.

SOLD OUT

[SOLD OUT] Wastewater Treatment Plant Tour #3

11:00 AM – 12:30 PM
1220 New Danville Pike, Lancaster

Join the City of Lancaster on this educational tour to find out what happens once our water goes down the drain.

SOLD OUT

Intro to Fly Fishing

12:00 – 4:00 PM
Creekside Fly & Tackle

Whether you’re an expert or novice, this workshop with the Conestoga River Club will guide you through the process of creating different types of flies specific to the Conestoga River and surrounding areas, and then we’ll test our new flies. Cost: $40
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 15

🌱 Sacred Habitats Nature Walk at Church of the Apostles United Church of Christ

8:00 – 10:30 AM
Church of the Apostles United Church of Christ

Join Interfaith Partners for the Chesapeake to explore how Church of the Apostles UCC is caring for our watershed and creating wildlife habitat along Brubaker Run.
REGISTER

Project Clean Communities

9:00 – 11:00 AM
Various Locations

Volunteer with the Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay and partners at multiple locations to help Lancaster County work towards cleaner and healthier streams, rivers, and communities!
REGISTER

[SOLD OUT] Stand Up & Paddle for a Cleaner River

9:00 AM – 12:30 PM
Blue Rock Boat Launch

Join Susquehanna SUP for a river cleanup adventure at the Conejohela Flats on the Susquehanna River as we paddle out, anchor down, and roll up our sleeves! Ages 18 and up

SOLD OUT

Photos by Michelle Johnsen

Thank You, Water Week Sponsors!