Who We Are

Providing wild and forested lands and clean waterways for our community. Forever.

Lancaster Conservancy is an accredited nonprofit land trust that protects and restores natural lands for future generations. Since our founding in 1969 by local anglers, hunters and naturalists, the Conservancy has saved over 10,000 acres of land to protect the ecosystems and landscapes upon which we depend for food, clean water, clean air, economic and public health, and the restoration of the soul and spirit.

We manage the lands we own in 50 nature preserves and care for over 45 miles of hiking trails. Our preserves, located in Lancaster County as well as along the Susquehanna River in York County, are open to the public free of charge 365 days a year and provide opportunities for passive recreation like hiking, fishing, hunting, and swimming. We have protected some of the most beautiful and beloved natural places in the area – places like Climbers Run, Welsh Mountain, Tucquan Glen & Pyfer, and Shenks Ferry Wildflower preserves.

Our work cultivates a connection with nature and educates the community on the importance of clean water, native species, biodiversity, and proper land use. By partnering with other non-profit organizations and government entities, we work to protect the health of our lands, watersheds, and local wildlife – forever. As a member supported organization, we need your help to save nature.

At the Conservancy, our job is to find, fund, preserve and maintain natural lands in Lancaster and York Counties so that the community and visitors to the region can enjoy them for years to come.

The Conservancy manages 50 nature preserves and over 70 conservation easements, over 8,000 acres in total. Our preserves are managed to create habitat for animals, to protect plants and trees, and to provide public access to nature.

Through educational programs, volunteer opportunities, and partnership, the Conservancy engages and activates community members of all ages to protect and restore our natural lands!

Our Staff & Board

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Jessica Brown

Development & Events Manager

Favorite Preserve
Otter Creek

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Faith DeJong

Development & Accounting Manager

Favorite Preserve
Clark

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Peggy Eppig

Conservation Educator

Favorite Preserve
Climbers Run

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Kate Gonick

Senior Vice President of Land Protection & General Counsel

Favorite Preserve
Pequea Preserve

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Sarah Gotwols

Volunteer Coordinator

Favorite Preserve
Tucquan Glen & Pyfer

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Beth Hacker

Operations Manager

Favorite Preserve
Climbers Run

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Anne Harnish

Land Protection Manager

Favorite Preserve
Clark

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Mark Heller

Stewardship Project Manager

Favorite Preserve
Fox Hollow

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Travis Lyle

Regional Preserves Manager

Favorite Preserve
Robert A. Kinsley

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Steve Mohr

Senior Preserves Manager

Favorite Preserve
Robert A. Kinsley

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Dave Myer

Land Steward

Favorite Preserve
Windolph Landing

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Evan Peppers

Regional Preserves Manager

Favorite Preserve
Trout Run

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Hylon Plumb

Stewardship Manager

Favorite Preserve
Trout Run

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Mark Roberts

Regional Preserves Manager

Favorite Preserve
Trout Run

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Sean Roberts

Regional Preserves Manager

Favorite Preserve
Bellaire Woods

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Kevin Rolfs

CFO

Favorite Preserve
Clark

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Eric Roper

Forester

Favorite Preserve
Bellaire Woods

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Fritz Schroeder

President & CEO

Favorite Preserve
Trout Run

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Kelly Slippey

Community Event Coordinator

Favorite Preserve
Shenks Ferry

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Kelly Snavely

Vice President of Development & Marketing

Favorite Preserve
Kellys Run

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Corey Staver

GIS Technician

Favorite Preserve
Clark

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Brandon Tennis

Senior Vice President of Stewardship

Favorite Preserve
Otter Creek

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Jenn Teson

Vice President of Operations & Conservation

Favorite Preserve
Ferncliff

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John Thomas

Natural Resource Technician

Favorite Preserve
Tucquan Glen & Pyfer

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Avery Van Etten

Marketing & Communications Manager

Favorite Preserve
Clark

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Phil Wenger

Major Gifts Lead

Favorite Preserve
Otter Creek

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Keith Williams

Vice President of Engagement & Education

Favorite Preserve
Climbers Run

Our Seasonal Staff & Lead Volunteers

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Linda Ferich

Volunteer Leader - Community Wildlife Habitat

Favorite Preserve
Steinman Run

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Rachel Haynes

Interpretive Ranger

Favorite Preserve
Kellys Run

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Mike King

Volunteer Co-Leader - Water Quality Volunteer Coalition

Favorite Preserve
Steinman Run

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Craig Lehman

Interpretive Ranger

Favorite Preserve
Clark

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Mary Patterson

Interpretive Ranger

Favorite Preserve
Shenks Ferry

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Kate Prisby

Interpretive Ranger

Favorite Preserve
Rannels Kettle Run

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Allison & John Zechman

Volunteer Co-Leaders - Water Quality Volunteer Coalition

Favorite Preserve
Steinman Run

Board of Directors

Eric Nordstrom
Board Chair

Julie L. Jones, MD
Board Vice Chair

Sara Lamichane, DMD
Immediate Past Board Chair

Jennifer Lauver
Treasurer, Chair of Finance & Audit 

Alex E. Snyder, Esq.
Secretary

Follin Smith
Chair of Land Protection

Jamie Rottmund
Chair of Stewardship

Spike Brant
Chair of Community Impact

Dan Ardia

Silas Chamberlin

Doug Hoke

Sarah Jeffords

Bobby Kinsley

Lisa Marshall

Mary Louise Shenk

Greg Smolin

Ryan White

Andres Zorrilla