Lancaster Conservancy’s Board of Directors has named two trails in Tucquan Glen and Pyfer Nature Preserves for the Pyfer Family in recognition of John F. Pyfer Jr., Carol T. Pyfer, and the Pyfer Family Foundation’s generous support of conservation through the Conservancy’s Protect & Restore Campaign.
“John Pyfer served as the Conservancy’s Board President from 2019-2021. His service to scouting and the principles of conservation are admirable. We are a better organization because of his service, and the Conservancy is honored to name a loop trail for him and Carol and their lifetime commitment to protecting our natural lands,” said Eric Nordstrom, current President of the Conservancy’s Board of Directors.
John and Carol Pyfer's granddaughter cuts the ribbon at the dedication of the Upper and Lower Pyfer trails (Photo by Nick Gould)The Upper Pyfer Trail and Lower Pyfer Trail connect to make a loop through the shaded slopes of the glen and feature carefully crafted stone steps, built to ensure the durability of the path in steeper sections. Protecting these precious ecosystems including Tucquan Creek, a state-designated scenic river that flows through these preserves, is one of the Conservancy’s highest priorities.
“Five generations of our family have enjoyed this natural jewel. We are happy the untouched and pristine beauty of the glen will be preserved forever,” said John Pyfer.
On Aug. 20, 2024, members of the Pyfer family led a hike of friends and Conservancy members to cut the ribbon to celebrate the trail dedication.
John and Carol Pyfer hold a Pyfer Trail sign (Photo by Nick Gould)
“As a leader of our Board, John prioritized the stewardship of our forested lands. He and Carol have set an example of philanthropy for the Lancaster community with a priority on scouting, education, and conservation. We are a better organization because of their participation,” stated Fritz Schroeder, President and CEO of the Lancaster Conservancy.
Conservancy stewardship staff completed restoration of the trail system through Tucquan Glen and Pyfer Nature Preserves last year. The over-loved trails had been eroded, so to ensure the trails’ safety and longevity, the Conservancy stewardship team and Summer Stewardship Crew rebuilt and rerouted portions of the degraded trail. In steep areas, they built stone staircases to ensure visitors’ safety.
“This project has not only established the Upper and Lower Pyfer Trails as the backbone of the preserves’ trail system, but it has also included significant improvements of the Conestoga Trail and its access points all the way from Pequea and Clark nature preserves into Tucquan and Pyfer Nature Preserves. This is a regional approach to ensuring the sustainability of our preserved natural lands through strategic passive recreation balanced with natural resource protection,” said Brandon Tennis, Senior Vice President of Stewardship at Lancaster Conservancy.
Stone stairs help ensure longevity of the trails at Tucquan Glen & Pyfer Nature Preserves (Photo by Nick Gould)
The Conservancy is embarking on a multiyear master plan for the river hills region, including these preserves, which will explore recreation access and ecological health, creating a roadmap for future projects.
The parking areas on River Road for Tucquan Glen and Pyfer Nature Preserves are closed; however, visitors can make the strenuous hike to explore the glen from Clark Nature Preserve (a 6-mile round trip) or Pinnacle Overlook in Susquehannock State Park (a 4-mile round trip).
