June 6-14, 2025
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 9th 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 7 from 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Join the Conestoga River Club and Paul Nevin to listen to stories of Indigenous peoples told through petroglyphs along the Susquehanna River. We will offer six one-hour-long trips to Big Indian Rock. Cost: $35, additional cost for kayak rental
RegisterPride on the Conestoga
Sunday, June 8 from 8:00 AM – 1:00 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 cost for kayak rental
RegisterConestoga River Tour
Trips leaving at 8:00 AM and 1:00 PM daily June 9-13
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
Birding Float
Tuesday, June 10 at 3:30 PM and 6:00 PM
Wednesday, June 11 at 8:30 AM
Thursday, June 12 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: $45 with kayak rental, $35 BYO kayak
RegisterRiverkeeper Riverlands Paddle Tour
Friday, June 13 from 9:00 AM – 12:30 PM
Join the Lower Susquehanna Riverkeeper Association on a leisurely river paddle with views of Susquehanna Riverlands State Park, Lancaster Conservancy nature preserves, and Chickies Rock. Participants will learn more about the work of the Riverkeeper and current threats to the Susquehanna. This guided tour includes a shuttle for participants, equipment, and lunch at the conclusion. Ages 12+ (minors must be accompanied by an adult). Cost: $85
RegisterConestoga Camp Out Sojourn
Saturday, June 14 at 8:00 AM – Sunday, June 15 at 5:00 PM
Join the Conestoga River Club for this two-day guided kayak trip down the Conestoga. This journey will include meals, snacks, overnight camping, and informal conversation about points of historical, cultural, and conservation landscape interest. Cost: $200, additional cost for kayak rental
Register
FRIDAY, JUNE 6
Safe Harbor Dam Tours
9:00 – 10:00 AM, 10:00 – 11:00 AM, 11:00 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 for a one-hour tour 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)
RegisterFirst 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. (Check the Science Factory website, lancastersciencefactory.org, for additional hands-on drop-in activities June 7-14!)
Register
First Friday in Downtown Lancaster
5:00 – 8:00 PM
Penn Square
Kick off Water Week on First Friday at Penn Square in downtown Lancaster! Get a free native tree, and learn about how rewilding can help protect our waterways.
Register
SATURDAY, JUNE 7
Habitat Advocate: Green Mulch – Using Native Plants as Groundcovers
9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Tec Centro
Join the Lancaster Conservancy and Waxwing EcoWorks Co. as we nurture a new land ethic of cultivating a layered landscape by integrating native groundcovers (“green or living mulch”) in your garden, mimicking natural landscapes. Cost: $60
Register[SOLD OUT] Creek Stomp
10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Climbers Run Nature Center
Explore the cool waters and amazing life in the Climbers Run stream with Lancaster Conservancy! Come ready to get wet. We will flip rocks to see who is living under them and net some fish learn about stream ecology and the importance of keeping water clean. All ages welcome. Cost: $5
Join Waitlist
Public Water Independence Day
12:00 – 5:00 PM
Octoraro Reservoir Fishing Headquarters/Boat Launch
Join Chester Water Authority for our 5th Annual Public Water Independence Day! This family-friendly event will feature free kayak lessons, pontoon boat tours, food, and ice cream! Get a tour of the public water treatment plant, and visit the tents of local environmental groups to learn more about our watershed.
Learn more
SUNDAY, JUNE 8
Northwest River Trail History Hike
9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Depart from Falmouth Boat Launch
Join Adam Zurn from Uncharted Lancaster for a Water Week adventure as we journey back in time on a guided history hike along the Northwest River Trail. Cost: $25
registerLititz Run Watershed Bike Tour
10:00 AM – 12:00 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: $10
registerOne Water Partnership Lunch & Learn
1:00 – 3:00 PM
Unitarian Universalist Church of Lancaster
Head to Unitarian Universalist Church of Lancaster to 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! A light lunch will be provided.
REGISTRATION LINK COMING SOON
Nature Journaling: Water
1:00 – 3:00 PM
Climbers Run
Join Lancaster Conservancy as we explore the world of water through nature journaling! Explore drawing, painting, and writing techniques for capturing your observations of the Climbers Run pond and stream. Cost: $10
RegisterRiver Connections Community Picnic
2:00 – 5:00 PM
Lancaster County Central Park, Pavilion 2
Come, gather at the river! Share songs, poems and stories. Learn to skip a rock. Meditate to the sound of flowing water. Get to know the river and its history, and learn how you can be a caretaker of the “Stoga.” Hosted by City of Lancaster and River Connections Crew.
REGISTRATION LINK COMING SOON
Long’s Park Summer Music Series
6:00 – 9:00 PM
Long’s Park
Jam out to some great music, part of the Long’s Park Summer Music Series, while you learn about our local waterways and take home a free native tree!
Register
MONDAY, JUNE 9
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 MoreSacred Habitats Nature Walk at Ascension Lutheran Church
8:30 – 10:00 AM
Ascension Lutheran Church
Join Interfaith Partners for the Chesapeake to explore how Ascension Lutheran Church is caring for our watershed and creating wildlife habitat in the Pequea Creek drainage.
REGISTRATION LINK COMING SOON
Summer STEM Camp at Lancaster Science Factory: Environmental Engineering
June 9-13 from 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Lancaster Science Factory
Campers will explore how environmental engineers tackle local challenges, including stormwater management. They’ll design solutions in Tinkercad, build and test multiple designs, and work in groups to design and build a resilient mini-city. For children entering grades 4-8. Cost: $175 (Check the Science Factory website, lancastersciencefactory.org, for additional hands-on drop-in activities June 7-14!)
Register
Gibbons Park Restoration Tour & Electrofishing Demonstration
6:00 – 7:00 PM
Gibbons Park
Join the Lancaster County Conservation District and East Lampeter Township to learn about Mill Creek and its rich ecology. We will give a brief tour of the stream restoration project, and then we will demonstrate electrofishing, a method for monitoring stream health.
RegisterSunnyside Guided Hike
6:00 – 8:00 PM
Sunnyside Peninsula
Join the City of Lancaster and the Lancaster Conservancy as we discover the beauty, ecology, and history of the Sunnyside peninsula and floodplain.
Register
TUESDAY, JUNE 10
City Tree Tour
12:00 – 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.”
RegisterEurofins Campus Green Infrastructure and Native Habitat Tour
5:30 – 7:30 PM
Eurofins
Ever wonder how larger corporations in Lancaster are stewarding their campuses for environmental, employee, and community health? Join Eurofins on this tour of their dedicated corporate greenspace that contains over 1,000 native tree species, serves as a riparian buffer to a stream, and has a walking trail for employees.
Register
Stream Exploration at Greenfield
6:00 – 7:30 PM
Greenfield
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.
RegisterFrom the Sky to the Stream – Who benefits from your forested buffer?
6:00 – 7:30 PM
Ressler Mill
Join staff from Stroud Water Research Center and Hawk Mountain to hear about a local initiative to pair raptor conservation with watershed restoration. Learn about local farmers who are planting riparian forested buffers for stream health and are also creating critical habitat for wildlife in the water, on land, and in the air.
Register
Wednesday, June 11
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 and adult)
RegisterUnderstanding Your Street Tree Webinar
12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
Virtual
Trees are critically important to our livelihoods and the health of our city, not just in parks and yards, but also along the streets and alleys. Through this virtual presentation you will be introduced to the benefits of street trees. Learn how the City of Lancaster addresses common urban tree challenges such as pests/diseases, development, and the importance of community involvement in tree preservation.
RegisterThe Wonderous World of Water: Exploring Water and Art with Children
1:00 – 3:00 PM
Franklin & Marshall College
Join the team at The Center for the Sustainable Environment at Franklin & Marshall College to explore how water can be a powerful tool in exploring art. Using water as both a medium and an inspiration, we will dive into the wondrous opportunities to deepen our connection with water and the natural world through a variety of art projects. This event is open to kids of all ages (minors must be accompanied by an adult).
RegisterBlue Green Connector Preview Hike #1
3:30 – 5:00 PM
1604 Marietta Avenue, Lancaster
Join The Little Conestoga Creek Foundation and their partners ELA Group, LandStudies, and F&M’s Chesapeake Watershed Initiative for a preview hike of the future Blue Green Connector! Learn more about how we are restoring the Little Conestoga Creek and building more than 3 miles of ADA-accessible trails. This collaborative effort initiated by The Steinman Foundation creates many exciting opportunities for our environment and community!
RegisterBlue Green Connector Preview Hike #2
5:30 – 7:00 PM
1604 Marietta Avenue, Lancaster
Join The Little Conestoga Creek Foundation and their partners ELA Group, LandStudies, and F&M’s Chesapeake Watershed Initiative for a preview hike of the future Blue Green Connector! Learn more about how we are restoring the Little Conestoga Creek and building more than 3 miles of ADA-accessible trails. This collaborative effort initiated by The Steinman Foundation creates many exciting opportunities for our environment and community!
Register
Adaptive Paddle Meet-and-Greet
6:00 – 8:00 PM
Location TBA
The Conestoga River Club and the Susquehanna Valley Chapter of Team River Runner present an information session on adaptive paddling.
RegisterClean 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 Clark Nature Preserve and use these ecosystems as examples of what can be done in our backyards. Cost: $5
RegisterGreen Infrastructure Bike Tour
6:00 – 8:00 PM
Leave from Ewell Plaza
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.
RegisterShall We Gather at the River: A Night of Singing in Community
7:00 – 8:30 PM
Community Mennonite Church of Lancaster
Immerse yourself in a night of hymns, songs, and spirituals that celebrate the life-giving power of water through beautiful imagery of rivers, streams, and renewal. Whether you’re moved by the music or the imagery, it’s a night of reflection, community, and uplifting melodies open to all hosted by Community Mennonite Church of Lancaster, Stroud Water Research Center, and Interfaith Partners for the Chesapeake.
REGISTRATION LINK COMING SOON
Thursday, June 12
Sunnyside Guided Hike
9:00 – 11:00 AM
Sunnyside Peninsula
Join the City of Lancaster and the Lancaster Conservancy as we discover the beauty, ecology, and history of the Sunnyside peninsula and floodplain.
RegisterCreek Stomp
10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Climbers Run
Explore the cool waters and amazing life in the Climbers Run stream with Lancaster Conservancy! Come ready to get wet. We will flip rocks to see who is living under them and net some fish learn about stream ecology and the importance of keeping water clean. All ages welcome. Cost: $5
RegisterWastewater Treatment Plant Tour
6:00 – 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.
Register
Waterways on Wheels
5:30 – 8:00 PM
Leave from East Donegal Township River Park
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 14 and up (minors must be accompanied by an adult). Cost: $10
RegisterGreenfield Summer Concert
7:00 – 8:30 PM
Greenfield
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. Food truck service begins at 5:00 PM, concert begins at 7:00 PM.
Register
Friday, June 13
Sacred Habitats Nature Walk at Hope Episcopal
8:00 – 10:00 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.
REGISTRATION LINK COMING SOON
Wastewater Treatment Plant Tour
9:00 AM – 11:00 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.
RegisterBee Our Guest
9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
261 Beattys Tollgate Road, Marietta
Join Chesapeake Bay Foundation as we complete maintenance in a forested riparian buffer and discuss important native herbaceous plants in the buffer. We will also make pollinator houses for everyone to take home along with free native pollinator plugs to start rewilding your property.
REGISTRATION LINK COMING SOON
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
RegisterPaddling Film Festival
7:00 – 9:00 PM
Zoetropolis
Take a cinematic tour of the paddling world through the Paddling Film Festival hosted by Zoetropolis! Be inspired to explore, push extremes, appreciate wild places, and fully embrace the paddling lifestyle. Cost: $15 in advance, $20 at the door
Register
Saturday, June 14
Project Clean Communities
9:00 – 11:00 AM
Multiple 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!
REGISTERCows, Creeks, & Conservation: A Dairy Farm Tour & Tasting
11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
The Ebersol Farm, Strasburg
Join Lancaster Farmland Trust staff for a unique field day at a small family-owned farm to learn about water quality initiatives, Best Management Practices, and conservation efforts implemented on this traditional dairy operation. Sample products from the cooperative will be available for tasting, offering a true farm-to-table experience and showcasing the direct connection between conservation practices and the food we enjoy.
REGISTER
One Water Partnership Lunch & Learn
1:00 – 3:00 PM
Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd
Head to Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd to 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! A light lunch will be provided.
REGISTRATION LINK COMING SOON
Photos by Michelle Johnsen
Thank You, Water Week Sponsors!
