Bike & Hike: A Trip Through Time

Donegal Highlands and Shaw Family nature preserves both tell the stories of landscape change over time. At Donegal Highlands, buffalo used to graze and help maintain the meadow fields. At Shaw, 300 years of soil washing downstream from areas clear-cut and used for agriculture has resulted in a 6-foot sediment buildup. Working with townships, partners, and volunteers, Lancaster Conservancy is figuring out ways to improve these parcels of land to increase biodiversity, improve water quality, and return barren lands to forests. These preserves tell the stories of history, resilience, and innovation. What to Expect: We will cover 6 miles on bike via the mostly flat Conewago Recreation Trail. Please note that this bike path is crushed gravel; narrow tires will not be well-suited for our ride. The rail trail has a few road crossings as well. Helmets are required. Our total hiking distance will include about 2.5 miles on foot. There is a port-a-john at Old Trolley Line Park but there is no running water. Where to Meet: Old Trolley Line Park What to Bring: You must provide your own bike and helmet for this event. Helmets are required while bike riding. Participants should bring ample water, snacks, sunscreen, pertinent personal first aid and medication, and dinner to have on the trail. Itinerary: Our journey starts via bike as we depart Old Trolley Line Park and ride 3 miles on the Conewago Recreation Trail to Shaw Family Nature Preserve. Here we will get off our bikes to explore ecological restoration that involves removing legacy sediment and installing riparian buffers. Then it’s up on our bikes to ride back 3 miles. Upon returning to Old Trolley Line Park, we’ll swap biking shoes for hiking boots and cross the road to Donegal Highlands Nature Preserve. Old logging roads are being turned into trails here, and we’ll hike about 2 miles while discussing the restoration work taking place. Our route has some uphill climbs; hiking poles may be useful. We’ll take a break partway for dinner on the trail (bring your own). Event Leader: Before joining the Interpretive Ranger team in 2023, Kate Prisby partnered with Lancaster Conservancy in riparian buffer work at Climbers Run and building the new trail system at Tucquan Glen & Pyfer Nature Preserves. She enjoys sharing the amazing landscapes Lancaster Conservancy stewards with others. Refund Policy: If you are unable to attend this event after purchasing a ticket, refund requests must be made at least 48 hours before the event. Animal Policy: Service animals active or in training are welcome. Please leave all pets at home. Cancellation Policy: This event will be held rain or shine, with cancellation for severe weather made at the time of the event. If the Conservancy reschedules the event, attendees will be emailed and tickets will be automatically moved to the new date. If the Conservancy cancels the event, attendees will be notified via email when possible and refunded. Photo Credit: Jim Lewis

Event Links

Tickets: https://go.evvnt.com/3132622-0

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