About this Event
In the late 1800s, the Susquehanna River was a deposit for sewage and was further polluted due to natural resource extraction. Simultaneously, women didn’t have access to the ballot box. Yet, in the city of Harrisburg, a woman named Mira Lloyd Dock began planting the seeds of conservation. Having recently returned from studying forestry in Europe, she began giving slide show presentations of European cities with well-managed city green spaces. This subtle act led to legislative action to green cities and improve the health of the Susquehanna. Mira Lloyd Dock went on to become the first woman to hold a government position in Pennsylvania – even before women could vote – and was the first woman in the world to be on a public forest commission.
Today, Lancaster Conservancy continues the legacy of former conservation leaders by improving the health of forests and waterways in Lancaster and York counties. Falmouth Forest Garden and Conoy Wetlands Nature Preserve are located right on the Susquehanna River and are maintained with river health as a central focus. We will discuss how these landscapes improve the health of the Susquehanna and what practices each of us can take at home to improve our watersheds.
Curious to learn more about Mira Lloyd Dock’s legacy? Check out this PBS documentary.
What to Expect: We will meet at East Donegal Township Riverfront Park and begin our bike ride heading north on the Northwest River Rail Trail. Our ride is 14 miles total with three educational stops.
Mile 3: We will stop at White Cliffs of Conoy to talk about Mira Lloyd Dock’s work and steps each of us can take to clean up watersheds.
Mile 7: We will get off our bikes for a .25-mile walking tour of Falmouth Forest Garden, a riparian buffer planted by Lancaster Conservancy and other community partners.
Mile 8: We will stop at Conoy Wetlands Nature Preserve and discuss dump site cleanups that have occurred here in an effort to restore habitat.
What to Bring: Bring a bike and helmet (required), water, snacks, pertinent personal first aid, sunglasses, sunscreen, and sufficient layers.
Hike Leader: Before joining the Interpretive Ranger team in 2022, 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.
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 a day in advance for severe weather. 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 and refunded.
Photo Credit: Jim Lewis
Thank you to our generous annual sponsors for making this event possible!
Event Venue & Nearby Stays
Riverfront Park, 551 Vinegar Ferry Road, Marietta, United States
USD 12.51
