Mission
Our mission is to create a vibrant greenway sanctuary in the heart of Lancaster County by restoring part of the Little Conestoga Creek watershed and surrounding lands to recapture their natural beauty and health. This project will serve as a model for collaborative efforts to improve water quality, reestablish ecosystems, and provide educational and recreational opportunities for the community. We aim to provide an accessible trail system for residents of all ages and abilities to connect with nature, deepen their understanding of the environment, and attain well-being.
Three Project Goals
Along the Little Conestoga Creek from Marietta Avenue in the south to Swarr Run in the north, the Blue Green Connector will:
Restore healthy ecosystems along the stream by planting native vegetation after removing 112,000 cubic yards of legacy sediment from 25 acres, reducing the creekâs annual sediment load by over 4 million pounds.
Install 3.5 miles of multi-modal, ADA accessible trails linking residents and visitors to places of recreation, employment, commerce, essential services and educational opportunities.
Create a trailside environmental learning lab for the public that will include interpretive exhibits, signage stations, demonstration areas, outdoor learning spaces, research, audio guides, art, and wayfinding.
Vision
We envision a future in which our project will:
Foster environmental restoration efforts to improve the water quality and ecosystem health of the Little Conestoga Creek, Conestoga River, Susquehanna River and ultimately the Chesapeake Bay in perpetuity.
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Catalyze others to address the challenges of water quality, damaged ecosystems, and limited educational and recreational opportunities.
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Inspire curiosity and enhance public understanding through commitment to environmental education. Foster a sense of stewardship and pride by exploring the science, history, and restoration of our lands and waters.
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Offer residents a space for recreation, contemplation, and access to nature from where they live and work.
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Promote research that expands knowledge of environmental restoration, the legacy of human impacts on floodplains within the Chesapeake Watershed, and targeted actions that ensure future projects are more efficient and effective.
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Actively involve the community and partners in caring for the Blue Green Connector and use it as a vibrant venue for public programs and educational events.
Values
The greenway demonstrates the importance of clean water and preserved land and serves as a model for environmental restoration.
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Our community is dedicated to honoring and learning from the past, celebrating the present, and safeguarding the future for all generations.
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The process we model is collaboration, cooperation, and community engagement. An expanding collection of organizations, individual community members, landowners, and government entities contribute to make this project best in class.
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Recreational and educational opportunities support quality of life.
Guiding Principles
Enhancing the trail experience for a thriving community.
Connection
The opportunity to gather with the community in public green spaces and connect individuals directly to nature. Through these connections, provide opportunities for learning, play, travel, enjoyment and appreciation of nature.
Recreation
The ability for anyone to spend time exercising and moving along the trail in a way that refreshes the mind and body.
Inspiration
The process of being stimulated to gather new ideas, find ways to take action, and provide space for creative release through the enjoyment of the trail, stream and amenities.
Intention
The purposeful reason chosen by a trail user, whether it be to immerse in the beauty of nature, meet with a neighbor or friend, or enjoy a hobby like bird watching or photography outdoors.
Meditation
The practice of focusing or clearing the mind by taking time to reflect, breathe and find quiet. The act of meditation along the trail can provide relaxation, ease stress, anxiety and more.
Exploration
Investigating the trail to discover new and exciting parts of Lancaster County. The trail provides an opportunity to encounter our environment up close, and ventures to bridge crossings and
thrilling views.
Restoration
The act of returning something close to its original condition by improving its current state. This project is intended to be a model for future restoration and rewilding efforts.
Transportation
The various means of travel that move trail users from one location to another. Hikers, cyclists and non-motorized vehicle users will enjoy safe and ADA-accessible transportation using the
trail.
Education
The process of acquiring knowledge of the land and waters along the trail, including its history, the science of its environment and restoration, and how to take action to help clean water and
build healthy ecosystems.
Acknowledgements
MUNICIPAL PARTNERS
- East Hempfield Township
- Lancaster City
- Lancaster Township
- Manheim Township
PRIVATE DONORS
- Clark Associates Charitable Foundation
- Doug Weidman
- Ferree Foundation
- High Foundation
- Lancaster County Community Foundation
- Lancaster Industrial Development Authority
- Mennonite Home Communities
- Penn State Health
- Phil and Pati Frey
- UGI Utilities
- Willis & Elsie Shenk Foundation
COUNTY, STATE & FEDERAL FUNDERS
- Lancaster County Commissioners
- Lancaster County Connects2040
- Lancaster County Solid Waste Management Authority
- Lancaster Clean Water Partners
- PA Department of Environmental Protection
- PA Department of Conservation & Natural Resources
- PA Department of Community & Economic Development
- National Fish & Wildlife Foundation