Lancaster Conservancy

Providing wild and forested lands and clean waterways for our community, forever.

Lancaster Conservancy is an accredited nonprofit land trust that protects and restores natural lands for future generations. Since our founding in 1969 by local anglers, hunters, and naturalists, the Conservancy has saved over 10,000 acres of land to protect the ecosystems and landscapes upon which we depend for food, clean water, clean air, economic and public health, and the restoration of the soul and spirit.

We manage the lands we own in 50 nature preserves and care for over 60 miles of hiking trails (including three universally accessible trails). Our preserves, located in Lancaster County as well as along the Susquehanna River in York County, are open to the public free of charge 365 days a year and provide opportunities for passive recreation like hiking, fishing, hunting, and swimming. We have protected some of the most beautiful and beloved natural places in the area – places like Climbers Run, Welsh Mountain, Tucquan Glen & Pyfer, and Shenks Ferry Wildflower preserves.

Our work cultivates a connection with nature and educates the community on the importance of clean water, native species, biodiversity, and proper land use. (For example, you may have spotted us sharing information on protecting our waterways and handing out free native trees and shrubs during Lancaster Water Week!) By partnering with other nonprofit organizations and government entities, we work to protect the health of our lands, watersheds, and local wildlife – forever. As a member-supported organization, we need your help to save nature.

SAVING NATURAL LANDS

At the Conservancy, our job is to find, fund, preserve, and maintain natural lands in Lancaster and York counties so that the community and visitors to the region can enjoy them for years to come. 

CARING FOR NATURE

The Conservancy has protected over 10,000 acres of natural land and stewards 50 nature preserves and over 70 conservation easements. Our preserves are managed to create habitat for animals, to protect plants and trees, and to provide public access to nature.

ENGAGING OUR COMMUNITY 

Through educational programs, volunteer opportunities, and partnerships, the Conservancy engages and activates community members of all ages to protect and restore our natural lands!  

Learn more about Lancaster Conservancy at https://www.lancasterconservancy.org/



Lancaster Conservancy photos by Michelle Johnsen, Nick Gould, Jonathan Kettering, and Greg Smolin. 

Who We Are

Providing wild and forested lands and clean waterways for our community. Forever.

Saving Natural Lands
At the Conservancy, our job is to find, fund, preserve and maintain natural lands in Lancaster and York Counties so that the community and visitors to the region can enjoy them for years to come.

Caring for Nature
The Conservancy manages 46 nature preserves and 69 conservation easements, 6,346 acres in total. Our preserves are managed to create habitat for animals, to protect plants and trees, and to provide public access to nature.

Engaging Our Community
Through educational programs, volunteer opportunities, and partnership, the Conservancy engages and activates community members of all ages to protect and restore our natural lands!

Used to be known as the Lancaster County Conservancy.