In May 2022, Lancaster Conservancy unveiled a $21 million campaign for the protection and restoration of nature in Lancaster County. It is the first major, multi-year initiative in the organization, which has operated for over 50 years. As of this past spring, over $17 million had been raised for the cause; $4.5 million was pledged by the board of directors and the rest stemmed from the major contributions of over 70 community members.

Lancaster Conservancy is an accredited land trust that was founded in 1969 by local naturalists, fishers, hunters and farmers to acquire and protect natural lands. Over the course of its existence, more than 8,000 acres have been acquired, and they are protected and maintained to this day. The organization competes with developers to purchase land at auctions so that the natural habitat is preserved and kept open for the public. "If we don't do it now, it won't be around," said Fritz Schroeder, senior vice president of community impact for the conservancy. "People want access to the land. We protect and preserve it for generations to come." The campaign is divided into three primary goals: restore, protect and educate.

Seven million dollars of the funds raised will be allocated for restoring the thousands of acres acquired by Lancaster Conservancy, as it continues its work to balance the needs of the habitat with the demands of visitors. "Some of these trails are loved to death, with worn infrastructure and parking lots that don't have enough room for visitors," said Schroeder. "We want to maintain these areas long-term and make sure they can accommodate the many people who enjoy them." Half of the money raised for this goal will be invested in projects to restore biodiversity, water quality and ecosystems; the other half will be applied to the stewardship endowment for future preservation of the land.

Eleven million dollars will be used to protect 10,000 acres by the year 2030, which is twice the amount of land preserved up until 2015. Funds are needed for acquisition costs for land in both Lancaster and along the Susquehanna that is rising in cost faster than inflation. The conservancy often struggled to raise the money needed to purchase land in time, as it can be bought within days once for sale. The campaign will allow a more proactive approach to be taken, with funds already allotted once land becomes available.

The final $3 million raised from the initiative will be applied to the education of over 10,000 community members, primarily through the Climbers Run Nature Center. The nature center sits on 113 acres of land, located along Frogtown Road in Pequea, and serves to educate students, families, hikers and volunteers. The center includes hands-on learning activities that offer immersive insight on the natural world, accomplished in partnership with area schools, Scout troops and education organizations. The funds raised from this portion of the goal will be used to improve the nature center by adding outdoor classrooms and two pedestrian bridges and modernizing the facility.

To learn how to become involved with the campaign, visit http://www.lancasterconservancy.org or contact Jess Brown at jbrown@lancasterconservancy.org or 717-392-7891, ext. 219.