"We're all connected to the watershed," said Monique Dykman, Londonderry Township MS4 environmental specialist. "We want to provide opportunities for people to also connect with their neighbors, connect with the outdoors, and support our fish, mammal, and bird populations."

That's the inspiration behind two events Dykman is organizing in April. The Conewago Darter 5K Run/Walk and 1-Mile Fun Run/Walk will be held on Sunday, April 2, with a Field Day for Clean Water running concurrently. Prizes will be awarded to the overall male and female top finishers in the 5K as well as the top three male and female finishers in various age categories. The Fun Run/Walk will not be timed and does not include awards. Participants should park and register for either race at 2771 N. Market St., Elizabethtown, where a bus will transport 5K participants to the start line at Old Trolley Line Park, 475 Beverly Road, Elizabethtown. Fun Run/Walk participants will follow the signs to the Conewago Recreation Trail, 2385 N. Market St., Elizabethtown, which is also the ending point of the 5K. Registration will begin at 9 a.m., with the last bus leaving the registration site at 9:30 a.m. The 5K will start at 10 a.m. and the Fun Run/Walk will kick off at 10:45 a.m. Participants may register for either race at http://www.pretzelcitysports.com. Online registration will close at midnight on Wednesday, March 29, but participants may register on the day of the race in person.

Along with the races, Dykman is organizing a Field Day for Clean Water from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Conewago Recreation Trail. Local conservation partners will present information about water quality issues, water pollutants, and more. "There will be tables that have macroinvertebrates, which are stream critters, and people will have the chance to learn about them, how to ID them, and why they are important," Dykman noted. Tours of the ongoing stream restoration in the area will also be offered, and participants will have the opportunity to help plant 50 trees in the park. Food will be provided by The Chubby Unicorn food truck.

"People can learn about why stream restoration is needed ... the habitat of the area and the animals that live there, and the future of the stream," Dykman said.

She explained that the day is a fundraiser for the Conewago Creek, which is an impaired waterway. A multi-phase floodplain restoration project is underway at the Conewago Creek, with goals of reducing local flooding and improving local water quality. The project will also restore on-site wetlands, create a more resilient creek, and expand and enhance wildlife habitat.

The events on April 2 also offer a way for Dykman and other environmental experts to promote the ongoing work and answer questions. "The restoration project is a high-profile project on the recreation trail," she stated. "A lot of people use the trail, and if they're curious about what's going on there, I would love the opportunity to educate them and provide information."

For more information on the races or the field day, email Dykman at mdykman@londonderrypa.org.