The Lancaster County Conservation District (LCCD) will hold its 51st annual tree seedling sale. The sale features all preordered and prepaid tree seedlings, perennials, and shrubs available through Friday, March 7. The sale list includes evergreen conifers, hardwoods, wildlife trees and shrubs, groundcover, and pollinator-friendly perennials. Orders will be ready for pickup on Friday, April 11, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Farm and Home Center, 1383 Arcadia Road, Lancaster.

The majority of trees on the sale list are bare root stock that will be dipped in a root preservative gel. As the trees are seedlings, the sale also offers tree protectors with support stakes designed to protect trees in early growth from potential damage by deer or rodents. New additions to the sale this year include asparagus crowns and fig trees as well as a wild berry pack.

To see a pictorial description of all items available, download an order form, or to place an order, visit http://www.lancasterconservation.org and look under About. An order form may also be requested by calling 717-299-5361, ext. 5, by Monday, Feb. 24. Payment is due when orders are placed. Proceeds support environmental education and watershed programs in Lancaster County.

The LCCD will offer two $1,000 scholarships to Lancaster County high school seniors. Applications will be accepted from students continuing their education in the 2025-26 school year with the intent of majoring in a curriculum that focuses on natural resources and/or conservation.

Examples of acceptable programs of studies include environmental sciences, wildlife and/or fisheries biology, and environmental resource management. Studies must lead to a two-year associate degree or a four-year baccalaureate degree.

The completed application must be received in the LCCD office by Thursday, March 27. Basis for the selection will be determined on past performance and activities, current school and community involvement, future purpose and direction, and communication skills. Prior to the final selection, top candidates will be interviewed. An announcement of the successful candidates will be made by the middle of May.

For more information and a scholarship application, visit the aforementioned website.

The Lancaster County Youth Conservation School will take place from Sunday, July 20, through Friday, July 25. The program is open to students ages 14 to 16.

The LCCD and local sportsmen's clubs will offer the weeklong summer field school focusing on outdoor activities and the conservation of natural resources. Students will reside at the school with tents and cots to demonstrate low-impact camping at the Northern Lancaster County Fish and Game Protection Association, 180 Forest Road, Denver.

Students will gain knowledge about wildlife and conservation, leadership experience, and communication skills. Topics will include stream restoration, forestry, canoeing, wildlife management, archery, survival, and firearm safety. Students will have the opportunity to meet professionals in various environmental and conservation-related fields and discuss career options with them.

Ninety percent of the tuition fees are covered by local sportsmen's clubs and community organizations. Students are responsible for a registration fee upon acceptance to the program.

To receive an application, call the previously noted number or visit the aforementioned website and look under Education. The application period will be open until Friday, June 6, or when the program is full.

The LCCD is holding a yearlong celebration of its 75th anniversary. On Feb. 24, 1950, the Lancaster County commissioners passed a resolution to establish the LCCD as a countywide soil conservation district under the Pennsylvania State Soil Conservation Law of 1945 (Act 217). The county resolution officially elevated the work of volunteer board members to reach throughout the county and support all county residents. The 75th anniversary of LCCD will be celebrated with activities and the sharing of memories culminating in a gala in September.

The primary purpose of LCCD was originally to assist landowners, operators, and cooperating organizations to develop and implement conservation plans to conserve and sustain the natural resources of Lancaster County in a voluntary capacity. The purpose of the organization today is similar and grounded in the work of early volunteers and founders of conservation efforts in the county. The first board of directors consisted of one county commissioner and four farmer members. Now, the board consists of one county commissioner and eight other members working in support of 36 staff members from five departments all focused on conserving Lancaster County's soil and water.

Projects include monitoring and installing streamside practices to improve water quality, reviewing plans for stabilizing soil during development, supporting farmers in managing natural resources, and providing education resources for teachers and students. Innovation is a part LCCD projects. Liquid manure injection supported by grant funding from the Campbell Foundation helps farmers reduce nutrient loss while reducing odor issues. With support from the Arconic Foundation, LCCD has connected with education partners and teachers to establish a network of outdoor learning projects that connect to state education standards for environmental literacy.

For more information, call the previously mentioned number, visit the aforementioned website, search for "Lancaster County Conservation District" on Facebook, or search for @lancasterconservation on Instagram.