An upcoming bike tour with the Penn State Extension Master Watershed Steward program will highlight the watersheds of the Northwest Lancaster County River Trail. The "Waterways on Wheels: A Bike Tour" workshop will take place from 5:30 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, June 12, at the Northwest Lancaster County River Trail, 551 Vinegar Ferry Road, Marietta.

The workshop is designed for community members who wish to participate in an event during Lancaster Water Week; people who love the outdoors, enjoy biking and want to learn more about the watersheds they live in; and anyone interested in riparian forest buffers, the water quality of the Chesapeake Bay watershed or contributing to conservation and restoration efforts in the watershed.

The workshop will cover the history of the Northwest Lancaster County River Trail and the Lower Susquehanna River, riparian forest buffer programs and benefits, how to improve water quality in the Chesapeake Bay watershed, and how individuals can help make community watersheds more sustainable.

The Master Watershed Steward program, in partnership with the Lancaster Conservancy, offers the bike tour to highlight various watershed features, trail history and geological history on the Northwest Lancaster County River Trail.

The bike tour is an out-and-back ride from the East Donegal Riverfront Park to the Fisherman's Wharf Trail access at the northern terminus in Falmouth. The trail is 100% paved, and the total distance is approximately 15 miles, including stops along the way and a water break.

The journey will run about 2.5 to 3 hours. Helmets are required, and any type of bike is permitted, including road, mountain or gravel. Participants should bring water.

Parking and restroom facilities will be available. Upon returning to the East Donegal Riverfront Park, attendees can enjoy some of Lancaster County's finest snack items and reflect on the experience.

Waterways on Wheels is an educational program of the Penn State Extension Master Watershed Steward program. It brings bike riders to the intersection of history and the watershed in immersive natural environments via casual bike rides designed to be fun and educational.

Lancaster Water Week, which will run from Saturday, June 7, through Sunday, June 15, celebrates the 1,400 miles of streams and rivers in Lancaster County. During the week, individuals can explore, volunteer and take action to protect local waterways.

Participants can register for the bike tour through Tuesday, June 10, for a fee. More information is available at http://www.extension.psu.edu/waterways-on-wheels-a-bike-tour.