Please carpool as much as possible and RSVP to the person indicated by the day before the trip so we can contact you in case of changes. Unless otherwise indicated, all directions are based on starting in Lancaster City. For further details and contact information, see the newsletter.
Spring 2026 Field Trips
April 25 (Saturday) 9am - noon
Hidden Valley (near Shenk's Ferry)
Lydia Martin has been a proponent of the use of native plants and natural landscaping for over 20 years. When she and her husband bought this property in 2010, it was covered with invasives. Over the years, she has transformed the property, including a pond, into a haven for wildlife of all sorts. It features a diversity of native oak, hickory and dogwood trees, along with spring ephemerals and seasonal wildflowers. Lydia is a PA Master Naturalist and has partnered with numerous organizations in their efforts to return properties rife with invasives into natural habitats featuring native plants. She is also active in Let's Go 1-2-3 – a nonprofit that encourages interaction of school children with nature.
Difficulty: Easy walking.
Follow this link for more information on Lydia and her philosophy.
Directions: From Lancaster City, take Prince St. south (US 222), then turn right onto PA 324 (New Danville Pike). At the intersection with PA741 continue straight on New Danville Pike through Conestoga; at the western end of Conestoga, bear left at the Y onto River Corner Rd. At the intersection with River Rd., turn left. Lydia's property is on the right, 7376 River Rd. If you get to Marticville Rd./Pequea Blvd., you've gone too far.
May 2 (Saturday) 9am - noon
High Family Nature Preserve
A joint trip with the Lancaster Conservancy
Leader: John Thomas
John Thomas will lead a trip to this Lancaster Conservancy site. These rich woodlands in a diabase geology feature a good mix of spring ephemerals. The preserve includes an old field meadow and young successional woodlands/savanna as well as mature woodlands and wetlands. It is also an opportunity to see a prescriptive timber harvest.
Difficulty: Hiking is moderate because of the hilly terrain.
Directions: From Lancaster, travel by PA 283 to the PA743 exit, where you turn right toward Hershey. Take the first right, Beverly Rd. There is parking at Old Trolley Line Park.