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.
Summer 2026 Field Trips
July 25 (Saturday) 9am - noon
Mill Creek Falls Nature Preserve, York PA
The power line cut and open area surrounding the parking area are home to species such as our native field thistle (Cirsium discolor), Joe-pye weed, St. John's wort, and native roses. This field trip will include walking along a universal access trail in the forest as well. Hiking will be easy.
Leader: John Thomas
Please contact him if you wish to attend or would like further information. He intends to set up a carpool for the trip.
Directions: From Lancaster city, take PA Rt. 272 to the Buck. Turn right on PA Rt. 372 and follow it across the Norman Wood Bridge over the Susquehanna. About 2 miles from the river, turn right on Slab Rd., just before you reach PA Rt. 74. Take the first right on Crowl Rd., then the second right on E. Telegraph Rd., which terminates in the parking lot.
August 7 (Friday) 6:30pm
Mennonite Central Committee, Akron PA
In 2017 the Mennonite Central Committee began a transition to ecological landscaping by removing invasive plants and adding pollinator gardens. Several years later they expanded the process to include the entire campus, with a goal of having 70% native species. The present gardens include pollinator areas, two micro meadows, and a large bioswale. Katrina Lefever has been instrumental in developing these plans. The plants should put on a good show, as they will be in full bloom.
Leader: Katrina Lefever
Directions: Travel north from Lancaster on PA Rt. 272 into Akron. Turn right at Main St. at the traffic signal, then turn right onto S. 12th St. Turn left onto Broad St., which leads into
the Welcoming Place. Address: The Welcoming Place: 21 S. 12th St. Akron, Pa. 17501
Information: https://mcc.org/media/document/130092
August 22 (Saturday) 9:30am - 1:30pm
Lock 12 Susquehanna River
Leader: Zach Elfers
Last year John Thomas led a Lock 12 trip that went upriver from the lock, and a couple of weeks ago he led one centered on an inland area near there. This trip would be the first one in which we go south on the Mason Dixon Trail from Lock 12 towards Peavine Island (maybe Crow Island, depending on water levels).
A few of the great plants we may see are the following: Liatris spicata, Aureolaria flava, Agalinis purpurea, Senego verticillata, Passiflora lutea, Amelanchier nantucketensis, Phyla lanceolata, and Rhynchospora recognita.
Given the time frame suggested, it would be good to pack a lunch and bring water. This is classified as a strenuous hike since it involves walking over rocks and may also involve wading in shallow water, where rocks will be slippery. If you have a walking stick, bring it along. You can turn around if necessary.
Directions:
From Lancaster: Take PA Rt. 272 south to the Buck, then turn right (west) onto Rt. 372. Follow 372 for about 7 miles. After you cross the Norman Wood Bridge, take the first right turn, McCalls Ferry Rd. The entrance to the parking lot is immediately on your right. Go past the first parking lot on your left and continue to the larger lot, where we will meet.
From York: Take Rt. 74 south. Turn left onto Rt. 372 and go about two miles. Turn left onto McCalls Ferry Rd. just before crossing the Susquehanna River. The entrance to the parking lot is immediately on your right.