Lancaster Conservancy

Join us for the second in a series of hikes focused on the scientific observational method of phenology.Phenology is the study of changes in the natural environment through the seasons and years. Today phenology is a valuable scientific observational method that helps us manage our natural landscapes, but the practice has been around for hundreds of years! Anyone who loves to spend time observing nature over the seasons can help contribute important information to this new community science project by visiting a local trail regularly and making observations of specific plants, insects, and animals we encounter through the year. Welsh

Come explore the restored meadows at Kellys Run Nature Preserve which support multiple species of beautiful butterflies.The end of summer is peak butterfly season! This hike will explore butterfly identification and ecology as well as the importance of restoring native habitats on our properties to support these important species. We will take an easy relatively flat one-mile hike through established meadow fragments and newly restored meadows and then tour the newly established demonstration garden to see examples of native plant species that can be planted to provide butterfly habitat.Where to Meet: We will meet at the main parking area at

Join other curious conservation peers for this introduction to native habitats!Join other curious conservation peers for this introduction to designing, building, and stewarding native habitats! This is the introductory class for the series and is required for a majority of the other classes as well as for those wishing to complete a Habitat Advocate Certification. Gain baseline awareness of why conservation landscaping is a multifaceted approach in solving our water, climate, and habitat crises. The scope of the Lancaster Conservancy Habitat Advocate Certificate program will also be shared.Students will receive a binder of compiled native habitat resources ($30 value).The Lancaster

Uncover powerhouse native plants worthy of wildlife’s 5-star review!Whether they're sustaining a bird’s stamina for winter migration, providing ample nectar for hungry bees and butterflies, or serving as a host plant for hundreds of juicy caterpillars to fuel the ecosystem food web, these native plants pack a punch in their ecological services.Collaborate with habitat advocate peers on how to put the compiled field research trials into compassionate action, right in your backyard!The Lancaster Conservancy has protected over 10,000 acres of natural lands, which are critically important to supporting biodiversity. Smaller patches of native habitats spread throughout urban landscapes are also

Observing and recording your backyard biodiversity findings is both an art and a science. Learn some tools for both!Explore the basics of nature journaling with local extraordinaire Carol Welsh, and bolster your skills in navigating scientific apps like iNaturalist and BirdNet to record your wildlife findings.Watercolor paper and paints provided, although you are welcome to bring your favorite supplies for nature journaling in the field. Participants are responsible for providing their own sturdy shoes, sun/tick protection, and refillable water bottle. You are welcome to bring a picnic lunch to enjoy after the class!The Lancaster Conservancy has protected over 10,000 acres

Learn to identify lepidoptera (moths and butterflies) and the plants that host them!If you build it, they will come! Once your home-grown habitat is in the ground and thriving, the lepidoptera (moths and butterflies) will come to dine on your biodiversity buffet. Students in this course will learn the key attributes of several species of lepidoptera in this ecoregion and the host plants they need to complete their life cycles.The Lancaster Conservancy has protected over 10,000 acres of natural lands, which are critically important to supporting biodiversity. Smaller patches of native habitats spread throughout urban landscapes are also essential to