River of the Year Keynote: Conestoga River Past, Present, and Future

What is Lancaster Water Week?

Heading into its 10th year, Lancaster Water Week celebrates the 1,400 miles of streams and rivers in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. These waterways are the source of our drinking water, drive economic and agricultural growth, and allow us to escape into nature to fish, paddle, and swim. Many of these beautiful streams are polluted, but there is an incredible effort underway to bring them back to health in our lifetime.

Join us during Water Week for dozens of events as we paddle, explore, volunteer, and take action as a community to protect our streams and rivers for the future!

Learn more: www.lancasterwaterweek.org

A truly unique opportunity to Celebrate the River we love with others who love Her.

This event will be held in three parts: Honoring the Past, Protecting the Present, and Planning for the Future. Tickets may be reserved for each or all of the listed sub events.

The Past

We honor the legacy of Dr. Ruth Patrick. Presented by our friends at Stroud Water Research Institute, you will learn how this amazing woman changed the way the entire world views watershed health. Please be certain to register for this free event program to ensure adequate hospitality. Coffee and refreshments will be provided.

Program time: 8 - 8:45 AM
Location: Lancaster County Central Park, Pavilion 2
There is no cost to attend. Coffee and refreshments will be available.

The Present

Join us for a networking tour of the City of Lancaster Conestoga River Corridor by boat:

• Diana Martin (Director of High Impact at the High Foundation) will present about the amazing work being done to restore and protect Sunnyside Peninsula and the plans for the High Environmental Center

• Molly Deger (Deputy Director of the Sustainability & Environment Division with the City of Lancaster) will share the problems of combined sewer overflow and details about the Green Infrastructure Plans the City is engaged with to reduce the impact of combined sewer overflow events

Program time: shuttles will be leaving from Pavilion 2 between 8:45 - 9:00 AM to transport to the launch location upstream. Cost to attend is $25. Note: in the event of unsafe river conditions or inclement weather this event will switch to a guided walk along the Conestoga Green way trail, and the $25 will be refunded.

Please see paddle trip expectations below. There will be ample time for self care and personal hygiene after the float and before the Press Conference.

The Future

Looks bright indeed. We begin with a press conference featuring Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn of Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources who will be discussing the distinction of Winning River of the Year and revealing the commemorative River of the Year poster. Afterwards, join us for a luncheon and presentation by Allyson Gibson, Executive Director of the Lancaster Clean Water Partners, who will be discussing the Countywide Action Plan to heal our river, Clean and Clear by 2040.

Press Conference: 12:00 PM
Free to attend

Luncheon presentation to follow: 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM
Cost: $15

Both Press Conference and the Luncheon will be held at Pavilion 2 in Lancaster County Central Park, 1055 Rockford Rd, Lancaster, PA 17602.

More Details for... The Present
Guest Expectations & Packing List

To ensure everyone's safety and comfort, participants must sign the ACA Waiver and bring the following items:

• Sign the ACA Waiver: We will do that before we float.

• Footwear: You must wear closed-toe, full-foot water shoes or sneakers with good traction. Open sandals, flip-flops, and "slip-on" footwear are strictly prohibited. Please plan for your feet to get wet.

• Clothing: Wear comfortable activewear, ideally made of quick-drying fabrics.

• Sun Protection: Please bring a wide-brimmed hat or sunshade and sunscreen/sunblock.

• Hydration: Bring a refillable water bottle or canteen. To support our clean water mission, single-use plastics are strongly discouraged.

• Lunch/Food: CRC does not provide lunch, so make sure to pack nourishment as we will be on the river for several hours.

• Personal Items: Bring a change of clothing and a towel to be kept in your vehicle. If you bring a phone or camera, dry storage (like a heavy-duty Ziploc bag) is highly recommended.

• Health: Bring any necessary prescription medications. You will be prompted during registration to list any emergent medical conditions.

• Age limits: No children under 12 years of age may participate on this float. Children 12 to 17 years of age must be accompanied by an adult.

What We Provide

The Conestoga River Club is pleased to provide the following for each reservation:

Equipment: Kayak or canoe, paddle, and PFD (Personal Flotation Device)

Support: Event guides and safety personnel to lead the trip

Refreshments: Water bottle refills and healthy snacks

Emergency Medical & Contact Information Statement

To ensure your safety during the trip on June 10, we require all participants to provide the following information during the registration process:

This information will only be used in an emergent situation with appropriate first responders.

Medical Conditions: You will be prompted to list any known medical conditions at the time of registration.

Prescription Medications: Participants are responsible for bringing any necessary prescription medications for the duration of the event.

Please provide the name and phone number of a primary contact person who can be reached while you are on the river.