Phenology Hike at Mill Creek Falls Nature Preserve

Join phenology team volunteers for a beautiful walk through a mature oak and beech forest. You will learn about what species we’re watching and why. We will share what we’ve learned about the health and resilience of the woods as winter approaches and how the data we collect helps the Conservancy care for this beautiful preserve.

Phenology is the science of seasonal change in nature, using observations collected over time to see how these changes affect flora and fauna. This hike will teach you about the science of phenology and how you can collect and contribute your own observations as a volunteer scientist. This information helps us to be better stewards of our ecological communities and helps Lancaster Conservancy's stewardship team make management decisions for our nature preserves. The data we collect, through a partnership with the USGS Penology Network and Nature's Notebook, is not only useful to us, but to hundreds of phenology projects around the region and nation!

Learn more about this community science project at https://www.lancasterconservancy.org/engaging-our-community/phenology/.

What to Expect and How to Prepare: Dress for the weather and bring a notebook, or bring your smart phone or tablet if you have an existing account/app with USGS My Nature Notebook. Time will be spent on the universally accessible trail. Bring drinking water and snack. There is a port-a-john available on site.This event is recommended for ages 12 and up (participants under 18 must be accompanied by an adult).

Event Leader: Peggy Eppig is an environmental historian and dynamic conservation educator who offers a hands-on approach to every theme from deep-time history to 21st century conservation methods and practices. She brings over 30 years of interpretive, experiential education experience for all who have an interest in saving nature for this and future generations.

Animal Policy: Service animals active or in training are welcome. Please leave all pets at home.

Refund Policy: If you are unable to attend this event after purchasing a ticket, refund requests must be made at least 48 hours before the event.

Cancellation Policy: This event will be held rain or shine, with cancellation decided at the time of the event for severe weather. If the Conservancy reschedules the event, attendees will be emailed, and tickets will be automatically moved to the new date. If the Conservancy cancels the event, attendees will be notified via email and refunded.

Photo Credit: Peggy Eppig

Thank you to our generous annual sponsors for making this event possible!