April 7, 2024
Nature is one of the most underutilized treasures in life. It has the power to unburden hearts and reconnect to that inner place of peace.
- Dr. Janice Anderson & Kiersten Anderson
Lancaster Conservancy is an oganzation dedicated to preserving wild and forested lands and providing clean waterways in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. The organization has been working since 1969 and currently oversees 43 preserves throughout the county. If you're trying to find places where you can get outdoors and enjoy nature in southeastern Pennsylvania, the nature preserves in Lancaster County are worth considering!
Shenks Ferry, near Conestoga, Pennsylvania, is widely known for its wildflowers, especially in the spring. Birders can also expect to find over 50 species, including hawks, indigo bunting and the pileated woodpecker.
We were looking for wildflowers when we visited on a slightly chilly day in April. Our oldest daughter and two of our granddaughters joined us as we walked along the paths above Grub Run. Our oldest granddaughter brought along her boyfriend to help balance out the ratio of males to females a little more and gave her Poppy someone to talk to about classic cars - an interest they both share! The paths in the preserve are short and easy to traverse, with only occasional slight changes in elevation. The views of the hillsides and meadows filled with color are always a treat.
After enjoying a picnic lunch we travelled a few miles further south in Lancaster County to the Ferncliff Wildlife and Wildflower Preserve. Although this preserve is recognized as a National Natural Landmark, it has far fewer visitors than Shenks Ferry.
The trail here starts out easy and is very beautiful as it winds its way past small waterfalls emptying into Barnes Run, which traverses the length of the preserve.
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For the more adventurous, like us, you can ford the stream, crossing to the other side and heading up the steep trail to the top where you can find views of the Susquehanna River below. And in the spring, the hillsides are filled with Virginia Bluebells and other wildflowers.
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Although we found a greater variety of wildflowers at Shenks Ferry, I prefer Ferncliff because there are less crowds and it really gives you the feel of walking into a vast forest, even though the preserve isn't large at all.
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We had a wonderful time wandering the trails in both preserves and enjoyed being out in nature again.
* All photos and videos are the property of the authors except where otherwise noted. *
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