Connecting You to Nature, Trails, and Outdoor Learning!

The Blue Green Connector will transform the Little Conestoga Creek into a vibrant greenway for all. The project is designed to benefit both people and the planet—for generations to come.

Learn About The Project

Nature, Community, and Learning—Intertwined

The Steinman Foundation and Little Conestoga Creek Foundation—alongside public and private partners—are leading one of the largest environmental restoration projects of its kind in Lancaster County.

_{Hammer Creek Photo Cred: Larry Lefever}

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Restore ecosystems and improve water quality along the impaired Little Conestoga Creek.

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Create miles of ADA-accessible trails that connect neighborhoods to parks, shops, and essential services.

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Provide an outdoor learning space where people of all ages can explore, engage, and grow.

More than a trail, this project is a bold step toward a healthier, more connected Lancaster—today and for generations to come.

Connecting People and Places

Use the map below to discover how the trail links neighborhoods, parks, and green spaces — all while restoring the land and protecting local water.

Explore The Map

Progress in Motion

Go behind the scenes of the Blue Green Connector. Track each phase as Lancaster’s newest trail system comes to life.

Project Planning

From landowner easements to engineering and permitting, laying the critical groundwork has taken seven years. We’re proud of this serious momentum! It wouldn’t be possible without community partnership. We’re hard at work refining the remaining elements and incorporating learning lab components into our trail design.

Restoration

Restoration is complete at three of six zones: Barrcrest, Marietta Avenue, and Trillium Place. Next up: the Lands of F&M, Woodcrest, and Shreiner Station. A key step is replacing old sewer lines near the water with new ones on higher ground. Once native plants are in, restoration goes at nature’s pace. Help us to nurture and protect the newly established wetlands, meadows, and reforested areas to prevent damage from invasive species and human activities.

Trail Construction

Two trailheads will be under construction in 2025-2026, at Noel Dorwart Park and the Penn Medicine Lancaster General Health Campus, both off Good Drive. Trail construction can proceed when restoration is complete and funding is in place. Expect the multimodal ADA trail to be installed in sections as those pieces come together.

Project Funding

Major funding and in-kind support have been extended by many generous partners – thank you! We are actively seeking to close the remaining funding gap so we can create a space where people and nature thrive together in Lancaster.

Calling All Artists!

The Blue Green Connector will serve as a showcase for art along an outdoor trailside environment. We currently seek artists, makers, artisans, and design professionals to join us as potential collaborators.

 Do you have the vision and experience to bring a creative idea to life? Submit your qualifications to be considered for future opportunities.

View Requirements & Submit Qualifications

Connecting You to Nature, Trails, and Outdoor Learning!

Nature, Community, and Learning—Intertwined

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More than a trail, this project is a bold step toward a healthier, more connected Lancaster—today and for generations to come.

Connecting People and Places

Progress in Motion

Project Planning

Restoration

Trail Construction

Project Funding

Calling All Artists!

Recent News

After historic restoration, public trails, education and art will line the Little Conestoga Creek

Behind the Scenes: The Partners Powering the Blue Green Connector

What Restoration Really Looks Like (and Why It Sometimes Looks Messy)

Understanding the Landscape Before, During, and After Restoration

Listening to the Creek: How We Measure Water Quality Over Time

2026: The Year the Blue Green Connector Comes to Life

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