Restoration Milestones

Restoring, Together

Restoration doesn’t happen overnight. It’s a multi-year process made up of hard work, community partnership, and meaningful transformation. Below, you’ll find key milestones that mark how far we’ve come – and where we’re headed. Join us in celebrating the milestones, from ecological wins to miles of trail laid over the next 3-5 years.

Progress in Motion

Go behind the scenes of the Blue Green Connector. Track each phase – planning, restoring, trail building, and funding – 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.

Before & After Restoration

Turning Milestones into Momentum

This gallery shows the transformation underway, honoring the past while creating a more resilient future for nature, wildlife, and our community.

Restored Spring View of Barrcrest

See What’s In Bloom

Restoration allows for pollinator plants to thrive

Restored Spring View of Barrcrest

Native Flowers Attract Wildflowers

Help Us Connect Lancaster with Nature

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