Connecting Lancaster County with the Susquehanna River Corridor

Most Lancastrians would agree the Susquehanna River is one of Lancaster County’s most valuable assets. Just minutes from Downtown Lancaster, the beautiful river corridor stretches and weaves along the western border of our county, offering a valuable natural resource as well as contributing to tourism, recreation, and the economic vitality of the region. 

With facilities in Conoy and Manor Townships, the Lancaster County Solid Waste Management Authority (LCSWMA) is active along the river corridor and engaged in commerce in and through several of the river towns. 

From the wind turbines on LCSWMA’s Frey Farm Landfill property to the beautiful trails along the river’s edge in Marietta, Columbia, and Conoy Manor Township. LCSWMA has always supported community collaborations to protect and sustain the county’s natural resource. 

Over the years, LCSWMA has worked with river town municipalities to help build major trail systems connecting the river towns to provide residents and visitors with endless recreational opportunities, including the Northwest River and Enola Low Grade trails. These assets are the catalyst for new restaurants, recreation rental companies, and other local startup businesses. LCSWMA’s Chestnut Grove Natural Area along the river hills has become a refuge for native wildlife, insects, plants, and nature-loving visitors. It’s no wonder LCSWMA and Lancaster County have been longtime supporters of the Susquehanna National Heritage Area (SNHA). 

“It’s our opportunity to give back to the river towns through a like-minded organization that is doing excellent work to promote and preserve the Susquehanna River corridor,” Bob Zorbaugh, CEO of LCSWMA and long-time SHNA Board member, said. “By obtaining National Heritage Area status, the SNHA is utilizing the area’s rich history to draw even more people to our beautiful river corridor.” 

If you want to enjoy a different perspective of the river, take a trip on the Chief Uncas river discovery tours and visit the Columbia Crossing River Trails Center. Both educational assets are supported by LCSWMA and reach thousands of people who are learning about the history of our region and the importance of preserving the river. 

The Susquehanna National Heritage Area’s latest initiative is the Susquehanna Discovery Center at the Historic Mifflin House & Farm in York County. This will be an opportunity to preserve a historic site and landscape with important Underground Railroad and Civil War stories to tell while educating visitors about America’s 55th National Heritage Area. 

Creating synergies within Lancaster County and cultivating connections will help us generate new opportunities to utilize the Susquehanna River to bring communities together and to ensure our river corridor remains an ideal travel, recreation, and commerce destination. 

Find more information about SNHA at susqnha.org. 

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