Conestoga River Club, inc

Do you love the Conestoga River?

 Support the Conestoga River Club and help build a healthy Waterway

The Conestoga River is Lancaster’s River and is currently experiencing a profound and hopeful turnaround—a story of resilience being written by the dedication of its community. The Conestoga River Club (CRC) is on the front lines of this movement, serving as both the official manager of the scenic Conestoga Water Trail and a driving force for conservation. By supporting the CRC, you are not simply funding a recreational club; you are investing in the essential infrastructure that connects the public to the river's health. Your contribution directly funds the installation of safe, clear signage, portage routes around historic dams, and accessible launch points, ensuring that every citizen has the opportunity to safely and equitably experience the water that flows though our home.

Our commitment extends far beyond improving access; the CRC is deeply integrated into the larger, collaborative effort to heal the river from pollution. We recognize that recreation and conservation are two sides of the same paddle. By organizing and mobilizing massive volunteer efforts, such as the annual  Earth Birthday Day Cleanup, and by working on a common cause with key partners like the Lancaster Clean Water Partners,  the Lancaster Conservancy and numerous others the CRC translates public passion into tangible conservation outcomes. We are uniquely positioned to activate the recreational community as foot soldiers in the battle against sediment and nutrient pollution, making the paddlers, anglers, and boaters the eyes, ears and beating heart of the river—a crucial element in achieving the ambitious clean water goals outlined in the Countywide Action Plan.

Crucially, the CRC is building the next generation of stewards through essential youth water safety and recreational opportunities. As an American Canoe Association (ACA) affiliated club, we operate with nationally recognized standards, offering professional safety clinics and adaptive paddling days, such as those with Team River Runner for disabled veterans. These programs dismantle barriers to entry, providing young people, city residents, and veterans with the skills and confidence necessary to enjoy the river responsibly. By teaching water safety and respectful recreation, we instill a deep, personal connection to the Conestoga, ensuring that future decisions about its care are guided by informed passion rather than passive indifference.

The Conestoga River’s story, seeking nomination for the 2026 River of the Year, is a national model of unique, results-driven community partnership—fusing government, non-profits, and the agricultural sector, including the Plain Sect. The CRC is the public face of this powerful coalition, using the platform of recreation to amplify the voice of conservation. We offer a rare blend of paddlesports expertise, official management authority, and genuine grassroots drive. Your financial support allows us to maintain this momentum, turning our love for the river into on-the-ground action, securing the legacy of our river’s health for now and the future.