I recently spent a couple of hours at the Millport Conservancy with Logan Myers (president of the Lititz Run Watershed Alliance) and his wife Lynn (Executive Director of the Millport Conservancy). I learned about a number of interesting projects they are involved with, and felt the public should know more about these ventures.

The Lititz Run Watershed Alliance (LRWA) is a non-profit corporation of individual citizens, businesses, farmers, conservationists, and local, state, and federal government representatives. The purpose of the alliance is to work together for a comprehensive approach for continued water quality within the Lititz Run Watershed.

What is a watershed? It is land that water flows across or under on its way to a river or lake. The Lititz Run begins at Lititz Springs Park and flows through Lititz Borough and Warwick Township. It eventually flows into the Conestoga River.

An integral part of the LRWA is the Millport Conservancy. The Conservancy is a non-profit membership organization with a mission to making a difference in protecting and preserving land, water resources, and our heritage through education and teamwork.

The Millport Conservancy is the largest woodland area within the LRWA. They have been working restoration and proper management techniques for over 25 years. During this time, they have worked with a number of private businesses, state agencies, conservation groups, universities, school districts, and landowners in the region to provide a model watershed.

The centerpiece of the Conservancy is the Millport Roller Mill. A 100-acre refuge for native wild life and plant species surrounds this 19th century grain mill. Within the refuge are nature trails that pass wildflower pastures, ponds, and wetlands.

If you would like to become involved with the Millport Conservancy, you can become a member by providing financial support and spreading the word locally, or you can become a volunteer. As a volunteer you can get involved in a number of ways: The Annual Clean Up Day on Earth Day (March 18th, 8:00 – 11:00 am); by testing water periodically; provide maintenance on the nature trails and tree nurseries; participate in Watershed Days. For more information on these projects and many others, contact Lynn at 717-626-0414.

The region is fortunate to have organizations and individuals that care about preserving out natural settings. The Millport Conservancy is a shining example of members and volunteers who work together for the preservation of watersheds.

The Lititz Community Center and Sovereign Bank are sponsoring a Valentine’s Swing Dance. This event will be held Saturday, February 11th from 8:00 – 12:00 pm. The dance will be at Linden Hall and tickets can be purchased in advance at the LCC. There are free dance lessons available from 7:00 – 8:00 pm that night. Just a swinging!!!!!!!!!!!

See ya in two!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!