More than a decade ago, Fritz Schroeder was paddling on the Conestoga River when he realized something. The now president and CEO of Lancaster Conservancy saw the challenges facing the waterway but also its great potential to become a thriving place for wildlife and recreation.

Lancaster Water Week grew out of that experience, and the event will celebrate its 10th anniversary this year from Friday, June 5, through Saturday, June 13.

"We have over 60 events hosted by more than 40 partners," said Avery Van Etten, marketing and communications manager for Lancaster Conservancy. "There are so many events that no matter what you're interested in, whether it's paddling or hiking, taking a rain garden workshop, participating in an art event or other activities, there are so many ways for everyone to get involved."

Highlights of Lancaster Water Week include First Friday in downtown Lancaster on June 5, when people can pick up free native plants or seeds and enjoy immersive activities hosted by organizations working in the clean water movement.

On Tuesday, June 9, a 10th anniversary event will be held at West Art, 816 Buchanan Ave., Lancaster, from 5 to 8 p.m.

"This is an opportunity to connect with members of our clean water community and enjoy water-themed games, arts and crafts and activities," Van Etten said. "West Art's cafe will be open, and we'll have a food truck and ice cream. And then around 6:30 p.m. we'll have a presentation and a film screening, and we'll wrap up with a DJ dance party with DJ Image."

Other highlights include a creek stomp on Wednesday, June 10, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Stauffer Run stream at Greenfield, starting at the S. Dale High Leadership Center, 1861 William Penn Way, Lancaster.

"This is a super fun event that's geared especially toward families with children," Van Etten said.

Also on June 10, from 4 to 6 p.m., people are invited to explore a new self-guided nature trail sponsored by Eurofins on one of its campus green spaces, located at 2430 New Holland Pike, Lancaster.

On Thursday, June 11, Lancaster City Stormwater staff will lead a tour of the newly installed wetland system at Long's Park, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. That same day, from 4 to 5 p.m., tours of the Lititz Borough Wastewater Treatment Plant will be offered.

On June 13, conservation specialists RiverStewards Collaborative and LandStudies will join the Conestoga-Susquehannock Tribe and Circle Legacy Center to present "Weaving Indigenous Perspectives into Local Conservation and Restoration." The program will take place at Zoetropolis Cinema Stillhouse, 112 N. Water St., Lancaster, from 2 to 5 p.m.

Another highlight of the week will be the Rally for the River & Conestoga Cleanup on June 13 from 9 a.m. to noon. Participants will meet at Lancaster County Central Park and then head out to volunteer with the Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay and partners at multiple spots along the Conestoga River.

"This is an especially exciting event because the Conestoga was recently named Pennsylvania's River of the Year," Van Etten said, explaining that the public voted for the river through the Pennsylvania Organization for Watersheds and Rivers. "There are just so many things to do during Water Week. It's an engaging and energizing, fun week."

Caring for Lancaster County's streams and rivers is important, she said, because these waterways are places for recreation and homes for wildlife. They provide sources of drinking water as well, but according to the Pennsylvania Integrated Water Quality Report for 2026, more than 90% of the 1,400 miles of streams and rivers in the county are considered "impaired."

"We see this as a challenge but also as an opportunity to care for our waterways," Van Etten said. "Improving our waterways is a daunting task, but it's something we can achieve."

Along with participating in Water Week activities, people are encouraged to take three action steps promoted by the Lancaster Conservancy.

They include creating habitats by planting native plants, protecting water by learning about your local watershed, and exploring the outdoors.

"We believe that when people explore our waterways and our natural lands, they will fall in love with them and want to help take care of them," Van Etten said.

Lancaster Conservancy is a nonprofit land trust charged with protecting more than 11,000 acres of natural land, including more than 50 nature preserves in Lancaster and York counties and more than 60 miles of trails. People can support the organization by participating in educational events throughout the year, volunteering with the group or donating to the cause.

As she gears up for Water Week, Van Etten expressed gratitude for the collaborative nature of the event.

"We are so grateful for the incredible partners and sponsors that make Water Week possible and all the community members that join us for events during Water Week," she said. "Without these, Water Week wouldn't happen."

For more information and a full list of Lancaster Water Week activities, visit http://www.lancasterconservancy.org/water-week.