An upcoming bike tour with the Penn State Extension Master Watershed Steward program will highlight the watersheds of the Northwest Lancaster County River Trail. The "Waterways on Wheels: A Bike Tour" workshop will take place from 5:30 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, June 13, at the Northwest Lancaster County River Trail, 551 Vinegar Ferry Road, Marietta.

This program is designed for community members who wish to participate in an event during Lancaster Water Week; individuals who love the outdoors, enjoy biking, and want to learn more about the watersheds they live in; and anyone interested in riparian forest buffers, the water quality of the Chesapeake Bay watershed, or contributing to conservation and restoration efforts in the watershed.

The Master Watershed Steward program, in partnership with the Lancaster Conservancy, will offer this bike tour to highlight various watershed features, trail history, and geologic history on the Northwest Lancaster County River Trail. Topics will be the history of the Northwest Lancaster County River Trail and the Lower Susquehanna River, riparian forest buffer programs and benefits, improving water quality in the Chesapeake Bay watershed, and how individuals can help make community watersheds more sustainable.

The tour is an out-and-back ride from the East Donegal Township Riverfront Park to the Fisherman's Wharf Trail access at the northern terminus in Falmouth. The trail is 100% paved, and participants will ride a total of approximately 15 miles, including stops along the way and a water break.

The journey will run about two and a half to three hours. Helmets are required, and any bike, whether road, mountain, or gravel, will work fine. Participants should bring water. Parking and restroom facilities will be available. Upon returning to the East Donegal Riverfront Park, attendees may enjoy snacks and reflect on the experience.

There is a fee. To register by 11:59 p.m. on Tuesday, June 11, visit https://extension.psu.edu/waterways-on-wheels-a-bike-tour. For information about accommodations for people with disabilities, call 717-773-5389.

The eighth Lancaster Water Week will run from Friday, June 7, to Saturday, June 15, and celebrate the 1,400 miles of streams and rivers in Lancaster County.