Trail Care Story: Wizard Ranch, Lancaster Conservancy

In 2023, KTA hosted a trail care event at Lancaster Conservancy's Wizard Ranch. At the time, their staff was working on clearing and creating the preserve's 247 acres. Travis Lyle, Regional Preserves Manager at Lancaster Conservancy was one of our point people during this project. Here's an update from him on Wizard Ranch's progress!

"Wizard Ranch has really progressed this year. We had our first prescribed burn which was successful and we are seeing almost too much regeneration in the area at this point. That is not really that bad of a problem compared to others like invasive control! 
 
I believe we are close to 2,000 native trees, shrubs, and grasses replanted in the restoration areas so far! The steam and wetland restoration plans are also moving forward which will be exciting to see. 
 
The trails that you and the rest of the KTA crew helped us open are small parts of the larger trail network that we are installing. To get the preserve opened to the public we used parts that were close together to make two small (approx 1 mile each) loop trails starting from the parking area. This winter and spring we will be working on getting the main portions of the outer perimeter loop trail completed. There are plans for a Trails Fest event to be held there in September 2024.
 
The Boy Scouts just had their once every four years event at the end of September with about 3,000 scouts, families and staff. It seemed like it went really well and it is a great opportunity for all of us to team up. The scouts helped do some planting and learned a lot from our community engagement staff. It is great seeing younger generations taking interest in nature and learning how they can contribute to the preservation and restoration efforts.  
 
There have been many volunteer workday events doing some trail brushing and lots of invasive removals. That work will continue into next year and beyond but it is already making a noticeable difference."​

Help us keep PA's trails safe and beautiful! Join us at a trail care event.

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