CELEBRATING LANCASTER COUNTY'S PEOPLE, SCENERY,

HERITAGE, STYLE & POINT OF VIEW SINCE 1987.

A National Treasure – The Susquehanna National Heritage Area

My family and I moved to the charming river town of Marietta back in November. We’ve already had the pleasure of taking a few strolls down the Northwest Lancaster County River Trail on beautiful sunny days. The 14-mile trail is open year-round, offers beautiful views of the river and allows walking, biking, jogging, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. The trail also spans land owned by five different municipalities, including the Columbia Borough, Conoy Township, East Donegal Township, Marietta Borough and the Lancaster County Department of Parks & Recreation.

Since I moved to Lancaster County, almost five years ago, I’ve noticed how the trail has grown in popularity. Locals and tourists alike come for kayaking, hiking, boating, birdwatching and other recreational activities.

Part of the reason for the trail’s popularity can be attributed to the nonprofit organization known as Susquehanna Heritage, whose mission is “to enhance quality of life and economic vitality by promoting the preservation, conservation and interpretation of the river’s cultural and natural heritage.”

Recently, I was fortunate enough to attend the Susquehanna Heritage River Experience, which was held at John Wright Restaurant on June 7. The fundraising event had an array of local vendors where guests could sample various foods and beverages. There was also a beautiful cake, made by Miller’s Bakery, designed to look like the Veterans Memorial Bridge, which crosses the mighty Susquehanna.

 

There was also a “river-centered” silent auction and live music. My editor, Sue Long, and I also made a few new acquaintances while indulging in the delicious local fare. But, the highlight of the evening was celebrating the recent designation by Congress of Lancaster and York counties as America’s 55th National Heritage Area.

According to the Susquehanna National Heritage Area’s website, “Designation of York and Lancaster counties as the Susquehanna National Heritage Area caps an eleven-year community campaign to achieve this national recognition for our region.”

For more information about this national honor, visit susquehannaheritage.org.