LANCASTER, PA — Lancaster City Council has unanimously approved a 99-year ground lease agreement with Partners for Environmental Stewardship, paving the way for the creation of the city’s first nature preserve and a state-of-the-art environmental center on the Sunnyside Peninsula.
The project, a cornerstone of Lancaster’s 2023 Comprehensive Plan, aims to transform nine acres on the northern portion of the peninsula into a hub for clean water innovation, environmental education, and sustainable waterfront development. Officials say the initiative will reconnect residents with the Conestoga River while positioning Lancaster as a regional leader in conservation.
“This agreement represents more than just a land lease—it’s a bold commitment to Lancaster’s environmental future,” said Diana Martin, Executive Director of Partners for Environmental Stewardship. “It will be a place where ideas turn into impact—and where Lancaster leads by example.”
Mayor Danene Sorace emphasized the community benefits, noting that the project will expand green space, support education and workforce development, and strengthen local connections.
Lancaster County plays a crucial role in Chesapeake Bay health, contributing more than 20% of Pennsylvania’s required nutrient and sediment reductions under federal clean water goals. Yet, over half of the county’s 1,400 miles of streams are considered impaired, underscoring both the urgency and opportunity of local leadership.
“Lancaster is at the heart of the clean water movement in Pennsylvania,” said Hilary Falk, President and CEO of the Chesapeake Bay Foundation. “With the right investments and partnerships, it can become a national model for water innovation and environmental restoration.”
Seven organizations—including the Lancaster Conservancy, Chesapeake Bay Foundation, Stroud Water Research Center, and others—have signed on to collaborate in shaping the center’s programming. These groups will use the facility as a base for offices, education, and community engagement, with operations led by Partners for Environmental Stewardship.
Funding for the project is anchored by a $10 million commitment from the High Foundation, with the remaining $26–$30 million expected to come from philanthropy and public grants. “This is about building a healthier, more vibrant community for all,” said S. Dale High, Chair of the High Foundation.
A master site plan for the 70-acre preserve is now underway, led by the design firm Andropogon. It will detail public access, ecological restoration, and recreational opportunities such as trails and boat launches, with completion expected in spring 2026.
The environmental center itself will be designed by Greenfield Architects to meet rigorous sustainability standards, incorporating renewable energy, advanced water management, and environmentally responsible materials. Construction is slated to begin in 2027.
Fritz Schroeder, CEO of Lancaster Conservancy, described the project as a generational investment. “Together, we will create a place where children can learn, neighbors can gather, wildlife can thrive, and the community can connect to the land and the river for generations to come,” he said.
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