“Pennsylvania’s 2026 River of the Year is the Conestoga River, and we are excited to spend the year celebrating the beauty and majesty of this wonderful waterway,” Secretary Dunn said. “This once-polluted river is an example of what can happen when we prioritize clean, healthy waterways. Its transformation has made the Conestoga a hub for outdoor recreation, providing a boost to the region and demonstrating that rivers build thriving communities.”
The Conestoga flows for more than 61 miles, from its headwaters in Berks County down to the Susquehanna River below the Safe Harbor Dam.
It threads past historic covered bridges, working farms, and small towns — a living landscape of culture, recreation, and history that belongs to all of us.
The Conestoga is one of Lancaster County’s most scenic waterways and is a popular spot for canoeing, kayaking, tubing, and fishing.
The Conestoga River Watershed covers hundreds of square miles and drains a mix of agricultural lands, towns, and growing suburbs — which means both rich heritage and real restoration challenges.
The public was invited to vote online for the River of the Year, casting a total of 5,604 votes with the Conestoga River receiving 2,510 votes; the Lower Schuylkill River 2,312 votes; and the Chillisquaque Creek 782 votes.
POWR oversees administration of the vote and works in collaboration with DCNR.
“POWR would like to thank everyone who supported this year’s nominated rivers and especially those who showed such strong enthusiasm for the Conestoga River,” said Sweeney. “The River of the Year program continues to engage communities across Pennsylvania by highlighting the unique stories and value of our waterways.
“As Pennsylvania’s River of the Year, the Conestoga River will be celebrated for its rich history, its importance to local communities, and the ongoing efforts to restore and protect this vital resource for future generations.”
The Conestoga River Club nominated the Conestoga River and will receive a $15,000 Leadership Grant to help fund a slate of year-long 2026 River of the Year activities.
DCNR and POWR will work with them to create a free, commemorative poster celebrating the Conestoga River as the 2026 Pennsylvania River of the Year.
“The Conestoga River being named 2026 River of the Year is an honor that celebrates a history woven into the fabric of life in Lancaster County,” said Conestoga River Club Executive Director Malinda Harnish Clatterbuck. “From the legacy of the Conestoga people to the iconic wagons that helped shape a nation, to the community families that recreate in its meandering shallows, the Conestoga River is deeply beloved.
“This designation will draw attention to her evolving narrative, from a history marked by pollution to a powerful, collaborative turnaround that can serve as a model for the nation.
“We unite our voices — Plain Sect, urban, and rural alike — to craft a shared story of sustainability and collaboration. Together we commit to making the Conestoga clean and clear for all.
“Our deepest thanks to the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and the Pennsylvania Organization for Watersheds and Rivers for making this opportunity possible.”
The Conestoga River Club is dedicating the 2026 River of the Year victory and celebration to those who will benefit from the future health of our watershed, and to the memory of Ad Crable, a revered local journalist who championed the careful stewardship of the Conestoga.
Visit DCNR’s PA River of the Year & Sojourns webpage for more information on this program.
Visit Explore PA Trails and Get Outdoors PA for recreation areas near you.
Visit the PA Parks & Forests Foundation’s Events webpage and DCNR’s Calendar of Events for activities happening near you.
For more information on state parks and forests and recreation in Pennsylvania, visit DCNR’s website. Click Here to sign up for the Resource newsletter.
Resource Link:
-- In Memoriam: Ad Crable - Family Man, Outdoor Enthusiast, Admired Journalist [PaEN]
Related Articles This Week:
-- DCNR Invests $1.4 Million To Support 4 Local Projects To Expand, Improve ATV Trails; Next Grant Round Opens Feb. 2 [PaEN]
-- DCNR Grants News: $82 Million Awarded To 295 Conservation Projects; Nature-Based Economic Development; Water Trail Grants Awarded; Grant Application Dates
-- Natural Lands Finalizes The Protection Of 60 Acres Of Forest In Hopewell Big Woods, Berks County [PaEN]
NewsClips:
-- WESA: The Nature Conservancy Acquires 279 Acres In Cambria County To Protect Rare Birds
-- Inquirer - Frank Kummer: Game Commission Board Votes For Land Swap Widely Opposed By Limerick Residents
-- Penn State Extension: Wood & Wildlife News: Forest Health Snapshot: Native Plants & Wildlife Friendly Landscaping; Education Opportunities
-- PA Capital-Star: Gov. Shapiro Joins Philadelphia Lawsuit Fighting Slavery Memorial’s Removal
[Posted: January 29, 2026] PA Environment Digest
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