The Susquehanna National Heritage Area is full of unique wildlife, nature, and culture. This quest will take you through the region and guide you to seek out these diverse features of the region!
There are 7 particular areas we will visit during this quest. Between these locations, we will cover the diversity of natural formations, wildlife, and culture in the area. This quest should challenge you to learn more about each place you visit using whatever means you want!
1: William Kain Park (York)
William Kain Park features both Lake Redman and Lake Williams. When you arrive here, take the walking trail around lake Williams and try to accomplish the following:
- Complete the trail around Lake Williams (or kayak the length of the lake!)
- Dogwood tree
- Hawthorne Tree
- Oak Tree
- Pine Tree
- Blue Violet Flowers
- Dandilions
2: Central Market (York)
Central Market is an active cultural location in downtown York. It has evidence of the the Pennsylvania Dutch culture in its architecture and is an active farmers market. See if you can complete these objectives:
- The market was built by Dutch ship makers, see if you can find evidence of this!
- Locate a stand that displays a local craft (woodworking, art, knitting)
- Locate a stand with blends of nuts, spices, or tea
- Locate a stand with baked goods
- Locate a stand with local honey or produce
3: Kiwanis Lake (York)
The Kiwanis Rookery Lake is designated as an Important Bird Area by the Audubon Society. If you can, bring some binoculars when you visit, and see how many of the following birds you can spot: (first three are endangered species you can find here)
- Yellow-Crowned Night-Heron
- Black-Crowned Night-Heron
- Great Egret
- Baltimore Oriole
- Chickadee
- Junco
- Thrush
- Nuthatch
- Warbler
4: Chickies Rock (Lancaster) Park Map
Chickies Rock in Lancaster, PA is the second largest regional park here. It features hiking trails on the cliff side that overlooks the Susquehanna River. When you visit the Chickies Rock County Park, try to find the following locations:
- Chickies Rock
- Breezyview Overlook
- Furnace Road
- A view of the Susquehanna River
5: The Amish Farm and House (Lancaster)
The Pennsylvania Dutch community is an important part of the region’s culture. The link above is to a tour group to help you learn about the area. You don’t need to do an official tour, but see if you can spot the following in the Lancaster area:
- Amish schoolhouse
- Horse and buggy
- Amish kids on scooters
- Covered bridge
- Quilt or furniture store
6: Ephrata Cloister (Lancaster)
The Ephrata Cloister is a significant historic landmark in the SNHA. Try to learn as much as you can about the history of the site and the community when you visit so that you can answer the following:
- When was the Ephrata Cloister founded?
- What religion was practiced here?
- What type of music was the Ephrata known for?
- What was the name of the Mennonite publication here?
- What was this location used for during the American Revolutionary War?
7: Middle Creek Wildlife Management Area (Lancaster)
The Middle Creek Wildlife Management Area is a great place to visit to learn more about the wildlife of the region. The area is an important spot for many birds’ migrations. See if you can find the following wildlife here:
- Mallards
- Canada Geese
- Snow Geese
- Vole or Shrew
- Fox or Coyote
- Deer
- Wild Turkey
- Owl
- Meadowlark
- Heron
The Susquehanna National Heritage Area 