The Conestoga River will serve as Pennsylvania’s 2026 River of the Year after winning a statewide public vote, state officials announced Wednesday during a visit to Lancaster County.
Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn traveled to the region to deliver the recognition, which the waterway earned by defeating the Lower Schuylkill River and Chillisquaque Creek in the annual competition. The Pennsylvania Organization for Watersheds and Rivers administers the program with DCNR.
The 61-mile river begins in Berks County and winds through covered bridges and small communities before reaching the Susquehanna River. The Conestoga River Club submitted the nomination and will receive a $15,000 Leadership Grant to organize events throughout the year. A commemorative poster will also be produced at no cost to the public…