Upcoming Events in 2024: A sneak peak at some of our upcoming events for a year of fun with LFT!

Who’s ready for a fun 2024? Even though the year has just begun, we are hard at work planning an exciting calendar of events for anyone in Lancaster looking to support farmland preservation and have a good time doing it. Learn more about our upcoming events below and get ready to mark your calendars!

LFT Field Days

Have you ever wondered what life on a farm was really like? Lucky for you, LFT Field Days are designed to teach you about agriculture in a fun, hands-on way! Join us on April 13th for our first Field Day to witness firsthand the journey of food from seed to harvest through farming practices. Experience a tour led by the landowners and LFT staff and learn about the family's produce operation and farm stand at the West Chester Growers Market. Plus, an educator from Penn State Extension will host a tabletop display on how to savor the taste of farm-fresh goodness by canning and preserving produce. This event is free, so we’ll see you there! Click here to learn more and sign up now!

The Farm to Pantry Project

Are you passionate about supporting local farmers and addressing food insecurity in our community? Introducing LFT’s Farm to Pantry Project!

Thanks to our generous sponsors at Corteva Agriscience, Lancaster Farmland Trust is thrilled to announce the launch of a transformative gleaning program that aims to provide fresh, locally grown produce to families in need through our partnership with local farmers and hunger relief agencies!

Gleaning is the age-old practice of ­collecting excess crops from farmers’ fields after they have been harvested. By volunteering with our gleaning program, you can help rescue perfectly good fruits and vegetables that would otherwise go to waste and redirect them to families facing food insecurity.

We will need volunteers this spring and summer to help us harvest and sort this leftover produce. By volunteering, you’ll make a tangible impact in the fight against hunger, gain hands-on experience in sustainable agriculture practices, connect with like-minded individuals and local farmers, and experience the fruitfulness of helping to feed families in need. Sound good to you? Click here to sign up for our Farm to Pantry volunteer group!

LFT Tree plantings

Looking for other volunteer opportunities? We have spring and summer tree plantings open to the public! Our first tree planting is on Earth Day, April 22^nd, and we’re partnering with Trees for Graziers to plant trees in pastures at the Drager Farm LLC! This practice (called "silvopasture") provides shade and food for livestock, improves land health, and increases carbon sequestration. This is a great way to enjoy Lancaster’s countryside, build relationships, and give back to our community and environment. Click here to learn more and register now!

Rhubarb Fest

If you haven’t been to the Rhubarb Festival yet, you’re missing out. Join us at Kitchen Kettle Village to celebrate a Lancaster County staple - rhubarb! This two-day food festival is filled with delicious events, including the annual Rhubarb Baking Contest. A portion of proceeds made from the contest are donated to our work at Lancaster Farmland Trust. LFT staff and volunteers will also be there selling fresh rhubarb bunches and cookbooks – all to help save farmland! Click here to learn more!

Breakfast on the Farm – Water Week Edition

You know what they say! Breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Enjoy your breakfast with a stunning view at our Breakfast on the Farm events!

Our first Breakfast on the Farm is on June 8^th to celebrate Lancaster County Water Week. Join us at the Zimmerman’s dairy farm in East Earl Township for a hearty breakfast, beautiful views, and enlightening conversation about sustainable farming practices and the importance of farmland conservation efforts. You’ll get an insider tour of the farm’s stream restoration work to witness how farming and water stewardship can intersect. During the tour, you’ll learn more about the Cedar Creek Restoration, a project led by LFT and partners to implement a mile-long streamside buffer on the three farms along Cedar Creek to reduce erosion, preventing sediment and nutrients from entering the stream.

Tickets are $25 per adult and $10 for children ages 3-12. Click here to learn more and get your tickets today!

Strasburg Marathon

If you’re a runner, this one’s for you.  Don't miss this chance to run through the gorgeous rolling hills of Lancaster's preserved farmland this October. Run past the film favorite "Witness" Farm and through one of the oldest covered bridges in Lancaster County. A portion of proceeds made from this race will benefit our work at LFT, so get those running shoes on! Click here to register!

We hope you’re ready for a fun year of Lancaster love! These events are only the beginning, so follow us on Facebook and Instagram, or sign up for our emails to receive updates on all LFT events in 2024. We promise you won’t want to miss a thing!