Conestoga River – PA River of the Year 2026

The Conestoga River, which runs adjacent to our campus and through Millersville Borough, has been named the 2026 Pennsylvania River of the Year by the Pennsylvania Organization for Watersheds and Rivers (POWR). The Conestoga is a 61-mile tributary of the Susquehanna River, flowing through Lancaster County and serving as a vital natural resource for our region. 

The Conestoga was selected for this honor in recognition of the extensive conservation and restoration efforts underway, the strong community partnerships working to improve water quality, and its significance as both an ecological corridor and recreational asset for South Central Pennsylvania. 
This recognition presents a wonderful opportunity for the Millersville University community to celebrate this natural asset that connects our campus to the broader region while advancing our educational and stewardship missions.  

As a regional public university, Millersville University connects with the region and leverages the assets of Lancaster city and county (social, environmental, cultural, etc.). Having the PA River of the Year in our backyard is a unique opportunity. 

Throughout the year, we will develop programming that will: 

• Celebrate the beauty and recreational opportunities the river provides 
• Enhance educational awareness about the river's ecology, history, and significance
• Promote environmental stewardship
• Showcase our campus and region as an attraction to prospective and current students 

The Mayor and Borough Council have expressed their support and interest in partnerships to celebrate the Conestoga River. Additionally, the university is collaborating with community organizations such as the Conestoga River Club and other regional watershed and conservation groups who have been instrumental in the river's recognition and ongoing stewardship efforts.