April 23, 2025 - Lancaster, PA
Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Acting Secretary Jessica Shirley and members of the Lancaster Clean Water Partners gathered at the Blue Green Connector Project today to celebrate stream and floodplain restoration investments on Little Conestoga Creek, including more than $4 million in state funds, through the ongoing work of an innovative partnership led by the Little Conestoga Creek Foundation and Steinman Foundation.The Blue Green Connector in Lancaster County is a prime example of how sustained investments through programs like Growing Greener are restoring watersheds, reducing pollution, and increasing outdoor recreational opportunities across Pennsylvania's share of the Chesapeake Bay Watershed. Acting Secretary Jessica Shirley and project partners offered remarks and toured a stream restoration site as part of DEP's Earth Week events. "DEP is proud to be part of the ongoing effort to restore Little Conestoga Creek, reduce pollution, improve flood resiliency, and create the Blue Green Connector. This project will provide environmental education in a recreational setting, strengthening the community's connection to nature," said Acting DEP Secretary Jessica Shirley. "Children who have meaningful environmental experiences become better stewards of our natural resources as adults, so it was fitting to visit this project serving an Environmental Justice area as we celebrate Earth Week."Speakers Include:Shane Zimmerman - CEO of The Steinman FoundationAllyson Gibson - Executive Director of Clean Water PartnersJessica Shirley - Acting Secretary of Department of Environmental Protection (DEP)
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