Trash to Treasure

This trail and park is located on land that was used a dump between 1915 and 1955. Farmingdale Trail The Lancaster Solid Waste Management Authority (LCSWA) obtained the 70 acres and has worked to reclaim it for use as a park. We visited without much in the way of expectations since the land is located in a suburban area, but we were pleasantly surprised. there are about 3 miles of very well-defined trails with well-placed picnic tables and benches.

It’s obvious that this land was farmed recently as only the beginnings of a forest are here. The trail surface is perfect for strollers, bikes, even motorized wheelchairs. This is flat, well-marked terrain that is great for joggers, too.

Temperature – 75 F

Weather – Cloudy and muggy, no wind.

Trail Surface – Stone dust, crushed stone.

Flora – A surprising number of flowers including Bugle Vine and Crown Vetch looked pretty but they and other invasives are beginning to harm the beginning forest. Unless these are controlled (along with Phragmites ), this burgeoning park will become a ratty mess. Calling all hardwoods!

Fauna – One grey squirrel, the grasshopper pictured above, and a large number of birds including flocks of robins, a Carolina wren, several wood thrushes, mockingbirds, catbirds, chickadees, tufted titmice, and nuthatches. Despite perfect conditions for them, almost no mosquitoes. All those birds have been busy eating the skeets.

Facilities – Well-placed picnic table and benches. Ample off-street parking. NO bathrooms.

Other People Seen – A few runners, one dog out walking her person, two walkers.

This is a great use of reclaimed land with wetlands, the little Conestoga Creek, and growing forest to provide plenty to see. Here’s hoping the owners will rid this space of the invasive plans that threaten it.