The Watershed Alliance of York (WAY) is making a splash in York County by working to improve the health of local waterways through hands-on education and community engagement. Supported by grants from YCCF’s Codorus Watershed Fund, WAY is building a deeper connection between the people of York and the natural resources that sustain us.
By hosting events such as Watershed Discovery Day, where York County students gathered at Keystone Kidspace to explore the macroinvertebrates and freshwater mussels of Codorus Creek, and Youth & Family Fishing & Conservation Day at Kiwanis Lake, which welcomed over 100 local kids to experience fishing (many for the first time!), WAY is inspiring the next generation of environmental advocates for York County’s precious water resources.
These events foster positive, lasting connections to the natural world — something Rachel Stahlman, WAY’s president, believes is essential for long-term conservation. “When people have a positive connection, they are more likely to protect and preserve natural resources,” Stahlman explains. By engaging the community in hands-on experiences, WAY is ensuring that the Codorus Watershed – York County’s primary water source – remains clean, safe, and protected for generations to come.
