Lampeter-Strasburg townlively.com
JANUARY 8, 2025
SERVING THE LOCAL COMMUNITIES SINCE 1954
VOL LXI • NO 36
The wonders of wintertime wildlife BY ADRIAN ESCHENWALD
I
t’s no secret that most of the continental United States contains regions that are characterized by expansive wilds and stunning landscapes. Every corner of the country has a unique ecosystem that is teeming with distinct wildlife and native flora. For many centuries, the majesty of American land has been recognized by the indigenous tribes that first coexisted with wild animals and treated the natural world with sacred reverence. From the first European settlers to modern-day tourists, nearly every America-bound voyager has been humbled by the wonders that lie between the coasts. After centuries of colonization and industrialization, the wild inhabitants of the United States have less territory to roam, but animals’ adaptation to human expansion has allowed many species to survive - and many of them can be found right in your
own backyard. Lancaster is no exception to North America’s array of distinct wildlife and scenic landscapes. The western side of the county borders the Susquehanna River, which includes several miles of striking vistas and tall cliffs that cut into thick forests. Although you’re more likely to spot a wild animal along hiking trails and protected habitats such as Shenks Ferry Wildflower Preserve in Conestoga or Kellys Run Nature Preserve in Holtwood, many critters reside in the more developed parts of the county. Certain hibernating species such as groundhogs, bats and jumping mice may not emerge from their cozy caverns until spring, but winter weather often makes it more likely that you’ll find other animals in suburban yards and neighborhoods in Lancaster city. Lancaster’s non-hibernating , native creatures include foxes, raccoons, deer and multiple avian species. See Wildlife pg 5 Two mourning doves inspect a freshly laid sheet of snow in a yard in Ronks.
Of the many holidays and centuries-old traditions observed by modern-day Americans, few are as peculiar and whimsical as Groundhog Day. The annual celebration became enshrined in popular culture in 1993, following the release of the comedy film “Groundhog Day,” but the holiday and its many eccentric festivities originated several hundred years ago. Although many people associate Groundhog Day exclusively with An initiate of the Slumbering Groundhog Lodge, referred to as a
baby groundhog, takes an icy dip in the Octoraro Creek as part of the
With education fair, Christian schools are organizing and uniting BY JEFF FALK
Christian schools in L ancaster County have never really been competitors. Now they’re working together to align their missions and streamline their efforts. The upcoming Christian Education Fair is an event that’s designed to draw strength from numbers, explore and promote the increasing popularity of
See Groundhog Day pg 3 Groundhog Day ceremonies.
New Year! y p p a H An APPLE a Day for a Healthy Year!
Christian education and provide families with learning opportunities that are aligned with their beliefs and their children’s needs. “It’s not that we were against each other; it’s we weren’t working together,” said Jill Armstrong, L ancaster County Christian School’s events and communication coordinator and one of the organizers of the event. “I just think there wasn’t an intentional collaboration. We can learn from See Education fair pg 4
15 Varie t to Choosies e
400 Long Lane at Marticville Road (Rt. 741 & 324) 717-872-9311
www.cherryhillorchards.com OPEN ALL WINTER Mon.-Sat. 8-6 “Look for us at the FARM SHOW”
Follow us
R114030
BY ADRIAN ESCHENWALD
POSTMASTER: PLEASE DELIVER JAN. 8, 2025
PRSRT STD ECRWSS U.S. Postage Paid Engle Printing Co
Postal Patron
LSA
Local area does Groundhog Day a little bit differently