Swatara Watershed Association
An all volunteer 501c3 nonprofit organization covering parts of 4 counties: Berks, Dauphin, Lebanon & Schuylkill;
47 municipalities;
Population over 300,000;
Founded in 1970.
Mission: "To promote the conservation of the natural resources of the Swatara Watershed by conducting scientific investigations and research, disseminating information, conducting educational programs, sponsoring conservation projects and all activities incidental thereto."
Read more in the link at the top of the page.
Swatara Watershed Park
A 33.69-acre parcel along the Swatara Creek at 1929 Blacks Bridge Road, Annville (East Hanover Township, Lebanon County PA). Boat access, 960 square foot pavilion; 240 square foot stilted office and porch, approved public water source with a flow rate of 25 gallons per minute at the pump house; Primitive camping; and 3,341 feet of riparian buffer that shades and cools the Swatara, slows evaporation, and limits runoff and erosion. Because we start or end our sojourn and River cleanup at this site each year, SWA considers this site an essential hub in the wheel of the Water Trail, which is recognized by both PA and the nation, and connects to the Captain John Smith Water Trail. Read more in the link at the top of the page.
Swatara Water Trail
Recognized both state and nationally, the Swatara Water Trail is 60 miles in length, created by Swatara Watershed Association in cooperation with PA DCNR, PA Fish & Boat Commission, and the National Park Service with public launches established about every 7 miles. Maps point out historic, geologic, scenic, and other recreational areas as well as hazards like two dams. Read more in the link at the top of the page.
Bordner Cabin
On Old State Road/Bear Hole Trail in Swatara State Park, hike, bike or horseback ride to the Armar Bordner Cabin. Carry in and carry out your lunch and trash. Drive thru Swatara State Park 9AM-3PM the 2nd Fri & Sat monthly & 4th Fri & Sat Mar, Apr, Sep & Oct. Donations to Swatara Watershed Association for use and/or maintenance of the Bordner Cabin are most welcome and appreciated. Explore Aycrigg's Falls too. Read more in the link at the top of the page.
- Position Paper on Old State Road.
- Learn more on DCNRs webpage
Clean Water
Wells in the county can become polluted or go dry. In fact, the Bethel area is a deficit area where enough rain doesn't fall to recharge used groundwater. As a result, and because our population has almost doubled since the early 1950s, more and more people depend upon a clean public water supply. The water on earth today is the same amount of water that was here at the beginning of time. We need to be good stewards of the earth, and shepherd the Swatara Creek, a source of drinking water, recreation and wellness in our back yard. Read more in the link at the top of the page.
Swatara Sojourn
Restarting Sojourns after the pandemic in 2022.
Always the first weekend in May.
Travel 30 river miles over two days.
Sleep on the banks of the Swatara
Enjoy good food, good company, and take home lusty tales of adventure. Read more in the link at the top of the page
Conservation
Water wars are fought in many nations. In 2019, California came out of a 7-year drought. The Swatara Watershed Association supports hundreds of thousands of people, and we are growing. Water supply is at a critical point. We need the American Water Company, Lebanon Water Authority, and United Water Company to present a unified plan so that all citizens can get behind a Water plan for future generations of children and their families in the Swatara Watershed. In the interim, do your part to conserve and reuse water. Read more in the link at the top of the page.

Additional PAGE LINKS:
DEP Letter requesting water companies to submit a unified plan
- Great Non-Profits
- Importance of the Swatara Creek
- Membership Application
- Volunteer Form
- Sip N Stroll Sponsors & Tickets
- Order Swatara Apparel, Gear, Souvenirs, Swag
- Swatara Creek YouTube Channel
- Swatara Watershed Park:
Seasonal Primitive Campsite Contract
U-Tow Canoe Contract
Pavilion Use Contract
2020 Swatara Sojourn Registration
- Partnered with Keystone Conservation Trust and the PA Audubon Society to complete a Return On Environment Study documenting natural resources totaling over $309.8 million in Lebanon County alone.