About our Greener Codorus Initiative Program

The Greener Codorus Initiative is an annual program that started in 2015, which focuses on maintaining the vegetation along the banks of Codorus Creek in York City. 

The program aims to preserve the vegetation along the creek, from College Avenue downstream to the train trestle north of Philadelphia Street in York City. This is done in accordance with the Memorandum of Understanding with the Army Corps of Engineers which prevents the Army Corps from using herbicides in this area. 

Without this program, the Army Corps would spray herbicides along the creek to maintain a clear line of sight, inspect their flood control walls, and rip rap throughout the city. This would result in the destruction of the ecosystem, turning the creek landscape into a barren wasteland without any flora or fauna. 

Our volunteers work for 2 hours per outing and use hand tools like grass whips, hand scythes, and weed trimmers to perform vegetation control. The program is also focused on educating volunteers about the watershed and its issues, while recruiting more volunteers to continue protecting and caring for our watershed. 

The Greener Codorus Initiative is not just about physical labor; it aims to create a new group of stewards who are committed to protecting and caring for the watershed. Our volunteers appreciate the work, which is physically challenging but leaves them feeling empowered and fulfilled, knowing they made a significant difference in maintaining clean water. 

We will continue to work with our local community to protect Codorus Creek and beautify York City through this Initiative. 

Volunteers Needed

Our 2024 season is upon us! Come out and chop some vegetation along the Codorus Creek.

2024 Season GCI Volunteer Crew Dates & Times

Wednesday, August 28, 5:30-7:30pm CANCELLED

Wednesday, September 4, 5:00-7:00pm

Monday, September 9, 9-11am

Wednesday, September 18, 5:00-7:00pm

Wednesday, October 2, 4:00-6:00pm

Monday, October 7, 9:00-11:00am

Wednesday, October 16, 4:00-6:00pm

Monday, October 21, 9:00-11:00am

Monday, November 4, 9:00-11:00am

Wednesday, November 13, 3:00-5:00pm

Volunteer Details

Come out and support a great cause! You’ll even get a decent workout and watch wildlife like ducks and turtles eat the vegetation you just chopped. It is very rewarding to be a part of this great work!

We have all tools and safety equipment. Please wear long pants, shoes with good ankle support and bring your own water bottle.

Our season is from April through November. The typical schedule is as follows but can vary slightly: the 1st & 3rd Monday 9:00-11:00AM and 2nd & 4th Wednesday 5:30-7:30PM. Evening times will change later in the season due to daylight.

Please do not come out if it’s wet or raining, we cannot do this work in wet conditions. Schedule is subject to change. If you register to volunteer, we will email you if have to make a change or cancel. Make up days due to weather or other events will be posted as necessary.

ALL VOLUNTEER HOURS COUNT TOWARDS ANY REQUIRED COMMUNITY SERVICE OBLIGATIONS. We’ll write letters for you, if needed! Bring a friend!

Volunteer Groups

We welcome businesses or groups to coordinate a vegetation chopping session with us. You would be providing meaningful community service and learn more about our work while having fun bonding with your group.

If you are interested to discuss the possibility of coordinating a Greener Codorus Vegetation Chopping Session for your employees or group, please take a look at our 2024 Greener Codorus Season dates and contact us via email at info@lowsusriverkeeper.org.

Click here to view our event calendar which lists other upcoming events and volunteer opportunities.