Preserving Lancaster’s Outdoors with Dawn Rise Ekdahl: Episode 89

In this episode, Ben & Jeff will be joined by Dawn, the Executive Director at Historic Poole Forge in Churchtown, Lancaster County. After completing her undergraduate degree in Behavioral Psychology and French at Stetson University, she joined the Peace Corps and spent three years working in Zaire and the Central African Republic, traveling through West Africa before returning to the US for graduate school. 

Dawn received her Master’s and Doctoral degrees in Biological Anthropology/Wildlife Conservation from Rutgers University, where she directed a long-term primate research project in Kenya while teaching and conducting research.

Dawn shares her experiences working in her current role as Executive Director at Historic Poole Forge, where she focuses on preserving the rich history of the region and improving the watershed and riparian habitat for the park's flora and fauna. She is also passionate about educating children in nature and ecology and promoting outdoor recreation. 

Listen in as Ben & Jeff learn about Dawn’s dedication to conservation and education and more about Historic Poole Forge.

About Historic Poole Forge: 

Historic Poole Forge is a 26-acre site with a preserved historic Ironmaster’s mansion, children’s playground, picnic pavilion, ball field, Nature Trail, Riparian Buffers, wildflower meadows, many beautiful gardens and a covered bridge along the Conestoga River in Eastern Lancaster County. We currently host a wide range of free public events, recreational and educational experiences. We restored our 1770’s Ironmaster’s mansion that serves as a heritage/community center and also a venue for private and public celebrations. We have also expanded our environmental and educational programs and opportunities for both children and adults while continuing our preservation of the Conestoga Creek, historic iron forge and grounds.