Hellbender Hustle (and Dragonfly Dash)

Hellbender Hustle (and Dragonfly Dash) Join us at this event highlighting the Eastern Hellbender - North America's largest salamander, and Pennsylvania's state amphibian. Come enjoy a morning outdoors and celebrate this rare and uniquely local species. 

NEW FOR 2024: Updated and Improved course marking, LV Zoo, New Location 

Click for race map and 2024 t-shirt!

Lehigh County Conservation District is excited to host the SECOND Annual Hellbender Hustle - a 5-Mile Trail Run/Walk Around Leaser Lake. The meandering loop will take you through PA meadow, woodland, and streamside habitats of varying elevation, where you can observe native flora and fauna. The day will start off with the Dragonfly Dash - this will be a 100-yard sprint for youth 12 and under. Throughout the morning, family-friendly educational activities and lawn games will be available, including a bird-friendly coffee tasting table, and weather-dependent special visit from our friends at the LV Zoo with their Ambassador Animals. Prizes will be awarded for the top finishers in this friendly competition, and each participant's name will be entered into a native plant raffle. 

Please note that this event will be held rain or shine! We recommend all attendees come prepared with essential outdoor equipment such as rain protection, sun block, and insect repellant (if desired).

Amenities:           
T-shirt (XS through 2XL)
Refreshments - drinks and snacks will be provided
2 water stations will be available throughout the course
Prizes

Registration begins at 8:00 am. Please register by September 1st to ensure you can select your T-shirt size. Same day registration will be available.

Race Results:        
Race will be professionally timed by the Bryn Mawr Racing Co.; Results will be found at http://www.brynmawrracing.com.

Our Mission Statement:

The Lehigh County Conservation District is a dynamic partnership of conservation professionals providing quality service to protect Lehigh County’s diverse natural resources through leadership, technical assistance, education, land protection, promotion of sustainable development, and protection of water and soil quality.