Happy Hiker: Wanderlust at Graham Nature Preserve

What’s the difference between a happy hiker and a sad hiker? Our third annual Happy Hiker series, of course! Based on the Hiker’s Ten Essentials and Leave No Trace principles, each evening program includes nature knowledge nuggets and a short hike to practice what we’re learning. This series full of fun activities, mini-challenges, and the opportunity to practice new skills will help make every hike safer and more enjoyable!

All are welcome to join us as we celebrate the close of another succesful Happy Hiker series! Enjoy a relaxing ramble around our new nature preserve, the Ingrid Graham Historic Hellam Nature Preserve. This historic property is the perfect setting for a relaxing, non-strenuous end to our otherwise challenging series of hikes for 2025. Learn about the environmental history of this settler-era site and the legacy of the Graham family in York County.

Note the time change from our usual Happy Hiker hikes to 5:00 p.m.

Note: The Ingrid Graham Historic Hellam Nature Preserve is currently closed to general visitation while it undergoes the master planning process. It is open for select educational events only.

What to Expect: This will be an easy hike on grassy paths winding through forest and along fields. Though there are no significant elevation changes, there are uneven spots on this path. This event is recommended for ages 12 and up (anyone under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult).

Where to Meet: Coordintates to parking area: 39.999633, -76.594754. Follow long gravel drive, veering to the right at the barn. Parking is available in the gravel lot.

What to Bring: Wear your favorite hiking footwear and dress for the weather. Bring drinking water.

Hike Leader: Peggy Eppig, Conservation Educator with Lancaster Conservancy, is an environmental historian and dynamic conservation educator who offers a hands-on approach to every theme from deep-time history to 21st century conservation methods and practices. She brings over 30 years of experience in interpretive and experiential education. Her wilder interests include ornithology (birds), herpetology (reptiles and amphibians), silvology (woodlands), and natural history illustration.

Animal Policy: Service animals active or in training are welcome. Please leave all pets at home.

Refund Policy: If you are unable to attend this event after purchasing a ticket, refund requests must be made at least 48 hours before the event.

Cancellation Policy: This event will be held rain or shine, with cancellation for severe weather made at the time of the event. If the Conservancy reschedules the event, attendees will be emailed and tickets will be automatically moved to the new date. If the Conservancy cancels the event, attendees will be notified via email when possible and refunded.

Host or Publisher Lancaster Conservancy