What’s the difference between a happy hiker and a sad hiker? Our second annual Happy Hiker series, of course! Join us for six evening programs that include basic lessons on how to be a happy hiker, including first aid, map reading, choosing the right gear, and natural history. Based on the Hiker’s Ten Essentials and Leave No Trace principles, each evening program will include nature knowledge nuggets and a short, easy 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.

Explore one of the Lancaster Conservancy’s newest preserves while you learn how to read trail maps, use hiking apps, and what to do when you get turned around or lost. Practice Leave No Trace principles and learn how to fit a day pack, small volume backpack, and large volume backpack for your unique stride and body type.

What to Expect This hike will feature rolling hills and a variety of surfaces from fresh cut trail to old gravel road. A restroom is available on site. This series is recommended for ages 10 and up (anyone under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult).

What to Bring Your current or new pack to try out with our weighted gear sacks. We’ll have our own favorite backpacks to share as well. Wear the shoes or boots you prefer to use while hiking. No flip flops or sandals. Hiking poles are welcome if you have them. Dress for the weather and bring water.

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 cancels the event, attendees will be notified via email when possible and refunded.

Lancaster Conservancy’s efforts to provide Leave No Trace education to the community are made possible thanks to the generous support of the Lancaster County Solid Waste Management Authority.

Come out to help us remove invasive shrubs as the first part of a comprehensive eco-restoration program at Wizard Ranch Nature Preserve.

What to Expect: We will be using hand tools to remove invasive multiflora rose on potentially steep uneven terrain with multiple trip hazards. There are restrooms available on site. This event is open to ages 12 and up (participants under 18 must be accompanied by an adult).

What to Bring: Dress for the weather, however long pants and closed-toed shoes are a must. Bring drinking water. Hand tools and work gloves will be provided.

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.

Photo Credit: Hylon Plumb

Come explore the flying creatures of night as we hang lights to attract moths and other nocturnal beauties. We will learn about moth ecology and identification as we examine the species that are attracted to our lights. Will we see luna moths? Ness beetles? June bugs? Giant cecropia moths? Maybe giant eyed click beetles? Come and find out!

What to Expect: This event will include an easy, approximatley ½ mile hike to a moth lighting station and is open to ages 10 and up (participants under 18 must be accompanied by an adult). Restrooms are available on site.

What to Bring: Dress for the weather and bring a headlamp if you have one (if not, we will have some to share).

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.

Photo Credit: Greg Smolin

Mushrooms are fascinating organisms responsible for many ecosystem services like decomposition and nutrient and water transfer into plants. This hike will explore the amazing world of these fungi and will survey some of the common species found at Wizard Ranch.

Note: We will not ID edible species on this hike; we do not encourage mushroom foraging on our preserves.

What to Expect: This will be a 2-mile hike on easy terrain with some elevation gain. A port-a-john is available on site. This event is open to ages 10 and up (participants under 18 must be accompanied by an adult).

What to Bring: Dress for the weather and an easy hike, bring drinking water.

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.

Photo Credit: Michelle Johnsen