Footsteps of the First People: Guided Hike + Meditation

Join Fairmount Park Conservancy and ecotherapist/Lenape nature healer Krista Nelson for a two-mile guided hike and meditation along the Trolley Trail on Saturday, March 16 from 9:00-11:30 AM. This hike will help you rekindle your love of nature and find strength and companionship in a community of fellow nature lovers.

As a sixth-generation Lenape grandmother, Krista honors the Lenape tradition of interconnectedness and reverence for nature. A Lenape language keeper, Krista is working to revitalize this endangered indigenous language and unlock embedded codes to Lenape culture for a people and a planet in dire need of decolonizing hearts and minds.

As we hike, we’ll stop to listen and closely observe the natural surroundings. Our journey will lead us to several small tributary creeks, where we will meditate alongside the rhythmic sounds of the flowing water. We will add to the sound of the creek with our own spontaneous humming and whistling – a way to show our love for the water. Krista calls this practice of listening to the water and reciprocating with sound “Creek Drinking” (not literally of course!). Finally, Krista will lead us in a nature element ritual as we celebrate the spring equinox – a time of importance to the Lenape as it welcomes spring and new beginnings.

This event will connect you to nature and allow you to tune your breath to the creek’s flow so you can let troublesome thoughts wash away downstream. It will also help you develop a deeper appreciation for the Lenape – the first inhabitants and stewards of these lands.

Estimated distance: about two miles
Level: moderate
Terrain: mainly hilly trails

TICKET PRICE: $15

**This event is part of our West Park Program Pack – a bundle of three distinct West Park programs offered for a discounted rate. It can be registered for individually (below) or as part of the Program Pack. If interested in registering as part of the pack, visit this website. Program Pack space is limited. Registration ends February 24 or when spots fill – whichever comes first.**

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO:

• The hike is roughly two miles over mainly hilly trails.
• Appropriate for adults and mature adolescents.
• Please dress according to weather conditions and wear good hiking shoes (boots/sneakers).
• Bring water (drinking water is not available in the park), a snack, and if you would find it helpful, a small meditation cushion or towel that you can carry with you during the hike.
• Unfortunately, there are no bathrooms along the hike route so please plan accordingly.
• Bring sunscreen and bug spray.
• We will leave a few minutes after the scheduled start time. Please arrive at the departure location at least five minutes early. We cannot guarantee that latecomers can join after the group has departed.

PARKING/GETTING THERE: There is plenty of free parking in the park. As always, NEVER leave valuables in your car! If traveling by public transit, the nearest stop is at Belmont Ave and Belmont Mansion/Fairmount Park Drive – a half-mile walk from the start. The closest Indego bike station is at Parkside and Belmont Ave – also a half-mile walk from the start.

QUESTIONS? Please reach out to [email protected]