Graham Preserve

Years of steady effort by Preservation Trust staff and several volunteer groups have resulted in two lovely, connected trails that meander through this 99-acre preserve near Shaw Island’s south shore. The main trail traverses the preserve north to south, from the parking lot at the Shaw Community Center (located at the intersection of Blind Bay and Squaw Bay Roads) to a bluff on Squaw Bay Road that overlooks Squaw Bay. A shorter section of trail connects the main trail with Shaw Island County Park, which abuts the preserve to the east, along Indian Cove.

An interpretive sign surrounds the trunk of a tree near the north trailhead. It tells the story of Ernest and Beverly Graham, who bequeathed the preserve to the Preservation Trust in 2009. Another panel on the sign welcomes visitors. It captures the charm of this small trail system in a nutshell:

“No matter how many times you’ve walked the trail, there’s something new to discover. The changing seasons, the sweep of migrations, even the day-to-day and hour-to-hour shifts of weather and light reveal new connections within the natural world.”

Learn about the history of this preserve

Access:

The Graham Preserve’s 1.2 miles of trails are easily accessed from the north and south entrances, as well as from the Shaw County Park east of the preserve.