FORGET WINTER! CELEBRATE SPRING WITH A WILDFLOWER HIKE
State parks and nature preserves host a variety of hikes throughout Ohio
COLUMBUS, OH - Spring has arrived and Ohio's landscape will soon be teeming with color as vibrant wildflowers begin to pop up in fields, valleys and forests, along roadsides and trails, and in yards around the state. But perhaps the best places to see these beautiful displays are in state parks and state nature preserves.
"Warming temperatures and longer days in March, April and May bring color to Ohio's landscape," said Lynn Boydelatour, chief naturalist of Ohio State Parks. "The best way to enjoy the display is by attending one of the many wildflower walks and educational events hosted by our state parks and nature preserves."
Visitors to any state park or state nature preserve are reminded that collecting wildflowers is prohibited. Here's a list of upcoming wildflower-related events:
APRIL EVENTS
Wildflower Walkers Hike, Van Buren State Park in Hancock County - 9:30 to 11:30 a.m., Thursday, April 3 at the nature center. For information, call 419-348-7679.
Wildflowers & Waterfalls Hike, Hocking Hills State Park in Hocking County - 10 a.m., Saturday, April 19 at the Ash Cave Parking Lot. For information, call 740-385-6841.
Wildflower Hike, Hueston Woods State Park in Preble County - 1 p.m., Saturday, April 19 at the nature center. For information, call 513-523-6347.
Wildflower Walk, Lake Hope State Park in Vinton County - 10 a.m. to noon, Saturday, April 19 at the Hope Furnace parking lot. For information, call 740-596-5253.
Spring Wildflower Walk, Malabar Farm State Park in Richland County - 10 a.m. to noon, Saturday, April 19. A two-mile walk through nature's spring carpet. For information, call 419-892-2784.
Stone House Wildflower Walk, Salt Fork State Park in Guernsey County, 2 p.m., Saturday, April 26 at the Kennedy Stone House trail head. For information, call 740-439-3521.
Wildflowers of Goll Woods, Goll Woods State Nature Preserve in Fulton County, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Saturday, April 26. This Discovery Series event is a guided tour of beautiful spring ephemerals, including several trillium species. Call 419-445-1775 for information.
MAY EVENTS
Flora-Quest '08, Shawnee State Park and Edge of Appalachia Preserve in Scioto County, Friday-Sunday, May 2-4. Pre-registration and a fee are required. Visit www.flora-quest.com for more information.
Spring Wildflower Hike, Lake White State Park in Pike County, 10 a.m. to noon, Saturday, May 3 at the park's main parking lot. Call 740-493-2212 for information.
Wildflower Walkers Hike, Van Buren State Park in Hancock County, 9:30 to 11:30 a.m., Thursday, May 8 at the nature center. Call 419-348-7679 for information.
Annual Lakeside Daisy Open House, Lakeside Daisy State Nature Preserve in Ottawa County, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday, May 10. For information on this Discovery Series event, call 440-433-4919.
Mothers' Day Wildflower Walk, Alum Creek State Park in Delaware County, 1 p.m., Saturday, May 10 at the campground office, near the intersection of Cheshire and Old State roads. Call 740-548-4631.
Lilac Walk, Kelleys Island State Park in Ottawa County, week of May 11-18. Take a self-guided stroll down the Lilac Trail and enjoy the beautiful colors and fragrances. The walk begins on the south side of Ward Road, east of Division Street. Call 419-746-2546 for information.
Tour of Kelleys Island Natural Areas, Kelleys Island in Ottawa County, 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday, May 17. Event is limited to 24 participants. Lottery selection - send postcard with name, address, daytime phone and number in party (not to exceed four) to ODNR-DNAP, 2715 Cleveland Road West, Huron, Ohio 44839. Deadline: April 15.
Spring Wildflower Hike, Pike Lake State Park in Pike County, 10 a.m. to noon, Saturday, May 17 at the amphitheater. Hayrides will be offered at 7 p.m., following the hike. For information call 740-493-2212.
Lou Campbell Open House, Lou Campbell State Nature Preserve in Lucas County, noon to 4 p.m., Sunday, May 18. More than 30 state-listed plants; no permit required for open house. Call 419-445-1775.
Spring Into Life Hike, Caesar Creek State Park in Warren County, 10 a.m., Saturday, May 24 at the day lodge. For information, call 513-897-2437.
Spring Hike at Eagle Creek, Eagle Creek State Nature Preserve in Portage County, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, May 24. Guided tours at 10 a.m. or noon. Call 440-632-3010 for information.
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For Additional Information Contact:
Jane Beathard, ODNR Media Relations
(614) 265-6860