COLUMBUS, OH - Spring is here and Ohio's landscape is coming to life with vibrant wildflowers best seen in Ohio's state parks and nature preserves, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR). The warmer temperatures and longer days that begin in early March and continue into April and May, bring color to the fields, valleys and forests of Ohio.
"Ohio plays host to a variety of wildflowers," said Lynn Boydelatour, chief naturalist of Ohio State Parks. "As spring moves from southern Ohio and to the north, Ohioans can enjoy the many wildflower walks and educational events that our state parks and nature preserves host." Visitors to any state park or nature preserve are reminded that collecting natural materials is prohibited. Here's a list of the wildflower-related events in April and May:
APRIL
Waterfall and Wildflower Hike at Hocking Hills State Park in Hocking County: 10 a.m. on Saturday, April 17. Meet in the Ash Cave parking lot. Observe nature's wildflower carpet and sparkling waterfalls. Call 740-385-6841 for more information.
Spring Wildflower Walk at Malabar Farm State Park in Richland County: 10 a.m. to noon on Saturday, April 17. Meet at the Big House for a 2-mile walk through colorful fields and forest of beautiful Malabar Farm. Call 419-892-2784 for more information.
Spring wildflowers at Clifton Gorge State Nature Preserve in Green County: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, April 24. Enjoy a stunning display of wildflowers on any of three scheduled walks through the preserve. The 10 a.m. walk begins at the Bear's Den, while the 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. walks leave from the Orton parking lot, next to John Bryan State Park. Call 937-767-7947 for more information.
Wildflower Walk at Lake Hope State Park in Vinton County: 10 a.m. to noon on Saturday, April 24. Meet in the Hope Furnace parking lot. Take a leisurely stroll and discover the rich variety of blooming wildflowers. Call 740-596-5253 for more information.
Spring Wildflower Hike at Hueston Woods in Butler County: 1 p.m. on Saturday, April 24. Meet at the nature center. Enjoy the beauty of Ohio's colorful landscape that comes with the changing season. Call 513-523-6347 for more information.
Birds and Buds at Van Buren State Park in Hancock County: 1 to 4 p.m. on Saturday, April 24. Look up and down to see the kaleidoscope of spring flowers. Learn about migratory birds and wildflowers. Meet at the nature center. Call 419-832-7662 for more information.
MAY
Spring Wildflower Hike at Lake White State Park in Pike County: 10 a.m. to noon on Saturday, May 1. Meet in the main parking area. See spring's wonderful wildflower spectacular up close. Call 740-493-2212 for more information.
Spring Tonic Time at Van Buren State Park in Hancock County: 1 to 4 p.m. on Saturday, May 8. Meet at the nature center. Hike amid the May wildflowers and learn how pioneers and Native Americans used the flowers as remedies. Call 419-832-7662 for more information.
Wildflowers & Birds at Eagle Creek State Nature Preserve in Portage County: 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, May 8. Check out the 10 a.m. and noon wildflower walks which start in the preserve parking lot. See the rarely visited south side of the preserve on the 10 a.m. walk. Observe as many as 70 species of spring wildflowers. Call 330-527-5118 for more information.
Spring Tonic Time at Mary Jane Thurston State Park in Wood County: 10 a.m. to noon on Saturday, May 8. Meet at the park office to caravan to the Turkeyfoot area. Learn about flowers used by early settlers and Native Americans to cure illness. Call 419-832-7662 for more information.
Springtime in the Park at Rocky Fork State Park in Highland County: May 14-16. Welcome spring with a wildflower hike, kite building and flying and more. Regular camping fees apply. Call 937-393-4284 for more information.
Spring Wildflower Hike at Pike Lake State Park in Pike County: 10 a.m. to Noon on Saturday, May 15. Meet at the amphitheater. Take a relaxing hike to see spring's wildflowers. Enjoy a hayride at 7 p.m. followed by a movie. Call 740-493-2212 for more information. Lilac Walk at Kelleys Island State Park in Ottawa County: May 17-23.
This self-guided walk begins on the south side of Ward Road, east of Division Street. Stroll the Lilac Trail and enjoy the beautiful colors and fragrant flowers of spring. Call 419-746-2546 for more information.