COLUMBUS, OH A blaze of yellow, white and purple blooms will greet visitors as they step back into Ohio’s past when prairies covered sections of western Ohio with tall grasses and wildflowers at Chapparal Prairie State Nature Preserve. The preserve is hosting an Open House, part of the Natural Areas Discovery Series, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday, August 7.
Chaparral Prairie in Adams County, is an outstanding example of a cedar barren prairie complete with a variety of common and rare wildflowers and butterflies. Wildflowers such as prairie dock and spiked blazing-star grow in abundance at this preserve, along with 11 state endangered plants including spider milkweed, prairie false indigo and pink milkwort. The prairie also features one of the state’s most extensive populations of rattlesnake-master, an interesting, white, prickly shaped flower.
The Open House sponsored by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources’ Division of Natural Areas & Preserves will feature guided wildflower walks and prairie presentations throughout the day. Because of the preserve’s proximity to other Adams County prairies, visitors are encouraged to ask staff for directions to those nearby sites.
The Natural Areas Discovery Series features scheduled hikes, interpretive activities and an opportunity for visitors to meet preserve and scenic river staff. Programs are held on a monthly basis at preserves across Ohio through October.
The next event in the series is Saturday, September 18 at Headlands Dunes State Nature Preserve in Lake County.