March 29, 2005

TAKE IN THE WILDFLOWERS ON A HIKE THIS SPRING
Ohio State Parks and nature preserves host a variety of hikes throughout the state

COLUMBUS, OH - Spring has arrived and Ohio's landscape is teeming with color as vibrant wildflowers begin to arrive in Ohio’s 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 nature preserves

“Warmer 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 nature preserve are reminded that collecting wildflowers is prohibited. Here's a list of the wildflower-related events in April and May:

APRIL EVENTS

Wildflowers and Waterfalls Hike, Hocking Hills State Park in Hocking County - 10 a.m., Saturday, April 16 at the Ash Cave parking lot. For information call 740-385-6841.

Spring Wildflower Walk, Malabar Farm State Park in Richland County - 10 a.m. to noon, Saturday, April 16. Enjoy a 2-mile walk in fields and forest. For information call 419-892-2784.

Spring Wildflower Walk, Caesar Creek State Park in Warren County - 10 a.m. to noon, Saturday, April 23. Enjoy a 2-mile walk along meandering creeks and under stately oaks. Several staircases make this difficult for baby strollers. Bring a lunch to enjoy at the day lodge afterwards. For information call 513-897-2437.

Wildflower Walk, Lake Hope State Park in Vinton County - 10 a.m. to noon at the Hope Furnace parking lot. For information call 740-596-5253.

Spring Wildflower Hike, Hueston Woods State Park in Butler and Preble counties - 1 p.m., Saturday, April 23 at the nature center. For information call 513-523-6347.

Birds and Buds, Van Buren State Park in Hancock County - 1 to 4 p.m., Saturday, April 23. Migratory birds and wildflowers will be featured. For information call 419-832-7662.

Spring Beauty Abounds (A Natural Areas Discovery Series event), Miller Nature Sanctuary in Highland County - 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday, April 23. Miller State Nature Sanctuary is a component of Rocky Fork Gorge State Nature Preserve. Guided hikes will be held from 10 a.m. to noon. Arrive by 9:30 a.m. to sign up for a hike. For information call 937-544-9750.

Wildflower Walk, Salt Fork State Park in Guernsey County -- 2 p.m., Saturday, April 30 at the Kennedy Stone House. Pre-registration is required. Call 740-439-3521 to register and for information.

Spring Wildflower Hike, Lake White in Pike County - 10 a.m. to noon, Saturday, April 30 at the upper shelterhouse. For information call 740-493-2212.

MAY EVENTS

Woodland Jewels (A Natural Areas Discovery Series event), Howard Collier State Nature Preserve in Seneca County - 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday, May 7. There will be two guided hikes - one at 10 a.m. and another at 1 p.m. For information call 419-981-6319.

Springtime in the Park, Rocky Fork State Park in Highland County - May 13-15. This weekend-long event features a wildflower hike, kite building and flying, and more. Regular camping fees apply. For information call 937-393-4284.

Lakeside Daisy tour (A Natural Areas Discovery Series event), Lakeside Daisy State Nature Preserve in Ottawa County - 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday, May 14. For information call 440-433-4919.

Spring Wildflower Hike, Pike Lake in Pike County - 10 a.m. to noon, Saturday, May 14 at the nature center. A pancake breakfast starts at 8 a.m. for a small fee. Hayrides will be offered at 2 p.m. following the hike. For information call 740-493-2212.

Lilac Walk, Kelleys Island State Park in Ottawa County - May 16-22. Stroll the beautiful self-guided Lilac Trail. This walk begins on the south side of Ward Road, east of Division Street. For information call 419-746-2546.

Magnolia Madness (A Natural Areas Discovery Series event), Lake Katharine State Nature Preserve - 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday, May 21. There will be two guided hikes - one at 10 a.m. and one at 1 p.m. For information call 740-286-2487.