Blooming wildflowers are a sure sign of spring, and Shenandoah National Park will celebrate with hikes, programs, workshops, and art displays during its 30th annual Wildflower Weekend. The two-day event, to be held May 7-8, will focus on the diversity and value of hundreds of species of flowering plants that are protected by the Virginia park. All programs are free, and no reservations are needed.
Some of the winning entries in the annual “Youth Art in the Park” wildflower art contest will be exhibited at Byrd Visitor Center (Mile 51 on Skyline Drive) on Wildflower Weekend (with winning artists recognized in a ceremony at noon May 7), and later at Dickey Ridge Visitor Center (Mile 4.6).
Featured programs on May 7 are “Wild About Shenandoah, From Wildflowers to Wildlife,” with naturalists Ann and Rob Simpson, and “A Change of Habitat,” with park botanist Wendy Cass. Watercolor artist Betty Gatewood will lead botanical art workshops on both days.
On May 8, biological technician Jake Hughes will give visitors a chance to use their cell phones to help the park map invasive plants. Participants should register beforehand as EDDMaps users and come with an Apple or Android device loaded with the free Mid-Atlantic Early Detection Network (MAEDN) app.
There will also be hikes to waterfalls, peaks and other wildflower trails, bird walks, and a program designed for children ages 7-12. New this year are circuit hikes to Snead Farm, Passamaquoddy/Little Stony Man Cliffs, and the park’s highest peak, Hawksbill Mountain, which is being rehabilitated this spring.
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