Shenandoah National Park - Wildflower Weekend (U.S. National Park Service)

A fresh white bloodroot drips with morning dew in the early spring.

NPS Barb Stewart

A bloodroot drips with dew in the early spring.

May 9-10, 2009
Click here to download the Wildflower Weekend Program Schedule (pdf, 20 kb).

Take a day or two to appreciate the diversity of wildflowers growing here in the Blue Ridge. More than 1,300 species of plants thrive in Shenandoah National Park, a mountain island surrounded by farmland, towns, and expanding developed areas. The park is a haven for native woodland wildflowers. For more information about Shenadoah's wildflowers click here.

Here you can take time to observe. See how flowers rely on butterflies, bees, birds and other animals to pollinate them and spread their seeds. Watch the daily battles taking place over a plant's resources.

Contemplate a wildflower and you might discover your own connections to the natural world.

“Men do change, and change comes like a little wind that ruffles the curtains at dawn, and it comes like the stealthy perfume of wildflowers hidden in the grass.” -- John Steinbeck

Help to ensure that wildflowers will be around for generations by leaving them unharmed. A flower that is picked can miss a chance to spread thousands of seeds. A plant that is dug up is gone forever, and the loss affects all things connected to it. If you love ‘em, leave ‘em!

	Spring Wildflowers (19 Photos) These beautiful flowers are Shenandoah's "early risers" in the spring. Wildflower Weekend, held on the second weekend in May, includes special programs to search for and learn about these spring beauties. View Album \| View Slideshow

	Wildflower Weekend (18 Photos) Photos from Shenandoah's annual (second weekend in May) celebration of the rich diversity of wildflowers of the Blue Ridge Mountains. View Album \| View Slideshow

REMINDERS

Come prepared for wet weather. Walks may be conducted in light rain, but will be canceled in case of thunderstorms. Wear sturdy shoes and bring water on all hikes. Please evaluate your physical fitness and choose an appropriate hike.

Your pets on leashes are welcome in the park, but they are not permitted on guided programs. Pets can be distracting to hike leaders and participants. Please leave your pet in the care of another person while you’re on one of the Wildflower Weekend walks.

Spring Wildflowers (19 Photos)

Wildflower Weekend (18 Photos)