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 10-11, 2008
Download program schedule.

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.

“My heart found its home long ago in the beauty, mystery, order and disorder of the flowering earth.” -- Lady Bird Johnson

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!

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.