Event
Wildflower Weekend
Fee:
Free.Dates & Times
Date:
Time:
Type of Event
Description
Spring wildflowers are at the heart of Shenandoah National Park's 37th annual Wildflower Weekend celebration! Guided hikes and programs will focus on the diversity and importance of not only hundreds of species of flowering plants that are protected by the park, but other seasonal changes as well.
Special features this year include a botanical art and journaling workshop led by watercolor artist Betty Gatewood, as well as a recognition of the participants in Shenandoah’s Youth Art in the Park contest. No art experience is necessary, and all materials will be provided.
All programs are free. No reservations are needed. Adults and children are welcome on all Wildflower Weekend programs. This year's list of programs for Saturday, May 6 and Sunday, May 7 can be found below:
Saturday, May 6
Bird Song and the Meadow | 9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
Join our guest artist as we consider and reflect on the ways in which bird song interweaves itself into our daily lives. Participants are encouraged to bring a notebook and pen (or any preferred writing device). Meet on the meadow side of Byrd Visitor Center (mile 51). Sonya Lara, Artist-in-Residence
The Artist-in-Residence Program is funded by generous donations to Shenandoah National Park Trust.
Passamaquoddy Loop | 9:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Look for moss phlox, trillium and more along the Appalachian Trail to Little Stony Man Cliffs and the Passamaquoddy Trail. Great valley views. Very rocky and steep in places. 3 miles. Elevation change: about 560 ft. Meet at Stony Man Nature Trail parking (mile 41.7, north entrance of Skyland Resort). David Stapleton, Guest Naturalist
Wonders of the Mill Prong | 9:00 a.m. to noon
Look for trillium, jack-in-the-pulpit, and more along this trail that never fails to delight wildflower lovers. 2 miles. Elevation change: about 400 ft. Meet at Milam Gap parking (mile 52.4). Kristin Zimet and Mitzi Fox, Guest Naturalists
Spring Amphibians | 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
Experience vernal life for the many amphibians of the Park and learn the adaptations that allow them to thrive as they emerge from winter and breed in spring on this easy walk. Meet at Byrd Visitor Center (mile 51). Margo Roseum, Park Ranger
Leaves of Three | 11:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Learn how to locate and identify poison ivy as this group raises awareness of the three-leaved plant and its prevalence along Virginia trails. Story of the Forest Trailhead (mile 51). Leaves of Three, Guest Group
“Youth Art in the Park” Contest Recognition Ceremony | 12:30 p.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Join us to congratulate the winning artists in the Park’s wildflower art contest. Byrd Visitor Center auditorium (mile 51).
Ramble on the “Layton Sisk Plateau” | 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
We may find pussytoes, trillium and perhaps a surprise or two in the fields and woods as we take the Skyland-Big Meadows Horse Trail to a former home site. 1 mile. Elevation change: about 150 ft. Meet at Upper Hawksbill parking area (mile 46.7). Mara Meisel, Guest Naturalist
Botanical Art Workshop | 1:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Learn a few botany basics, pick up tips on observation, composition, and journaling, then sketch and use watercolors to paint what you see. No art or science background is necessary. Meet on the meadow side of Byrd Visitor Center (mile 51). Rain or shine. Wear walking shoes and long pants. Be prepared to sit on the ground or bring a folding chair. All art supplies will be provided. Betty Gatewood, Artist & Naturalist
Millers Head Hike | 1:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Lyre-leaved rockcress and other uncommon plants might be seen on this hike to a view of the Shenandoah Valley. Very rocky and steep in places, with uphill return. 1.5 miles. Elevation change: about 250 ft. Turn in at south entrance of Skyland Resort (mile 42.5) and follow signs to amphitheater at top of hill. Stephen Paull, Park Biological Science Technician
Snead Farm Loop Hike | 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
See what flowers await on this hike through a former apple orchard and home site. There may be some surprises! 2.6 miles. Elevation change: about 490 ft. Meet at Dickey Ridge picnic area (mile 4.7). Richard Stromberg, Guest Naturalist
Pollinators: Form Flowers Function | 4:00 p.m. to 4:45 p.m.
Do pollinators influence flower evolution? Do flowers change pollinator adaptations? Do both groups equally affect the other? Follow along as we discover the unique methods by which both flowers and pollinators charm the other to survive and thrive. PowerPoint program. Byrd Visitor Center auditorium (mile 51). Karl Rand, Park Ranger
Sunday, May 7
Spring Birds of Pocosin | 9:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Listen and look for cerulean warblers, scarlet tanagers, and other migrants near the spring and surrounding woods. You might discover a few wildflowers along the way. Easy ½-1-mile stroll. Bring binoculars. Meet at Pocosin Cabin parking (unmarked, mile 59.5, east side of Skyline Drive). Limited parking. Alan Williams, Park Ecologist
Milam Gap to Tanner’s Ridge | 10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Discover a variety of native and nonnative flowers, as well as cultural connections, along this gentle section of the Appalachian Trail to a fire road. 2 miles. Elevation change: about 175 ft. Meet at Milam Gap parking (mile 52.4). Dani Goodman, Park Ranger
Hiking the Hightop | 9:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Hike the Appalachian Trail through patches of trillium and other wildflowers to the summit of Hightop Mountain and a terrific view. 3 miles. Elevation change: about 935 ft. Meet at Hightop Mountain parking (mile 66.7). Limited Parking. Mara Meisel, Guest Naturalist
Spring Amphibians | 11:00 a.m. 12:00 p.m.
Experience vernal life for the many amphibians of the Park and learn the adaptations that allow them to thrive as they emerge from winter and breed in spring on this easy walk. Meet at Byrd Visitor Center (mile 51). Jodi Davis, Park Ranger
South River Falls Hike | 1:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Look for early saxifrage, wild geranium and more flowers on this trail to a viewpoint overlooking an 83-ft. waterfall. Steep 3.3 miles. Elevation change: about 900 ft. Meet at trailhead in South River Falls picnic area (mile 62.5). Jean Stephens, Guest Naturalist
Botanical Art Workshop | 1:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Learn a few botany basics, pick up tips on observation, composition, and journaling, then sketch and use watercolors to paint what you see. No art or science background is necessary. Meet on the meadow side of Byrd Visitor Center (mile 51). Rain or shine. Wear walking shoes and long pants. Be prepared to sit on the ground or bring a folding chair. All art supplies will be provided. Betty Gatewood, Artist & Naturalist