Wildflower Weekend

 

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• Wildflowers in Shenandoah
• Youth Wildflower Art Contest
• Wildflower Calendar
• More Special Events

The 2026 Wildflower Weekend special event will be held Saturday, May 2, and Sunday, May 3, throughout the park.

Spring wildflowers are at the heart of Shenandoah National Park's 40th annual Wildflower Weekend celebration! Guided hikes and programs will focus on the importance of not only hundreds of species of flowering plants that are protected by the park, but other seasonal changes as well. 

All programs are free. No reservations are needed. Adults and children are welcome on all Wildflower Weekend programs. The program schedule for Saturday, May 2, and Sunday, May 3, and our list of Guest Naturalists and Programs Leaders will be available soon.

Wildflower Weekend is sponsored by Shenandoah National Park Association.

 

Saturday, May 2, 2026

Lewis Mountain to Slaughter Fire Road | 9:00 am to 10:00 am

Search for violets, trillium, and a variety of other wildflowers along this relatively flat section of the Appalachian Trail. 2 miles. Elevation change: about 200 ft. Meet at Lewis Mountain picnic area (mile 57.5). David Stapleton, Guest Naturalist

Spring Amphibians | 10:00 am to 11:30 am

Experience vernal pond life for the many amphibians of the park. Start with an indoor program to witness their many adaptations to thrive as they emerge from winter and breed in spring! Then go out and explore an active vernal pond within the Big Meadow. Meet in the Byrd Visitor Center auditorium followed by an easy walk (mile 51). Jodi Davis, Guest Naturalist

Gravel Springs | 10:00 am to 12:30 pm

Explore the rich woods in search of wild ginger, bellflower, waterleaf and more. Mostly gentle, with some short, very steep places. ½-mile loop. Meet at Gravel Springs Gap (mile 17.6). Limited parking. Wendy Cass, Park Botanist and Jake Hughes, Park Invasive Plant and Restoration Biologist

Potomac Appalachian Trail Club Table | 11:00 am to 3:00 p.m.

Join the Potomac Appalachian Trail Club to learn what how volunteer partnerships and stewardship help to preserve our public lands. Meet at Byrd Visitor Center (mile 51).

Springtime Trivia | 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm

How well do you know the plants and pollinators of springtime? Join in a friendly trivia competition surrounding all vernal changes in Shenandoah National Park. Meet on the western lawn of Dickey Ridge Visitor Center (mile 4.6).

Brown Mountain Trail | 12:30 pm to 4:00 pm

An out-and-back hike through a variety of plant communities to the summit of Rocky Mountain. Along the way there will be opportunities to see the effects of the 2016 Rocky Mount Fire. Rocky, uneven tread with steady descents and climbs in both directions. 3.5 miles. Elevation change: about 1,000 ft. Meet at Brown Mountain Overlook (mile 77). Stephen Paull, Park Biological Science Technician

Spring Wildflowers of Eastern Woodlands| 1:00 p.m. to 1:45 p.m. | 1:45 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Explore rich wildflower biodiversity of eastern woods, along with facts, uses, and folklore, all guided by beautiful wildflower photography. Following the presentation will be a book signing in the lobby by the author of Spring Wildflowers of Eastern Woodlands, Photos, Facts, and Folklore. Meet at Byrd Visitor Center Auditorium (mile 51). Jack Gates, Author and Guest Naturalist

Lewis Mountain Trail | 1:00 pm to 3:30 pm

Explore a seldom used trail that has some of the most common, and some unusual, wildflowers we find in the spring. In addition to wildflowers, we'll explore a couple of topics of historical interest along the way on this slightly less than two mile out-and-back hike. And at the end of the trail there will be a partial view out to the east from near the peak of Lewis Mountain. Elevation gain is minimal, and the trail is considered easy. Meet at Lewis Mountain Picnic Area (mile 57.5). David Stapleton, Guest Naturalist

Hands-On Discovery: Tools for Virginia’s Native Plants | 1:30 pm to 3:00 pm

Explore the beautiful world of Virginia’s native plants with the Flora of Virginia Project. Board members and Flora Ambassadors will introduce you to the basic botany necessary for identifying plants found around the park. Whether you're a nature enthusiast, a homeowner looking to enhance your landscape, or just curious about the plants around you, this allows you to learn and connect. You will start with a short conversation about native and invasive plants and simple techniques for identification using resources like the Flora of Virginia App, then head on a short flora walk to identify local species together. Meet at Byrd Visitor Center (mile 51). Caitlin Cyrus and Jenny Norwood, Flora of Virginia Project board members

Snead Farm Loop | 1:30 pm to 4:30 pm

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 Grounds (mile 4.7). Richard Stromberg, Guest Naturalist

Children's Springtime Songs & Stories | 2:00 pm to 2:30 pm

For children of all ages, learn about what makes spring so special through stories and song. Meet on the western lawn of Dickey Ridge Visitor Center (mile 4.6).

Monarchs & More | 3:00 pm to 4:00 pm

Learn about conservation efforts and research surrounding the ever-adored Monarch butterfly as well as others of our favorite pollinators. Meet in the Byrd Visitor Center auditorium (mile 51). Dr. Lee Brown, Guest Naturalist

 

Sunday, May 3, 2026

Spring Birds of Pocosin | 9:00 am to 11:30 am

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 one-mile stroll. Bring binoculars. Meet at Pocosin Cabin parking (unmarked, mile 59.5, east side of Skyline Drive). Limited parking. Alan Williams, Park Ecologist

Spring Amphibians | 10:00 am to 11:30 am

Experience vernal pond life for the many amphibians of the park. Start with an indoor program to witness their many adaptations to thrive as they emerge from winter and breed in spring! Then go out and explore an active vernal pond within the Big Meadow. Meet in the Byrd Visitor Center auditorium followed by an easy walk (mile 51). Jodi Davis, Guest Naturalist

Potomac Appalachian Trail Club Table | 11:00 am to 3:00 pm

Join the Potomac Appalachian Trail Club to learn what how volunteer partnerships and stewardship helps to preserve our public lands. Meet at Byrd Visitor Center (mile 51).

What’s in a Butterfly’s Pantry? | 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm

Learn about butterflies and the flowers that they rely on along this easy .25-mile stroll. Meet at Upper Hawksbill Parking (mile 47). Mara Meisel, Guest Naturalist

Spring Wildflowers of Eastern Woodlands | 1:00 pm to 1:45 pm | 1:45 pm to 3:00 pm

Explore rich wildflower biodiversity of eastern woods, along with facts, uses, and folklore, all guided by beautiful wildflower photography. Following the presentation will be a book signing in the lobby by the author of Spring Wildflowers of Eastern Woodlands, Photos, Facts, and Folklore. Meet at Byrd Visitor Center Auditorium (mile 51). Jack Gates, Author and Guest Naturalist

Hands-On Discovery: Tools for Virginia’s Native Plants | 1:30 pm to 3:00 pm

Explore the beautiful world of Virginia’s native plants with the Flora of Virginia Project. Board members and Flora Ambassadors will introduce you to the basic botany necessary for identifying plants found around the park. Whether you're a nature enthusiast, a homeowner looking to enhance your landscape, or just curious about the plants around you, this allows you to learn and connect. You will start with a short conversation about native and invasive plants and simple techniques for identification using resources like the Flora of Virginia App, then head on a short flora walk to identify local species together. Meet at the Fox Hollow Trailhead (mile 4.6). Dr. Andrea Weeks and Sally Anderson, Flora of Virginia Project board members

Botanical Art Workshop | 1:30 pm to 4 pm

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. Participants should bring their own unlined journal. All other art supplies will be provided. Betty Gatewood, Artist and Naturalist

Millers Head HIke | 1:30 pm to 4:00 pm

Rocktwist 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 the amphitheater at the top of the hill. David Cutherell, Park Botanical Technician

 

Meet Our Guest Naturalists and Program Leaders

Sally Anderson served as President of the Virginia Native Plant Society for nine years and continues on the board while also serving on the board of the Piedmont Chapter. She has volunteered at the Nancy Larrick Crosby Native Plant Trail at Blandy Experimental Farm for many years and is a Virginia Master Naturalist. She often gives talks on the Flora of Virginia and has been instrumental in the Flora Project’s education efforts, including creation of its education modules.

Caitlyn Cyrus is an environmental consultant who specializes in designing native pollinator–friendly habitats for solar facilities through the Virginia Pollinator–Smart Solar Program. She also performs rare, threatened, and endangered plant species surveys and wetland delineations. She has a B.A. in biology from St. Mary’s College of Maryland and an M.S. in biology from the College of William and Mary. She is an active member of the Virginia Native Plant Society and the Virginia Association of Wetland Professionals.

Jodi Davis is a former Park Ranger and a Southeastern Master Herpetologist. In her Virginia Master Naturalist chapter, she is the Vernal Pond Project Leader. She works with Shenandoah National Park Association at Byrd Visitor Center, as well as volunteering with the Park’s Native Gardens.

Jack Gates began researching and photographing beautiful, while fleeting, spring flowers following a curiosity of the natural world he developed while earning a B.S. in Biology from Pennsylvania State University and a D.D.S. from Temple University. Finally, after half a lifetime of beautiful experiences in the woods, he assembled it in the book he presents this weekend.

Betty Gatewood is a retired middle school science teacher, nature journalist, watercolor artist, and Virginia Master Naturalist.  She has provided cover art for the Virginia Native Plant Society’s Wildflower of the Year brochures, and has illustrated two children’s books, Salmon Matters (2018) and Milkweed Matters (2017). Her journals have been exhibited at Staunton Public Library & Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens in Richmond, and her botanical paintings have been part of art exhibits at the Washington, DC, National Cathedral and the US Botanic Garden in Washington, DC.

Mara Meisel retired after a 30-year career as a ranger-naturalist with the National Park Service. For many years, she was the coordinator and a hike leader for Shenandoah National Park's annual Wildflower Weekend, and she initiated the park's Youth Wildflower Art Contest. Mara is the Big Meadows section leader for the annual Shenandoah National Park-Luray Area Fourth of July Butterfly Count for the North American Butterfly Association.

Jenny Norwood is the Executive Director of the Flora of Virginia Project. In this role, Jenny is responsible for connecting with both scientists and citizens about the critical role the Flora App plays in protecting and restoring Virginia's amazing open spaces.

David Stapleton retired after a forty-year park career having worked for Virginia State Parks and at two National Parks including four years at Shenandoah National Park. He has a Degree in Education with a concentration in Outdoor Recreation Resource Management. He has developed and presented programs on natural and cultural history throughout his park career as well as managed interpretive and education programs.

Richard Stromberg is a Virginia Master Naturalist and newsletter editor for the Potomac Appalachian Trail Club.  He is also newsletter editor, walk leader, and a board member of the Virginia Native Plant Society Piedmont Chapter.

Dr. Andrea Weeks is a professor of botany at George Mason University and director of its Ted Bradley Herbarium. She teaches undergraduate courses in plant biology and conducts research in angiosperm systematics. She is a past president of the Society of Herbarium Curators and a member of the Virginia Botanical Associates.