10th Annual New River Gorge Wildflower Weekend

Celebrate the 10^th Annual New River Gorge Wildflower Weekend
Join us for these events that celebrate National Park Week!

Glen Jean, West Virginia, April 15, 1013 – Spring in West Virginia highlights our 10^th annual New River Gorge Wildflower Weekend, April 19^th – 21^st, where we celebrate the glories of Appalachian spring.  Free programs that highlight these natural wonders are scheduled at New River Gorge National River, Babcock State Park, Hawks Nest State Park, Little Beaver State Park, Pipestem Resort State Parks, Tamarack “The Best of West Virginia,” and The Clay Center.  These programs are also a celebration of National Park Week, April 20^th – 28^th, http://www.nationalparks.org/national-park-week.

The New River Gorge region lies at the core of the globally significant Appalachian forest and contains the most diverse flora of any river gorge in central and southern Appalachia. Over 75,000 acres of natural habitats are protected in regional parks, all havens for plants and animals. Besides providing essential habitat for endangered mammals, rare birds and amphibians, a dedicated plant enthusiast could find 1384 different species of plants within the boundaries of area national and state parks.

The ever-changing seasons and topography of the gorge offers an amazing glimpse into the varied habitats of the New River Gorge. Spring begins with the first solitary bloom of a skunk cabbage, bloodroot, or trout lily by the riverside in early March. April offers a forest carpeted with wake robin, great trillium, Dutchman’s breeches, and Virginia bluebell. The understory is alive with redbud and dogwood. The season finale has showy displays of Catawba rhododendron, flame azalea, Fraser magnolia, and tulip poplar into the last days of May.

Here are the event programs that highlight this season and our shared stewardship of these natural treasures. All programs are free. Bring water and wear sturdy hiking shoes for all guided walks. We hope you’ll join us for this celebration of spring in Appalachia!

For more details about this event or area National Park Service sites visit http://www.nps.gov/neri, check out the park Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/newrivergorgenps. Stop by or call any New River Gorge National River visitor center (304-574-2115 or 304-466-0417). For more details about West Virginia State Park sites visit www.wvstateparks.com.
             
About the National Park Service
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The National Park Service cares for special places saved by the American people so that all may experience our heritage. For more information about the National Park Service, visit http://www.nps.gov.