Celebrate spring in Appalachia at the 13th Annual New River Gorge Wildflower Weekend, April 22-24, 2016, sponsored by the National Park Service in cooperation with area West Virginia state parks and attractions.
The weekend invites exploration of the area’s natural diversity at programs in New River Gorge (NRG) National River, Babcock State Park, Carnifex Ferry Battlefield State Park, Hawks Nest State Park, Pipestem Resort State Park, Twin Falls Resort State Park and Tamarack. The programs are free. To learn more about the annual NRG Wildflower Weekend, call 304-466-0417. Activities at state parks include:
Friday, April 22, 2016:
Handy Work for Earth Day: Garlic Mustard Pull at Pipestem Resort State Park
Celebrate Earth Day in the Pipestem area and lend a helping hand to the natural forest. Team up with Pipestem Resort State Park staff to help remove a troublesome invasive plant species, garlic mustard. Wear long sleeves, long pants, sturdy walking shoes, work gloves and bring water. The event will go from 9 a.m. to noon. Meet at the Canyon Rim Center (top of the tram). www.pipestemresort.com 304-466-1800 ex. 344
Twin Falls Resort State Park Spring Nature Explosion
Join park staff in the lobby of Twin Falls Lodge at Twin Falls Resort State Park in Mullens from noon until 3 p.m. for an afternoon of Earth Day crafts, nature games, and activities for the entire family. www.twinfallsresort.com 304-294-4000
Saturday, April 23, 2016:
Explore Nature’s Bouquet Hike at Twin Falls Resort State Park
Meet in the lobby of Twin Falls Lodge from 3:30 to 5 p.m. to explore a variety of habitats on this 3/4 mile hike on the Buck Run Trail in Twin Falls Resort State Park in Mullens. Be prepared for some steep terrain. www.twinfallsresort.com 304-294-4000
Old Growth Ecology Hike at Carnifex Ferry Battlefield State Park
Meet at the Patterson House at Carnifex Ferry Battlefield State Park in Summersville to explore the rare old-growth forest ecology of Pierson Hollow in the Gauley River Gorge. The hike will run from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. Be prepared for a leisurely 1-mile walk with some moderate terrain. www.carnifexferrybattlefieldstatepark.com 304-872-0825
Sunday, April 24, 2016:
Spring Birding at Babcock State Park
Meet at the Glade Creek Grist Mill at Babcock State Park in Clifftop to stroll the diverse habitats of Babcock in search of region beauties — birds. The hike will go from 8 to 9:30 a.m. Binoculars will be available. www.babcock.com 304-438-3004
Falls & Flowers: The Nature of Brush Creek + Bluestone Bonus at Pipestem Resort State Park
This activity occurs between 1 and 4:30 p.m. Begin at Nature Center at Pipestem Resort State Park in Pipestem and then travel to by car caravan to see the beautiful waterfalls and blooms along Brush Creek on this moderate 3-mile round trip walk. Add an extra mile for a hike to the mouth of Brush Creek to the Bluestone River as part of the New River Gorge 100 Mile Challenge. www.pipestemresort.com 304-466-1800
To take part in other activities at Tamarack in Beckley or at National Park Service sites, all part of the NRG Wildflower Weekend, visit the National Park Service web page www.nps.gov/neri/planyourvisit/wildflower-weekend.htm
For state park and forest events, visit www.wvstateparks.com and click the “Full Calendar” tab.
