Blue-eyed Mary photo by Ralph McNeeley, taken at Chief Logan State Park.
Spring wildflower walks and volunteer days at many of West Virginia’s state parks are planned as April’s quirky weather yields to the merry month of May. Campgrounds are open and events and activities are increasing as summer approaches.
Wildflower Walks April 26
The 31st annual Sue Browning Wildflower Hike will begin April 26 at 9:30 – 10 a.m. at Chief Logan State Park. The free event, sponsored by the Hemlock Hills Garden Club, Museum in the Park and WVDNR/Parks and Recreation, is for individuals ages four and older. A continental breakfast will be available at 9 a.m. Pre-register by calling Patsy Tilley, 304-583-2026. Additional information is posted on www.chiefloganstatepark.com. Hikers who want to stay overnight may call Chief Logan Lodge at 304-866-6100 and ask for the “wildflower” rate.
The Osbra Eye Memorial Wildflower Hikes at Kanawha State Forest April 26 begin at 9 a.m. at the swimming pool area. There are multiple hikes to select from. Registration begins at 8:30 a.m. Participation fees are $5 for adults and $2 for students younger than 16. Hot dogs, soft drinks, and cookies will be for sale by the Kanawha State Forest Foundation. Door prizes are part of this event. Participants should wear appropriate shoes or boots. To learn more about Kanawha State Forest, visit www.kanawhastateforest.com or call 304-558-3500.
Birding Walk April 26
The second of three free morning bird walks at Prickett’s Fort State Park begins April 26 at 8 a.m. Prickett’s Fort’s location near water, fields and woodland margins is the ideal location for observation of spring migratory species. The third birding program is May 3. For more information, visit www.prickettsfortstatepark.com or call 304-363-3030.
Cleanup Days April 26
The Annual Volunteer Trail Cleanup Day April 26 at Cacapon State Park is organized by the park naturalist and staff and the Cacapon State Park Foundation. Volunteers will help re-blaze the trails, trim back limbs and briars and move other obstructions such as downed trees and branches. Anyone interested in helping should meet at the Nature Center at 8 a.m. for the 4-hour event. For more information, visit www.cacaponresort.com or call 304-258-1022.
It’s Spring Cleanup Day April 26 at Hawks Nest State Park. Meet at the Midland Trail Shelter at 9 a.m. for a fun day outdoors cleaning up the park for spring. This workday is from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. with lunch provided. Pre-registration deadline is April 22. To pre-register, call Hawks Nest State Park office at 304-658-5196, email hawksnestsp@wv.gov or visit www.hawksnestsp.com.
Irish Road Bowling April 26 and 27
Irish Road Bowling returns to Pipestem Resort State Park April 26 and 27. Pipestem offers magnificent views of Appalachian spring colors in southern West Virginia and has one of the state’s best bowling roads. Kevin Smith with the West Virginia Irish Road Bowling Association is the organizer and welcomes avid road bowlers or anyone interested in learning this outdoor sport.
To learn more about Pipestem Resort, visit www.pipestemresort.com. For room reservations at Pipestem’s McKeever Lodge, call 304-466-1800. To register or inquire about Irish Road Bowling times, call Kevin Smith at 304-228-7928.
Other Irish Road Bowling dates at West Virginia’s state parks in 2014 include: May 10 – Kanawha State Forest; June 14 – Blackwater Falls State Park; June 15 – Canaan Valley Resort; July 19 – Cacapon Resort State Park (Morgan County Fair); October 11 – Holly River State Park; and October 25 – Chief Logan State Park. Find out more about the sport and other events at www.wvirb.org.
Lunar Cycle April 26
The Lunar Cycle is mountain biking at night at Watters Smith Memorial State Park April 26. Pre-registration is required for this 9 p.m.-to-midnight adventure. Park Superintendent Andy Bennett will meet with participants for a safety check and ride discussion. Refreshments including moon pies are part of the evening. Riders must have appropriate safety and lighting gear. To register, call 304-745-3081.
Other events planned and conducted by Bennett at Watters Smith State Park include: Spring Bird Walk, May 10; National Trails Day “Nature by Night Hike,” June 7; and Moth Night, July 26. Learn more about Watters Smith State Park at www.watterssmithstatepark.com.
Brush Creek Falls Hike at Pipestem State Park April 27
Falls & Flowers: Nature of Brush Creek Hike at Pipestem State Park April 27 offers a free trip to one of the area’s best-known waterfalls, Brush Creek Falls. Participants will caravan to the falls from the Pipestem Nature Center at 9:30 a.m. for the two-hour event. The park’s nature center hours are 12:30-4:30 p.m. A daily activities list is posted on www.pipestemresort.com. For additional hike and activity information, call 304-466-1800.
