Wednesday, April 16, 2008
Kentucky Wildflower Watch For Week Three. Courtesy of Kentucky Tourism.
Week 3 – April 16 – 22
In most areas of Kentucky the hills are starting to be covered with a soft green as the various species of trees begin to leaf. Along the roads you will see the bright purple of the redbuds appearing mixed in with the larger trees and shrubs. Soon they will be mixing with the white of the dogwoods which are just beginning to bloom. Check the reports below from the parks and preserves as you make plans for a weekend outdoors. Why not include one of the many spring festivals in your plans with family and friends? For more information on events and activities across Kentucky, go to http://www.kentuckytourism.com/ or call one of our Travel Consultants at 800-225-8747.
Eastern
This week at Greenbo Lake State Resort Park in Greenup the redbuds and serviceberry are in full bloom; you can see their purple and white blooms all around the park roads, on the trails and around the lake. Flowers blooming around the park include bloodroot, spring beauties, pussytoes, purple cress, spring cress, false rue anemone, star chickweed, cut-leaf toothwort, pennywort, bluets, yellow corydalis, blue violets, wild geranium, dwarf cinquefoil, and slender toothwort. These can be seen along the Fern Valley and Tygart trails and around the park roads.
At Carter Caves State Resort Park in Olive Hill many flowers and trees are in full bloom and many more plants have emerged and are preparing to bloom. You can still see spring beauty, bloodroot, periwinkle, hepatica, purple cress, ground ivy and rue anemone in bloom this week. New flowers in bloom include wood vetch, Dutchman's breeches, long-spur violet, blue violet, pussytoes, ragwort, wild ginger, bluebells, toothwort, bellwort, yellow trout-lily, white trillium, trailing arbutus, bluets, and bishop’s cap. You will see many of these flowers in bloom along the Natural Bridge Trail, Horn Hollow Trail and the Three Bridges Trail. The bluebells you will find in full bloom along Tygarts Creek which borders the park. Plan now to attend the annual Wildflower Pilgrimage and Campers Appreciation Weekend April 25-27. Camp two nights for the price of one and special rates will apply to campers for mini-golf and cave tours. Some of the recreation programs include a Smokey Lake canoe trip, crafts, homemade ice cream, a live performance on Saturday night and several wildflower walks and programs to show the guest the beautiful array of the wildflowers of Carter Caves.
After several cold days, the wildflowers at Natural Bridge State Resort Park in Slade are hanging on and continuing to progress towards the predicted peak bloom in late April. Some early wildflowers such as hepatica and bloodroot are beginning to fade. Wildflowers currently in or near peak bloom include rue anemone, yellow trout lily, miterwort, long-spurred violet, star chickweed, pennywort, large-flowered trillium, and red trillium. Those flowers that have buds or have just begun to bloom include: wild geranium, purple phacelia, foam flower, wild ginger, and columbine. The leaves/buds of stonecrop, Solomon’s seal, wood betony, May apple, mandarin, and dwarf-crested iris are up and preparing for their spectacular displays. As for trees and shrubs in bloom, serviceberry and trailing arbutus are continuing to bloom on the sandstone ridge tops, while spicebush and redbuds continue to bloom in the valleys. Two of the best trails at Natural Bridge for observing spring wildflowers are the Rock Garden and Whittleton Trails.
The peak of wildflower blooming at Natural Bridge should closely coincide with our Wildflower Weekend event April 17-20. The beautiful area around Natural Bridge is home to hundreds of native plant species which can be enjoyed during this event with other botanists, gardeners, and nature lovers. Our fieldtrips are for all levels of participation, from beginner to advanced wildflower enthusiasts and from short easy walks to longer hikes at Natural Bridge State Resort Park and the Red River Gorge Geological Area! Evening speakers will focus on the native plants in the region. Registration fee is $8/adults and $5/children ages 12-17, and free for ages under 12. Register upon arrival. For more information contact Park Naturalist Brian Gasdorf at http://parks.ky.gov/NR/exeres/ or call 606-663-2214.
At Jenny Wiley State Resort Park in Prestonsburg there is a wide array of wildflowers in bloom. Included are: blood root, rue anemone, dwarf cinquefoil, corydalis, spring beauty, early saxifrage, trout lily, cut-leafed toothwort, Kentucky bluets, colt’s foot, swamp blue violet, common purple violet, smooth yellow violet, long spurred violet, bird’s foot violet, pussy toes, chickweed, large flowered trillium, golden ragwort, black mustard, crested dwarf iris, blue phlox, stonecrop, pennywort, foam flower, meadow parsnip, ground ivy. Most of these plants can be observed on the roadway leading to the two bedroom cottages. Others can be observed by hiking the trails (Jenny Wiley has over 13 miles of trail of varying difficulty).
The park does have several migratory songbirds that that have been heard or observed this past week. They include: Louisiana water-thrush, black and white warbler, yellow throated warbler, cerulean warbler, black throated green warbler, yellow throated vireo and wood thrush. Other birds observed included common resident songbirds like the northern cardinal, tufted titmouse, Carolina chickadee, song sparrow, Carolina wren, eastern towhee, and wild turkey. Woodpeckers include: red headed, red bellied, pileated, downy, hairy, and northern flicker to name a few.
The spring woodlands of Pine Mountain State Resort Park in Pineville and surrounding areas are slowly beginning to fill with color. This week's colorful display includes long-spurred violet, sweet white violet, halberd-leaved yellow violet, downy wood violet, blue violet, erect trillium, large-flowered trillium, yellow trillium and rue anemone. Colonies of May apple are also conspicuous. Dogwoods are beginning to flower across the region, adding to the beauty of spring sightseeing drives. The Cumberland Gap Parkway (25E) between Pineville and Middlesboro is particularly lovely at this time.
At Cumberland Falls State Resort Park in Corbin, spring is here! The redbuds are in full bloom and provide a beautiful purple display along the roadsides. The dogwoods are starting to bloom and should be fully opened by the weekend. The forest floor is greening up with many wildflowers beginning to bloom. Presently in bloom are trailing arbutus, nodding trillium, wood poppy, dwarf ginseng, toothwort, spring beauty, bluets, and trout lilies. Several species of violets, halberd-leaved yellow violet, common blue violet and long-spurred violet are in bloom as well.
North Central
The spring color concert is in full swing at Bernheim Arboretum and Research Forest in Clermont. The showy, reddish purple flowers of our Eastern redbud trees are stunning, especially against a backdrop of Eastern red cedar trees. The crabapples in the arboretum are ablaze with color, as are quince shrubs and serviceberry trees. Also blooming are Ohio buckeye, beech and maple trees. Greenish yellow sugar maple flowers, borne on 1” to 3” long dangling stalks, are subtly attractive. Dense clusters of fragrant Korean spice viburnum flowers are truly outstanding at this time of year. The flower buds are pink to reddish and open white. Delicate, white spirea flowers adorn the landscape and dogwood buds are just beginning to break. Woodland spring wildflowers in bloom include May apple, spring beauty, slender toothwort, white trout lilies, purple cress, bloodroot, Virginia blue bells, and yellow corydalis.
South Central
Wildflower Weekend at Mammoth Cave National Park is April 19-20. The surface side of Mammoth Cave is home to more than 1,000 species of plants; those that bloom in the spring present an elaborate display. Wild iris, celandine poppies, trillium, larkspur, Dutchman’s’ breeches, and jack-in-the-pulpit can been seen on many park trails.
Visitors are invited to head out on their own or join one of the many ranger-led activities. A wildflower checklist is available at the visitor center where most presentations and walks begin. Rangers and visiting naturalists will share their expertise in plant identification, morel hunting, pollinators, birds of prey, geology, and history. The Glasgow Garden Club has volunteered again this year to bring wildflower specimens from their home gardens for display in the park visitor center. For the complete Wildflower Weekend schedule, go to http://www.nps.gov/maca/planyourvisit/wildflowerday.htm, or call the park at 270-758-2180.
Western
Recent chilly conditions haven't impacted the wildflower splendor at John James Audubon State Park in Henderson. Although the cutleaf toothwort and Dutchman's breeches are on their last blooms, the dwarf larkspur and appendaged waterleaf are just beginning to blossom. The Virginia bluebells, blue-eyed Marys, recurved trillium, common blue and smooth yellow violets and spring beauty are still blanketing the forest floor with color. The dogwood and redbud trees are continuing to push out new leaves while most of the cherry blossom petals have been tossed about by the wind. Within the next week or so the May apples will start to bloom.
Enjoy a special Chautauqua performance by George Rogers Clark (Mel Hankla) at the Audubon Museum on April 19 from 11 a.m. to noon. Also plan on coming to our bald eagle bronze statue unveiling on April 26 during Camper Appreciation weekend (April 25-27.). Contact the park office at 270-826-2247 for more information.
Along the trails at Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park in Dawson Springs early spring wildflowers in bloom include: rue anemone, cut-leaved toothwort, bluets, small bluets, scrambled eggs, pussytoes, star chickweed, Dutchman's breeches, yellow trout lily, early saxifrage, bloodroot, yellow woodland violet, prairie trillium, ragwort, Virginia bluebell, buttercup, blue phlox and spring beauty. Several trees have also begun to flower in the area; namely, flowering dogwood and eastern redbud. While you search for wildflowers you can also enjoy the sounds of the pine warblers that can be heard singing in almost every stand of pine. Eastern bluebirds and Carolina chickadees have begun nesting in the park. Belted kingfishers can be heard and often seen around the dam and Clifty Creek Trail. As you hike in Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park you'll be serenaded by American toads which are breeding in the wetlands around the lake.
Despite the cold weather this past weekend, wildflowers are out in abundance and lasting a little longer than normal at Land Between the Lakes. Driving up the Trace you will be pleased to see redbuds still in bloom and the dogwoods just popping out. Wild plums and downy serviceberry are also still in bloom. The Hematite Trail has had a great year with the yellow trout lily and the white trout lily. They have some of the largest blooms ever seen in the area. Wild blue phlox, meadow violets, yellow violets, star chickweed and larkspur can be found on the edges of the trail. Bladdernut will be blooming soon and under the giant tulip poplars and white oaks you can find Jacob’s ladder and recurved trillium. During this week in the small drainage creeks look for Jack-in-the pulpits. On the Fort Henry Trails on the southern end of LBL, look for blue phlox, wild ginger, Virginia bluebells, Sheppard’s purse, trout lilies along the moist bottomlands and north facing slopes of Fort Henry. Also look for Butterweed, toothwort, giant chickweed, Jacob’s ladder and larkspur. Early spring buttercup, meadow violet, yellow violet, and cream violet are all blooming. Driving the beautiful and diverse Jenny Ridge Road (Road 145,146) you will find bird's foot violet, bluets and spring beauties in abundance. Also look for May apple, Dutchman’s breeches, toothwort, serviceberry, and pussytoes. There are some streams to ford and the roads are good gravel. Take a side trip to Redd Hollow and look for blooming wild plums and red buds. You will also see fire pink, bellwort, wild blue phlox, rue anemone, toothwort, confederate violet, meadow violet and downy serviceberry. Redd Hollow has a tall south facing-slope thick with oaks and hickories dotted with flowering shrubs and eye-catching lake views on the other side of the road. The Nature Station manages several native gardens including a spring wildflower garden if the visitor wants to see wildflowers of the area, but may not have the time or ability to trek across LBL. Bloodroot, bladdernuts and downy serviceberry are all blooming in these gardens. Virgina bluebells, recurved trillium, bellwort, toothwort, and rue anemone are also blooming in abundance. Later this week, celadine poppy, wild blue phlox will open up. Also the hummingbirds are back. The first one was spotted on April 10.
Spring rains continue to fall intermittently on Lake Barkley State Resort Park in Cadiz, causing already-flooded areas to rise higher and spurring on blooms of color from forest floor to canopy. A palette of green hues highlights the drive and trails throughout the Park, as over half the forest’s trees have begun to bud. From the purples of redbud trees, phlox, violet and larkspur, to the whites of spring beauty, toothwort, and rue anemone, the Wilderness Trail and Blue Spring Trail are decorated with blooms. An occasional red of fire pink and the soon-to-bloom yellow of trout lilies can be found throughout Lake Barkley’s campground. The spring season is in full splendor for Barkley’s Earth Week programs, which continue through April 19, and Campers Appreciation Weekend, with camping rates at two-for-one April 25-27.
In most areas of Kentucky the hills are starting to be covered with a soft green as the various species of trees begin to leaf. Along the roads you will see the bright purple of the redbuds appearing mixed in with the larger trees and shrubs. Soon they will be mixing with the white of the dogwoods which are just beginning to bloom. Check the reports below from the parks and preserves as you make plans for a weekend outdoors. Why not include one of the many spring festivals in your plans with family and friends? For more information on events and activities across Kentucky, go to http://www.kentuckytourism.com/ or call one of our Travel Consultants at 800-225-8747.
Eastern
This week at Greenbo Lake State Resort Park in Greenup the redbuds and serviceberry are in full bloom; you can see their purple and white blooms all around the park roads, on the trails and around the lake. Flowers blooming around the park include bloodroot, spring beauties, pussytoes, purple cress, spring cress, false rue anemone, star chickweed, cut-leaf toothwort, pennywort, bluets, yellow corydalis, blue violets, wild geranium, dwarf cinquefoil, and slender toothwort. These can be seen along the Fern Valley and Tygart trails and around the park roads.
At Carter Caves State Resort Park in Olive Hill many flowers and trees are in full bloom and many more plants have emerged and are preparing to bloom. You can still see spring beauty, bloodroot, periwinkle, hepatica, purple cress, ground ivy and rue anemone in bloom this week. New flowers in bloom include wood vetch, Dutchman's breeches, long-spur violet, blue violet, pussytoes, ragwort, wild ginger, bluebells, toothwort, bellwort, yellow trout-lily, white trillium, trailing arbutus, bluets, and bishop’s cap. You will see many of these flowers in bloom along the Natural Bridge Trail, Horn Hollow Trail and the Three Bridges Trail. The bluebells you will find in full bloom along Tygarts Creek which borders the park. Plan now to attend the annual Wildflower Pilgrimage and Campers Appreciation Weekend April 25-27. Camp two nights for the price of one and special rates will apply to campers for mini-golf and cave tours. Some of the recreation programs include a Smokey Lake canoe trip, crafts, homemade ice cream, a live performance on Saturday night and several wildflower walks and programs to show the guest the beautiful array of the wildflowers of Carter Caves.
After several cold days, the wildflowers at Natural Bridge State Resort Park in Slade are hanging on and continuing to progress towards the predicted peak bloom in late April. Some early wildflowers such as hepatica and bloodroot are beginning to fade. Wildflowers currently in or near peak bloom include rue anemone, yellow trout lily, miterwort, long-spurred violet, star chickweed, pennywort, large-flowered trillium, and red trillium. Those flowers that have buds or have just begun to bloom include: wild geranium, purple phacelia, foam flower, wild ginger, and columbine. The leaves/buds of stonecrop, Solomon’s seal, wood betony, May apple, mandarin, and dwarf-crested iris are up and preparing for their spectacular displays. As for trees and shrubs in bloom, serviceberry and trailing arbutus are continuing to bloom on the sandstone ridge tops, while spicebush and redbuds continue to bloom in the valleys. Two of the best trails at Natural Bridge for observing spring wildflowers are the Rock Garden and Whittleton Trails.
The peak of wildflower blooming at Natural Bridge should closely coincide with our Wildflower Weekend event April 17-20. The beautiful area around Natural Bridge is home to hundreds of native plant species which can be enjoyed during this event with other botanists, gardeners, and nature lovers. Our fieldtrips are for all levels of participation, from beginner to advanced wildflower enthusiasts and from short easy walks to longer hikes at Natural Bridge State Resort Park and the Red River Gorge Geological Area! Evening speakers will focus on the native plants in the region. Registration fee is $8/adults and $5/children ages 12-17, and free for ages under 12. Register upon arrival. For more information contact Park Naturalist Brian Gasdorf at http://parks.ky.gov/NR/exeres/ or call 606-663-2214.
At Jenny Wiley State Resort Park in Prestonsburg there is a wide array of wildflowers in bloom. Included are: blood root, rue anemone, dwarf cinquefoil, corydalis, spring beauty, early saxifrage, trout lily, cut-leafed toothwort, Kentucky bluets, colt’s foot, swamp blue violet, common purple violet, smooth yellow violet, long spurred violet, bird’s foot violet, pussy toes, chickweed, large flowered trillium, golden ragwort, black mustard, crested dwarf iris, blue phlox, stonecrop, pennywort, foam flower, meadow parsnip, ground ivy. Most of these plants can be observed on the roadway leading to the two bedroom cottages. Others can be observed by hiking the trails (Jenny Wiley has over 13 miles of trail of varying difficulty).
The park does have several migratory songbirds that that have been heard or observed this past week. They include: Louisiana water-thrush, black and white warbler, yellow throated warbler, cerulean warbler, black throated green warbler, yellow throated vireo and wood thrush. Other birds observed included common resident songbirds like the northern cardinal, tufted titmouse, Carolina chickadee, song sparrow, Carolina wren, eastern towhee, and wild turkey. Woodpeckers include: red headed, red bellied, pileated, downy, hairy, and northern flicker to name a few.
The spring woodlands of Pine Mountain State Resort Park in Pineville and surrounding areas are slowly beginning to fill with color. This week's colorful display includes long-spurred violet, sweet white violet, halberd-leaved yellow violet, downy wood violet, blue violet, erect trillium, large-flowered trillium, yellow trillium and rue anemone. Colonies of May apple are also conspicuous. Dogwoods are beginning to flower across the region, adding to the beauty of spring sightseeing drives. The Cumberland Gap Parkway (25E) between Pineville and Middlesboro is particularly lovely at this time.
At Cumberland Falls State Resort Park in Corbin, spring is here! The redbuds are in full bloom and provide a beautiful purple display along the roadsides. The dogwoods are starting to bloom and should be fully opened by the weekend. The forest floor is greening up with many wildflowers beginning to bloom. Presently in bloom are trailing arbutus, nodding trillium, wood poppy, dwarf ginseng, toothwort, spring beauty, bluets, and trout lilies. Several species of violets, halberd-leaved yellow violet, common blue violet and long-spurred violet are in bloom as well.
North Central
The spring color concert is in full swing at Bernheim Arboretum and Research Forest in Clermont. The showy, reddish purple flowers of our Eastern redbud trees are stunning, especially against a backdrop of Eastern red cedar trees. The crabapples in the arboretum are ablaze with color, as are quince shrubs and serviceberry trees. Also blooming are Ohio buckeye, beech and maple trees. Greenish yellow sugar maple flowers, borne on 1” to 3” long dangling stalks, are subtly attractive. Dense clusters of fragrant Korean spice viburnum flowers are truly outstanding at this time of year. The flower buds are pink to reddish and open white. Delicate, white spirea flowers adorn the landscape and dogwood buds are just beginning to break. Woodland spring wildflowers in bloom include May apple, spring beauty, slender toothwort, white trout lilies, purple cress, bloodroot, Virginia blue bells, and yellow corydalis.
South Central
Wildflower Weekend at Mammoth Cave National Park is April 19-20. The surface side of Mammoth Cave is home to more than 1,000 species of plants; those that bloom in the spring present an elaborate display. Wild iris, celandine poppies, trillium, larkspur, Dutchman’s’ breeches, and jack-in-the-pulpit can been seen on many park trails.
Visitors are invited to head out on their own or join one of the many ranger-led activities. A wildflower checklist is available at the visitor center where most presentations and walks begin. Rangers and visiting naturalists will share their expertise in plant identification, morel hunting, pollinators, birds of prey, geology, and history. The Glasgow Garden Club has volunteered again this year to bring wildflower specimens from their home gardens for display in the park visitor center. For the complete Wildflower Weekend schedule, go to http://www.nps.gov/maca/planyourvisit/wildflowerday.htm, or call the park at 270-758-2180.
Western
Recent chilly conditions haven't impacted the wildflower splendor at John James Audubon State Park in Henderson. Although the cutleaf toothwort and Dutchman's breeches are on their last blooms, the dwarf larkspur and appendaged waterleaf are just beginning to blossom. The Virginia bluebells, blue-eyed Marys, recurved trillium, common blue and smooth yellow violets and spring beauty are still blanketing the forest floor with color. The dogwood and redbud trees are continuing to push out new leaves while most of the cherry blossom petals have been tossed about by the wind. Within the next week or so the May apples will start to bloom.
Enjoy a special Chautauqua performance by George Rogers Clark (Mel Hankla) at the Audubon Museum on April 19 from 11 a.m. to noon. Also plan on coming to our bald eagle bronze statue unveiling on April 26 during Camper Appreciation weekend (April 25-27.). Contact the park office at 270-826-2247 for more information.
Along the trails at Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park in Dawson Springs early spring wildflowers in bloom include: rue anemone, cut-leaved toothwort, bluets, small bluets, scrambled eggs, pussytoes, star chickweed, Dutchman's breeches, yellow trout lily, early saxifrage, bloodroot, yellow woodland violet, prairie trillium, ragwort, Virginia bluebell, buttercup, blue phlox and spring beauty. Several trees have also begun to flower in the area; namely, flowering dogwood and eastern redbud. While you search for wildflowers you can also enjoy the sounds of the pine warblers that can be heard singing in almost every stand of pine. Eastern bluebirds and Carolina chickadees have begun nesting in the park. Belted kingfishers can be heard and often seen around the dam and Clifty Creek Trail. As you hike in Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park you'll be serenaded by American toads which are breeding in the wetlands around the lake.
Despite the cold weather this past weekend, wildflowers are out in abundance and lasting a little longer than normal at Land Between the Lakes. Driving up the Trace you will be pleased to see redbuds still in bloom and the dogwoods just popping out. Wild plums and downy serviceberry are also still in bloom. The Hematite Trail has had a great year with the yellow trout lily and the white trout lily. They have some of the largest blooms ever seen in the area. Wild blue phlox, meadow violets, yellow violets, star chickweed and larkspur can be found on the edges of the trail. Bladdernut will be blooming soon and under the giant tulip poplars and white oaks you can find Jacob’s ladder and recurved trillium. During this week in the small drainage creeks look for Jack-in-the pulpits. On the Fort Henry Trails on the southern end of LBL, look for blue phlox, wild ginger, Virginia bluebells, Sheppard’s purse, trout lilies along the moist bottomlands and north facing slopes of Fort Henry. Also look for Butterweed, toothwort, giant chickweed, Jacob’s ladder and larkspur. Early spring buttercup, meadow violet, yellow violet, and cream violet are all blooming. Driving the beautiful and diverse Jenny Ridge Road (Road 145,146) you will find bird's foot violet, bluets and spring beauties in abundance. Also look for May apple, Dutchman’s breeches, toothwort, serviceberry, and pussytoes. There are some streams to ford and the roads are good gravel. Take a side trip to Redd Hollow and look for blooming wild plums and red buds. You will also see fire pink, bellwort, wild blue phlox, rue anemone, toothwort, confederate violet, meadow violet and downy serviceberry. Redd Hollow has a tall south facing-slope thick with oaks and hickories dotted with flowering shrubs and eye-catching lake views on the other side of the road. The Nature Station manages several native gardens including a spring wildflower garden if the visitor wants to see wildflowers of the area, but may not have the time or ability to trek across LBL. Bloodroot, bladdernuts and downy serviceberry are all blooming in these gardens. Virgina bluebells, recurved trillium, bellwort, toothwort, and rue anemone are also blooming in abundance. Later this week, celadine poppy, wild blue phlox will open up. Also the hummingbirds are back. The first one was spotted on April 10.
Spring rains continue to fall intermittently on Lake Barkley State Resort Park in Cadiz, causing already-flooded areas to rise higher and spurring on blooms of color from forest floor to canopy. A palette of green hues highlights the drive and trails throughout the Park, as over half the forest’s trees have begun to bud. From the purples of redbud trees, phlox, violet and larkspur, to the whites of spring beauty, toothwort, and rue anemone, the Wilderness Trail and Blue Spring Trail are decorated with blooms. An occasional red of fire pink and the soon-to-bloom yellow of trout lilies can be found throughout Lake Barkley’s campground. The spring season is in full splendor for Barkley’s Earth Week programs, which continue through April 19, and Campers Appreciation Weekend, with camping rates at two-for-one April 25-27.
# posted by Joe Kinzer @ 2:52 PM 
