Spring wildflowers in full bloom for annual Greene walk
Colleen Nelson
The age-old saying, April showers bring May flowers, certainly holds true this spring.
Last month’s rains have brought a bumper crop of spring wildflowers that are now in full bloom – just in time for Sunday’s annual “Spring Fling” walking tour of State Game Lands 302.
The secluded valley surrounding the Enlow Fork of Wheeling Creek that separates Greene from Washington counties is where a variety of native spring flowers carpet acres of the forest floor and surrounding steep hillsides for a few short weeks each year.
Retired West Greene science teacher Attilia Shumaker and other members of Wheeling Creek Watershed Conservancy (WCWC) have put up road signs that lead to this place where larkspur, twinleaf, red, white and toad trillium, Dutchman’s breeches, squirrel corn, wild ginger, Jack in the Pulpit and Blue-Eyed Mary – the signature flower of serenity – are waiting to be found.
This part of the Wheeling Creek watershed was nominated by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Resources for inclusion in the state’s Scenic River System in its first priority group in 1975 and remains a popular trek for nature lovers.
Those coming to search for nesting birds will be in the field by 8 a.m., along with members of the Ralph K. Bell Bird Club.
Guided wildflower walks begin at 10 a.m. and go into the afternoon. Participants should dress for the weather and bring a folding chair. Homemade snacks and refreshments, including coffee brewed on site, will be available for a donation.
WCWC also provides the portable toilet that is left on site for visitors who come on their own time to catch the spring flowers before they’re gone.
Enlow Creek is stocked for trout season and is a popular destination for both serious anglers and families looking for a secluded place to fish and stay for a picnic.
On Sunday, other environmental groups will be on hand to enjoy the walks and share information about creating pollinator pathways and participating in the state’s Atlas 3 Bird Count.
Google “pa atlas 3” for a wide range of webpages and organizations that are connected to this project. Also, e-mail Ralph K. Bell Bird Club, rkbellbirdclub@yahoo.com to participate in the ongoing Washington/Greene County counts.
Directional signs for the wildflower walk will be up from Waynesburg, and directions can also be found online at enlowfork.tripod.com or call 724-833-2622.