Apr 29, 2016 2 min read

Wildflowers and warblers will be the big attraction this weekend at the annual Enlow Fork Spring Wildflower Walk along the line between Greene and Washington counties.

Bird-watchers led by the Ralph K. Bell Bird Club will gather at 8 a.m. Sunday to catch the sights and sounds of the birds, especially warblers that are back to nest in the secluded valley at the State Game Lands 302 in Richhill Township surrounding the Enlow Fork of Wheeling Creek.

Guided wildflower walks begin at 10 a.m., and there is an impressive number of flowers in bloom this year, including trillium, both white and red, wild geranium and carpets of “blue eyed Mary” – also known by its Latin name of collinsia verna – the signature flower of Enlow.

The milelong walk is on an old township road that is closed to all but emergency vehicles. Side paths lead to the wetlands that crisscross a broad field, home to nesting waterfowl, many species of butterflies and red-winged blackbirds.

Larkspur twinleaf, trout lily, Virginia bluebells and Solomon’s seal can be found in patches along the road but it takes a trained eye to spot wild ginger, toad trillium and Jack in the pulpit, hiding in the leaves.

In 1975, the natural area was nominated for inclusion in the state’s Scenic River System in its first priority group. The Western Pennsylvania Conservancy added Enlow to its list of potential natural areas and the valley is now part of the state game lands.

When Wheeling Creek Watershed Conservancy was founded in 2000, it made the spring walk one of its watershed projects and brought other groups and educators to the yearly event to conduct stream studies, guide tours and give out environmental information.

This year’s event includes activities with local bird clubs and members of Buffalo Creek Watershed and other botanical and environmental groups.

Toilet facilities are provided, and snacks and refreshments will be available.

Directional signs are up from Route 18/21 in West Waynesburg to the turn onto Nebo Road.

For more information, call 724-833-2622.

, or to view photos and get additional directions, go online to http://enlowfork.tripod.com.