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A walk on the 'wild' side
Looking for a way to put some "spring" in your step? Explore the meadows, parks, woodlands and preserves throughout Northern Virginia as they awaken with a colorful array of seasonal wildflowers. County and regional parks and nature societies are offering a variety of guided wildflower walks, tours and day trips.
During April and May, Mother Nature invites you to meander across meadows carpeted with bluebells, common blue violets, field pansies, wild blue phlox and other spring delights; or hike along wooded trails to find pockets of trout lilies, May-apple, periwinkle, bloodroot, Jack-in-the-pulpit, rue anemone, buttercups and lady’s slipper.
Whether you prefer a random outing or a planned activity, lace up your shoes, grab a camera and come take a walk on the "wild" side.
Scotts Run Wildflower Walk (adults)
Saturday, April 5, 9:30-11:30 a.m. Scotts Run Nature Preserve, McLean. Discover the spring ephemerals blooming in the woodlands. Reservations, 703-759-9018. Canceled if raining.
Spring Wildflowers of the Potomac Valley Collection
Sundays, April 6, 13, 20, 27 at 2 p.m. Meadowlark Botanical Gardens, Vienna. Marvel at the internationally recognized native plant conservation collection. Information, 703-255-3631.
Lake Accotink Wildflower Walk
Saturday, April 12, 10-11:30 a.m. Lake Accotink Park, Springfield. Walk the wooded trails edging the lake in search of trout lilies, wild ginger and other wildflowers. Reservations, 703-451-9588.
Wildflower Walk for Beginners (adults)
Saturday, April 12, 10 a.m.-noon. Scotts Run Nature Preserve, McLean. Sponsored by the Potomac Chapter of the Virginia Native Plant Society. Hike along streams, a waterfall and the Potomac River in search of wildflower habitats. Reservations, m.mooney@comcast.net.
Nurturing Nature Outing
Saturday, April 12, 10 a.m.-noon. Turkey Run Park, McLean. Sponsored by EcoStewards Alliance. Join a naturalist and a geologist on a tour through the bluebells and the spring flora. Reservations, 703-715-0362.
Bluebell Hike (ages 10 years and up)
Sunday, April 13, 1-3 p.m. Ellanor C. Lawrence Park, Chantilly. View a brief slide show on identifying common spring wildflowers before the hike. $5. Reservations, 703-631-0013.
Bull Run Bluebell Walk
Sunday, April 13, 2 p.m. Bull Run Regional Park, Centreville. Follow an easy 1 ½-mile path in the midst of acres of breathtaking bluebells and other wildflowers. Information, 703-631-0550.
Garden Day Herb and Wildflower Sale
Saturday, April 19, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Carlyle House Historic Park, Alexandria. Shop for both culinary and decorative herbs as well as native plants and wildflowers. Information, 703-549-2997.
Hidden Pond and Pohick Stream Valley Wildflower Walk
Saturday, April 19, 10:30 a.m.-noon. Hidden Pond Nature Center, Springfield. Observe wildflowers and plant habitats during a leisurely walk. Reservations, 703-451-9588. Canceled if raining.
Spring Wildflowers of the Floodplain (adults)
Saturday, April 19, 9:30-11:30 a.m. Riverbend Park Visitor Center, Great Falls. Discover how native wildflowers were once used as food and remedies and walk along the banks of the Potomac. Reservations, 703-759-9018. Canceled if raining.
Hemlock Overlook Walk (adults)
Sunday, April 20, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Hemlock Overlook Regional Park, Clifton. Sponsored by the Potomac Chapter of the Virginia Native Plant Society. Trek through moderate forest terrain to find spring ephemerals in the mixed-oak heath forest. Reservations, m.mooney@comcast.net.
Trillium Trek (adults)
Tuesday, May 6, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Depart from Hidden Oaks Nature Center, travel by van to Linden for a glorious display of trilliums and other spring wildflowers. Moderate hike on rocky terrain. $12. Bring lunch. Reservations, 703-941-1065.
Little Acorns: Springtime Flowers (ages 2-3 years)
Friday, May 9, 9:45 a.m.-10:30 a.m., or 11-11:45 a.m. Hidden Oaks Nature Center, Annandale. Discover the woodland and garden wildflowers through story, song, activities and crafts. $5. Reservations, 703-941-1065.
Pink Lady’s Slipper Walk
Saturdays, May 10 and 17, from 1 to 1:45 p.m. Roundtree Park, Falls Church. Arranged by Hidden Oaks Nature Center, Annandale. Stroll along trails to locate wild orchids and other native wildflowers. Reservations, 703-941-1065. Canceled if rain.
Celebrate National Flower Month
Sunday, May 11, 1-2 p.m. Hidden Oaks Nature Center/Annandale District Park. Identify species and learn about folklore and traditional medicinal uses. $3. Reservations, 703-941-1065.
Wildflowers of Spring
Ongoing, self-guided tours at Green Spring Park and Gardens, Alexandria. Relax and roam the five acres of seasonal gardens, including the native wildflower preserve. Educational programs, horticultural center and library on site. Information, 703-642-5173.
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