RV pursuits: Chasing wildflowers in the parks

If you're one of the millions who thinks spring was designed for wildflower chasing, then you must be on top of your form. Many of the National Parks are either now arrayed (or getting near it) with the fullness of spring's colors. Here are a few suggestions:

Out west, California's Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area has a plethora of wildflower hikes and (for the not-so-strenuously inclined) wildflower walks. As an example, at Rancho Sierra Vista, on May 7th you can sign on for an easy paced bilingual (Spanish and English) walk. Become familiar with native plants in the Santa Monica Mountains and discover some of their impressive uses. Meet in main parking lot. Information at 805-370-2301.

Other hikes and walks will be covered through the month, visit the park's special magazine here.

Mid-country, On May 7, orchid expert Joe Liggio will lead a walk in Big Thicket National
Preserve in Texas searching for wild orchids. For more information, please visit the park's calendar here and click May 7.

Back east, native flowers will be in the spotlight during the 25th annual Wildflower Weekend at Shenandoah National Park (Virginia) on May 7 and 8,2011. Shenandoah National Park is a haven for native woodland wildflowers. Participants will search for wildflowers in the Big Meadow and along various trails.

Special programs will include “Nature Photography: Simply Beautiful,” presented by professional photographers Ann and Rob Simpson. Peter Mazzeo, a retired botanist from the National Arboretum, will present “Fronds and Allies: Shenandoah’s Amazing Ferns.” Visit the site here for more information.

photo: Bloodroot blossom, Barb Stewart, National Park Service