A pale blue haze appears to hang above the forest floor givin
g the woodland a rather unearthly appearance. Upon closer approach you discover that the blue is from the flowers of Virginia bluebells. These spring wildflowers are in full bloom at Shenk’s Ferry Wildflower area of the Holtwood Environmental Preserve. For more information about Shenk’s Ferry Wildflower Preserve go here: http://bit.ly/1NrPSy.
Blooming Bells
April 12, 2012 at 4:35 pm (flowers, Holtwood, native plants, nature, observations, outdoors, Pennsylvania, seasons, wildflowers)
A Bloody Secret
March 30, 2012 at 11:55 am (flowers, Montour Preserve, native plants, nature, observations, outdoors, Pennsylvania, plants, programs, seasons, wildflowers)
After a short and mild winter and an unusually warm beginning of spring it is no surprise that some of Montour Preserves woodland wildflowers are showing up early this year. One great example of this early bloom is bloodroot which is in full bloom at the preserve. Bloodroot can be recognized by its large white flowers and leaf which wraps itself around the stem in early spring. This showy spring blossom is aptly named for the orangish red sap that flows from the root and stem of the plant which has been used in a variety of ways in the past. Native Americans used bloodroot sap both medicinally and practically for a dye for face painting and clothing, and as a cough medicine. In the early 1980’s bloodroot extract called Sanguinaria, became somewhat famous as a first line of defense against gum disease and some prominent members of the dental community believed this extract to be as influential in plague fighting as fluoride had been to tooth decay. Don’t miss out on the wonders of early spring; remember our woodland wildflower walk is scheduled for Saturday April 28th from 1:30-3:00p.m.
It’s All Relative
July 21, 2011 at 10:08 am (flowers, Montour Preserve, nature, observations, outdoors, Pennsylvania, plants, wildflowers)
Large pink and white, bell-shaped flowers poke through the green vegetation along roads and in fields this time of year. Look closely and you will find them attached to a twisting vine. This is hedge bindweed, also known as lady’s nightcap, bell bind, woodbind, and devil’s vine. Although the nightcap
Hedge Bindweed
refers to the flower shape, the binding alludes to its ability to twine around other plants for support. White lines on the flower direct bees into the deep throat of the flower. Sometimes considered a nuisance because of its fast growth, it has a cousin that is much more highly thought of. The tuberous-rooted bindweed appears on tables all across North America. We know it more commonly as the sweet potato.
A Touch of Blue
May 4, 2011 at 2:38 pm (Montour Preserve, native plants, nature, observations, outdoors, Pennsylvania, plants, seasons, Uncategorized, wildflowers)
Bee is for blue(bells)
Goose Woods Trail at Montour Preserve has the blues. Virginia bluebells are at peak bloom now and creating a patch of pale blue that is striking. Not only do the blossoms attract visitors but the bees are enjoying a sip of nectar from the trumpet-shaped flowers. These flowers should last at least another week or so.
Celebrate Arbor Day at the Riverlands
April 27, 2011 at 12:50 pm (Activities, conservation, history, native plants, nature, outdoors, Susquehanna Riverlands, wildflowers)
Two great programs are being held this week at the PPL Susquehanna Riverlands! The PA Woodmobile is coming to town to celebrate Arbor Day. Stop by to tour this hands-on exhibit about the forest products industry and stay for the 5:00 program about the history of Penn’s Woods. On Sunday, Dr. Montgomery will lead a walk through the wetlands to look for spring wildflowers. With the warmer temperatures this week, these colorful signs of spring are popping up everywhere!
I hope you can join us for one or both of these programs.
Arbor Day Woodmobile
Thursday, April 28
3-6 p.m. Exhibit Opened
5-6 p.m. Penn’s Woods Program
Susquehanna Energy Information Center
Presenter: The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture’s Hardwoods Development Council and with the support of the state’s hardwoods industry. The trailer and truck are provided by Deer Park Lumber Inc. of Tunkhannock, Pa.
This Arbor Day the Riverlands is hosting the Pennsylvania Woodmobile, a traveling exhibit that provides information on the state’s forest resource and the state’s forest products industry. Tour the woodmobile from 3-6 p.m. to learn how the forests of Pennsylvania have shaped the history of the state and nation, find out how today’s forest differs from 100 years ago, touch the various hardwood species produced in Pennsylvania and see how deer affect today’s forest. Find out more about Pennsylvania’s forest products industry, see how products are made, learn how the forest is managed in a sustainable fashion, and experience how common and unusual forest products touch our lives every day. At 5 p.m. a formal presentation about the history of Penn’s woods as well as information about some of the invasive threats to our woodlands will be given. For more information, please call 1-866-832-3312 or email pplpreserves@pplweb.com.
Wildflowers in Bloom
Sunday, May 1
1:30-3 p.m.
Wetlands Cottage
Presenter: Jim Montgomery, Ph.D.
Nothing says spring more than the appearance of the first big bloom of wildflowers. Take a stroll through the Riverlands with Jim Montgomery as he discusses wildflower identification, natural history and folklore. We will meet at the Wetlands Cottage and head out to the trail from there. The path is reasonably flat and easy, but weather-appropriate clothing and waterproof footwear are strongly recommended. For more information, please call 1-866-832-3312 or email pplpreserves@pplweb.com
Woodland Dilemma
April 26, 2011 at 3:33 pm (birds, flowers, migration, Montour Preserve, native plants, nature, observations, outdoors, Pennsylvania, plants, wildflowers)
Dutchman's breeches look like miniature pantaloons hanging in the breeze.
This time of year it is difficult to know whether to look down or up. On the forest floor spring woodland wildflowers are lovely treasures with brand new blossoms. Trout lily, Dutchman’s breeches, spring beauty, Virginia bluebells are a few that are blooming now along Goose Woods Trail at Montour Preserve. This weekend these wildflowers should reach peak bloom. Overhead, recently returned birds are showing off their colors. Several species of warblers, rose-breasted grosbeaks and the first Baltimore orioles add both sight and sound to woodlands that have wakened from their winter dormancy.
Opportunities for guided wildflower walks at Holtwood
April 5, 2011 at 12:43 pm (Activities, flowers, Hiking, Holtwood, native plants, plants, wildflowers)
Tags: hike, Holtwood Preserve, Shenk's Ferry, wildflowers
Join PPL’s naturalists for guided walking tours of Shenk’s Ferry Wildflower Preserve from 10 a.m. to noon Monday, April 11, or Thursday, April 21.
Shenk’s Ferry Wildflower Preserve is one of the best wildflower areas in the eastern United States and certainly one of the most popular natural spots in Lancaster County. It is best known for its large variety of woodland flowers — at least 73 species of flowers bloom from mid-March until the end of May, including Dutchman’s-breeches, wild geranium, Virginia bluebells, wild phlox, trillium and spring beauty.
This free program will meet at the trailhead entrance next to Grubb Run. For directions, please visit www.pplpreserves.com, click on “Holtwood” then select “Directions.” For more information contact Karen Ament at 717-284-6274 or kament@pplweb.com.
Explore the poetic beauty of spring
March 28, 2011 at 1:21 pm (flowers, Lake Wallenpaupack, nature, plants, seasons, wildflowers)
Tags: Delaware Highlands Conservancy, Ed Wesely, Lake Wallenpaupack, spring, wildflowers
In early spring, the poet Emily Dickinson esteemed each new crocus and wildflower she discovered. Come explore Emily’s garden and learn about spring wildflowers from 1-2:30 p.m. Saturday, April 2, at PPL’s Wallenpaupack Environmental Learning Center.
Join naturalist Ed Wesely for a virtual tour of the fields and streams that Emily knew around Amherst, Mass., and learn about the spring wildflowers that inspired her – and which flourish at our own doorsteps.
For more information, please call the Delaware Highlands Conservancy at 570-226-3164.
For directions to this event, please visit www.pplpreserves.com, click on “Lake Wallenpaupack,” then select “Directions.”
Explore fall wildflowers
September 3, 2010 at 10:18 am (Activities, Martins Creek, seasons, wildflowers)
Tags: fall, nature, walks, wildflowers
Join us for the last in a series of wildflower walks from 1:30-3 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 19, at PPL’s Martins Creek Environmental Preserve.
On this fall walk, Lorna and Phil Wooldridge will help us learn how to identify what we find in the meadows and woods surrounding the PPL site at Martins Creek. We will explore the area looking for flowers going to seed. We will discuss how seeds are dispersed and the importance of this process to all life. Then we’ll be on the lookout for both native and introduced flowers, many of which will be dispersing their seeds. Bring the whole family to this program and enjoy the fun.
This free program will be held at the Cedars Pavilion on Depue Ferry Road. For directions, click here.
Bluets
April 22, 2010 at 10:09 am (flowers, observations, Susquehanna Riverlands, wildflowers)
Tags: bluets, wildflowers
My favorite wildflower of the spring has finally arrived: the bluets are in bloom at PPL’s Susquehanna Riverlands. Also called “Innocence” or “Quaker Ladies,” these tiny flowers grow in small, dense patches in short-grass fields and open woodlands. The patches are visible from yards away, adding striking splashes of color to the forest floor. But close-up inspection is also rewarded by the simple, delicate blooms. For me, it’s the perfect balance between showy and subtle.
Despite the name, bluets can be anywhere from bright white through blue or even pale lavender in color.
