MNPS Field Trip: Watkins Regional Park Spring Wildflower & Nature Walk

We may expect to find Hepatica, Showy Orchis, Red Trillium, as well as most of the more common species of spring ephemerals, such as spring beauties, trout lilies, dutchman’s breeches and toothworts, with the exception of the very early ones like bloodroot.  Pawpaws will be in bloom. Under the hardwoods we may find the parasitic squaw root, beech drops, and Indian pipes.

The park also has a heronry and if you bring binoculars you may see the parent birds fly to and from their nests to feed their young. A beaver pond attracts additional birds such as eagles, ospreys and other raptors, as well as water fowl. Among mammals beavers, muskrats, deer, foxes and even otters have been observed. Amphibians abound. In the woods around the edges of the pond you may see numerous returning migrant warblers, or hear the drumming of a pileated woodpecker. 

Leaders: Matt Salo and Joe Mudd

Notes:  The hike will be of moderate difficulty: mostly a relatively easy walk, but there will be a few slopes to climb. Unless we have rain shortly beforehand, the trails should be dry.