Spring nature walks and events showcase New England’s wildflowers
By Lisa Cavanaugh
May is the month we’ve all been waiting for, when the winter is in the rearview mirror and buds and blooms are popping up everywhere across New England.
Here is a roundup of six walks—some guided, some not—where you can see and smell the colorful glories of spring.
Massachusetts
Spring Wildflower Walk – Williamstown
Led by Robin Sears and Dana Williams, this stroll through the northern hardwood forest at Berlin Mountain is hosted by the Williamstown Rural Lands organization and will explore early blooming spring ephemerals such as blue cohosh and trilliums. Sunday, May 19; Mt. Berlin Trailhead, Berlin Road, Williamstown; suggested donation: $5 – 10
New Hampshire
TulipFête 2024 – Hancock
Experience the Granite State’s most illustrious tulip event at The Farm at Wolf Pine Hollow, which has magnificent fields filled with more than half a million colorful flowers. Friday, May 3-Sunday, May 12; The Farm at Wolf Pine Hollow, 53 Middle Road, Hancock
Maine
Wild Gardens of Acadia – Bar Harbor
Acadia National Park is a paradise for walkers, and the Jesup Path and Hemlock Path Loop and the Wild Gardens of Acadia offer a prime opportunity to see the flowers of Maine, such as violets, trilliums, and starflowers, and later in the month, pink and magenta rhodoras, lady’s slippers, and Jack-in-the-pulpits. All month; Acadia National Park, Bar Harbor
Vermont
Mother’s Day Wildflower Walk – Montpelier
Bring mom along for a casual guided stroll along the North Branch Nature Center trails in search of Vermont’s prettiest spring wildflowers. Sunday, May 12; North Branch Nature Center, 713 Elm St., Montpelier
Connecticut
Spring Wildflower Walk – Washington Depot
Steep Rock Association, a land trust organization in the northwest corner of Connecticut, offers another look for spring ephemerals. Naturalists Peary and BJK Standard will lead the walk, and the blooms along the trails in Hidden Valley Preserve will be explored. This is a free event, but donations are always appreciated! Saturday, May 11; 198 Bee Brook Road, Washington Depot
Rhode Island
Wildflower Walk – Middletown
This free, one-and-a-half-hour Wildflower Walk at the Norman Bird Sanctuary will be led by local naturalist and University of Rhode Island Master Gardener Susanna Williams. She will help participants learn to identify wildflowers that are seasonally in bloom along the trails, gardens, and meadows of the sanctuary. Sunday, May 19; Norman Bird Sanctuary, 583 3rd Beach Road, Middletown
