- This event has passed.
Spring Wildflower Hike @ J. Timothy Ritchie
Spend the morning amongst the wildflowers with Shirley Heinze Land Trust at J. Timothy Ritchie Nature Preserve, known for its magnificent display of spring ephemerals!
What are spring ephemerals? These are the first wildflowers that bloom from the forest floor, before the leaves of the upper canopy block out their sun. Because they are some of the first plants to emerge after winter, they serve as an important food source for pollinators as they wake up from winter, too. Their short-lived blossoms of just a few weeks have earned them the name of “ephemerals.”
After our hike at Ritchie, if you are looking for more spring ephemerals and a longer hike along the Little Calumet River, join Bella, our Engagement Coordinator, for an exploration at the Heron Rookery Trail just a short drive away.
Location: We will be meeting at J. Timothy Ritchie Nature Preserve. The second hike will be at the Herron Rookery Trailhead, located at 1301 North 450 East, Chesterton, IN 46304, for interested participants.
Difficulty: Easy to moderate; suitable for most ages. The trail at Ritchie is 0.82 miles long and mostly flat.
What to Bring: Weather-appropriate clothing, sturdy footwear, water, and curiosity.