Visitors drawn to annual Enlow Fork wildflower walk
For more than 40 years, spring wildflowers and nesting songbirds have been drawing nature lovers to the banks of Enlow Fork of Wheeling Creek, the big stream that divides the western corner of Washington and Greene counties.
What was once a hidden treasure, known only to naturalists and savvy locals, Enlow Valley is now recognized as a place of natural wonder, waiting to be enjoyed during these first weeks of spring because of its wall-to-wall wildflowers.
The Wheeling Creek Watershed Conservancy and several other bird, botanical and environmental groups are inviting the public to join them for the annual Enlow Fork Spring Wildflower Walk from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday.
Birdwatchers will be on the trail early and guided wildflower walks begin at 10 a.m. Western Pennsylvania Botanical Society members will help identify flowers and have a botanical guide for sale. Enlow’s signature flower, the blue-eyed Mary, grows in carpets, while bright patches of red trillium, toadflax, larkspur, twin leaf, trout lily and wild ginger are just some of the many flowers to be seen. Members of Woodland Owners Association will be on hand to identify trees and discuss woodlot management. Insect walks and stream studies are planned for early afternoon.
In 1975, Enlow Fork of Wheeling Creek was nominated for inclusion in the state’s Scenic River System in its first priority group. The Western Pennsylvania Conservancy also included it in its list of potential natural areas. The spring walk was adopted not longer after the Wheeling Creek Watershed Conservancy was founded in 2000.
This year, there will be information about invasive plants, pollination dates and soil study materials, and the Center for Coalfield Justice will describe its ongoing environmental defense efforts in the area. WCWC is providing snacks, refreshments and a raffle of locally produced and donated items to fund the event.
Visitors are encouraged to dress for the weather and bring a portable chair. A portable toilet is on site in the parking lot.
Go to www.enlowfork.tripod.com or call 724-627-7871 for more information.