MEDIA CONTACTS:
BOB ROTATORI - 216-635-3263, rrr@clevelandmetroparks.com
ALYSSA COOK-ALEXANDER - 216-635-3274, aca@clevelandmetroparks.com
April is the best time to discover spectacular spring wildflowers. Take a wildflower walk and discover trout lily, violets, bloodroot, white trillium and many others. Greater Clevelanders can enjoy wildflower hikes, bike rides and walks guided by Cleveland Metroparks staff or explore the reservations at your leisure on the many trails.
The wildflower programs offered this April include:
Extreme Hiking
Saturday, April 6 � 9 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Station Road parking lot � Brecksville Reservation
See the wildflowers as this hike travels up and down the hills of Brecksville Reservation. Be aware trails could be very muddy; distance may be determined by trail conditions. Station Road parking lot is located at Riverview Road in Cuyahoga Valley National Recreation Area, south of Route 82 in Brecksville. For more information, call 440-526-1012.
Wildflower Walk
Sunday, April 7 � 2 - 3:15 p.m.
Rocky River Nature Center � Rocky River Reservation
Join Naturalist Gretchen Motts to discover which wildflowers are blooming in the garden and along the trails near Rocky River Nature Center, located at 24000 Valley Parkway in Rocky River Reservation, north of Cedar Point Road in North Olmsted. For more information, call 440-734-6660.
A Scenic Afternoon Hike
Wednesday, April 10 � 1:30 - 3 p.m.
Strawberry Picnic Area parking lot � North Chagrin Reservation
Spring has sprung! Enjoy a jaunt along the trails in search of colorful wildflowers. After the snow, hues of pink, purple and green will be a welcome sight. Strawberry Picnic Area is located off Buttermilk Falls Parkway, off the Strawberry Lane entrance of North Chagrin Reservation, off SOM Center Road/Route 91 in Willoughby Hills. For more information, call 440-473-3370.
Woodlands of Bedford: Thomas Jefferson's Flower
Saturday, April 13 � 9 a.m. - noon
Alexander bike lot � Bedford Reservation
Come celebrate Jefferson's 270th birthday with Volunteer Naturalist Fred Losi by learning about the wildflower that was named after this great president. Explore the ridges above the floodplain along Sagamore Creek in search of this and other early spring wildflowers. Alexander bike lot is located off Alexander Road in Bedford Reservation, between Dunham and Canal roads in Bedford. For more information, call 216-341-3152.
Wildflower Walk
Saturday, April 13 � 1 - 2:30 p.m.
Cottonwood Picnic Area � Rocky River Reservation
Along the Rocky River is a lovely woodland trail bordered by spring wildflowers. Join Naturalist Kathy Schmidt to view these beauties of spring. Cottonwood Picnic Area is located off Valley Parkway in Rocky River Reservation, south of Puritas/Mastick Road in Fairview Park. For more information, call 440-734-6660.
Squirrel Run's Wildflowers
Saturday, April 13 � 1:30 - 3 p.m.
Highland Picnic Area parking lot � Euclid Creek Reservation
Each spring, Squirrel Run Trail offers a display of woodland wildflowers. Hike along with a naturalist and enjoy learning about some of the early spring wildflowers blooming on this trail. Highland Picnic Area is located off Euclid Creek Parkway, off the Highland Road entrance of Euclid Creek Reservation in Euclid. For more information, call 440-437-3370.
One Pond, Four Seasons
Sunday, April 14 � Noon - 1 p.m.
Rocky River Nature Center � Rocky River Reservation
Join Naturalist Joni Norris for a walk around West Channel Pond noting the seasonal changes. See the emerging spring wildflowers. Rocky River Nature Center is located at 24000 Valley Parkway in Rocky River Reservation, north of Cedar Point Road in North Olmsted. For more information, call 440-734-6660.
Spring Awakenings
Sunday, April 14 � 1 - 2 p.m.
Tinker's Creek Gorge Overlook � Bedford Reservation
Explore the changes of the season from the Overlook. Learn what wildflowers to look for and what birds to expect to hear. Tinker's Creek Gorge Scenic Overlook is located off Gorge Parkway in Bedford Reservation, between Dunham and Egbert roads in Walton Hills. For more information, call 216-341-3152.
Woodland Wildflowers
Sunday, April 14 � 1:30 - 3 p.m.
Strawberry Picnic Area parking lot � North Chagrin Reservation
Spring wildflowers don't last long. Enjoy a relaxing walk along the Scenic Loop trail while taking in the splendor of early spring beauty, hepatic and bloodroot. Strawberry Picnic Area is located off Buttermilk Falls Parkway, off the Strawberry Lane entrance of North Chagrin Reservation, off SOM Center Road/Route 91 in Willoughby Hills. For more information, call 440-473-3370.
Friday Flora
Friday, April 19 � 3 - 4:30 p.m. - OR - Friday, April 26 � 3 - 4:30 p.m.
Johnson's Picnic Area parking lot � Hinckley Reservation
Spring ephemerals come and go very quickly so be sure to come out and enjoy a weekly walk to witness these beauties. They may not be here next week. A naturalist will lead the way and identify this week's best in bloom. Bring a favorite wildflower identification guide. Johnson's Picnic Area is located off West Drive in Hinckley Reservation, between Bellus and State roads in Hinckley Township. For more information, call 440-526-1012.
Woodland Wildflowers
Saturday, April 20 � 10 - 11 a.m.
Egbert Picnic Area � Bedford Reservation
Take this short hike through Bedford Reservation to see the beauty of spring sprouting and unfolding around the area. Bring a camera to record and remember the plethora of colorful flowers covering the forest floor. Egbert Picnic Area is located off Gorge Parkway in Bedford Reservation, off Egbert Road in Walton Hills. For more information, call 216-341-3152.
Wildflower Walk
Saturday, April 20 � 1 - 2:15 p.m. - OR - Saturday, April 27 � 3 - 4 p.m.
Willow Bend Picnic Area � Rocky River Reservation
The Willow Bend area is among the best places to view spring wildflowers that carpet the Rocky River Valley. Join a naturalist who will help identify the wildflowers. Willow Bend Picnic Area is located off Valley Parkway in Rocky River Reservation, between Spafford Road and Falls Lane in Brookpark. For more information, call 440-734-6660.
Bluebirds and Bluebells
Saturday, April 20 � 1:30 - 3:30 p.m.
Jackson Field parking lot � South Chagrin Reservation
Blooming bluebells are a beautiful sight! Come hike around Jackson Field to learn about wildflowers and bluebirds. Jackson Field is located off Jackson Road in South Chagrin Reservation, north of Miles Road in Moreland Hills. For more information, call 440-247-7075.
Accessible Wildflowers
Sunday, April 21 � 10 - 11 a.m. - OR - Sunday, April 28 � 10 - 11 a.m.
Rocky River Nature Center parking lot � Rocky River Reservation
Join Naturalist Min Keung for an accessible tour of the most common wildflowers around Rocky River Nature Center on foot and wheelchair-friendly paths. One wheelchair may be reserved upon request. Rocky River Nature Center is located at 24000 Valley Parkway in Rocky River Reservation, north of Cedar Point Road in North Olmsted. For more information, call 440-734-6660.
Wildflower Walk
Sunday, April 21 � 2 - 3:15 p.m.
Rocky River Nature Center parking lot � Rocky River Reservation
See which wildflowers have come up near the nature center this week. Rocky River Nature Center is located at 24000 Valley Parkway in Rocky River Reservation, north of Cedar Point Road in North Olmsted. For more information, call 440-734-6660.
Earth Day Hike
Monday, April 22 � 3 - 4 p.m.
Brookpark Bridge parking area � Rocky River Reservation
Enjoy a search for some hidden wildflowers. This hike will meet under the Brookpark Road Bridge, located off Valley Parkway between Brookway Lane and Puritas Road in Rocky River Reservation. For more information, call 440-734-6660.
Forest of Flowers Hike
Tuesday, April 23 � 9:30 - 11:30 a.m.
Hinckley Lake Boathouse � Hinckley Reservation
Hinckley Reservation is one of the best places in Cleveland Metroparks to enjoy spring wildflowers. Join Naturalist Kelly McGinnis for a hike through the hills to admire the spectacular display of flowers. Hinckley Lake Boathouse is located off West Drive in Hinckley Reservation, between Bellus and State roads in Hinckley Township. For more information, call 440-526-1012.
Wildflower Walk
Saturday, April 27 � 2 - 3:30 p.m.
Watershed Stewardship Center parking lot � West Creek Reservation
Get out and search the woods for early spring wildflowers with Naturalist Debra Shankland. Discover their beauty and functions in the ecosystem. West Creek Reservation's main entrance is located off West Ridgewood Drive, between State and Broadview roads in Parma. For more information, call 440-887-1968.
Spring Photo Hike
Sunday, April 28 � 9:30 - 11:30 a.m.
Sulphur Springs Picnic Area � South Chagrin Reservation
Bring a camera and capture the signs of spring. This hike will explore the wildflowers along the streamside. Sulphur Springs Picnic Area is located off Sulphur Springs Drive in South Chagrin Reservation, between Miles Road and Hawthorn Parkway in Bentleyville. For more information, call 440-247-7075.
Annual Wildflower Show
Sunday, April 28 � 1:30 - 3 p.m.
Strawberry Picnic Area parking lot � North Chagrin Reservation
The spring show of wildflowers is now on display. In a hurry to set seed before the tree leaves shade the forest, they'll only bloom for a short time. Enjoy the show today, before they're gone tomorrow. Strawberry Picnic Area is located off Buttermilk Falls Parkway, off the Strawberry Lane entrance of North Chagrin Reservation, off SOM Center Road/Route 91 in Willoughby Hills. For more information, call 440-473-3370.
Pedal to Petals
Monday, April 29 � 2 - 4 p.m.
Lagoon Picnic Area � Rocky River Reservation
Flowers often carpet the forest floor in the spring. Enjoy the colors on the trails during this leisurely bike ride. Lagoon Picnic Area is located off Valley Parkway in Rocky River Reservation, between Cedar Point Road and Spafford Road in Brookpark. For more information, call 440-734-6660.
Each spring, typically between mid-March and the end of April, several flower species begin to bloom throughout the �Emerald Necklace.� A spring wildflower trail can be found by Mastick Woods Picnic Area, as well as the Hauser Wildflower Garden at Rocky River Nature Center in Rocky River Reservation. One of the best locations in North Chagrin Reservation for native spring wildflowers is the Scenic Loop trail. Royalview Picnic Area in Mill Stream Run Reservation is famous for bluebells. Other common spring wildflowers like trillium, spring beauty, trout lily, and many more can be found in a number of areas throughout the Park District.
Discover the natural beauty of spring wildflowers in Cleveland Metroparks - part of your life, naturally!
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