Calling all nature enthusiasts, gardeners, hikers and amateur photographers! Grab your digital camera or smartphone and hit the trails for Cleveland Metroparks 2014 Tour of Wildflowers.
Each spring, typically between mid-March and the end of April, several flower species begin to bloom throughout the �Emerald Necklace.� Even though wildflowers bloom only for a short time, you can save the beauty of spring forever with a photo. Nature lovers have the opportunity to use technology and discover native and non-native wildflowers in Northeast Ohio with the Tour of Wildflowers.
Register for the Tour of Wildflowers online at clevelandmetroparks.com/events, where you will receive directions and your checklist. From March 1 through June 7, search for common wildflowers throughout Cleveland Metroparks. Take a selfie with a wildflower (please don't pick it) and bring the picture to any Cleveland Metroparks nature center or email your picture to northchagrinnc@clevelandmetroparks.com to get it verified. You can also attend a naturalist-led wildflower hike and check off any flowers you see on the hike. No selfies required.
Bring your completed checklist and a white T-shirt to North Chagrin Nature Center to make your own Tour of Wildflowers T-shirt. There will be a party on June 21 at North Chagrin Nature Center for those who completed their checklists. Registration for the party and a $5 fee are required. The last day of picture verification is June 14. And, don't forget to tag and share your photos #clevelandmetroparks on Instagram and Twitter.
Spring wildflower trails 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 throughout the Park District.
Register at clevelandmetroparks.com to receive the contest rules and checklist. Call 440-473-3370 or email northchagrinnc@clevelandmetroparks with any questions.
Cleveland Metroparks - Discover, Enjoy, Protect!
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