Joe Manchin III, Governor

Frank Jezioro, Director

News Release : March 28, 2007

Hoy Murphy , Public Information Officer (304) 558-3381 hoymurphy@wvdnr.gov
Contact: Parks and Recreation Section (304) 558-2764 parks@westvirginia.com

West Virginia Parks and Forests Welcome Spring with Special Hikes

To welcome spring to the Mountain State , some West Virginia state parks and forests are offering spring wildflower and nature hikes to celebrate the beauty of the season. Some hikes require advance registration.

24th Annual Sue Browning Spring Wildflower Hike: April 14, Chief Logan State Park, Logan , WV .

This is a very popular springtime hike where many wildflowers are spotted and identified. The cost is $12 for advance reservation, $17 for registration the day of the hike and free for children four and under. The registration price includes a continental breakfast, lunch, tour of the wildlife exhibit and door prizes. Registration starts at 8:30 a.m. and hikes begin soon after registration. For more information or to register, please contact Chief Logan State Park at (304) 855-5863.

Spring Bird Walk: April 21 and 28 and May 5, Prickett's Fort State Park, Fairmont , WV .

Celebrate the joy of spring with a Saturday bird walk. Members of the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources will lead the public on this annual rite of passage. Programs begin at 8 a.m. and are free and open to the public. For more information, please call (304) 363-3030.

Show-Me Hike: April 27-28, Greenbrier State Forest, Caldwell , WV .

See and identify common, rare and unique wildflowers along the Greenbrier River or the shale barrens of Kate's Mountain. Morning, afternoon or all day tours are available. Hikes are suitable for all ages. The weekend begins with an evening program on Friday. Saturday starts with morning bird walk. Flower hikes begin at 10 a.m. Participates are encouraged to bring lunch and camera. There is no charge for the event. For more information, please call (304) 536-1944.

Osbra Eye Memorial Wildflower Hike: April 28, Kanawha State Forest, Charleston , WV .

These wildflower hikes are geared for all ages with extra hikes for photography, birds and pond life. Registration is at 9 a.m. and walks begin at 9:30 a.m. Cost for the event is $5 for adults and $2 for children under 16. Walks are sponsored by the Kanawha State Forest Foundation and assisted by the Mary Ingles Trail Blazers, West Virginia Division of Natural Resources, West Virginia Native Plant Society and Handlan Chapter, Brooks Bird Club. For more information or to register, please contact Shirley Schweizer (304) 925-2771.

Spring Nature Walk: April 29, Twin Falls Resort State Park, Mullens , WV .

**DNR**