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| Colt's Foot (Tussilago farfara) |
As the park and mountain emerges from winter, long dormant flowering plants that slumbered beneath the fallen leaves and snow begin to stir. It won't belong before warming soils will push the wildflowers above ground and the spring sun will draw their pastel petals forth like milk through a straw.
We're already seeing the first indications that a mountain spring has arrived; the flowering of serviceberry (Sarvis) and the emergence of colt's foot on shale banks at roadside. They are accompanied by an assortment of violets, the humblest of wildflowers.
The botanical activity in the weeks ahead will be rapid-paced and nothing short of spectacular. At the height of the season, it sometimes seems as if everything is trying to happen at the same time. We invite you to visit Kentucky's mountainous, southeastern region. Revel with us in the bustle and pageantry of an Appalachian spring.
Highlands Hike to Blanton Forest
Enjoy expanded adventure hiking within one of Pine Mountain’s most diverse ecological treasures. A virtual time capsule, the 3,124-acre Blanton Forest is one of eastern America’s largest old-growth forests. Total hiking distance is 5 miles. Hiking boots are recommended. Total field trip time is 8 hours. To register, contact the park’s Guest Services Desk at (800) 325-1712 or (606) 337-3066 and mention the Blanton Forest hike.
Click on this link to visit the park's website:
http://parks.ky.gov/parks/resortparks/pine-mountain/default.aspx
Click on this link to visit the Naturalist's blog:
http://pine-mountain-naturalist.blogspot.com/
