If you love flowers, trees, and birds as much as we do in our home (I guess “in our yard” would be more appropriate), here’s something you’ll be very interested in.
John James Audubon State Park’s Annual Wildflower Extravaganza will be held on Saturday, April 2 , from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. (CT).
Throughout the day, visitors to the park in Henderson will have the opportunity to stretch their legs, expand their minds and create botanical landscaping masterpieces. This annual event features programs for all ages including three wildflower walks, informative presentations and a children’s scavenger hunt.
Visitors will learn about the area’s incredible spring flowers and their historical uses. “Long before pharmacies, people looked to nature to cure their ills,” said Audubon Park Naturalist Julie McDonald. “Some of those medical uses were valid while others were just plain dangerous, however, since then we’ve lost touch with nature, and the stories that connect us to it.”
Evansville Courier and Press writer Sharon Sorenson will introduce visitors the art of birdscaping or landscaping to attract birds and wildlife. With all of the wonderful landscaping plants available, one would think that there’s plenty of food available.
“Not so,” said McDonald. “The toughest time to find food is toward the end of winter when natural food sources such as grasses and berry plants are depleted and the insects haven’t come back in large enough numbers to feed hungry mouths. If we plant the right plants to sustain birds through the winter and provide a frost-free water source, we’ll have a better chance of creating the best habitat for our feathered friends while reducing lawn mowing time throughout the summer.”
Saturday, April 2 activities include:
- 9 a.m.: Wildflower Walk (1.5 hour)—We’ll identify as many flowers as we can on this challenging one-mile trail ranging from ridge to river. Audubon Museum – Front Porch.
- 11 a.m.: Wildflower Walk—Learn about the traditional uses of native wildflower plants on this moderately easy trail. Audubon Museum – Front Porch.
- Noon: Kids Wildflower Scavenger Hunt (30-minute program for children ages 3-5 and their parents)—Learn about shapes, colors and our local flowers on this easy, paved trail. Audubon Museum Back Porch.
- 1 p.m.: Wildflower Walk (one hour)—Stroll along on this guided moderately easy walk of less than a mile. Audubon Museum – Front Porch.
- 2 p.m.: Birdscaping: Landscaping for Birds (one hour)—Irrevocably tied to the plants around them, birds turn to plants for food, shelter, nest sites and nest-making materials. Which flowers, trees, shrubs and vines grow in your yard determine which birds visit there. Presented by Sharon Sorenson. Audubon Meeting Room.
For more information contact Julie McDonald at (270) 826-2247 or juliea.mcdonald@ky.gov.
John James Audubon State Park also has a museum, gift shop, campground, cottages, hiking trails and a nine-hole golf course!
