Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: THURSDAY, April 27, 1995 TAG: 9504290010
SECTION: EXTRA PAGE: 1 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: NANCY GLEINER STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: LENGTH: Long
The untrained eye could overlook many of these treasures, so for the past 25 years, the Annual Wildflower Pilgrimage has brought together expert and novice to learn about and enjoy nature's carpet. The event is sponsored by the Science Museum of Western Virginia.
A special presentation, ``High Elevation Communities'' by Phil Shelton of Clinch Valley College will kick off the weekend Friday from 7-10 p.m. at Virginia Western Community College's Whitman Auditorium in Roanoke.
Listed in the box at the left are the walks taking place Saturday and Sunday. Following the name, place and time of the event are the meeting place, approximate driving distance and walking conditions.
Advance registration through the science museum (342-5710) is recommended, but it can be done prior to the start of each walk.
The basic charge for individuals is $2.50 per walk, $1.50 for museum members and students. The charge for two or more walks is $5, $3 for members and students. For families, the charge is $4 for a walk.
Because many wildflowers are protected, endangered or on private property, no digging or picking is permitted. So, wear comfortable shoes, put film in your camera and ``take only photographs, leave only footprints.''
THE SCHEDULE\ SATURDAY
Bird Walk at Murray's Point and Carvin's Cove areas:
7:30 a.m.-noon
Meet in the Kmart parking lot, Crossroads Mall.
An easy to moderate walk led by members of the Roanoke Valley Bird Club
Peaks of Otter/Flat Top
9 a.m.-noon
Meet at the Peaks of Otter Visitors Center (north on the Blue Ridge Parkway to milepost 86) at 8 a.m. for breakfast or at 9 a.m. to begin the hike.
A moderate to strenuous walk where you'll see an abundance of wildflowers including lady's slippers, trillium and acres of Virginia bluebells.
Falls Ridge Nature Preserve
10:30 a.m.-3 p.m.
Meet at the Ironto exit off I-81.
A 50-mile round-trip drive; a moderate to strenuous walk.
Trillium, wild geraniums and the especially rare wild ginseng and purple cliff brake thrive on this Nature Conservancy land.
Tinker Creek and the Wildflower Garden of Bob and Frieda Toler
9:30 a.m.-noon
Meet at the Howard Johnson's, old exit 44B off I-81.
This 10-mile drive and easy walk will yield a profusion of trillium, spring beauty, columbine and other varieties growing on the banks of Tinker Creek. Then tour the Tolers' garden of wild and domesticated flowers.
Maggadee Creek and the Garden of Paul James
9:30-12:30 p.m.
Meet at the Tanglewood Mall parking lot near Brendle's and First Union Bank.
On this 8-mile round-trip drive and easy walk expect to see a crested iris, Virginia bluebells and several types of native shrubs and trees.
Roanoke Gardens I
9 a.m.-noon
Meet at the Mill Mountain Zoo parking lot. This easy walk on well-tended paths will include the Mill Mountain Wildflower Garden and the wildflower section of the Community Arboretum at Virginia Western Community College.
Roanoke Gardens II
2-5 p.m.
Meet at Fishburn Park parking lot across from Shenandoah Life on Brambleton Avenue.
This easy walk will visit the wildflower gardens at the homes of J.D. and Thelma Kanode and Sam and Dora Lee Ellington.
Arcadia
1-5 p.m.
Meet at the Park and Ride across from Western Sizzlin at the Daleville exit (150B off I-81).
This 25-mile round trip and moderate walk features shale barrens and stream bottom flowers.
Virginia's Explore Park
1-4 p.m.
Meet at the administration building off Rutrough Road in Southeast Roanoke.
A 15-mile round trip and moderate walk. Many varieties of wildflowers enhance the new nature trails at the park.
Roanoke River Overlook and Chestnut Ridge
1-4 p.m.
Meet at the Roanoke River Overlook (milepost 115) on the Blue Ridge Parkway.
On this 15-mile round-trip drive and easy to moderate walk, enjoy thousands of violets, pink lady's slippers, trout lilies, toothworts, spicebush and chestnut oaks.
\ SUNDAY
Woodpecker Ridge Bird Walk: 8 a.m.-noon
Meet at the Park and Ride across from Western Sizzlin at the Daleville exit (150B off I-81).
This 25-mile round-trip drive and easy walk with Roanoke Valley Bird Club members is an introducton to this new nature preserve. The afternoon wildflower walk is at the same location.
Woodpecker Ridge Wildflowers
1-4 p.m.
Meet at the Park and Ride across from Western Sizzlin at the Daleville exit (150B off I-81).
This is an easy trek through the wildflowers of this recently established preserve.
South Along the Parkway
1-4 p.m.
Meet at the Cave Spring Revco on Brambleton Avenue across from the El Rodeo restaurant, just off Va. 419 and Va. 221.
This 30-mile round-trip drive and easy walk explore the wealth of wildflowers along the Parkway, including pink lady's slippers, birdfoots, trillium and May apple.
Roaring Run
1-4 p.m.
Meet at the Park and Ride across from Western Sizzlin at the Daleville exit (150B off I-81).
Investigate shale barrens and tumbling streams in search of shale barren clematis, buckwheat, hepatica, miterwort and polygala on this 70-mile round trip with an easy to moderate walk.
Vistas and Wildflowers
1-4 p.m.
Meet at the Peaks of Otter Visitors Center (milepost 86 on the Blue Ridge Parkway).
The 80-mile round trip drive and easy to moderate walk is filled with spectacular views and trillium, Dutchman's pipe and more.
by CNB