Join us for a walk to see and enjoy the spring ephemeral wildflowers!

PVAS Host: Bob Schwartz

Free and open to the public. All ages are welcome, though youth must be accompanied by an adult. Registration is required and limited to 10 participants.

PVMN Continuing Education Credit Eligible

For just a short time each spring, delicate wildflowers emerge from the forest floor, transforming the woods with their vibrant colors before quickly fading away. These spring ephemerals take advantage of a brief window of sunlight before the trees leaf out, disappearing just as suddenly as they arrived. Their timing is everything—not just for them, but for the pollinators and wildlife that depend on their brief appearance.

Join us for a walk through the springtime forest, where we’ll search for these short-lived blooms and take in the beauty of a season that never stands still.

Thank you for leaving the wildflowers for all to enjoy!

• Walking Distance: Approximately 2 miles or less. An entire walk may take up to two hours, but participants may leave the group and turn back at any time. Note that this walk is a loop trail.
• Pace/Activities: Leisurely (meandering, many breaks to stop and observe)
• Exposure: Partial shade. Some areas of full sun.
• Terrain: Asphalt, gravel, and mowed grass. The hike is mostly flat except for one uphill climb at the end of the trail. You can see a map of the trail here: https://www.nps.gov/anti/planyourvisit/snavely-ford-trail.htm
• Restroom: There are restrooms by the northwest side of the trail near the parking lot.
• Parking/Where to Meet: Meet at the parking lot here: https://maps.app.goo.gl/GJBVfE6uRnZWjEPTA
• What to Bring: Bring water and dress for the weather! We strongly recommend that you wear sturdy shoes (with good tread and ideally with ankle support) and bring a walking stick.

Register Here!

Registration will remain open until the start of the program.

Read our Program Policies.

About Bob: Originally from Chicago, Bob earned an undergraduate degree in Forest Ecosystem Science and Political Science from the University of Wisconsin- Madison and is about to complete a Master of Science in Environmental Biology and Climate Change from Hood College in Maryland. Bob serves as Western Watershed Forester for the Maryland Forest Service where he works with private and public landowners to improve forested watershed health through facilitation of cooperative conservation and restoration projects. In his free time Bob is a book nerd, loves to explore far and wide to find cool habitats, and work in his native plant garden. He lives in Brunswick, MD with his wife Ellen and their cat Ollivander.