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Last updated on Tuesday, March 20, 2018
(HELTONVILLE) - Plans have been finalized for the annual White River RC&D Wildflower Hike on Saturday, April 14. The popular event will be held at Heltonville Elementary School Outdoor Lab located at 580 Diamond Road in Heltonville.
The wildflower hike will be led by Kay Yatskievych, author of Field Guide to Indiana Wildflowers and Carroll Ritter of Outdoor Connections.
There are two identical hikes to accommodate the numbers of people who normally sign up. A morning and afternoon session are offered, each led by Yatskievych and Ritter. A maximum of 25 people are accepted for each session and the hikes fill up fast. In between the sessions, they encourage people from both hikes to join them for a picnic lunch. The comradery of eating together outdoors is always fun.
A modest $12 fee is charged. Registration for the morning hike begins at 10 a.m. with the morning hike from 10:30 a.m. until Noon. The afternoon hike will be from 12:30 p.m. until 2 p.m. Both sessions include a seated presentation by Kay at the amphitheater about her projects with wildflower identification, general tips on identifying wildflowers and questions and answers, followed by refreshments. Copies of Kay's book will be sold and signed.
Pre-Registration and payment required. Hike is conducted if it rains but will be cancelled if severe weather approaches. Shelter and restrooms are available in the school.
The 17-acre Heltonville Elementary School Outdoor Lab features a Monarch Watch waystation, a National Chestnut Foundation plot, a 30,000 square foot prairie, 3/8-mile nature trail with identification signs, and a woodland amphitheater overlooking a serene creek valley and seating 100 persons. The lab was awarded the 2017 outdoor lab of the year award and registered as an Indiana Bicentennial project. First lady Karen Pence was present for the dedication of the lab. There are many beautiful spring wildflowers along the trail, surrounded by very large oak, hickory, and maple trees.
In previous years the hikes have filled up early, so make your reservations early by contacting Michael Wilhite at the Orange County SWCD, 573 SE Main St, Paoli, IN 47454 or call (812) 203-3033, or email Michael.Wilhite@in.nacdnet.net.
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