Bountiful snowmelt this spring and summer has led to a dazzling display of wildflowers at Cedar Breaks National Monument, where officials have extended their Wildflower Festival through month's end.

“There’s more to come,” said Nyssa Landres, a resource management volunteer at the Utah monument.  “Every day brings new color to the park.”

Through the end of July volunteers will lead guided hikes each day at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. and the visitor center will host an ongoing electronic display of wildflower images as well as offer discounts on wildflower-related books and items.

On Saturday, July 23, the park will host a First Bloom planting project to re-vegetate a small area near the visitor center.  The public is invited to take part in planting seeds or plants from 10 a.m. 2 p.m. 

During the past school year, about 200 fourth-graders participated in First Bloom activities in the park and in their classrooms.  A special invitation is extended to these students and their families to participate in this activity.  All necessary materials for planting, including seeds and plants, will be furnished.  In celebration of the Wildflower Festival and the First Bloom activity, light refreshments will be available.

First Bloom is a national program highlighting the significance and value of native plants.  It involves students in learning activities and culminates in their creating landscape designs for national parks utilizing their newly acquired knowledge of native plants.
 
Cedar Breaks National Monument is located 23 miles east of Cedar City, along Highway 148 between Highway 14 and Brian Head. The park entrance fee is $4.00 per person ages 16 and older. Those traveling to the festival should come prepared for cool weather at 10,000 feet.

Updated Festival events and activities, “what’s in bloom” self-guided maps, and wildflower checklists are available at the Visitor Center in the park and at the Monument’s administrative office in Cedar City, located at 2390 West Highway 56 Suite #11. Call 435-586-0787 for more information.