Long-spurred violets along New River/Jodi French-Burr

Springtime brings warmer temperatures to West Virginia, great river-running opportunities at New River Gorge National River, and the park's 13th annual wildflower weekend.

The southern Appalachain forests are said to offer some of the Mid-Atlantic region's most biologically diverse landscapes, and this coming weekend's New River Gorge Wildflower Weekend gives you a chance to get out and sample some of that diversity. Each public program highlights the glories of the season and the shared stewardship of New River Gorge National River and the state parks of Babcock, Carnifex Ferry Battlefield, Pipestem Resort.

This year's schedule also includes some special pre-event arts workshops.The complete event program schedule is available online.

According to the National Park Service, the New River Gorge area has the most diverse flora of any river gorge in central Appalachia. New River Gorge National River and area West Virginia state parks help preserve this unbroken and globally significant section of the Appalachian forest ecosystem. Besides providing essential habitat for endangered mammals, rare birds and amphibians, a dedicated botanist can find more than 1,400 species of plants in these park sites, according to the Park Service.

The reason for this diversity of plants stems from the varied topography of the gorge, the northern flow of the New River that provides a pathway for southern plants to migrate and grow along the warmer sheltered riverbanks, and the higher elevations of the gorge that provide habitat for northern species.

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In the New River Gorge, spring begins with the first solitary bloom of a skunk cabbage, bloodroot, or trout lily by the riverside in early March. April offers a forest carpeted with Wake Robin and Great Trillium, Dutchman's Breeches, and Virginia Bluebell, and the understory alive with Redbud and Dogwood. The finale has showy displays of Catawba Rhododendron, Flame Azalea, Fraser Magnolia, and Tulip Poplar into the last days of May.

With more than 72,000 acres of protected habitat, New River Gorge is a haven for a great diversity of both plants and animals. 

All programs are free unless otherwise noted. Bring water and wear sturdy walking shoes for guided walks. Snacks, binoculars, a hand lens, and a favorite field guide are also useful. Advanced reservations are requested for the pre-event arts workshops, Garlic Mustard Pulls, and the Hike Into Spring! at Grandview. Check the website for reservation information.