April 11, 2019
Recent warm weather has caused the Olmsted Woods to “spring” to life!
Not only are leaves popping out on the trees and the spring blooms appearing, but our devoted group of Olmsted Woods volunteers has resumed their work removing invasive plants.
Take a Walk in the Woods or join our Volunteers any Wednesday Morning
The Olmsted Woods is a five acre urban oak and hickory forest with stone footpaths, a contemplative circle, and native wildflowers. Taking a walk in the woods can be rejuvenating, but if you would like to truly immerse yourself, we welcome you to join our regular Wednesday morning volunteers – who meet from April through October to help maintain this serene landscape. Click HERE to fill out our volunteer form.
What’s Blooming in the Woods Right Now?
Our Woods Volunteers have developed a wealth of knowledge about the plant species in the woods and report that right now many spring ephemerals are in bloom.
Virginia Bluebells are at their peak. Mayapples cover large areas near the Pilgrim path and look terrific – despite some nibbling by visiting deer. The Trout lily is doing well and showing yellow flowers. We have Spring Beauty, Cut-Leaved Toothwort, and many more Trilliums this year.
The daffodils look wonderful, although they are not native to the Woods. They were planted years ago and have not been removed because doing so would be disruptive to the soil and would therefore increase erosion.
Permanent plants (not ephemeral) include Zizia – which is about to bloom. The Black Cohosh did not flower last year, but we’re hoping it will do better this year.
Flowering shrubs and trees include Amelanchier (at the George Washington circle), redbuds, and a pretty but non-native crabapple.
