A natural garden is in bloom at Laurel Hill State Park

May 21st, 2010

By VICKI ROCK, Daily American

Wildflowers bloom throughout Laurel Hill State Park from early spring to late fall.

“Starting in April, there’s something beautiful blooming all the time,” said naturalist Joan Ansell.

Park visitors frequently ask about the flowers, said environmental education specialist Kimberly Peck. In addition to wildflowers throughout the park, there is a meadow across from the visitors center and flower gardens, a butterfly garden and an herbal garden at the center. These different types of plantings are to show people a variety of ecosystems.



“The meadows are a few acres with walking paths and benches,” Peck said. “The bluebird trail, (which) has nesting boxes, winds through it and beside Laurel Hill Creek. It’s a beautiful place to just sit and relax and enjoy nature.”

Ansell, who has been a park volunteer for more than 15 years, tried to save what grew in the meadow naturally when the paths and benches were added. She and other volunteers added some plants, most of which are native to this area.

Trailing arbutus is the first to appear in the meadow in the spring. Pinkster azaleas are blooming now. Native species, including the ragged fringed orchid, will bloom later. Ironweed is best seen in August, which is the peak month for the plants in the meadow. Other plants include arrowhead, coneflowers and black-eyed Susans. Part of the meadow is swampy. Native grasses, including some tipped in purple, grow there. Land-dwelling crayfish build mounds in the meadow.

White Great Lobelia, New Jersey tea, Eastern Columbine, smooth azalea, yellow foxglove, wild monk’s head, violets, pink ladyslippers, ginseng, wild geraniums, larkspur, wild sweet Cecily, wild sarsaparilla, blue cohosh and Jacob’s ladder also grow in the park.

Volunteers try to identify every plant in the meadow. They post lists of what is in bloom on a bulletin board beside the visitors center. If people want a tour they may stop at the center and Peck or a volunteer will take them.

“We’re hoping to have a day for people in wheelchairs to tour,” Peck said. “The meadow’s paths are wide and flat. Bring cameras and field glasses — there are tons of birds and butterflies.”

The herb garden will be planted by Memorial Day and is at its peak in June. The butterfly gardens are at their best in July. Milkweed is a host plant for Monarch butterflies and other species. Monarch butterflies migrate from Mexico and arrive in mid-July.

“The butterfly garden is very successful,” Peck said. “I saw my first one (Monarch butterfly) go into chrysalis. It took less than a minute. It was one of the most amazing things I’ve ever seen. We encourage people to plant butterfly gardens. They need milkweed.”

The naturalists are interested in preserving native wildflowers were it can be done. Some were hiking on the Great Allegheny Passage near Confluence and realized that crews were cutting down wild monk’s head, thinking it was a weed. They went through park channels to let trail officials know what the plant is.

“As the park, we are very fortunate to have Joan volunteer to do this,” Peck said. “If we didn’t have volunteers, it wouldn’t be done. She and the volunteers created a fantastic opportunity for programming all year long.”

In addition to touring the park, state park naturalists are presenting five programs to help people explore the Laurel Highlands in search of wildflowers. Backyard Gardens, Ohiopyle, is sponsoring the Wildflower Exposure Tours. They will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. starting at the following locations: May 30 — Ohiopyle Train Station; June 26 — Kooser State Park Office; July 17 — Ohiopyle Train Station; Aug. 14 — Laurel Hill Visitors Center; Sept. 11 — Ramcat parking area at Ohiopyle State Park. Registration is recommended. People may register by calling 352-8649 and asking for Kimberly Peck. Be sure to bring a camera. Snacks will be provided.

To view the originial article in the Daily American, click here.

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