Cincinnati Wild Flower Preservation Society
Ohio Native Plant Society, Southwest Ohio Chapter
Updated Wed June 12, 2019 at 9pm
Our hikes and lectures are free and open to the public, and all are welcome. (but we depend on our memberships to cover our expenses.) . Note: Home Tab above does not work correctly- use the "previous" on your browser
For descriptions and photos of the our other missed events, scroll down on our Newsletter tab
What you missed- On Saturday June 1, 2019 we had a hike at Portland Arch Nature Preserve, in Fountain Co., IN (West of Indianapolis). Botanist and author Michael Homoya led the group of 8. Temp 81 and dry. Photos by Angela C. Lobed Spleenwort , Diervilla lonicera , Partridgeberry , Forbes Saxifrage (amid Virginia creeper) , Wet woods , Group Photo
What you missed – On Sunday June 2, 2019 we had our annual potluck picnic (with Northside Greenspace) at the native plant nursery Keystone Flora near Spring Grove Cemetery. Food delicious and conversation fine. About 30 in attendance on warm dry 80 day.
Our Next Event
Saturday, June 15, 2019 at 11am - Cumberland Falls - Field Trip
Sunday June 16, 2019 at 10am: Pine Mountain State Nature Preserve - Field Trip
Be sure to RSVP to Angela at the contact info below, in case of any hike changes etc. Also, please be punctual. Details below.
We have decided to bring back weekend field trips to maximize botanizing and socializing opportunities. Please RSVP to Angela Carter if you are coming for either day. She may be able to help with carpooling info and suggest overnight accommodations. Her contact info is 513-300-2787 or amcarter@fuse.net
This weekend field trip will provide the opportunity to interact with the scenic vistas, waterfalls, rock formations, old-growth forests, cool mountain streams, lush carpets of vegetation and botanical delights associated with the Cumberland Plateau in southeastern Kentucky. Naturalist Dave Kuehner will be our guide both days.
On Saturday June 15 at 11am we will meet at the Cumberland Falls Visitor Center parking lot. Please park at the end of the lot farthest from the center. In the morning we will hike the Eagle Falls Trail, which provides excellent views of Cumberland Falls (the "Niagara of the South") as well as scenic vistas of the Cumberland River and its' large boulders.The botanical highlight will be the rare mountain camellia, Stewartia ovata, which usually blooms in mid-June. After lunch we will hike part of the Blue Bend Loop Trail, which will feature a mature forest, impressive sandstone outcroppings and indigenous native plants not found in southwestern Ohio.
On Sunday June 16 at 10am, we will meet at the Pine Mountain State Park Lodge. We will walk the magnificent Hemlock Garden Trail, highlighted by massive old-growth hemlock, beech and tuliptrees, as well as great rhododendron and American holly. This area was explored by Dr. E. Lucy Braun in the early 1940s. We will also observe the striking and uncommon Cumberland azalea, Rhododendron cumberlandense. It was described to science as a new species by Dr. Braun in 1941. Prior to that, it was assumed to be flame azalea, Rhododendron calendulaceum. Dr. Braun grew it at the Mt. Washington home that she shared with her sister Annette. She referred to it as "the red azalea of the Cumberlands" and was known to have invited friends to see it when it was in bloom. An optional hike will be offered after lunch.
DIRECTIONS
Saturday directions from Cincinnati. Google maps knows the name “Cumberland Falls Visitor's Center, Cumberland Falls Rd, Williamsburg, KY 40769” . For a park map click here
From Cincinnati drive 168 miles South on I-75 (near Lexington there is a Six mile stretch where I-75 runs concurrent with I-64) , but just follow I-75 signs.
From I-75, take exit #25 (Rt South US -25 W) .
At bottom of exit, turn right to get on South US-25 W and drive 7.4 miles
Take shallow right onto US-90 W towards Cumberland falls and drive 8.0 miles.
Turn right where sign says Coffee Shop/Gift Shop, and continue 0.1 downhill to the large parking area. Please park at the end of the lot farthest from the Visitor center.
Driving time between 2 Hr 45 min and 3 Hr 10min
Sunday directions from Cincinnati- Google knows the address “Pine Mountain State Resort Park, 1050 State Park Rd, Pineville, KY 40977 ) . Driving time 3 hours to 3.5 hours.
From Cincinnati drive 164 miles South on I-75 (near Lexington there is a Six mile stretch where I-75 runs concurrent with I-64) , but just follow I-75 signs.
Take exit #29.
At the bottom of the exit turn left onto South 25E and drive about 34 miles
Turn right onto Rt 190 (this is just after a lake on your right) and drive 1.6 miles
Turn slight right onto Rt 1491to continue to Pine Mountain. You leave Rt 190. And drive 1.7 miles
Turn slight right onto Rt 382 (Google says this number) . You leave Rt 1491. And drive 0.6 miles.
Turn left to short road to Lodge parking lot.
Saturday Driving time 3 to 3.5 hours
Sunday directions from Cumberland Falls Visitor Center to Pine Mountain Lodge.
Take Route 90 East for 13 miles.
Continue Straight onto North 25 W for 8.3 miles (crossing I-75)
Turn right on Rt 3041 (to 25 E) and drive 7 miles
Turn right on South 25 E at the traffic light and drive 31 miles.
Turn right onto Rt 190 (this is just after a lake on your right) and drive 1.6 miles
Turn slight right onto Rt 1491to continue to Pine Mountain. You leave Rt 190. And drive 1.7 miles
Turn slight right onto Rt 382 (Google says this number) . You leave Rt 1491. And drive 0.6 miles.
Turn left to short road to Lodge parking lot.
Driving time about 1hr and 20 min, depending on your lodging, so don’t be late.
Sunday, June 30, 2019 at 10am: Wahkeena Nature Preserve, Fairfield County, OH, (six miles south of Lancaster, Ohio, on the edge of Hocking Hills.)
Naturalist and Site Manager Tom Shisler will lead us on an informative fern hike along the Shelter Trail in the preserve and teach us to ID the numerous species found there. There are additional trails that include the diminutive Malaxis unifolia (green adder's-mouth orchid) as well as a pond and boardwalk to explore for butterflies and odonata . For Preserve website with park map at bottom, click here. For a website with fine photos and descriptions of ferns, click here .
You may want to spend some time in the Nature Center viewing the live education animals, an observation beehive, and an extensive collection of taxidermied animals.
Bring water and a lunch or snacks to enjoy after the hike. Please be aware that cell service may be limited in the area.
The nature center can be contacted at 800-297-1883 but the naturalists, Tom and Nora, may be leading programs or on the trails. Rhododendron Cove State Nature Preserve, Rockbridge State Nature Preserve and the Hocking Hills are nearby opportunities to continue your day in nature.
Directions: Wahkeena is approximately 2 and a quarter hours from Cincinnati. The address is 2200 Pump Station Rd. in Sugar Grove, Ohio.
From Cincinnati, follow I-71N for 100 miles.
Take exit 101 for l-270E and drive 8.6 miles,
Take exit 46 for US-33 East and drive 27 miles
Take the Tarkiln Road exit.
At the bottom of the exit, go straight (crossing Tarkiln Road) onto Old Logan Road, and drive 2.3 miles.
Turn right onto 2200 Pump Station Road and drive 0.8 miles.
The park entrance is on your right.
Details of the following events will be posted soon
Saturday, June 15, 2019 at 11 am: Cumberland Falls State Nature Preserve, McCreary and Whitley Co., KY
Sunday, June 16, 2019 at 10 am: Pine Mountain State Park Nature Preserve, Bell Co., KY
Sunday, June 30, 2019 at 10 am: Wahkeena Nature Preserve, Fairfield Co., OH
Saturday, July 13, 2019 at 11:00 am: Herrick Fen, Triangle Lake & Kent Bog, Portage Co., OH
Sunday, July 21, 2019 at 10 am: Slate Run Metropark & Lake Hope State Park, Fairfield & Vinton Co., OH
Sunday, July 28, 2019 at 2 pm: Miami Whitewater Forest, Hamilton Co., OH
Saturday, August 3, 2019 at 10 am: Hazeldell Meadow, Pulaski Co., KY
Saturday August 10, 2019 Invasive removal at Warder Perkins Preserve, Hamilton County, OH
Saturday, August 17, 2019 at 10 am: Crooked Creek Barrens State Nature Preserve, Lewis Co., KY
Friday September 6, 2019 – Photo Sharing Program at Avon Woods Nature Center, Hamilton County – Note: date for this meeting is one week earlier than usual.
Saturday, September 14, 2019 at 11:00 am: Oak Openings, Lucas Co., OH
Details of further events will be posted here in Jan 2019
All of our events are free and open to the public. Of course if you enjoy our events, as we think you will, it is nice to join to help support the Society. Our hikes and lectures are excellent, in a wonderful casual atmosphere. You will have the opportunity to talk with our speakers after the meetings. Our hike leaders are knowledgeable and will be glad to point out the plants that we are seeing.
