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“The Forest in Springtime” is the theme of a guided walk in Brushy Hills Preserve on Saturday, April 15, beginning at 10 a.m. and lasting about two hours. Anyone interested in how spring changes unfold in the woods is welcome to register for the event.
Phil Coulling, the walk’s guide, notes that these changes don’t happen the same way in all forest species. For example, “some trees leaf out well before others,” he said, “and some trees flower first and then leaf out, while others produce flowers and leaves at the same time.” These and other questions will be explored; and along the way, said Coulling, “we’ll discover more of what spring has to offer.”
Numbers are limited for this walk, to avoid crowding on the trails. To register, email [email protected].
A Rockbridge native, Coulling is a forest ecologist. He worked for the Virginia Natural Heritage Program before returning home in 2004 to become Nature Camp’s executive director.
Participants will meet at the Brushy Hills Trailhead, located at 1010 Union Run, and are reminded to wear shoes suitable for walking on woodland trails. In case of inclement weather, the event will be cancelled. Call Alexia Smith with any questions at (540) 460-0854.
Brushy Hills Preserve is owned by the city of Lexington. This event is sponsored by the Friends of Brushy Hills, a group of volunteers who maintain trails, produce educational materials, and support forest health; by agreement with the city, the Friends serve as stewards of the preserve. For more information, visit friendsofbrushyhills.org.
