Coontree Trail – May 18, 2026

Posted on June 2, 2026 by WCBC

We had perfect weather. Although temperatures in the 80’s were threatened, it was pleasant in the woods. Once again we found our bucket list plants (eventually!) as well as a bunch of Violets, Large Wood Sorrel (Oxalis grandis) & Purple Meadow Parsnip (Thaspium trifoliatum). Another great field trip followed by lunch in the shade at the Coontree picnic area.

Photography by Cindy Carpenter, Penny Longhurst, & Jim Poling. Botanical plant names seem to change almost every day, but for now we use those approved by ITIS, the Integrated Taxonomic Information System. Plants that are non-native to North America are indicated by an asterisk (*) placed after the species name. Click on any picture to zoom & enter the slide show.

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Blue Ridge Parkway Ridgeline Trail – May 15, 2026

Posted on May 28, 2026 by WCBC

We never did manage to fit this field trip in with all the rain last year, but this year the weather was fantastic! Once again, the Blue Ridge Parkway Ridgeline Trail (aka the Painted Trillium trail) lived up to its reputation. Painted Trillium were everywhere! It looks like this will be a great summer for Blueberries and Blackberries too.

Botanical plant names seem to change almost every day, but for now we use those approved by ITIS, the Integrated Taxonomic Information System. Plants that are non-native to North America are indicated by an asterisk (*) placed after the species name. Photography by Hugh Irwin, Penny Longhurst, & Jim Poling. Click on any picture to zoom and enter the slide show.

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Oklawaha Greenway – May 11, 2026

Posted on May 23, 2026 by WCBC

A select group of members walked part of the Oklawaha Greenway starting from the Patton Park trailhead. Katie Breckheimer, Friends of the Oklawaha Greenway chair, started us off by explaining how the Greenway was created and their goals for the future. Then she and Sharon Burlingame explained how Wes got involved with planting native trees and plants along the Greenway. We then walked down to Mud Creek and the pollinator gardens. Thanks to Tom Ferguson who adopted us on our return hike and pointed out all the special plants we had missed!

We hadn’t visited the Oklawaha since October 2017. The area was flooded during Tropical Storm Helene in 2024. Thus, a field trip to check out the Wes Burlingame Native Plant Garden which features over 30 varieties of native shrubs, trees, grasses, wildflowers, and ferns was clearly overdue! A list of the plantings can be found here.

Botanical plant names seem to change almost every day, but for now we use those approved by ITIS, the Integrated Taxonomic Information System. Plants that are non-native to North America are indicated by an asterisk (*) placed after the species name. Photography by Sarah King & Penny Longhurst. Click on any picture to zoom & enter the slide show.

 

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Holmes Educational State Forest, Upper Loop (Demonstration Trail) – May 8, 2026

Posted on May 18, 2026 by WCBC

Holmes Trail Map

We were a little late for the Trillium but the Fairy Wands were in full swing! And loads of ferns. Once again we saw the confusing mystery Holly. Is it Ilex ambigua or Ilex montana? It seems to have characteristics of both. If you have any ideas, please let us know at wcbotanicalclub@gmail.com.

Photography by Penny Longhurst.  Botanical plant names seem to change almost every day, but for now we use those approved by ITIS, the Integrated Taxonomic Information System. Plants that are non-native to North America are indicated by an asterisk (*) placed after the species name. Click on any picture to zoom and view the slide show.

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Rock Quarry Road – May 4, 2026

Posted on May 13, 2026 by WCBC

A new spring walk for us and a bunch of different plants to see. Botanical plant names seem to change almost every day, but for now we mostly use those approved by ITIS, the Integrated Taxonomic Information System. Plants that are non-native to North America are indicated by an asterisk (*) placed after the species name. Photography by Eric King & Penny Longhurst.  Click on any picture to zoom.

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