A program of nine guided nature walks focusing on topics ranging from wildflowers to medicinal plants will take place Saturday at Kanawha State Forest, starting from the forest’s nature center at the former swimming pool area.
Cost is $7 for adults and $3 for children under 12. Proceeds support Kanawha State Forest Foundation projects in the forest.
Registration will take place from 8:30 to 9 a.m., immediately followed by the walks, which are:
Aquatic Life — A kid-friendly event in which nets will be used to catch and identify fish, aquatic insects and other aquatic species dwelling in Davis Creek
Wildflowers — An easy-to-moderate walk to observe spring blooms along Snipe and Shrewsberry Hollow trails
Geology — A moderate-to-difficult hike on Overlook Rock Trail to learn the basics of Appalachian Mountain geology
Trees, Wildflowers and Birds — A moderate hike with a three-pronged theme along Polly Trail
Wild Wetlands — An easy walk along T.K. Pauley Amphibian Loop Trail to explore the life forms of wetlands, including frogs, salamanders, snapping turtles, wildflowers and plants. Participants are urged to bring shoes they don’t mind getting wet or muddy.
Birds — An easy-to-moderate hike along Rattlesnake Hollow Trail to identify birds by sight and sound. Participants are encouraged to binoculars if they have them, otherwise loaner binoculars will be available.
Medicinal and Useful Plants — A slow and easy walk along Johnson Hollow Trail
Mining Kanawha State Forest — View remnants of former coal mining activity within the forest, learn about techniques used and discuss the role of coal in daily life and during the West Virginia Mine Wars on an easy-to-moderate walk along Davis Creek, Shrewsberry Hollow and Snipe trails.
Nature Interpretation and Forest Management — Learn how the pieces fit together in a healthy forest on an easy, handicapped-accessible walk along Salamander Trail
