Blooms Abound
Chik-Wauk Museum and Nature Center has a specific wildflower trail called Moccasin Lane. The trail, known for its pink stemless moccasin flowers that bloom in late spring, takes off right behind the museum and follows an old cabin road to loop back into the parking lots. But it’s not the only place on Chik-Wauk’s grounds that host a wide variety of wildflowers. Whichever of the five trails you choose to hike at Chik-Wauk, you’ll want to keep your eyes peels for the subtle wildflowers that are often lurking along the trail’s path.
There was a plethora of wildflowers to be found on the Tamarack Alley hiking trail yesterday. You need to watch your step because several pink stemless moccasin flowers are in full glory . . . right in the middle of the path.
Starflowers have been blooming for a few weeks, but because of their small size, it’s always fun to find them peeping out of the undergrowth.
Labrador Tea is also at the high of their blooms. Found in boggy areas, there’s a large stand of Labrador tea among tamarack trees right at the start of the Tamarack Alley path.
False lily of the valley, another bitty wildflower, has popped up next to the more showy moccasin flowers to make a lovely forest floor bouquet.
If you have a chance to take a hike in the woods this Memorial Day, be sure to take a good look at the forest floor as you move along. There might be some lovely wildflower gems waiting to be found!