First Hike of the Season

We headed to Grant's Nature Area, a very nearby park with some trails. Not a whole lot was up yet, but the kids got a taste of what we'll be doing a lot of this year, and learned about a couple wildflowers. They found some yellow feathers, too. I need to go through our bird guide to identify who they came from, but, despite some whining nearing the end, I think we all had fun. It will be even more so, I think, once they can forage a little and learn about wild edible plants. It was a beautiful day-perfect-not too hot or chilly.

Dutchman's Breeches: Dicentra cucullaria. 4-12 in. tall; flower 1/2-3/4 in. long. Flowers white, waxy, with 2 spurred petals like baggy trouser legs; leaves springing from stem base, much divided. Found in rich woods, shaded moist ledges. In bloom April-May.

Spring Beauty: Claytonia virginica. 2-10 in tall; flower 1/2 in. wide. Flower pink to white with dark pink veins, in loose clusters; 2 narrow, slightly succulent leaves on each slender stem. Found in meadows, streambanks and woods March-June. Form large colonies, spreading underground via corms, which look like small new potatoes and taste like sweet chestnuts when boiled. Gathering is tedious, though, and it takes many to attempt a meal.