Wildflower Walk coming to Russ Forest on May 2

Published 5:52 pm Thursday, April 23, 2009

By Staff
Have you ever visited Russ Forest in the spring? Beginning in April, wildflowers blanket the forest floor in a spectacular display. Every few days the view changes and new colors greet the visitor as old colors fade until next year.
Cass County Parks and Recreation, in partnership with the Cass County Conservation District, is hosting a free Wildflower Walk at Russ Forest Park on Saturday, May 2, 2009, from 10 to 11 a.m. Carole Bettig will guide the tour.
Be sure to wear old shoes or boots, and dress for the weather. Russ Forest is located on Marcellus Highway, east of Decatur Road. The walk will start at the east entrance of the park.
It is estimated that there are over 20,000 species of flowering plants in North America. Wildflowers are those that grow in the wild or on their own, without cultivation. If they are indigenous to the area, they are called "natives." Those that have been introduced from other parts of the world, and which may be quite common, are referred to as "naturalized." Soapwort, also known by the common names of Scourweed, Sheepweed, Soaproot, and Bouncing-Bet (an old fashioned name for a washer-woman) is an example of a naturalized wildflower. This lovely white to pale pink roadside flower is a European native that is common over much of the eastern states.
Come, discover and learn about the wildflowers of Russ Forest. For further information contact Cass County Parks and Recreation at 269-445-8611 or email swyman@casscoroad.com