I AM AN ADMIRER of naturalist Carol Gracie, author of “Spring Wildflowers of the Northeast: A Natural History” (Princeton University Press), and she’s leading a wildflower walk in my town May 7, 2016 that I wanted to alert you to if you’re nearby. Friends of Taconic State Park–the park that borders my garden–is the host; the event takes place on a gorgeous trail in the Park, in Copake Falls, NY.

What makes this a special opportunity: Carol Gracie looks beyond the surface beauty of trilliums and trout lilies, baneberry and blue cohosh—into their life histories, their lore, and even their cultural uses. (If you can’t attend, bulleted links to two interviews I’ve done with Carol are at the bottom of this page.)

With Carol’s expert guidance, you will observe the native flora along the Iron Works Trail, an easy, nearly level path that parallels beautiful Bash Bish Brook. Carol shares a special understanding of who pollinates what, and what role these plants play in their environment in our Northeastern forests.

The group will meet in the parking area of the Historic Copake Iron Works (33 Valley View Road, Copake Falls, NY 12517) at 1:00 PM on May 7, rain or shine. Sturdy walking shoes and a water bottle are recommended. Carol’s book will be on sale following the walk.

Participation on the Spring Wildflower Walk, a program of the Friends of Taconic State Park, is limited to 20 people. Get a ticket now (just $10):

my interviews with carol gracie

• Look closer at spring wildflowers
• Wildflower propagation and “celandine confusion”