Free parks programs begin season with blooms

Eyes down along the paths at Sanctuary Woods in Laketown Township on Thursday, April 30, 2026: To the right, trillium. Jack in the pulpit. To the left, Solomon’s seal. Dutchman’s Breeches.

Look up! Whooo-Whooo-Who-Who!

The participants in the free Woodland Wildflower Walk led by Outdoor Discovery Center Naturalist Jennifer LaForest trained their eyes up into the trees for a feathered bonus to their hike.

“That’s a barred owl,” LaForest said.

The five walkers paused to catch a glimpse of the bird before turning back to the diversity at their feet.

Mayapple. Squirrel corn.

“This is a great spot to come out to in different seasons,” LaForest said, explain in the blooming cycles of the multitude of plants in the 40-acre park at 4750 66^th St.

Upcoming programs

The free program sponsored by the Laketown Township Parks and Recreation Commission was the first Outdoor Discovery Center program for the year in the township parks.

The next free program is Tuesday, May 19, from 9-10:30 a.m. with Migratory Birds at Wolters Woods Park, 6281 147^th Ave.

Explore the trails with a naturalist and learn to recognize birds as spring migrants return. Binoculars and field guides are available for use during the program. For ages 10 and up. Guardians stay with the class.

Registration is not required but appreciated here.

For more information, click here.