Wildflower Celebration a brilliant display of spring and nature

Deanna Watson, Muncie Star Press
·2 min read

MUNCIE, Ind. – A pristine forest near Farmland, Ind., that remained undeveloped for 200 years is closed to the public – except for eight hours each year.

An opportunity to explore the the Phyllis and Frank Yuhas Woods, 20 minutes east of Muncie, will come Sunday.

The Red-tail Land Conservancy, a nonprofit that manages nature preserves across the region, welcomes wildflower enthusiasts to an annual display of east central Indiana's best blooms of spring.

The Wildflower Celebration will be held from 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday at the Phyllis and Frank Yuhas Woods, named after Ball State University professors Phyllis and Frank Yuhas.

The forest is expected to be blanketed with colorful wildflowers, according to a release, including: Red and White Trillium, Yellow Trout Lilies, Blue Phlox, and Spring Beauties. Visitors can also see old-growth trees, a wetland and an overlook of Cabin Creek.

A couple enjoying the trail at the annual Wildflower Celebration in 2022, an event hosted by The Red-tail Land Conversancy in Muncie, Ind.. The nonprofit expects wildflower enthusiasts from all over the region to converge Sunday, May 7, 2023, for this year's event.
A couple enjoying the trail at the annual Wildflower Celebration in 2022, an event hosted by The Red-tail Land Conversancy in Muncie, Ind.. The nonprofit expects wildflower enthusiasts from all over the region to converge Sunday, May 7, 2023, for this year's event.

“Everywhere you look is a rainbow of wildflowers,” said Kelley V. Phillips, Red-tail’s Communications and Outreach Manager. “The songbirds, woodpeckers, and frogs create a lively springtime chorus.”

Visitors can explore the woods anytime from 1-4 p.m., and Red-tail will provide a family-friendly wildflower scavenger hunt. An information table will be staffed to help event attendees identify wildflowers they discover. Guided tours by expert botanists will be available at 1:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m.

“The Wildflower Celebration is a rare and beautiful opportunity to wander a living museum,” said Phillips. “Red-tail is delighted to provide the spectacular experience of a forest waking up from winter and bursting with life.”

Red-tail is not requiring registration for this free event, but guests are encouraged to bringi a camera to record the spring wildflowers and nature.

Removing flowers or any other natural item from this nature preserve is prohibited. Event details, directions, and parking can be found at www.ForTheLand.org/Events.

This article originally appeared on Muncie Star Press: Wildflower Celebration a brilliant display of spring and nature