ASHLAND — If you think spring’s best blooms are found in a flower bed, the woods
would like a word.

Ashland Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) is encouraging flower enthusiast and nature lovers to step off the beaten path and into a world of hidden beauty during Conservation Chat: Woodland Wonders on Friday, May 23 at 9 a.m. at the Hazel Willis Woods.

Now in its fourth year, this spring wildflower walk has quietly become one of Ashland County’s can’t-miss seasonal traditions—and for good reason. Tucked beneath the forest canopy are more than 50 cataloged species of woodland wildflowers, including the elusive and rare wild hyacinth. (Yes, the kind you’ll want to brag about spotting later.)

Guiding the walk are Ohio Certified Volunteer Naturalists Tim and Paula Lavey, Ashland SWCD’s 2025 Volunteers of the Year. If there’s a bloom worth noticing — or a story worth telling — they’ll make sure you don’t miss it.

“Each year, we have more and more people excited to join our spring wildflower walk,” said Jane Houin, Ashalnd SWCD director. “And the Laveys are just a wealth of knowledge that they love to share. They do visits to the woods early and often to check on the progress of the spring bloom, and they will be leading a word day before the walk, focusing on removing invasive species from the woods as well.”

Participants will learn to spot the difference between native and invasive species (hint: one belongs, the other definitely RSVP’d without being invited), and why that distinction matters for the health of our forests and waterways.

But this walk isn’t just about what’s blooming — it’s also about what’s growing behind the scenes. Attendees will get a firsthand look at recent improvements to the Hazel Willis Woods and hear what’s next for this 40-acre outdoor learning laboratory and local natural treasure.

And yes — bring your camera. Between the wildflowers, winding trails, and fresh spring greens, you’ll want proof you were there.

Best of all, tickets are free. Guests also have the option to include a donation, which will go directly toward planting even more native wildflower species on the property — because you can never have too many flowers (especially when they belong there).

Reservations are required and can be made at woodlandwonders.eventbrite.com. If history is any indicator, don’t wait — last year’s event sold out.

So lace up your walking shoes, charge your phone, and come see what spring looks like when nature does the decorating.

Ashland SWCD hosts Conservation Chats each month focusing on providing outreach and education on a variety of conservation issues. Additional information is available at the Ashland SWCD office at 110 Cottage Street, Ashland or by calling 419-281-7645.