Showy Orchid by Betsy Washington, Photo taken 2 weeks ago

The Northern Neck Chapter of the Virginia Native Plant Society (NN VNPS) is offering two FREE walks for members and the public to see orchids and other spring-blooming wildflowers in Chilton Woods, a Virginia State Forest located in Lancaster County.

We will especially be looking for some of the delicate Showy Orchids which bloom along with Pink Lady Slippers at this time of year.   This is one of the best pine-hardwoods forest in the Northern Neck, and perhaps even Virginia, for viewing a diversity of flowering orchids from spring through fall.

The walk will be about a mile on a dirt trail.  Wear sturdy shoes or boots; bring bug repellent, water, camera, etc.  

When:  Thursday, May 3 and Sunday, May 6 beginning each day at 1:00 pm

Where: Chilton Woods State Forest on Field Trial Road, Lancaster

Directions: Chilton Woods State Forest and its parking area are located on the south side of Field Trial Rd. between Rt. 3 (Mary Ball Rd.) and Rt. 600 (Ridge Rd.). 

If using Rt. 3: turn east on Field Trial Rd. which is about 4 miles north of Lively or 8 miles south of Farnham. Drive about 1.75 miles east on a good gravel road to the parking area on south side; about 1.25 miles from Rt. 600.  

It is a dirt trail and the walk will be about a mile.  Wear sturdy shoes or boots; bring water, bug repellent, camera.  

Questions: call Kevin Howe, NN Chapter President at 571-232-4592.  Feel free to call if lost.