Photo: Ragged Fringed Orchid by Kyle Langford, NN VNPS.

The Northern Neck Chapter of the Virginia Native Plant Society (NN VNPS) is offering a walk for the public on June 14 to see orchids and other wildflowers at Chilton Woods, a Virginia State Forest in Lancaster County. “We will especially be looking for some Green Adder’s-mouth and the Ragged Fringed Orchid which bloom at this time of year,” explained NN VNPS webmaster Kyle Langford. “Several other orchid species may have buds already, too."

“This is 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 habitats at Chilton Woods are very special,” added NN VNPS president Kevin Howe. 

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

When:  Thursday, June 14 at 10:00 am

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

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

Questions: call Kevin Howe, NN Chapter President at 571-232-4592 or email to nnvnps@gmail.com.