Photo courtesy of DCNR
Mountain laurel, which is the state flower of Pennsylvania, is one of the flowers that could be seen on an upcoming plant walk.

As the evenings begin to get lighter and the cold, unfriendly days of Old Man Winter begin to fade away, it’s time to head outdoors and look for nature’s cues that spring is on the way.

It’s the season we all look forward to – when the forests burst into a riot of color, the birds treat us to a morning melody, we hear the buzzing of bees and the first glimpse of a butterfly.

There are plenty of signs to look out for when taking a daily walk in the forest, on your doorstep or just out in nature this spring. What better way to celebrate spring than going on a plant walk at one of the local parks.

“Spring has sprung! Get outdoors and enjoy the warmer temperatures,” said Jen Moore, environmental education specialist at the Greenwood Furnace State Park Complex in Huntingdon County. “Signs of new life are upon us.”

The first walks are slated for Whipple Dam State Park in Petersburg, Huntingdon, on Thursday, March 27.

Walks are scheduled from 2:30 to 4 p.m. and again from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Anyone attending should meet in the beach area.

Can’t make this date? No worries as another plant walk is slated for Whipple Dam on Monday, Sept. 29 at 2:30 and 6 p.m.

Take a leisurely stroll with Forestry Extension Educator Cathryn Pugh to learn about common plants in the state park. Walkers will also learn the basics of plant identification with opportunities to use their senses to experience the botanical world in new ways.

Walks can be up to a half-mile long, on gentle paths, with restrooms nearby. No registration for the walks is required and the programs are free.

Plant walks at other state parks are scheduled for later in the year:

•Penn-Roosevelt, Huntingdon – 2:30 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, July 30. Meet at day use area.

•Greenwood Furnace State Park, Huntingdon – 2:30 to 4 p.m. and 5 to 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 23. Meet at park office.

For more information, please visit events.dcnr.pa.gov or find them on Facebook.