Akron.com

Bloom hikes offered at RHP



RICHFIELD — The Friends of Richfield Heritage Preserve is offering a self-guided hike to help visitors enjoy spring flowers in bloom in April and May at the Richfield Heritage Preserve (RHP), 4374 Broadview Road.
The hike is a 2-mile loop trail that starts just south of The Lodge and follows the Buckeye Trail through one of the most scenic sections of the park, according to the Friends group. These hikes are guided virtually by ecologist Jennifer Windus, who retired from the Ohio Division of Natural Areas and Preserves. Windus is president of the Ohio Invasive Plants Council and advises the Friends group’s invasive species management team. In addition, as vice president of the Ohio Natural Areas and Preserves Association (ONAPA), she guides volunteers and ONAPA’s stewardship assistants on projects that help improve natural areas and preserves, including Richfield Heritage Preserve.
To get the best view of the preserve’s spring ephemerals, Friends group officials suggest visiting friendsofrhp.org to download the guide.
RHP’s woodland blooms appear as the weather warms, but not all at once, and return trips are suggested, according to the Friends group. Informative signs are placed at intervals along the trail.
In addition, a more in-depth, in-person hike will be offered May 14 from 1 to 3:30 p.m. at RHP.
Friends of RHP is a nonprofit advocacy group partnering with the Richfield Joint Recreation District to preserve, protect, enhance and promote Richfield Heritage Preserve.