What is National Wildflower Week?
Always the first full week of May, National Wildflower Week commemorates the colorful blossoms that bring our landscapes to life. Whether they are on mountainsides, pastures or our own back yards, wildflowers create habitat, help conserve water and reduce erosion.
HOW TO OBSERVE
Take a guided through any of the many nature conservancies across the country and enjoy the beauty of the painted landscape in nature. Or, take an unguided walk in your own countryside. Use #NationalWildflowerWeek to post on social media and show us what you find.
HISTORY
This week-long tradition was started in 1987 by The Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, to celebrate the beauty and importance of native wildflowers across the United States.
What is a wildflower?
“Wildflower” is not really a scientific term. Put simply, a wildflower is generally considered to be a wild, non-woody, flowering plant. Think sunflowers, coneflowers, Dutchman’s breeches, lupines, trillium and columbine.
Why are wildflowers important?
Native wildflowers:
- Provide food and shelter for wildlife
- Play important roles in ecosystem health
- Beautify the environment
#WildflowerWeek
Sources:
https://nationaldaycalendar.com/national-wildflower-week-first-full-week-in-may/
https://www.americanmeadows.com/wildflower-gardening/national-wildflower-week
https://www.wildflower.org/nationalwildflowerweek
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Rod Washington: Rod is a blogger, writer, filmmaker, photographer, daydreamer who likes to cook. Rod produces and directs the web series, CUPIC: Diary of an Investigator. He also produces news and documentary video projects. Check out his podcast StoriesThisMoment at https://m3e.d71.myftpupload.com/stm-tncn-podcasts/