Untamed Flowers

There is something enigmatically appealing about wildflowers. Growing bravely alongside rivers of dusty concrete, they represent a collision of the domestic and natural worlds. They flourish without human interference and would never suffer being planted in neat rows, yet they are more beautiful than any garden man could make. William Blake saw heaven in them, yet many see them as weeds, nuisances to be mowed over at the first chance.

Recently, I was able to get up close and personal with these natural wonders during a guided wildflower hike at Newport State Park in Ellison Bay. As the wind stirred gently in the expansive field the other participants and I were hiking through, Rolliana Scheckler, our ‘wildflower walker’ provided interesting and insightful anecdotes about the history, characteristics and names behind various wildflowers. We were given hand lenses, wildflower charts and pencils and encouraged to get up close to the flowers, ask questions and share our insights. Most of the wildflowers that we viewed were native species of Wisconsin, though a few were invasive. The park does control some of the invasive species, but allows the flowers to grow undisturbed for the most part. The hikes take place nearly every day of the week and last about an hour.

Prior to the hike, I got to explore Newport’s new nature center. A beautiful and functional building, the center opened in April, though efforts to get a new center have been going on since 1985. The new center provides more space for programs as well as better conditions for the employees, and is a nice addition to the park. Constructed to be as energy efficient as possible, the center is the result of a massive fundraising effort by the park’s friends group (they raised over $230,000). The building contains offices, a library and the multi-purpose Hotz Wilderness Room that contains educational displays, a computer and a slide projector. Original artwork donated by friends and employees of the park graces the walls of the center.

The park offers a number of activities besides the wildflower hikes, including historical tours, butterfly hikes, children’s activities and more. Both educational and enjoyable, the activities offered are diverse enough to offer something for everybody.

As summer comes to a close, head to the Newport State Park for one last glimpse of the beautiful wildflowers and wildlife in their natural setting before they are hidden by winter snows.

Newport State Park is located at 475 County Road NP, Ellison Bay, WI 54210. For more information and a schedule of events, visit www. Dcty.com/Newport/nws.html.