”Ephemeral” means “lasting for a very short time,” and describes many of nature’s beauties: a sunset, a rainbow, a spring wildflower—things we see when we take the time to look for them.

On Friday, May 7 from 9:30-11:30AM, come explore the trails of the Charlotte C. Browne Woods on Washington Hill Road in Chocorua with naturalist and Chocorua Lake Conservancy Stewardship Director Lynne Flaccus as we hunt for some of spring’s earliest wildflowers, the “ephemeral” treasures that sprout and flower early in the spring before leaves in the forest canopy block sunlight. These are the early bloomers that take advantage of abundant sunlight to set their blossoms and decorate the forest floor in various shades of white, pink, yellow, and purple.

We’ll follow the trail along the edge of the wetland and back up through the uplands to see what may be just starting to bloom, or already in full display. So much depends on when the snow has melted and the ground thawed. Along the way we can look for the various plants that have overwintered under a cover of snow, still evergreen despite a long period of inactivity. Why do some plants retain their leaves over the winter while others seem to magically appear in the spring? We’ll learn why!

The Charlotte C. Browne property was gifted to the Chocorua Lake Conservancy in 2001 by members of the Chamberlin-Browne family, to protect uplands associated with the Chocorua River. The family trail on the property continues to be maintained by the CLC for public access, and provides for a moderate meandering walk through woods, fields, and along wetland edges. We’ll explore as we go and search for signs of spring!

Please send an email to lflaccus@chocorualake.org to register, space will be limited. Please include in your email a phone number in the event plans change at the last minute. We ask that you come with a face mask. Wear comfortable walking shoes or boots—the field may be wet from previous rain or dew—and bring water and a snack, if you like. And don’t forget to be prepared for the usual spring ticks and biting insects.

Naturalist Lynne Flaccus has 30 years of experience in land conservation and stewardship, managing protected properties, studying wildlife, and educating adults and children.

Banner image: Trout lily. Photo: Greg Shute