National Park Service Spring Nature Fling Event

Spring is here and so is a celebration of ecology throughout Southern West Virginia, Spring Nature Fling. This annual event runs from mid-March through May and highlights the wonders of nature in central Appalachia. Join free guided hikes and talks with rangers and naturalists, try your hand at nature-inspired art, attend nature workshops, learn about regional plants through art created by local youth and adult artists, and more. Event programs, workshops, and exhibits will take place at New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, Tamarack Marketplace, Beckley Art Center, Love Hope Gallery, Active Southern West Virginia, Three Rivers Avian Center, Beckley, Fayetteville, Hinton, Oak Hill, and the West Virginia State Parks of Babcock, Bluestone, Carnifex Ferry Battlefield, Hawks Nest, Little Beaver, Pipestem Resort, and Twin Falls Resort.

This event schedule is available at www.nps.gov/neri/planyourvisit/spring-nature-fling.htm . Be sure to check for updates to this event calendar, as additional programs may be added to this listing. All guided hikes and exhibits are free, while some workshops may have a fee. Some activities do require reservations.

Participants should bring water and wear sturdy walking shoes for hikes. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Tools like binoculars, a hand lens, camera, field guides, and smart devices pre-loaded with nature apps are suggested but not required. Follow and post photos at #SpringNatureFling to join in on this springtime fun!

Be sure to check out the new Youth Arts in the Parks 2024 Appalachian Spring Wildflower Art Contest exhibit at Tamarack Marketplace and online starting April 8, www.nps.gov/neri/youth-arts-in-the-parks.htm.