The recent warmer temperatures have us looking ahead to spring and thinking about some of Morgan County's iconic spring events. Of course, we're also looking forward to perfect not-too-hot-yet-not-cold weather for outdoor activities like hiking and horseback riding, but it's the spring events that have us wishing away the last few days of February...
Springtime means maple syrup time! Did you know Bradford Woods hosts a Maple Syrup Camp? This year's camp will be March 10-11 and features an overnight component for kids in grades 4-8, plus a day program option for kids in grades 3-8 and a half-day program for preschool through 2nd grade and a pancake dinner to wrap things up. Participants must be registered by March 3.
GardenFest is coming up on March 25. From 9 am to 3 pm you can browse through garden-related vendors, enjoy several speakers and even go home with pansies to plant. This annual event is a Morgan County tradition to prepare for the popular spring activities of flower planting, vegetable gardening, backyard bird watching or yard-decorating! Those who aspire to be Master Gardeners can get credit toward the Indiana Master Gardeners Program by attending this event's speaker sessions.
Looking for freshly blooming wildflowers is one of my favorite springtime activities. Join Master Naturalist David Mow at Morgan County Parks property Burkhart Creek Park as he leads a series of three spring Wildflower Walks. He'll identify several wildflower species as well as identify which are native and which are invaders. The first of these monthly walks will be March 18 - meet at the paved parking lot at the north end of the park off of Warthen Road at 1 pm. Additional Wildflower Walk dates are April 15 and May 13.
The Martinsville Model Train Show also rolls into town each year on the first Saturday in April and is a sure sign that spring has arrived. If you love trains, or you have kids who love trains, this is a great get-out-of-the-house event in early April that you can enjoy even if the weather still feels a bit chilly! There are tons of model train dealers, speakers, and several amazing working train layouts to watch. This event takes place in Martinsville Plaza, just off Burton Lane. The best part? It's super-affordable - only $3 per person OR $5 per family - so you'll have plenty left to enjoy lunch while you're in town.
Of course, we can't talk about spring in Morgan County without mentioning Helen Link's amazing daffodils. Link Observatory, one of our favorite area attractions is not only home to the space-viewing telescope, but it's also home to a gorgeous naturalized daffodil garden! The Indiana Daffodil Society and Morgan County Master Gardeners are kind enough to make sure the gardens are accessible during the daffodil season. The gates are open on weekends throughout the month of April (and occasionally the last weekend of March, depending on how the weather affects the blooming cycle of these hardy spring plants. If you visit, please stay on the mowed pathways as you explore the grounds.
If you just can't wait for spring, never fear - there's a great pre-spring garden planning opportunity coming up on February 23! Join Greg Marlett from Morgan County Parks and the Morgan County Soil and Water Conservation District at Old Town Waverly Park for a special program on "Garden Planning for Beginners." Get all your questions answered so you're prepared for planting! Program is free, but registration is required.
