NEW HOPE GUIDED TOUR FIELD GUIDE
Late-Spring Bloom: A Guided Walk Through New Hope’s Native Wildflowers
A three-hour guided walk at Bowman’s Hill Wildflower Preserve with naturalist Mary Anne Borge that surveys later-blooming spring wildflowers and their ecological roles.
Late-Spring Bloom: A Guided Walk Through New Hope’s Native Wildflowers.
Spring doesn’t stop with the ephemerals at Bowman’s Hill Wildflower Preserve — a second wave of native blooms arrives in late spring. This guided session examines that wave, from woodland phlox and shooting star to the striking yellow lady’s-slipper orchid, and emphasizes the wildlife and landscape roles of these species.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Late‑spring natives in full color
Expect a close look at later‑blooming spring species found at the preserve, including woodland phlox (Phlox divaricata), eastern columbine (Aquilegia canadensis), Solomon’s seal (Polygonatum biflorum), shooting star (Dodecatheon meadia), wood geranium (Geranium maculatum) and the yellow lady’s‑slipper (Cypripedium parviflorum).
Led by Mary Anne Borge
The walk is taught by Mary Anne Borge, a naturalist, photographer, author and educator who serves as an instructor at Bowman’s Hill Wildflower Preserve and is a Pennsylvania master naturalist; she also edits Butterfly Gardener Magazine and documents native plants on her blog.
An annual deep dive for native‑plant advocates
This session is part of the Knowing Native Plants series, an annual set of seasonal classes (14 Saturday sessions) that serve as required attendance for the Native Plant Advocate Program.
What the day feels like
What the walk feels like
Over three hours at Bowman’s Hill, participants move through the preserve’s plant communities to observe and discuss the later‑blooming spring wildflowers — a distinct phase between the spring ephemerals and the flowering shrubs — with attention to their biology and value to wildlife.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this program suits — and who should check ahead.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Late spring session — scheduled as a three‑hour program (All Ages) on Saturday, May 2nd; confirm dates with the preserve.
Refer to the preserve or operator for specific gear recommendations for the walk.
Meeting point is Bowman's Hill Wildflower Preserve; contact the preserve for arrival instructions and any accessibility details.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the walk?
The program runs three hours.
When is this session offered?
This late‑spring session is scheduled for Saturday, May 2nd.
Where do we meet?
Meet at Bowman’s Hill Wildflower Preserve.
Who leads the program?
The walk is led by naturalist Mary Anne Borge, an instructor at Bowman’s Hill Wildflower Preserve and a Pennsylvania master naturalist.
Is this suitable for children?
Yes — the program is described as All Ages.
Is this part of a larger series?
Yes — it is part of the annual Knowing Native Plants series of 14 Saturday classes and is required attendance for the Native Plant Advocate Program.