2011 Buffalo National River Region Wildflower Season

This has been a weird last month. Very heavy snow storms topped off by the last one -- a real monster for around here. We have at least 15" of snow on the ground, and it may be more. Our county has been declared a disaster area. It will probably be at least 3-4 days before we can go anywhere.

Rest in Peace Old Friend

I am sorry to report that my signature black and dirt jeep with the generic white labels is dead. On Saturday the 5th I lost control of the old girl, did a "360", stuck it in a 4ft ditch, and slammed it into a stone bank. Pretty much trashed it. Estimated repairs are $7000, so it is off to the bone yard.

Miraculously I came out of that crash with only one bruise. Perhaps it is because I rotated the jeep clockwise as recommended by the sign -- I did stay well below the recommended 50 MPH though. By the time I popped up and out of the jeep, there were two trucks volunteering to help. As amazing as this place is, the people are still better. They got the jeep upright, positioned it off the road, and then gave me a ride home. My thanks to the Davidsons of Elk Horn Road for their help.

As hard as it seems to believe wildflower season is now less than a month off. I spent some time looking at the shooting dates of last year's photos. Wildflower season begins in the first week of March if it follows last year's patterns. If you don't live near wildflowers you can rely on the blooming date of daffodils to signal the onset of the 2011 wildflower season in the Buffalo National River region.

I am looking out the window at hundreds of birds at my feeders due to the snow cover. You know the snow cover is heavy when you see red-winged blackbirds in droves at your feeder. I don't think there are more than 15 or 20 pairs of these birds nearby around ponds and runoffs. I have them all now at the feeder, plus other from more distant places.

Harbinger of Spring, Lost Valley

The first wildflower you photograph will likely be Harbinger of Spring (go figure). These tiny flowers are a bit difficult to find, the flower head is about the size of a dime and it blends real well with the cover on the forest floor. You will have to look close to see them. As I did last year, I will post flowers and shooting dates.


A few things to remember:

• First, the wildflower season is long. To see the most species you need to get out about every week. Some species will bloom only about a week or so, take a week off and you might miss them for the season.
  
• Second, the season will be different in different places. For example, Smith Creek Preserve will lag about a week behind Lost Valley. There are even timing differences within one area. Wildflowers teach you a lot about micro-climates and niches.
  
• Third, some species are common in one place and rare in another. A good example is Dutchman's Breeches. They are rare in Lost Valley, but pretty common at Smith Creek Preserve.
  
• Fourth, there are many places to find wildflowers up and down the river. Just about every hiking trail has spots where the flowers are pretty thick. There are differences between mountain top environments, and along the river and feeder creeks. Pay attention to roadsides as well. You will find wildflower hot spots everywhere.
  
• Fifth, you can get great flower pictures with pretty ordinary equipment. Don't place limits on yourself because you lack this lens or that camera. Great photos are about composition, about light. Look for dramatic light, think in terms of shapes and lines. Look beyond the obvious, think carefully and pick your shots and angles. These habits will move your photos to another level. 

Be safe. If you hike a relatively remote place like Smith Creek Preserve, ideally do it with a friend. Always let someone know where you went. If you have the bucks consider getting a rescue beacon. We can all be seduced into believing there is no danger in these beautiful wild places. That can be a fatal mistake.

Plan Your Buffalo National River Visit for Spring 2011

Harbinger of Spring

It is hard to believe that the spring wildflower season is only about two months off now. A pretty reliable sign of the wildflower season is the first blossoming of daffodils. In about this same time frame, visits to local wildflower hotspots like the Lost Valley hiking trail, and Smith Creek preserve, will reveal the first wildflower species of the year.

In early spring, the famous Arkansas elk herd is still visible, and and until about April 1, big bull elk can still be observed in Boxley Valley fields.

Early spring is also generally the beginning of the waterfall season. This is highly dependent on rainfall, and currently the water table is very low after many months of very low precipitation. With only a couple of heavy rains, the situation will change rapidly. Visit http://arkansaswildlifephotography.com for continuous updates on all spring attractions.

Canoe Launch at Ponca Access

Spring floating can also begin about the same time. Kayakers track rainfall closely and they'll show up all spring to float the Buffalo especially the upper reaches of the Buffalo known as the Hailstone. Floating for regular people can begin in the spring, but most outfitters will closely watch water temperature and floating conditions to make sure it's safe.

In early spring, visitors can plan a stay that will include floating, photography, elk watching, and hiking. Conditions can vary a bit depending on weather, but spring is an outstanding time to visit, if the weather cooperates, it can be amazing.

Spring Offers Good Elk Viewing 

If you plan to visit, now is the time to begin making cabin reservations. Spring is a busy time Buffalo national River region and cabins book up fast. take time now the plan your stay. Good planning will save you time and money when you visit.

Visit http://upperbuffaloriver.com for more information.

Wildflowers Peaking Now At Buffalo National River

Plan to visit Buffalo National River if you are a wildflower fan. The wildflower bloom is now at peak and will last for a couple of weeks yet before beginning a slow decline.

Popular venues include the Lost Valley Campground and Smith Creek Preserve. A handful of early species are now past their blooming period, but just this week Phlox, Jack-In-The-Pulpits, May Apples, all the woods violets, Larkspur, Dogwood Trees, Red Bud Trees, and Crested Iris have started blooming.

Lost Valley Campground is a great venue for the entire family. The first half-mile of the trail is barrier free with two benches to rest on. This same section of trail has virtually every wildflower that is blooming everywhere in Lost Valley.

Of course, the wildflower story transcends Lost Valley. The entire Buffalo National River region is ablaze in wildflowers. Virtually every roadside, feeder creek, holler, and bank of the river is a part of the bloom.

For specific information and timing of the species as well as other Buffalo National River information, visit http://arkansaswildlifephotography.com. For floating contact Lost Valley Canoe at http://lostvalleycanoe.com. For lodging and outfitters, visit http://upperbuffaloriver.com, for an area guide and to stay just minutes from the river and all the famous attractions like Hemmed In Hollow, Steel Creek, Indian Creek, Lost Valley, and the Ponca Wilderness.

Spring is prime time in the heart of Buffalo River County, Newton County.