Explore Birds and Wildflowers in Hopkins Memorial Forest

Media contact: Noelle Lemoine, communications assistant; tele: (413) 597-4277; email: [email protected]

WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass., April 28, 2014—Hopkins Memorial Forest will host a pair of spring nature activities on Saturday, May 3. The day kicks-off at 7:30-9:30 a.m. with a birdwalk around the fields and woods in search of spring migrants and resident birds, and will continue from 10 to 11:30 a.m. with a wildflower walk guided by botanist and Williams College Professor of Biology Joan Edwards. These two activities are individual; participants may take part in either or both programs, meeting at the Rosenburg Center, near the entrance of Hopkins Forest.

Early May is typically a great time to explore nature in the Berkshires. With the lengthening and warming of the days, spring ephemeral wildflowers are typically in full bloom; indeed they have to hurry to capitalize on the sunny conditions on the forest floor that precedes the flushing out of the tree canopies above. Edwards has been studying the flora of Hopkins Forest for many years; she is also an authority on plant/pollinator interactions and seed dispersal mechanisms. Some of the spring blooms that may be on display include trillium, trout lily, violets, foamflower, and toothwort. In addition, participants will have a chance to learn more about some of our native perennial plants—including trees and shrubs.

Mid-spring is also prime time to see a variety of charismatic birds in the fields, woods, and wetlands of the Berkshires. Indeed this is the period when many neo-tropical migratory birds are returning from their wintering grounds in Latin America in search of nesting territories in temperate New England and beyond. Warblers, thrushes, vireos, swallows, sparrows, and hawks are among the birds that can be seen in abundance in Hopkins Forest this time of year.

Both activities are free and open to the public. In each activity, we will explore a variety of natural habitats, so rugged footwear and outdoor gear are recommended, and, if you plan to attend the bird walk, a pair of binoculars would be helpful. Hopkins Forest, owned and operated by Williams College, is located near the junction of Bulkley Street and Northwest Hill Road in Williamstown.

END

For building locations on the Williams campus, please consult the map outside the driveway entrance to the Security Office located in Hopkins Hall on Main Street (Rte. 2), next to the Thompson Memorial Chapel, or call the Office of Communications (413) 597-4277. The map can also be found on the web at www.williams.edu/map

Online:

Williams.edu

Facebook.com/williamscollege

Twitter.com/williamscollege

Instagram.com/williamscollege

Published April 28, 2014