BEDFORD – Plans have been finalized for the White River Forestry Committee Wildflower Hike on Saturday, April 13, at Becks Mill near Salem. Carroll Ritter, who organizes the hike each year, said the group has brought it back to Beck’s Mill because of its popularity.
Ritter said there is a $10 fee for adults who attend the hike, including entrance to the Becks Mill Historic Site, the wildflower hike, and light refreshments. Any funds raised support other educational efforts of the White River RC&D. Children are free.
Becks Mill will be open, making cornmeal, and is always a fun place to visit. This year, two hikes will be offered from 10:30 a.m. until Noon and from 12:30 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. Since the hikes are always quite popular and only a limited number of people can effectively participate in each hike, Carroll said pre-registration is required. We also ask that payment be made at the time of registration to save your place on the hike.
To register, contact Amanda Robbins at the Lawrence County Soil and Water Conservation District Office. She can be reached by email at amanda.robbins@in.nacdnet.net. Let her know which hike you wish to sign up for, and she’ll tell you where to send your payment.
This year, those attending are welcome to bring their lunch and picnic at the site, but the Friends of Beck’s Mill also offer a meal on site. For $8, the Friends will provide a meal of barbecued chicken and two sides. Drinks are extra. All proceeds from the meal go to support Becks Mill. They also have bagged cornmeal available for purchase. Please let Amanda know when you register if you are likely to want to purchase lunch from the Friends so they know how much food to prepare.
Please arrive early so the hikes can leave on time. Ritter of Outdoor Connections will lead the hikes through a cadre of natural resource professionals well-versed in spring; ephemeral wildflowers, trees, vines, invasives, and other plants will also be on hand. Janet Eger, Bob Moss, and others will assist with the hike.
The hike was last held at Becks Mill in 2022. Ritter noted that in April 2014, they compiled a list of flowering plants at the site, which included 102 species of wildflowers, vines, and small shrubs. There were also 40 species of trees and larger shrubs, many of which will bloom if people know what to look for, and 7 species of ferns.
Ritter is pleased to return to Becks Mill, “It’s a very interesting area,” he notes, “with lots of diversity, and we found many interesting wildflowers. People really enjoyed this hike.”
The event is conducted in light rain but is canceled if severe weather approaches. The terrain is rolling hills, and the trails are not steep but wear sturdy shoes because the trail tread is dirt and rock.
In previous years, the hikes have often filled up, so make your reservations early by contacting Amanda Robbins at the Lawrence County Soil and Water Conservation District Office. She can be reached by email at amanda.robbins@in.nacdnet.net or by calling 812-279-8117, ext 3, and asking for Amanda.
