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| The Trillium Festival's namesake |
Things have been abuzz here in the Nature Center at Tryon Creek. FOTC employees are performing a spring ritual that requires energy and planning reminiscent of squirrels gathering nuts for the winter: It is time for the annual Trillium Festival!
This year's festival takes place the first weekend in April, the 2nd and 3rd. It is the first time I have had a hand in helping to organize it and I am enjoying the process immensely. One of the key ingredients is the native and hardy plant sale, a regional favorite that is one of the year's earliest native plant sales. I am learning about plants with such evocative names as chocolate lilies, iris tenax, erythronium and lewisia (named after Meriwether Lewis), and as the forest here in Tryon Creek State Natural Area rouses from its winter slumber, with grateful green things growing everywhere, I am reminded once again to be thankful for the bounty of nature here in the Pacific Northwest.
In addition to the native and hardy plant sale the Trillium Festival will enliven the forest with music performed outside by a number of talented musicians. There will be food and beverages to keep visitors alert and satisfied as they stroll along the park's wooded paths, enjoying such sights as an installation of garden art that includes sculptures, wind chimes and mosaics, for their viewing (and purchasing) pleasure.
Those wanting to get out and explore the flora and fauna of Tryon Creek are invited to participate in free guided nature hikes led by special guests from REI and Friends' volunteers. There will be story times, face painting and craft activities for children as well.
The forest isn't the only place that will be springing to life during the festival. The Trillium Market in the Nature Center will feature wonderful edibles, beautiful locally made arts and crafts, and Annie Bloom's books available for purchase; the Tryon Creek Photo Club will display photographs of the park;and local environmental groups will be on hand to answer questions and provide information on the important work they do to promote sustainability and environmental stewardship. This includes OPRD, a vital partner to the Friends who help make the Trillium Festival possible.
A raffle featuring outdoor gear from Columbia Sportswear, Patagonia and REI, as well as vacation packages and other wonderful things, goes to support the nonprofit Friends' educational and restoration projects.
We hope to see you at this free, fun, family-friendly event on April 2nd - 3rd, from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. both days. Please take advantage of the free shuttle service from Lewis & Clark College and Riverdale High School.
