The Homestead Hikers enjoyed the early spring at the Richard P Gravely, Jr. Nature Preserve in Ridgeway. The two-mile trail led the 14 hikers to a century-old family cemetery, through an early rhododendron arbor and along paths rich with the spring bloom of toadshade trillium, bloodroot and trout-lily. The hikers were so thankful to have Linda Park and Ellen Jesse share their recognition of heartleaf, striped wintergreen, and cranefly orchids approaching bloom. These two ladies are always a joy to have along; their encyclopedic knowledge of plant life always contributes so much to the group experience. The Homestead Hikers organized in 2014 through the Reynolds Homestead. Hikes are led by volunteers and cover trails both within and outside the county. The April hike will be led by Lucy Rudd on April 9 when the group will visit the Shot Tower and walk along the New River Trail. Anyone interested in joining this group of over 50 members should email homesteadhikers@gmail.com.<a href="http://www.mountainmedianews.com/enterprise/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/homestead-hikers1.jpg" rel="attachment wp-att-1465"><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-1465" src="http://www.mountainmedianews.com/enterprise/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/homestead-hikers1-300x232.jpg" alt="homestead hikers" width="300" height="232" /></a>
