Washington County is full of opportunities to enjoy nature.

Pettigrew State Park is one place in the area available to enjoy outdoor trails, camping, and trips on the river.

A Wild Flower Hike was held on May 3 for visitors.

Steve Rodgers, Park Ranger at the Park, led a comprehensive tour of the different native species.

Rodgers pointed out jack-in-the-pulpits, fleabane, wood ferns, atamasco lilies, and catbriars along the trip.

Each plant observed offered an opportunity for learning.

The chance to see coral honey suckle was unique.

“Most of the honey suckle that we have is Japanese honey suckle. It is with the white and yellow flowers. Coral honey suckle is a native. Unfortunately it is often competed out by the Japanese version. You do not see very much of it anymore,” said Rodgers.

Rodgers went to two sites and gave details about plant environments and their management.

Jack-in-the-pulpit appeared twice on the trip.

Jack-in-the-pulpit is an intriguing wildflower native to eastern and midwestern North America, but is easily grown in shade gardens elsewhere. It gets its common name from its odd flower: a pouch-shaped spathe (“pulpit”) with an overhanging hood that surrounds a fingerlike central spadix (“Jack”).

Rodgers said he has done the wildflower hike two times.

“I enjoyed being able to get out and expand some of my own knowledge of flowers. It was good to share it with other folks that are equally excited about it as I am,” said Rodgers.

Paula Fitzpatrick enjoyed the wildflower hike.

“I thought it was great. We saw whatever was out at the moment. He identified a lot of things that I was not very knowledgeable about,” said Fitzpatrick.

Fitzpatrick came to Pettigrew last year to see the swans on Lake Phelps.

Fitzpatrick lives in Hertford, which is less than an hour from the park site.

“We have kayaks that I think we will bring next time,” said Fitzpatrick.

A boardwalk at the Pettigrew State Park is also in progress.

Park staff and volunteers helped with the building of the boardwalk.

The boardwalk spans 1800 feet.

“We started it in August and have completed the majority of it. It lets park visitors experience something different,” said Rodgers

A planned pier is under construction for people to access the water.

“Our maintenance mechanics are really the ones who led the effort on the boardwalk,” said Rodgers.