Guided Hike to Mass Audubon’s High Ledges Wildlife Sanctuary - In Search of Pink and Yellow Lady Slipper Orchids: Sunday, May 21, 9:00 AM. Meet at the Arm’s Library in Shelburne Falls, 9:00 AM.
The Deerfield River Watershed Association, Shelburne Open Space Committee, Shelburne Falls Senior Center, and Arms Library have partnered to lead a scenic and educational hike to the High Ledge at Mass Audubon’s High Ledges Wildlife Sanctuary in search of the Pink and Yellow Lady Slipper Orchids. The even more rare yellow Lady Slippers are listed as “Endangered” in Massachusetts. https://www.massaudubon.org/get-outdoors/wildlife-sanctuaries/high-ledges/about/trails
What to Bring: Hikers should wear good walking sneakers or hiking boots and bring water to drink, a snack, sunscreen, and tick repellant or treatment. (The most effective tick treatment is to pretreat your clothing with Permethrin!)
What to Know: This very popular 1.4-mile round trip hike is rated as slightly moderate; mostly follows a hilly, dirt road; and its goal is a cliff ledge with amazing views of the Deerfield River Valley to the west. And, if we have timed it correctly, plenty of Lady Slippers to view. We will discuss the history of the area and will also point out other hiking trails. There will be plenty of discussion stops along the way. The drive and hike will most likely take about 2 1/2 hours.
Where to Meet: Meet at the front steps of the Arm’s Library in Shelburne Falls at 9:00 AM on Sunday, May 21. We can then drive individually or carpool the 6.4 miles (12 minutes) to the trailhead from there. Carpoolers will need to wear COVID-19 suitable masks in the vehicles. Or, you can meet us at Audubon’s first trailhead parking lot off Patten Road at about 9:15.
If you have any questions, or would like to pre-register so that you can be notified in case of a need to reschedule, contact Jim at: drwa@deerfieldriver.org
See you there!
The May 21, 2023 Lady Slipper hike at the Audubon's High Ledges included 14 hikers. We were a little early in the season, but saw about 8 or so Pink Lady Slippers.
Pink Lady Slippers at the Mass Audubon’s High Ledges Wildlife Sanctuary
