General Information
Each trout lily flower opens in late morning or early afternoon, follows the sun, and closes at dusk, so to see the open flowers go in the afternoon. If it is raining heavily or very dark and cloudy in the morning, the flowers may stay closed into the afternoon, but if the sun comes out later in the afternoon, they may open then. Each individual flower re-opens for several days, with overall numbers of flowers in bloom beginning gradually, increasing, peaking, then declining over the course of a few weeks. Depending on the winter weather the overall bloom may be anywhere from three or four weeks long, usually encompassing mid-February, rarely into March. Guided tours will be cancelled and the gate locked once the bloom has finished. You may visit throughout the year by parking by the gate and walking around it or contact bethgrant@bellsouth.net.
You can visit on your own (the gate will be left unlocked throughout the bloom) or attend a guided tour; schedules are shown below.
The trout lilies grow on a slope, so visitors need to wear boots or shoes WITH TREADS that may get damp or muddy.Bring a walking stick if desired. Some elderberrry walking sticks are provided for visitor use during your time at the preserve and you can purchase one with a donation.
Cameras are highly recommended! Please take nothing but photos, leave nothing but footprints. You may want to bring a hand lens or magnifying glass to look at the tiny twayblade orchids or small parts of other flowers. You can actually take photos through these lenses, if you don't have a close-up camera lens.
Unfortunately there is no access for people with significantly limited mobility who cannot complete a walk of several hundred yards on a slope. If you have minor limitations, be sure to come on a day when the ground will be dry, come with an able-bodied companion and bring a walking stick or cane. You probably will want to stay on the wider trail to the best views or walk along the upper trail. We have had very happy 90+ year old visitors, but only you can decide what is best for you.
Please do not bring dogs or other animals with the exception of Service Animals and note that there are no bathroom facilities at the preserve.
The trails may be very slippery when wet. Proceed with caution.
To find the preserve, take U.S. Highway 84 five miles west of Cairo to Wolf Creek Road, turn left, and look for the first gate on your left with a beautiful new sign provided by Whigham Eagle Scout Tyler Akridge. There is a parking area inside the gate.
Visitors are asked to sign in with the Whigham volunteer greeters or at the mailbox. There are laminated maps to use while you are there and color brochures that you may take if you want one to keep or share. (You can also find/print a copy from the link here.) Then proceed downhill to the slope. For a short walk to the best views, go straight down on the wide trail and come back the same way. Other trails are marked for those who want to enjoy a longer walk.You can make a large loop by continuing from the best views onto the lower trail, which carries you to a lovely view of Wolf Creek, then continue uphill and exit out the driveway. Or turn right onto the upper trail, with overlook views and tiny twayblade orchids, and come out as you came in. Or as you leave the parking area, proceed down the big trail and soon turn right onto the upper trail, making the loop counter-clockwise. There is also The Orchid Loop off of the big trail to the left as you go down slope, which wanders thru an area with two other species of orchid plants (not blooming) and other interesting habitats and plants not found on the main loop. The orchid loop comes out at the bottom of the best view area.
Be aware that after and during heavy rains the side and lower trails especially can be muddy, slippery, and wet. Please be extra careful where you step, both for your safety and to avoid further erosion and plant damage. The lower trail wanders through shrubbery, so if you want to stay on a more established trail, we recommend you turn around at the bottom of the western side trail (where there are the best views). On the upper trail (where there are good overviews) you can go back or exit to the road to the parking area rather than continuing down slope.
You may also walk south of the parking area towards Trillium Creek in a fairly open area with some large patches of trillium and rain lilies (not blooming yet), but no trout lilies. The small creek is quite delightful, and this is a very quiet and peaceful area. This would be a nice area to walk in if you want to come late morning while you wait for the trout lilies to open for the day.
More people come on the weekends, so if you can come weekdays, it will be less likely to be crowded.
There will be updates on the progress of the bloom, any additional tours added, and unexpected changes posted on the Facebook page: facebook.com/wolfcreektroutlilypreserve. We encourage you to post comments and photos there.
If you do not use Facebook, you may contact Beth Grant at bethgrant@bellsouth.net
Each trout lily flower opens in late morning or early afternoon, follows the sun, and closes at dusk, so to see the open flowers go in the afternoon. If it is raining heavily or very dark and cloudy in the morning, the flowers may stay closed into the afternoon, but if the sun comes out later in the afternoon, they may open then. Each individual flower re-opens for several days, with overall numbers of flowers in bloom beginning gradually, increasing, peaking, then declining over the course of a few weeks. Depending on the winter weather the overall bloom may be anywhere from three or four weeks long, usually encompassing mid-February, rarely into March. Guided tours will be cancelled and the gate locked once the bloom has finished. You may visit throughout the year by parking by the gate and walking around it or contact bethgrant@bellsouth.net.
You can visit on your own (the gate will be left unlocked throughout the bloom) or attend a guided tour; schedules are shown below.
The trout lilies grow on a slope, so visitors need to wear boots or shoes WITH TREADS that may get damp or muddy.Bring a walking stick if desired. Some elderberrry walking sticks are provided for visitor use during your time at the preserve and you can purchase one with a donation.
Cameras are highly recommended! Please take nothing but photos, leave nothing but footprints. You may want to bring a hand lens or magnifying glass to look at the tiny twayblade orchids or small parts of other flowers. You can actually take photos through these lenses, if you don't have a close-up camera lens.
Unfortunately there is no access for people with significantly limited mobility who cannot complete a walk of several hundred yards on a slope. If you have minor limitations, be sure to come on a day when the ground will be dry, come with an able-bodied companion and bring a walking stick or cane. You probably will want to stay on the wider trail to the best views or walk along the upper trail. We have had very happy 90+ year old visitors, but only you can decide what is best for you.
Please do not bring dogs or other animals with the exception of Service Animals and note that there are no bathroom facilities at the preserve.
The trails may be very slippery when wet. Proceed with caution.
To find the preserve, take U.S. Highway 84 five miles west of Cairo to Wolf Creek Road, turn left, and look for the first gate on your left with a beautiful new sign provided by Whigham Eagle Scout Tyler Akridge. There is a parking area inside the gate.
Visitors are asked to sign in with the Whigham volunteer greeters or at the mailbox. There are laminated maps to use while you are there and color brochures that you may take if you want one to keep or share. (You can also find/print a copy from the link here.) Then proceed downhill to the slope. For a short walk to the best views, go straight down on the wide trail and come back the same way. Other trails are marked for those who want to enjoy a longer walk.You can make a large loop by continuing from the best views onto the lower trail, which carries you to a lovely view of Wolf Creek, then continue uphill and exit out the driveway. Or turn right onto the upper trail, with overlook views and tiny twayblade orchids, and come out as you came in. Or as you leave the parking area, proceed down the big trail and soon turn right onto the upper trail, making the loop counter-clockwise. There is also The Orchid Loop off of the big trail to the left as you go down slope, which wanders thru an area with two other species of orchid plants (not blooming) and other interesting habitats and plants not found on the main loop. The orchid loop comes out at the bottom of the best view area.
Be aware that after and during heavy rains the side and lower trails especially can be muddy, slippery, and wet. Please be extra careful where you step, both for your safety and to avoid further erosion and plant damage. The lower trail wanders through shrubbery, so if you want to stay on a more established trail, we recommend you turn around at the bottom of the western side trail (where there are the best views). On the upper trail (where there are good overviews) you can go back or exit to the road to the parking area rather than continuing down slope.
You may also walk south of the parking area towards Trillium Creek in a fairly open area with some large patches of trillium and rain lilies (not blooming yet), but no trout lilies. The small creek is quite delightful, and this is a very quiet and peaceful area. This would be a nice area to walk in if you want to come late morning while you wait for the trout lilies to open for the day.
More people come on the weekends, so if you can come weekdays, it will be less likely to be crowded.
There will be updates on the progress of the bloom, any additional tours added, and unexpected changes posted on the Facebook page: facebook.com/wolfcreektroutlilypreserve. We encourage you to post comments and photos there.
If you do not use Facebook, you may contact Beth Grant at bethgrant@bellsouth.net
Guided Tour Information
The gates are now open and will remain open throughout the bloom season. You are welcome to visit the Trout Lily Preserve anytime between sunrise and sunset, however it is suggested that you visit in the afternoon as that is normally when the lilies are open. Below is a list of scheduled tour dates and times. Please thank the greeters and tour guides who give their time to help make your visit to the preserve more enjoyable.
If you post pictures online we ask that you use the following hash tags #wolfcreek2018 #troutlillies2018
The gates are now open and will remain open throughout the bloom season. You are welcome to visit the Trout Lily Preserve anytime between sunrise and sunset, however it is suggested that you visit in the afternoon as that is normally when the lilies are open. Below is a list of scheduled tour dates and times. Please thank the greeters and tour guides who give their time to help make your visit to the preserve more enjoyable.
If you post pictures online we ask that you use the following hash tags #wolfcreek2018 #troutlillies2018
Tour Leader Bios
|
Beth Grant - Thomasville
Naturalist, Magnolia Chapter of the Florida Native Plant Society Board, Longtime Volunteer Leader at Wolf Creek |
Dan Miller - Tallahassee
Founder of Wolf Creek Trout Lily Preserve, Owner of Trillium Gardens in Tallahasseee |
Wilson Baker - Tallahassee
Founder of Wolf Creek Trout Lily Preserve and Florida Native Plant Society |
|
Jan Blue Anglin - Tallahassee
Magnolia Chapter of the Florida Native Plant Society Board, Longtime Volunteer at Wolf Creek |
Sophia Fonseca - Tallahassee
FSU Environmental Science Student and member of the Magnolia Chapter of the Florida Native Plant Society |
Margaret Tyson - Cairo
Naturalist, Volunteer at Wolf Creek Trout Lily Preserve, |
|
Diana Pickelsimer - Lake Seminole
Magnolia Chapter of the Florida Native Plant Society |
Dr. Ann Johnson - Tallahassee
Magnolia Chapter of the Florida Native Plant Society & Florida Natural Areas Inventory Botanist |
Tour Dates & Times
|
February 8th - Beth Grant
Public Tour 1:00 PM - 2:30 PM Public Tour 3:00 PM - 4:30 PM |
February 9th - Dan Miller
Public Tour 1:00 PM - 2:30 PM |
February 10th - Dan Miller
Public Tour 1:00 PM - 2:30 PM Public Tour 3:00 PM - 4:30 PM |
|
February 11th - Dr. Ann Johnson
Public Tours have been CANCELLED for this day due to forecasted storms |
February 14th - Beth Grant
Public Tour 1:00 PM - 2:30 PM Public Tour 3:00 PM - 4:30 PM |
February 15th - Beth Grant
Public Tour 1:00 PM - 2:30 PM Public Tour &Birdsong Group 3:00 PM - 4:30 PM |
|
February 16th - Dan Miller
Public Tour 1:00 PM - 2:30 PM |
February 17th - Wilson Baker
Public Tour 1:00 PM - 2:30 PM Public Tour 3:00 PM - 4:30 PM |
February 18th
Public Tour with Wilson Baker 1:00 PM - 2:30 PM Public Tour & Day Group with Beth Grant 3:00 PM |
February 18th - Let's Make a Day of It - Public Tour with Beth Grant
Meet at Lost Creek Forest, an ancient hardwood slope forest at 9AM for a nice stroll under the canopy. Next we will continue to Greenwood Plantation 'The Big Woods' rare original old growth long leaf pine forest and walk along the dirt road on Pinetree. We will then proceed to Wolf Creek and lead the public tour at 3:00 PM and enjoy the beauty of the trout lilies
Check out www.lostcreekforest.weebly.com or www.Facebook .com/LostCreekForest for event details
Meet at Lost Creek Forest, an ancient hardwood slope forest at 9AM for a nice stroll under the canopy. Next we will continue to Greenwood Plantation 'The Big Woods' rare original old growth long leaf pine forest and walk along the dirt road on Pinetree. We will then proceed to Wolf Creek and lead the public tour at 3:00 PM and enjoy the beauty of the trout lilies
Check out www.lostcreekforest.weebly.com or www.Facebook .com/LostCreekForest for event details
|
February 21st - Jan Blue Anglin
Public Tour 1:00 PM - 2:30 PM Public Tour 3:00 PM - 4:30 PM |
February 22nd - Beth Grant
Public Tour 1:00 PM - 2:30 PM Public Tour 3:00 PM - 4:30 PM |
February 23rd - Wilson Baker
Public Tour 1:00 PM - 2:30 PM Public Tour 3:00 PM - 4:30 PM |
|
February 24th - Dr. James Cooper &
Sophia Fonseca Public Tour 1:00 PM - 2:30 PM Public Tour 3:00 PM - 4:30 PM |
February 25th - Margaret Tyson
Public Tour 1:00 PM - 2:30 PM Public Tour 3:00 PM - 4:30 PM |
***Note: 2018 Peak bloom for the Trout Lilies has come and gone. All public tours after February 25th have been cancelled. The preserve is still open to the public and we encourage you to visit during this time of year.
Tour dates and times may change due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances.
In addition other tours may be scheduled. In the event of a change to the listed tours, updates will be posted ASAP on the website and the Wolf Creek Trout Lily Preserve Facebook page.
In addition other tours may be scheduled. In the event of a change to the listed tours, updates will be posted ASAP on the website and the Wolf Creek Trout Lily Preserve Facebook page.
The City of Whigham Welcomes Trout Lily Visitors
We would be happy for you to visit us!
We would be happy for you to visit us!
|
Whigham Diner - Join us for a meal!!
Located at the red light in Whigham Monday - Friday serving lunch from 10:30 am - 2:00 pm. Mention when you order that you have visited the trout lilies and they will offer you the Trout Lily Lunch special, ($6.99 hamburger special with drink and side) Open for dinner on Thursday and Friday nights, 5:00 - 8:00 pm |
|
L-Three Gifts at Bonds
Located on Main street in Whigham We are open 8:00 am - 5:00 pm daily and Saturday's 8:00 - 12:00 pm A 15% discount will be given during the month of February on your purchase with flyer. We carry the unique "Trout Lily" aprons. To shop after hours contact (229) 762-4444 |
|
Gabby's Rustic Designs
Open Tuesday -Friday 8:00 to 5:00 pm and Saturdays 8:00 am - 3:00 pm (Closed Sunday & Monday) Variety of gifts, home decor, and handmade furniture, etc. Located on Highway 84 West at the edge of town. A $2.00 discount will be given with flyer on any purchase of $10 or more. |
Hairitage Beauty Salon
Call for an appointment and bring flyer to receive a $2.00 discount on haircut or shampoo and set. Open Monday - Friday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm Call (229) 289-5261 |
Truly Unique Ceramics & Gifts
Handmade gifts from A to Z Located at the red light in Whigham. Tuesday - Friday 11:00 am - 5:30 pm and Saturday 10:00 am - 2:00 pm A 15% discount with flyer through March on purchase of ceramic items, or Jana's ceramic expertise (excluding nativity sets and Christmas trees. |
Other businesses downtown include,
Capital City Bank, Knight Forestry, Cash and Carry, Dollar General, Trulock Chokes, Sheridans Flowers, Farmers Peanut Company,
Catherine's Alterations/Sewing, and Joshua C. Bell, Attorney
For your gas needs visit HUDS or Whigham Country Store
Capital City Bank, Knight Forestry, Cash and Carry, Dollar General, Trulock Chokes, Sheridans Flowers, Farmers Peanut Company,
Catherine's Alterations/Sewing, and Joshua C. Bell, Attorney
For your gas needs visit HUDS or Whigham Country Store