BETHLEHEM, N.H. —The Society for the Protection of New Hampshire Forests invites wildflower enthusiasts to kick off the annual Fields of Lupine Festival June 5 at The Rocks Estate. The day will mark the start of the 31st Annual Wildflower Festival, with a full slate of fun activities planned at the turn-of-the-century Estate.
From photography and planting to floral identification and edible flowers, wildflowers and other plants will be celebrated on this early summer day. Several workshops and tours are planned to entertain and educate visitors from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m.
The Festival will include guided walks along the Mile Path, which meanders through the historic Rocks Estate property, where the Glessner family, original owners of the Estate, collected and planted a plethora of flowers.
“This trail is off-limits to guests apart from guided tours, as per the wishes of the donors of the property John Lee and Martha Batchelder,” said Clare Brown, Chair of the Bethlehem Heritage Society and a Forest Society staff member. “The guided walks offer a chance for visitors to see the trail, a hidden historic jewel, bringing together the natural world and the heritage of The Rocks Estate.”
Interpreters will highlight the rich history of the Glessner family, who summered here beginning in the late 1880s, while explaining the natural world they loved so much. The Mile Path walks are limited to 20 people per tour and fill quickly, so reservations are strongly advised.
George Mitchell of GM Photography will hold a short seminar on flower photography and accompany guests on the photography flower tour at 2 p.m. Wildflower expert Tanya Tellman will teach participants to identify flowers using a key, a skill which both beginners and experts will find helpful in the field.
In the “Floral Edibles” workshop, Rocks’ volunteer Janet Hill and staffers Clare Brown and Carlene Quinn will share a variety of ways to use a range of plants to spice up meals at home. The program includes identification of the plants used and where to find them.
“Learning what you can pick and prepare yourself is getting to be a lost art,” says Hill, a gardening and cooking enthusiast. “We want to reintroduce people to what they can find in the wild or grow naturally.”
There will be a second chance to participate in the program on June 12 and a special Father's Day program on June 19th which includes a fishing lesson.
Owned by the Society for the Protection of New Hampshire Forests, the landmark 1,400-acre Rocks Estate includes numerous buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The farm specializes in rural experiences and provides Agri- and Eco-tourism opportunities throughout the year.
The cost for the day-long Wildflower Festival is $15 and includes lunch and all programs. A $5 discount is given with each lupine festival book presented.
For more information and a schedule of events please visit http://www.therocks.org For reservations and other inquires e-mail info@therocks.org or call 603-444-6228.
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