Exploring Northampton Series:
Exploring the Mineral Hills, with a Special Focus on Wildflowers
A Walking Tour with Co-director and Naturalist Laurie Sanders
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Friday, May 5, 2023
9 to 11 am Registration for this event is full. Please email info@historicnorthampton.org to be placed on the
waitlist. Please indicate the time of your preference. |
Friday, May 5, 2023
5 to 7 pm Registration for this event is full. Please email info@historicnorthampton.org to be placed on the
waitlist. Please indicate the time of your preference. |
Pre-registration is required. | Each tour is limited to 12 participants.| Sliding scale admission: $15-$25 per person.
Located along Northampton’s western border, the Mineral Hills are underlain by bedrock that contains some carbonate-rich minerals. As these minerals weather out, soils are formed that are more fertile than in many areas of Northampton, including the nearby Sawmill Hills. The soil’s chemistry has a profound influence on the species of plants that grow here. In early May, the slopes of the Mineral Hills include an impressive variety of spring wildflowers that depend on these slightly limey soils, including yellow violets, wild columbine, pale corydalis, early saxifrage, and many others.
On this two-hour ramble, co-director and naturalist Laurie Sanders will provide information about both the natural and human history of this part of the conservation area, with a special focus on the rocky, wooded hills.
On this two-hour ramble, co-director and naturalist Laurie Sanders will provide information about both the natural and human history of this part of the conservation area, with a special focus on the rocky, wooded hills.