The dorsal side of a Spotted Trout Lily in bloom shows delicate pink striations . Notice the mottled color of the leaves , which recalls the belly of a trout .
Wolf Creek Preserve is located on Wolf Creek Road off of Highway 84 , about five miles west of Cairo . There is a small brown sign designating the turn-off for the preserve , but drivers should be alert as it is easily missed . The street address closest to the preserve is 164 Wolf Creek Road , a house directly across from the gated entrance to the lily sanctuary . Maps and detailed directions are available on the preserve ’ s website .
Wolf Creek Preserve ’ s Facebook page is updated daily with photographs , notes on trail conditions , and updates on the extent of the bloom . If the preserve is closed due to inclement weather or other factors , a post will be made on this page .
Interested readers may contact volunteer naturalist Margaret Tyson with questions or requests for more information . She may be reached at ( 229 ) 378-7610 or at mtyson613 @ gmail . com .
The sight of the dullbrown forest floor bursting into color inspires some visitors to arrive early and wait for the unfurling of the blossoms after noon .
The gates are open every day for the duration of the season , excepting short closures due to inclement weather or flooding . It is recommended that visitors arrive on sunny days in the early afternoon to see the full extent of the bloom , which will decline day by day until the lilies go dormant in mid-March . No pets are allowed at the preserve , and sturdy , waterproof shoes are suggested for treading the steep , often-muddy slopes . Those with limited mobility can usually navigate the most popular trail with a walking stick and a supporting arm . There is no fee to visit , but donations , which directly support stewardship of the preserve , are welcome .
The town of Whigham welcomes visitors with a variety of sales and special offers during the season of the bloom , such as the “ Trout Lily Special ” at the Whigham Café , a local restaurant .
56 MoultrieScene MAY 2022