We have it on good authority that spring was spotted this week in warmer parts of the state (early wildflowers are just starting to bloom!), which makes it an excellent time to start thinking ahead to the warmer months. And on your bucket list for this spring should be a visit to West Virginia University's Core Arboretum in Morgantown, especially during April for their wildflower walks and spring flower festival!

"Spring really is coming," whisper these winter aconites, one of the earliest blooms to brave the turning season.

Wildflower enthusiasts (and warm weather lovers) everywhere are counting down the days.

There are many ideal places around the state to enjoy the advent of spring, and one of the best is the Core Arboretum in Morgantown.

This is bloodroot, which often blooms at the Arboretum in March and April.

Did you know about this hidden gem on the West Virginia University campus? It boasts acres of old-growth forest in addition to many other native and non-native trees and plants. The Arboretum frequently offers educational programs that allow all ages to learn about our local plant ecosystems.

These beauties are one of several varieties of trillium that bloom onsite each spring.

Core Arboretum boasts almost 100 acres and more than three miles of trails that pass through the forest and the Monongahela River flood plain. Some of the trails can be accessed from Monongahela Boulevard, and some are better accessed from the Caperton Rail-Trail (trail maps are available at the park and online).

The path shown here winds through fields of bluebells, and you can stroll it on one of the upcoming Spring Wildflower Walks on April 5, 12, 19, and 26 at 2 p.m.

Additionally, on April 18 at 2 p.m., Core Arboretum is hosting their third annual Spring Flower Festival.

Plan to attend to enjoy the fields of these ephemeral flowers that Core Arboretum is especially known for. They bloom for just a short window every spring, so your chance is limited!

Don't feel like you need to wait until April to visit the Core Arboretum, either...there's plenty to see even before spring has fully arrived.

These Dutchmen's Breeches aren't blooming yet, but they will be soon!

Core Arboretum offers free admission to their park (located on the West Virginia University Campus in Morgantown) and is open dawn to dusk. Free parking and trail maps are available at the Arboretum Parking Lot just past the WVU Coliseum on Monongahela Boulevard. Restrooms are across the street in the Creative Arts Center. Learn more at Core Arboretum's website, and keep an eye on their events calendar and newsletters for more info on the upcoming Spring Flower Festival and other opportunities the Arboretum offers!

Want to see more wildflowers around West Virginia this spring? We've got you covered.