The public is invited to enjoy wildflowers and good company on Audubon Community Nature Center’s Mother’s Day Wildflower Walk. The toothwort pictured is one of the spring wildflowers that may reward the observant trail walker.

Continuing a long-standing tradition, on Sunday, May 12, naturalist Jack Gulvin will lead the Audubon Community Nature Center’s annual Mother’s Day Wildflower Walk at the Bentley Preserve, now owned and operated by the Chautauqua Watershed Conservancy.

Starting at 2 p.m. at the entrance to Bentley Preserve just north of Jamestown, walkers meander through the woods in search of spring wildflowers and other spring treasures. The hike features all the spring flowers in bloom, from the yellowish green to purple Black Cohosh to Stinking Benjamin.

Gulvin is a naturalist at Chautauqua Institution, where he presents nature talks Friday mornings at 9 a.m. during the Chautauqua Institution season. He also oversees the Purple Martin colonies, leading walks the first four Fridays of the season at 4:15 p.m.

Those interested are invited to meet at the Bentley Preserve at 2 p.m. It is located at the end of Bentley Road, off Fluvanna Avenue (Route 430) near the Fluvanna Community Church in Greenhurst.

Those attending should wear mud-proof footwear and dress for the weather.

With the background information Gulvin provides, a pencil and paper are often welcome accessories. Since it is also a great time for birds, consider bringing binoculars.

The fee is $8, $6 for Nature Center members and children ages 9 to 15. Reservations are appreciated; walk-ins are welcome but those attending are asked to bring exact change. Reservations can be made by calling 569-2345 during business hours or online at the Programs page at auduboncnc.org.