BellFest at Devils Fork State Park on Saturday, March 19th!

Spring is finally here – well, almost. Sunday, March 20th marks the first day of spring for 2016. A great way to kick off this season is to join the Friends of Jocassee for the 4th annual BellFest on Saturday, March 19th! This festival is practically in the backyard for residents at The Reserve at Lake Keowee or The Cliffs Communities. BellFest celebrates the rare Oconee Bell flower that is found at Devils Fork State Park along their Oconee Bell Trail. This wildflower is one of the rarest in America. Oconee Bells, or Shortia galacifolia, are a small, woodland wildflower and only occurs in about seven counties in North Carolina, South Carolina and Georgia. Oconee Bell flowers grow along stream banks in rich, moist soil. This bell-shaped flower’s bloom is among the earliest of native plants and is therefore a much-anticipated indicator for spring!
On Saturday, March 19th from 10am to 2pm, come join the Upstate Master Naturalists, who will lead groups along the trail to enjoy and learn more of this native flower. The group will share facts plus information regarding the place in history this plant has had. There is a park fee to enter Devils Fork State Park so please be prepared for cash payment. This event includes not only the interpretive trail walks but also music, food, local authors, exhibits and so much more!  For details of this event, please click here.