What’s Blooming at Shenks Ferry Wildflower Preserve 2026

With dozens of different wildflower species that bloom at the beginning of spring, Shenks Ferry Wildflower Preserve is a Lancaster County gem with regional renown. These wildflowers, known as spring ephemerals for their short bloom time, flower for just a handful of weeks when the weather starts to warm up before the trees get their leaves and block sunlight from reaching the forest floor.

April 10, 2026

The wildflowers are looking beautiful! Blooming recently are Virginia bluebells, trillium, Dutchman’s breeches, spring beauties, yellow trout lilies, blue cohosh, cutleaf toothwort, saxifrage, and several species of violets. You may also spot some squirrel corn, which looks similar to Dutchman’s breeches, although the squirrel corn’s flowers are more heart-shaped and don’t have any yellow. This is a great time to visit Shenks Ferry!

April 2, 2026

The Dutchman’s breeches – which are so named because they look like pants hanging on a clothesline – are likely at peak bloom this week! Also blooming at Shenks Ferry are spring beauties, yellow trout lilies, and a few lingering bloodroots. If you look carefully, you may also spot some cutleaf toothwort and tiny saxifrage flowers here and there. Virginia bluebell and trillium buds are plentiful, although most have not opened quite yet. Some blue cohosh flowers are just starting to open up, as well. The distinctive umbrella-like leaves of the mayapples are beginning to appear, though it will still be a while before they get their flowers.

One other blooming plant you might spot around Shenks Ferry is this one with bright yellow flowers. This is lesser celandine, and unfortunately, it is invasive. Lesser celandine did not originate in this area, and it threatens to outcompete native species like the spring ephemerals. The Conservancy’s stewardship staff and volunteers work to combat invasive species and prevent them from harming our region’s ecosystems. In 2025, volunteers removed 600 cubic yards of invasive shrubs and 4,500 gallons of invasive herbaceous plants!

March 26, 2026

After what felt like an especially long and cold winter, spring ephemeral season has finally begun! Blooming recently are bloodroot, spring beauty, and Dutchman’s breeches. Some Virginia bluebell buds and flowers are starting to emerge as well.

Check out last year’s spring ephemeral updates to get a sense of the order in which the flowers typically bloom, and study up on our spring ephemerals with this Nature Hour presentation by the Conservancy’s Vice President of Engagement & Education Keith Williams:

Know Before You Go

If you’re visiting Shenks Ferry Wildflower Preserve, there are a few things you should know to make sure you — and the wildflowers — have the best experience possible.

1. Visit during the week

Shenks Ferry is very busy during spring weekends, so visiting on a weekday can mean fewer people and more space to enjoy the flowers.

2. Leave No Trace

When you visit Shenks Ferry, take nothing but pictures and leave nothing but footprints! Please stay on the trail so you don’t trample any flowers, and make sure you remove any waste you bring onto the preserve. Learn more about Leave No Trace principles here.

3. Know what you’re looking at

Want to identify the flowers you’re seeing? Download the Shenks Ferry Wildflower Preserve brochure! It details some of the most common spring ephemerals found at Shenks Ferry. You can also use an app like Seek by iNaturalist to help identify plants you see around the preserve.

4. Where to park

Please enter the preserve via Shenks Ferry Road, which will take you to the improved parking area and access trail. Green Hill Road south of the preserve is closed, which may not be reflected on GPS programs like Google Maps.

5. Group visits

Planning to organize a group visit to Shenks Ferry? Events on Lancaster Conservancy preserves (formal or informal groups of 15+ individuals or 5+ vehicles) require Conservancy approval. Learn more and fill out the event notice form here.

6. Support the stewardship of Shenks Ferry

Caring for this special wildflower sanctuary is an ongoing effort. Your support of Lancaster Conservancy allows for the continued careful stewardship of Shenks Ferry for the benefit of both nature and our community. Thank you for considering making a donation to ensure this special place is here for generations to come.