Prairie Appreciation Ride – 2024

JACK McDOWELL’S 19th ANNUAL PRAIRIE APPRECIATION RIDE

Royal Catchfly? Curly dock? Queen Anne’s lace?

Learn about & enjoy the beauty of July’s prairie wildflowers during a beautiful July afternoon’s leisurely bike ride

RECOMMENDED: HELMETS, WATER… AND AN INQUISITIVE MIND!

The Madison Soil & Water Conservation District will be heading the event.

The ride starts 1:00 PM at the Prairie Grass Trailhead in London (262 W. High St.) and extends southwest to the Madison-Clark County border. Bicyclists can enjoy the beauty of July’s native flowers such as Royal Catchfly, curly dock, Queen Anne’s lace, and more. It’s an enjoyable and educational ride! After the official ride ends, head onto South Charleston or return back to London at your leisure.

No fee required!

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Experience a progression of wildflowers in peak bloom at the historical prairies along the Prairie Grass Trail!

These prairies existed before the time of the pioneer and were kept preserved by the railroad because the land could not be farmed. Now the prairies are maintained by volunteers who share a vision of saving this heritage and providing educational opportunities through stewardship.

This is the 19th annual Prairie Appreciation Bike Ride started in 2005 by botanist and prairie enthusiast, Jack McDowell. Jack was one of the early “discoverers” of the remnant prairies of Madison and Clark counties and started the efforts to manage these prairie treasures in the midst of threats from invasive woody plant and agricultural weed species. Jack McDowell passed away in 2012, but his dream to inspire others to preserve the Ohio prairie is not forgotten.

Come ride to discover the beauty of the historic prairies! Pause and become acquainted with these historic grasses and flowers. Learn how to be a part of preserving them for our future.