Join a free walking tour of Mill Creek Springs Natural Area Preserve on April 22 or 23 at 2:00pm, 4:00pm, or 6:00pm.

Guides will lead tour groups on a moderate hike of this 222-acre preserve owned by The Nature Conservancy. Participants will see a karst landscape and learn about its relationship to water quality and sensitivity to changes in land use. The preserve features a rare red cedar-chinquapin oak dolomite woodland community, and a variety of wildflowers should be in bloom. Caves beneath the preserve are home to several globally rare invertebrate species that have adapted for life underground, including blind beetles, millipedes and crustaceans.

The hike will be less than 2 miles. Participants should dress for the weather and prepare to get wet feet. Tours will be held rain or shine both days at 2, 4 and 6 p.m. Each time slot is limited to 20 people, and reservations are on a first-come, first-served basis. Directions to the preserve and instructions about access will be provided to those who register. Call 804-786-7951 to reserve a spot.
 
Images of Mill Creek Springs Natural Area Preserve are available at DCR's Flickr page: http://tiny.cc/8p4zdx.