Elsie A. Holmes Nature Park showcases beauty of spring

photo Elsie A. Holmes Nature Park is a recreational space open to area residents. Park maintenance worker Nelan Poteet, left, and his wife, Catoosa County Recreation Department administrative assistant Dianne Poteet, oversee the park. Photo by Katie Ward

Spring has officially sprung, and Catoosa County Recreation Department administrative assistant Dianne Poteet invites the public to take in the beauty of the season at Elsie A. Holmes Nature Park.

"It's a great little place," said Poteet, adding that many people do not know it exists.

The Catoosa County park donated by Ben Holmes in memory of his wife Elsie spans 66 acres with more than two miles of trails in a woodland bordered by the South Chickamauga Creek. A variety of species of flowers, plants and trees can be found in the park, as can amenities including a pavilion, playground and restrooms.

"The park is so peaceful with the creek rolling," said Poteet. "A lot of people come here on a daily basis to walk."

The trails have numerous talking tree boxes to tell people about specific trees in the park, like white oak, wild black cherry, sassafras, red cedar, yellow poplar, winged elm, mockernut hickory and dogwood trees.

Trails include the Main Loop Trail, the Ridge Loop Trail, the Big Rock Trail, the High Water Trail and the Upper Loop Trail. Motorcycles, bicycles and horses are not allowed on the trails, only foot traffic.

A DAY AT THE PARK• Elsie A. Holmes Nature Park is at 88 Ben Holmes Road in Ringgold. To learn more about the park, call Catoosa County Recreation Department at (706) 891-4199. Elsie A. Holmes Nature Park hours are Monday-Saturday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sundays from 1 to 6 p.m. The park is open seven days per week 365 days per year. The park pavilion is available for rental this spring for $25.

Dentist Rick McKenzie, of East Brainerd, said he likes to come to the park to observe the wildflowers.

"In April a lot of wildflowers will bloom," he said. "The trilliums are a rare flower found here. I can't wait to see what blooms next. Early spring flowers bloom, then summer flowers and fall flowers. Spring beauty flowers are blooming now."

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