Great Smoky Mountains Natl. Park — The Great Smoky Mountains National Park said Wednesday that flowers are beginning to bloom across the park. The flowers range in colors and types, bringing a vibrant beauty to the Great Smoky Mountains.
To protect that beauty, leaders at the national park asked visitors to avoid the flowers while they bloom. By leaving them alone, flowers will be able to pollinate and produce seeds. Visitors should stick to official trails and designated parking spots, and make sure not to pick wildflowers.
They should also make sure to follow "leave no trace" principles. These principles are meant to show people how they can enjoy the natural splendor of the park without damaging it. The principles include making sure to properly dispose of waste, following regulations, not cutting switchbacks and only camping in areas that have already been impacted by use.
People should make sure to only take pictures in the Great Smoky Mountains — not flowers or other kinds of plants.
"Let’s protect these beautiful blooms — like this Wild Blue Phlox (Pholox divaricata) — so that they can continue to be enjoyed by humans and wildlife for generations to come," the national park said on social media. "We hope you enjoy your time in the park and continue to protect it for future generations."
