ALEXANDRIA, VA — Alexandria residents can put their plant knowledge to the test this September during a citywide scavenger hunt that sends participants searching local parks for mystery plants.
The ALX Herbarium Hunt begins Sept. 1 and will feature four plant mysteries through Oct. 1. Alexandria's Department of Recreation, Parks & Cultural Activities will post clues on its Instagram and Facebook pages directing participants to plants growing in city parks.
Participants must find the mystery plant, take a photo, identify it and share their discovery using #RPCAHerbariumHunt for a chance to win a prize.
Mystery #1: Sept. 1–7
Prize: New York Botanical Garden Wildflower Identification Flashcards
Mystery #2: Sept. 9–15
Prize: Special Mystery Prize
Mystery #3: Sept. 17–23
Prize: Special Mystery Prize
Mystery #4: September 25–October 1
Prize: The Laws Sketchbook for Nature Journaling
Anyone who participates during the four-week hunt will also be entered into a drawing for the grand prize, a student plant press.
Participants who get stumped can use clues posted on social media and search Alexandria's Herbarium Digital Archive using codes provided with each mystery.
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