Natural History Wanderings

Some reports from the field and the web:

Carrizo 4/3/10  it was reported that it is still very flowery with good displays, For detailed update of species and where check Carrizo site: http://www.blm.gov/ca/st/en/fo/bakersfield/Programs/carrizo/sightseeing.html

Gorman 4/2/10 was reported to have only significant numbers of flowers at the base.

Wind Wolves is past its peak a lower elevations, but still has lots of flowers out as you get higher up.

Figueroa Mtn is very flowery and very busy with visitors.  The “must see” spot is the hillside past the fire station for a display of poppies and lupine

Hungry Valley started posting updates March 27, 2010.  Cool weather has delayed the bloom.. It  is just beginning with some California Coreopsis in the lower grassland area and some nice patches of Baby Blue Eyes in the north grasslands.  Depending on the bloom, Hungry Valley wildflower tours are tentatively scheduled to begin the weekend of April 10 & 11.

At the Marin CNPS site  Sharon Salisbury reports: “At very far end of Ring Mountain thousands of flowers are just starting to show. There were poppies, lupines, Tidytips, Goldfields(gazillions), False

Lupines, Oakland star tulips, Douglas Iris, Grass Iris, Blue-eyed grass, Bush Monkey flower, Spring-gold, Snakeroot, Purple Sanicle. Yarrow, California Phacelia, Shooting Stars, Bluedicks, and one lone flower that looked like a jewel flower to me. Have to go back soon and take a photo. Also seeing hundreds of Slim and Fat Soloman’s Seals, Fairy Bells, Star Flowers, Red Bead Lily, Mission Bells and more that I can’t recall. Really beautiful spring that should keep on giving with all of this rain.”

Kern County has a new wildflower update: Visit Kern-Wildflowers

I have added three new links to the Wildflower Reports: What’s Blooming Where page:

Tejon Ranch

Eastern Sierra/Bishop BLM (This link includes the Alabama Hills and other lower elevation areas that are currently blooming.)

Western Mojave (Short Canyon, Sand Canyon, Desert Tortoise Natural Area, Surprise Canyon)

For more on Southern California check

DesertUSA – Desert Wildflower reports

Theodore Payne Wildflower Hotline

As a reminder no matter where you go please follow these quidelines from the Kern county wildflower website:

“Please keep in mind that many displays, while visible from public areas, are contained on private property. Please respect all signs regarding accessibility, and do not trespass on private property to view wildflowers.

Picking wildflowers is illegal, and removing them interferes with pollination and reduces their numbers. Transplanting blooming wildflowers is rarely successful. Please enjoy their beauty without damaging them.”