Natural History Wanderings

Kathy Sanders, Ranger at Hungry Valley submitted the following update and photos:

Hungry Valley Wildflower Update for April 15, 2010

Hungry Valley:  There is a nice showing of California Coreopsis (Coreopsis California) and California Poppies (Eschscholzia californica) blooming on one south-facing slope along Powerline Road in the south grassland area along with a variety of other wildflowers including: Tidy Tips (Layia playglossa), Davy Gilia (Gilia latiflora), Fiddleneck (Amsinckia tessellata), Pygmy-leafed Lupine (Lupinus bicolor), and Blazing Stars (Mentzelia albicaulis).  There are also patches of Baby Blue-Eyes (Nemophila menziesii) blooming along Stipa Trail.

Due to the cooler weather, the flowers are late in blooming this season and only one hillside in the south grassland area has peaked. One-hour long Hungry Valley wildflower tours led by Park Rangers and staff are now available only on the weekends. Visitors are asked to meet at the Hungry Valley Visitor Center at 11:00 am. and follow park staff to the viewing area. Hungry Valley also provides a self-guided touring route that can be accessed on any day for those on their own schedule. The self-guided tour begins at the park Visitor Center and is marked with distinctive blue and white flower signs. Free wildflower guides are available at the park entrance station showing the wildflower areas.

The Gorman Hills along the I-5 freeway should be peaking this weekend with large patches of California Coreopsis ((Coreopsis California), Globe Gilia (Gilia capitata), along with more and more Lupine and California Poppies (Eschscholzia californica) blooming every day. More rain is predicted for next week, so the peak bloom should be extended for a few weeks after that.

Click on thumbnails for a larger photo.