Natural History Wanderings

DesertUSA has a number of new reports with photos. Here are some of the highlights and photo links.

April 25 we drove West Pozo Road and went up River Road to the Blinn Ranch trail head at the back of the Santa Margarita Lake Regional Park in San Luis Obispo County. On West Pozo Road there are several small areas of lupine on the side of the road, while along River Road there are some grass savannahs with large Valley oaks with nice concentrations of lupine and other small flowers. photos

Sonoma and Mendocino Coast: Hwy 1 are beautiful as of last weekend. Lots of California Poppy along with other specie. These photos taken between Fort Ross and Sea Ranch. photos

Mojave Preserve two reports:

• Beautiful four foot tall Palmer’s Penstemon on Cima Road just south of I 15. Also some Desert Marigolds, Woolley Daisies, Orange Mallow, Evening Primrose, and a small while daisy that I could not identify.photos
• Mojave Preserve (near Mid Hills Campground), 4/18-20: This area is in peak bloom now, and not too shabby! If you want to get your wildflower fix in the Preserve, I suggest this area, now. A nice variety depending on elevation (I suggest about 5,000’+ at this point). Most notable are the Globe Mallow providing an orange-red carpet and purple-blue Verbena in many areas. A little hiking will reveal much more. I’m guessing I saw at least 25+ varieties, including cactus, which are just starting to pop! photos

Saguaro National Park reports: Some Saguaro are blooming. April 28.

See more reports at:  Desert Wildflower Reports – DesertUSA.

Related articles

• Southern California Wildflower Report 4/25/14 (naturalhistorywanderings.com)
• Mojave National Preserve Wildflower Update 4/25/14 (naturalhistorywanderings.com)