Natural History Wanderings

 Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve SNR reports:

Current Bloom Status: 2/23/15

The hills are still mostly green with small patches of scattered poppies beginning to bloom on some of the south-facing slopes.  The early-season grape soda lupine is in full bloom at the top of Tehachapi Vista Point, and lacy Phacelia is also carpeting the top of Kitanemuk Vista Point.  Filaree and loco week have also begun blooming, and some other small flowered species.

The rain we’ve had this winter has resulted in a tremendous number of poppy plants germinating across the reserve, but most only have buds forming at this time.  We expect a fantastic bloom this year from mid-March through April.