Anza-Borrego Desert Natural History Association reports
This morning the entrance to Quartz Vein Wash had several Ironwood trees in bloom, with bees abuzz all around. There was also one coming up out of the Texas Dip heading toward Borrego on the right side of the road. I imagine that Pinyon Wash would be pretty now, too, as there are a lot of Ironwoods there.
We also saw a lot of agave still blooming in Quartz Vein Wash, although they are starting to wilt. We found a few poppies dotted here and there, plus one blooming yellow ground cherry and one cluster of ghost flowers.
Anza-Borrego Desert SP reports
Annual flowers in the Borrego Valley are now pretty much finished, but at higher elevations you can still find cacti, agave, shrubs, and a few annuals in bloom for the next couple of weeks.
The Visitor Center is still a good place to start your visit; there are a few short trails to walk, excellent films showing in our theater, and lots of information and maps to help you make the most of your time here.
If you can get an early start, Borrego Palm Canyon is still a nice hike. Starting at the back of the developed campground, it is 1-and-one-half miles to a beautiful palm oasis. Please allow 2 to 3 hours to complete the 3- mile roundtrip, remember to protect yourself from the sun, and carry—and drink—plenty of water.
As the wildflower season ends, marvel at the hardy adaptations of desert plants, and enjoy some of the other features of the desert –our magnificent landforms, sunsets, and star-filled night skies.
For updates on next year’s blooming season, check back here in the winter, call our Wildflower Hotline (760-767-4684), or join the email list of our nonprofit partner, Anza-Borrego Foundation, at http://www.theabf.org.
The Visitor Center will go to Summer Hours on May 15, and will be open Saturdays, Sundays, and Holidays only, from 9 am to 5 pm, until October 15.
Natural History Wanderings 
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