Natural History Wanderings

DesertUSA had the following reports today

Jan 24, 2017 – Rainstorms in California’s deserts, Arizona and Nevada gave us lots of rain. The outlook is for a good 2017 wildflower seasons. The results should start showing in a few weeks.

Anza-Borrego – Palm Canyon and First Crossing on Coyote Canyon Road have running water. Outlook is good for wildflowers this year at this point.

Death Valley – getting some rain and the Amargosa crossing was flooding. The late rain may help with wildflower bloom, the bloom will be later then last year.

Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve reports: We’ve reached the minimum of 7 inches of rain that we need to POSSIBLY have a good bloom this year! However… after so many years of drought, the rain is percolating down deep into the soil and out of reach of plant roots. We’ll still be vulnerable to a brief season like last year if it warms up early and the rains don’t come frequent enough to sustain the bloom. The hills are getting a green hue to them but no flowers showing yet.