Natural History Wanderings

Anza-Borrego Desert Natural History Association reports on February 12:

Ocotillo Wells – Shell Ridge – near Discovery Center Shell Reef: There is a spectacular bloom of Dune Evening Primrose mixed with sunflowers and sand verbena about two miles from the Ocotillo Wells Discovery Center along Shell Reef.  The road is dirt but it is graded.  If you are unfamiliar with the area you can stop at the Discovery Center and ask for a map.   The white Dune Evening Primrose carpet the ground in some spots and trail off into the horizon, with yellow sunflowers and purple sand verbena mixed in.  This is a a great place to visit mid week because there is very little ORV traffic.  The flowers begin around the junction of PaloVerde Wash and Shell Reef Expressway – roads are signed.
Discovery Center Trail: The paved path outside of the Discovery Center now has a bloom of many species, it’s not a carpet of flowers but the diversity makes this a very worthwhile stop.  A bonus in this spot is the Discovery Center, with fascinating displays on a wide range of topics about plants, animals, geology, and history of the Ocotillo Wells area.