I have decided to temporarily suspend some new wildflower bloom updates due to the destruction that is occurring from all the “Super Bloom” mania. For an example of this see the posting Lake Elsinore Closed Due Bad Behavior & Crowds Creating “Super Bloom Apocalypse”
As a result of all the publicity from mass and social media very large crowds have overwhelmed wildflower sites creating a theme park atmosphere. Unfortunately, some of the behavior has been careless, destructive, and insensitive to the natural habitat as well as dangerous to humans. I know this behavior is not typical of the many regular followers of Natural History Wanderings, who I have had a chance to meet. I apologize to them for the lack of this resource. However, I do not want to contribute to the current mob scene happening in the desert and elsewhere.
I will continue to post other articles and possibly selective wildflower articles. I will re-evaluate in the future what types of wildflower bloom reports to post.
If you are planning to go see wildflowers this year I encourage you to go on weekdays, preferable early in the day. Also check with park and land management agencies to see what to expect. I have links to many of these agencies at https://naturalhistorywanderings.com/wildflower-reports/. I would also recommend not posting the location of any rare plants.
Natural History Wanderings 
Hello, Sandy! I just now saw this post you made a few years ago about not publicizing wildflower blooms/locations. I know what an agonizing decision that was for you and, as you know, I completely agree with you. I applaud your concerns and your actions. Thank you for having been a large part of my wildflower world back in the day. Am now living on Whidbey Island — not exactly a wildflower Mecca! Wishing you well. Carol Leigh
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By: Carol Leigh on February 1, 2022
at 12:47 PM
Thanks for your comment and support. Good to hear from you. It seems like posting wildflower reports and other nature sightings can lead to too much destructive behavior today. In the past it seemed that posting this information helped people appreciate nature and increased the number of people advocating to protect it. Sadly this is not always true today.
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By: Sandy Steinman on February 1, 2022
at 12:57 PM
There is no easy answer to this problem, and I would not post anything sacred either. Once the #superbloom goes out and the selfishies are posted on instagram, there is just no stopping the madness. This has happened in the past and just gets worse as California’s population sprawl continues. It’s in human nature to follow crowds, but manners have to be taught, and these people know nothing about respecting nature.
I also hold the media accountable. They are hyping the superbloom phenomenon.
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By: Gery S. on March 19, 2019
at 11:21 AM
I very much enjoy your posts, but what you are doing here is silly. The people who read your material are not the problem, and your posts do not add anything to the problem. Hence, you are punishing people who are NOT in any way part of the problem. The problem in the case is unique, and since you are based in the Bay Area, you may not be aware. The Lake Elsinore bloom is directly along I-15, a major freeway. The bloom is so immense this year that It’s impossible to miss. People slow down, and many exit the freeway and swarm over the area, an area that is not meant for so many vehicles. This situation would exist whether you post anything or not. You alone have not affected this mess. Therefore, your reaction to it is unfounded and silly. Don’t get me wrong. I want much less info on the internet about great photo opportunities. I know every spot in SoCal that can be good, but I want them to remain quiet. But the Elsinore bloom is out there regardless of what you do.
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By: Parker Lefton on March 18, 2019
at 7:59 PM
Thanks for your comment. I appreciate your concerns. I was conflicted about this decision. The superbloom mania is impacting more places than just Lake Elsinore. It includes other areas including Anza-Borrego.
I recognize that most people who regularly follow Natural History Wanderings behave appropriately and respectfully when out viewing and photographing wildflowers. However, during periods of super blooms there are many more page views as a result of internet searches. I didn’t want to contribute to the destruction of natural habitats.
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By: Sandy Steinman on March 19, 2019
at 11:15 AM
I applaud your decision, thanks,
Spencer
Sent: Monday, March 18, 2019 at 12:12 PM
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By: Spencer Westbrook on March 18, 2019
at 7:48 PM
Good for you Sandy!
Sent from my iPad
>
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By: jipcanne on March 18, 2019
at 7:07 PM