See photos for flowers in bloom on the Pentachaeta trail this week, Westlake Village, Los Angeles County at California Wildflower Tipline
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | February 21, 2020
Pentachaeta Trail Wildflower Bloom 2/21/20
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | February 21, 2020
Fresno Blossom Trail 2/21/20
Fresno County Office of Tourism – Blossom Trail reports on February 21 2020
Reports of Almond Orchards in full bloom (white blossoms), and several sightings of apricot and early peach blooms (pink). Weather forecast calls for a passing morning shower with some clouds on Saturday – highs in the mid 60s, but then sunny through Thursday. Expect some good blossom viewing this weekend, with increasing blooms over the next 7 days.
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | February 21, 2020
Santa Monica Mountains Wildflowers 2/19/20
Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area has a new report
| Topanga State Park | Dead Horse Trail | 2/19/20 |
| This is a trail between Trippet Ranch and the Dead Horse Parking lot. It alternates chaparral with patches of woodlands. In the shady woodlands miner’s lettuce is coming into flower. The chaparral areas are filled with blooming eastwood manzanitas, a fair amount of flowering wild cucumber, a bit of purple nightshade and fuchsia flowering gooseberry and just above the bridge the first blooming wild peonies that I have seen this year. | ||
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| This site performs a public service that anyone can participate in. Let us all know what you are seeing! If you are new to submitting a report (or maybe even an old hand at it) be sure and read How To Submit a Flower Report |
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | February 21, 2020
Noise Pollution Threatens Animals and Humans
National Parks Conservation Association reports
A growing body of research shows that noise can be harmful to humans and animals. Can natural quiet be saved?
Research has shown that the modern whir not only affects the behavior of wild animals, it’s also making us sick. High noise levels have been linked to heart disease, stroke, sleep disturbance and reduced workplace productivity. A 2011 World Health Organization report suggested that traffic noise significantly cut healthy life expectancy among Western Europeans.
Read full story at Hush… · National Parks Conservation Association
Posted in Environment | Tags: Noise Pollution
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | February 20, 2020
Marin Wildflowers: Cascade Canyon 2/19/20
Marin CNPS reports
Things are really starting to pop! Did a ramble up Cascade Cyn. in Fairfax this morning and saw many things flowering or making buds. See photos at https://www.facebook.com/gosner/media_set?set=a.10221814675062171&type=3https://www.facebook.com/gosner/media_set…
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | February 20, 2020
Homestead Valley Land Trust Wildflowers 2/19/2020
Homestead Valley has a new wildflower update. See photos and maps at February 19, 2020
NEW
– Hazel, a common deciduous shrub in the forest is waking up and the female flowers are very small tassels of bright red.
– Oso berry is blooming with arching white, fragrant flowers on the Ridgewood Rock. Also called Indian plum, this shrub was an important source of food and medicine for native Americans.
Forests
– Bay trees’ yellow clusters of flowers are filling the air with their sweet vanilla scent.
– Fairy bells, low and branching with white bell flowers hanging under the leaves is blooming in forests.
– False lily of the valley with its ladder of pointed leaves and white star flowers is blooming in forests.
– Fetid adder’s tongue, a small lily with distinctive red mottled leaves, is blooming at several locations in the forest along the Homestead Trail.
– Indian warrior’s burgundy plumes are spreading down the hill below 15 on the Homestead Trail.
– Manroot, a vine in the gourd family with large leaves and white flowers is blooming in forests.
– Milkmaids with their white flowers is starting to bloom in the forests.
– Trilium is blooming under bay trees in the forest near the water tank at 6d.
Forest edge
– Arroyo willow is blooming in the gully at Laverne and Reed.
– Pacific hounds tongue with its bright blue flowers on tall stalks with large arrow leaves is blooming at forest edges.
– Woodland strawberry, a common ground cover at forest edges is starting to bloom white.
Meadows
– Checker lily has started blooming with chocolate bells and yellow spots in the meadows below Amaranth.
– Footsteps of spring is blooming in the middle of the trail at 7j below the Homestead Hill.
– Fremont’s deathcamas’s cluster of white star flowers is blooming in the meadow below Amaranth.
– Scotch broom*, one of the most aggressive invasive shrubs in Homestead is starting to bloom with bright yellow pea flowers in meadows.
– Wooly lomatium, in the carrot family, with lacy foliage and white wooly umbels is blooming in meadows up on the Homestead Hill
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | February 20, 2020
North Table Mountain Wildflowers 2/19/20
Chico Hiking Association reports
The North Table Mountain Ecological Reserve is coming alive. Today, we found lots of sporadic blooms. Get your flower guide and head up there to check it out.
See photos at http://www.chicohiking.org/…/fieldguides/Phantom/PhantomFlo…
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | February 20, 2020
Henry Coe Wildflower Update 2/19/20
Henry Coe State Park has a new report for wildflowers currently in bloom. See what is currently flowering at the Pine Ridge Association website with photos and a list of flowers now in bloom at: Henry W. Coe – Wildflower Guide.
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | February 20, 2020
Anza-Borrego Foundation Wildflower Report & Map 2/19/20
The Anza-Borrego Foundation reports
2020’s wildflower bloom is just starting!
Small areas of blooms are now being seen throughout the Park. We need more rain to have a “Superbloom”, but if you’re willing to venture away from paved roads, you’ll be rewarded with small patches of flowers.
View our downloadable map for details!
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | February 20, 2020
Red-state Utah embraces plan to tackle climate crisis in surprising shift
The Guardian reports
In a move to protect its ski slopes and growing economy, Utah – one of the reddest states in the nation – has just created a long-term plan to address the climate crisis.
Read article at: Red-state Utah embraces plan to tackle climate crisis in surprising shift | Environment | The Guardian
Posted in Environment | Tags: Climate Crisis, Utah Roadmap
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | February 19, 2020
Dry Winter, No Superblooms – updated
Updated
Newspapers across California are publishing articles about the dry winter and decreasing chances of a superbloom. No one can absolutely know what the weather will be and how that will effect this year’s wildflower season. However, given the current rainfall, snowpack and dry predictions for the next couple of weeks at seems unlikely to be a good wildflower. Here is what some of the newspapers are saying.
Wildflower forecast: Will there be another superbloom in California this year? – SFGate
San Francisco Chronicle – a few excerpts
The best locations will likely be in the high-desert — higher elevations of Anza Borrego State Park and Joshua Tree National Park — where rare snowfall in December has helped keep the ground moist.
“Three hours northwest of Joshua Tree, Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve may also receive some flowers. “We’re currently predicting a moderate bloom,” said Jean Rhyne, a state park interpreter for the Great Basin District, Mojave Area. “There are some patches with lots of poppy sprouts, and patches with only a few here and there. The buds are just beginning to form and the first couple of flowers have now been spotted. We have not yet received the minimum amount of precipitation that is typically necessary for a good bloom, so if we don’t get more rain, we may have a short season.”
Minnich believes low-desert locations such as Death Valley National Park will experience paltry blooms. “I think they’ve had less than an inch,” he said. “It’s not going to be good there.”
Lake Elsinore is also highly unlikely to see flowers similar to last year’s much-Instagrammed profusion.
California’s Sierra Nevada snowpack barely half of normal | The Sacramento Bee
The snowpack in the Sierra Nevada is a sad whisper of it was a year ago, a withering testament to the lack of precipitation in the state’s increasingly dry winter.
Dry winter may mean no repeat of ‘superbloom’ chaos in Lake Elsinore
Santa Rosa Press Democrat
LAKE ELSINORE — Southern California’s dry winter isn’t good for wildflowers and that’s OK with officials in the city of Lake Elsinore where last spring’s ..
California’s Dry Winter Could Jeopardize Super Bloom
KSRO
California’s dry winter could mean no super bloom this spring. … in the next months, this year will not see as many colorful poppies and wildflowers
Dry Winter May Mean No ‘Super Bloom’
CBS Sacramento
California’s dry winter means we may not have an epic “super bloom” of Instagramable wildflowers like in recent years past. 21 hours ago .
Posted in Wildflowers and Other Plants | Tags: 2020 Wildflower predictions
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | February 19, 2020
Anza-Borrego Wildflowers 2/19/20
Anza-Borrego Desert Natural History Association reportts
There is currently an early spring bloom taking place in many locations in Anza-Borrego. Close to town the best place to go is Coyote Creek. The flowers there are dominated by bright yellow desert dandelions but there are many other species in the mix, white chicory, orange desert sunflowers, and purple sand verbena. There are flowers at the beginning of the dirt road but the best areas are about 1 1/2 mile in. The road is in excellent shape right now and suitable for any vehicle (with care) to first crossing. Beyond first crossing high clearance is essential and 4WD is recommended, but it is not necessary to go that far.
If you are looking for desert lilies there is a nice bloom taking place at the Arroyo Salado Campground. Look for flowers along the road that leaves the campground to the east. Desert lilies are also reported along the route to the Calcite Mine
See photos at Anza-Borrego Desert Wildflowers Update
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | February 19, 2020
Grizzly Bear Death Rates Are Climbing
The New York Times reports
Trains, cars and poaching have all contributed to a soaring number of fatalities, prompting fears for the grizzlies’ future.In 2018, a record number of grizzly bears — 51 — were killed in the Northern Continental Divide Ecosystem, millions of acres in and around Glacier National Park.
In 2018, a record number of grizzly bears — 51 — were killed in the Northern Continental Divide Ecosystem, millions of acres in and around Glacier National Park.
Read more at Grizzly Bear Death Rates Are Climbing – The New York Times
Posted in Animals | Tags: Grizzly Bear Death Rates
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | February 18, 2020
Fresno Blossom Trail 2/18/20
Fresno County Office of Tourism – Blossom Trail reports on February 18, 2020
Pink Blossoms were spotted at Academy & Belmont on Sunday. Sunshine in the forecast over the next five days, predicts more orchards in bloom by the weekend.
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | February 18, 2020
Antelope Valley Wildflower Reports 2/14/20
Poppy Reserve/ Mojave Desert Interpretive Association has a new report for Feb. 14
The 2020 wildflower season has begun. The fiddleneck are up to 5 to 6 inches, pygmy-leaved lupine have their leaves, filaree have their true leaves and starting to flower, locoweed have their green leaves, grasses are up to 3 plus inches and yes there are poppy plants with their true leaves. I also observed the cotyledons of goldfields. The male Juniper trees are loaded with cones that are producing the pollen and the female trees have small berries.
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | February 18, 2020
Anza-Borrego Wildflower Updates 2/17/20
Anza-Borrego Wildflowers Guide reports
Easy to reach confirmed locations:
- Glorietta Canyon and Yagui Meadows (washes/drainages just east of Glorietta Canyon) bloom normal.
- Coyote Canyon half a mile past the asphalt up to first crossing, bloom normal.
- Coachwhip / Ella Wash don’t expect flower carpets, but you will find interesting flowers.
- Alma Wash a.k.a. Elephant Tree Natural Area is above normal, as are washes to the north, bloom above normal for the area.
The bloom in Henderson Canyon, close to normal.
See photos at https://borregowildflowers.org/pages/blooming.html
February 17, 2020: Anza-Borrego Desert State Park Wildflower Update
While we haven’t had enough rain to bring on a “superbloom” in the Park this year, there are a few areas where you can find a sprinkling of annual wildflowers. Desert Gold Poppies, Phacelia, and a variety of tiny “belly flowers” are starting to make their appearance near the Visitor Center and on low rocky hillsides. Little Surprise Canyon, the Yaqui Well Trail, and Cactus Loop Trail are worth exploring. Fishhook cacti are especially abundant (and in bloom!) along the Yaqui Well Trail.
Park at the end of the pavement at the north end of DiGiorgio Road and walk up the 4WD Coyote Canyon Road for a few lilies and a scattering of annuals. And a small pocket of wildflowers is blooming near the east end of Henderson Canyon, just west of the “PegLeg” area.
Check back in a week and see what has developed!
You can also call our Wildflower Hotline at 760-767-4684.
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | February 18, 2020
Regional Park Botanic Garden Photos 2/17/20
Photos taken in the Regional Park Botanic Garden Photos on 2/17/20.
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | February 18, 2020
Job opportunity: Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Garden
From Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Garden
We have an entry level position open at Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Garden in Claremont, California
Seed Conservation Intern: Assist the Director of Conservation Programs, Seeds of Success Coordinator, and the Seed Conservation Program Manager in execution of field research and seed collecting activities for Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Garden’s California Plant Rescue (CaPR) program, Seed LA, and the Bureau of Land Management’s (BLM) Seeds of Success Program (SOS). CaPR is a collaborative project to secure the future of California’s native flora by collecting seeds of California native plant species for long term preservation in secure regional seed banks (ex-situ conservation), Seed LA is a regional effort to make locally appropriate regional native plant materials more broadly available in the greater Los Angeles region, and SOS is a program coordinated by the BLM to support seed collections from native plant populations to conserve and develop native plant materials for stabilizing, rehabilitating and restoring lands in the United States. Duties include assisting in the field to scout populations, collect seed, conduct surveys, collect and process plant specimens, plant identification, data collection, preparation of field forms and reports, data entry and labeling of field collections, seed processing, seed testing, and preparation of seeds for storage.
See full job description at Seed Conservation Intern
Posted in Uncategorized | Tags: Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Garden
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | February 17, 2020
Will there be a 2020 SLO County CA wildflower super bloom?
The San Luis Obispo Tribune has an article on
A lackluster winter rain season has left much of California on the cusp of a drought — so what does that mean for the state’s much-Instagrammed wildflowers?
The with local sources at Carrizo Plain National Monument, Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, Antelope Valley and Walker Canyon.
Read more here: https://www.sanluisobispo.com/news/local/environment/article240282161.html#storylink=cpy
Read story at Will there be a 2020 SLO County CA wildflower super bloom? | San Luis Obispo Tribune
Posted in Wildflower Bloom Reports, Wildflowers and Other Plants | Tags: Antelope Valley Wildflowers, Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, Anza-Borrego Wildflowers, California Wildflowers, Carrizo Plain Wildflowers, Desert Wildflowers, Walker Canyon Wildflowers, Wildflower Bloom Reports, Wildflowers and Other Plants
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | February 17, 2020
Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve 2/16/20
Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve SNR reports
The first few poppies are in bloom near Kitanemuk Vista Point, on the south-facing side. Fiddlenecks, slender keel fruits, red maids and forget-me-nots are also blooming in a few places on the reserve.
The ADA trail has been expanded and is now 0.7 mile long. It winds around part of the Poppy Trail North Loop. We look forward to having the Poppy Reserve more accessible for everyone.
Please remember, visitors must stay on OFFICIAL TRAILS only; photos in the flowers are not allowed in the park. Walking in the poppies creates dirt patches and may result in a ticket. DO NOT walk where others have already damaged the habitat; it will compound the damage and leave a scar for years to come.
Commercial and student filming/photography requires a permit. No dogs, bikes on trails, drones, or picking flowers.
Poppies open up in mid morning, and curl up in the late afternoon/evening or if it’s cold, so check the weather forecast before leaving. The weather can change suddenly and it is frequently windy here during the spring. This is a DESERT grassland, so drink water often. Note that it can be very windy here in the spring.
Weekly bloom updates will be posted through Mother’s Day.
NEW THIS YEAR: Cell Phone Tour! Smartphone users can go to PoppyReserve.oncell.com and watch for notifications along the trails. Learn about the natural and cultural history of the reserve, with photos and audio stops.
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | February 17, 2020
Anza-Borrego Wildflowers 2/16/20
Anza-Borrego Wildflowers Guide reports
Bloom is low/normal but there are many bright areas if you are willing to hike.
See photos for East of Coyote Mountain and Clark Dry
Anza Borrego Desert Wildflowers reports
Coyote Canyon:
Water in First, Second and Third crossing, at second crossing water is a bit deeper than usual.
Bloom is best between Zero and First Crossing.
A nice display of Malacothrix glabrata | Desert dandelion, mixed with some Phacelia distans | Common phacelia, the occasional Rafinesquia neomexicana | Desert chicory and small Abronia villosa villosa , Desert sand verbena.
The display is good but not spectacular, for this area it’s above average.Lower Willows is still a problem, there isn’t a good route yet, maybe for this season.
Part of the route is a dense pack of arrow weed, others turned into a pond.
For now only for the very adventurous, with enough water in case you don’t find your way back.Henderson Canyon Rd
This is one of the main flower tourist attractions.
Right now it’s green with non-native plants, by the thousands, covering the entire area.
Some Abronia villosa villosa | Desert sand verbena and Geraea canescens | Desert sunflower.
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | February 17, 2020
A New Phacelia Hidden in Plain Sight
The California CNPS recently reported on the discovery of a new Phacelia species. It was found by two USFS botanists along a dirt road toward Damnation Pass, northwest of Redding.
The plant doesn’t have a name yet, but the team is leaning toward P. damnatio to commemorate the location of Damnation Pass
Read story at A New Phacelia Hidden in Plain Sight – California Native Plant Society
Posted in Wildflowers and Other Plants | Tags: New Wildflower Discovery, Phacelia
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | February 16, 2020
Free Salton Sea Webinar Feb. 20
from Audubon
| Learn about the Salton Sea from our Experts |
| Audubon’s priority saline (salty) lake ecosystems—Great Salt Lake, Lahontan Valley, Salton Sea, Owens Lake, Mono Lake, and Lake Abert—are essential to birds and at risk due to changes in water quality, quantity, and timing of water delivery. These changes are brought on by drought, diversions, and climate change.
In this webinar on Thursday, February 20 at 3p.m. PT/4p.m. MT, we will focus on a unique ecosystem that lies at the intersection of Audubon’s Western Water priority landscapes: The Salton Sea. Two members of Audubon California’s Salton Sea team, Andrea Jones (Director of Bird Conservation) and Frank Ruiz (Salton Sea Program Director) will discuss the history and current status of the Salton Sea, its relationship to the Colorado River and Delta, the status of birds, policy initiatives, and community engagement and education programs. Learn how you can contribute to our efforts at the Salton Sea, both locally and remotely. Sign up. |
Posted in Environment | Tags: Salton Sea
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | February 15, 2020
My Great Backyard Bird Count
We had our annual Great Backyard Bird Count and Brunch. Besides the great baked goods we saw or heard 27 different different bird species. It was out most to date and was surprisingly high as the birds have been slower than usual this year in our yard. Several species showed up for the first time in months. Our favorite was the Townsend’s Warbler. Nineteen of the species were seen in or from our yard. The additional species were added when we walked around the neighborhood.
Click read more to see our bird list
Posted in Birding Reports, Birds | Tags: Great Backyard Bird Count
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | February 15, 2020
A Few Wildflower Updates Around California 2/15/20
Botanical Wanderings – California has the following updates:
Dwarf popcornflower, Plagiobothrys humistratus, at Jepson Prairie. They just started blooming. Easy to miss, these flowers are about 5 mm across. It’s always the first popcornflower we see popping up here. Endemic to California
Photos of Algodones Dunes South West
Photos of Frank G Bonelli Regional County Park
See photos at Botanical Wanderings – California
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | February 15, 2020
Choosing The Right Birdhouse
The Sacramento Bee had an article on what birds look for in a birdhouse. Many bird houses are cute and attractive to humans but may not be functional or of interest to birds. The article talks about some of the features birds look for such as
- Safe Location
- Aged wood that is similar to tree trunks
- The right-size entry holes critters from reaching inside.
- A slanted roof for rain runoff
- Easy accessibility of Nesting materials.
The story also lists birdhouse resources. Learn more in the Sacramento Bee: What birds want in a birdhouse
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | February 14, 2020
Early Poppy Bloom Near Temecula
California Wildflower Tipline reports
There are already Poppies blooming along the embankments of 15 south of Temecula!
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | February 14, 2020
President Trump’s Proposed Budget Cuts Target National Parks
National Parks Conservation Association News Release
The Trump Administration’s budget plan for 2021 proposes serious cuts to the National Park Service and other federal agencies that if enacted, would jeopardize the protection, maintenance and operation of our more than 400 national parks across the country.
The administration’s budget calls for a total cut of $587 million (17 percent) to the National Park Service. The budget also proposes a $2.4 billion (26 percent) cut to the EPA, the agency responsible for implementing and enforcing laws like the Clean Water Act and Clean Air Act so we can drink clean water and enjoy scenic national park vistas unmarred by air pollution. Additionally, it nearly zeros out funding for the Land and Water Conservation Fund, a critical conservation tool that supports local tourism and recreational economies and enhances opportunities for the American public to enjoy access to its public lands.
Read more at President Trump’s Proposed Budget Cuts Target National Parks · National Parks Conservation Association
Posted in Park, Uncategorized | Tags: National Park Budget Cuts
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | February 13, 2020
Glide Tule Ranch (Yolo Basin Wildlife Area) & Jepson Prairie Wildflowers 2/13/20
California Wildflower Hikes reports
Early flowers are starting to show at the vernal pool areas at Glide Tule Ranch (Yolo Basin Wildlife Area) and Jepson Prairie, but the dry weather is having some impact.
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | February 13, 2020
Henry Coe Wildflower Update 2/13/20
Henry Coe State Park has a new report for wildflowers currently in bloom. See what is currently flowering at the Pine Ridge Association website with photos and a list of flowers now in bloom at: Henry W. Coe – Wildflower Guide.
Natural History Wanderings 