California Wildflower Tipline has photos of flowers cur renting in bloom in the Susana/Corriganville area (Simi Valley) at (2) California Wildflower Tipline
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | May 29, 2019
Susana/Corriganville area (Simi Valley)Wildflowers 5/28/19
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | May 29, 2019
The End Is Near for One of Sweden’s Oldest Trees
Atlas Obscura reports
THE OLD OAK TREE KNOWN as the Kvill Oak or Rumskulla Oak has skeletal limbs and a hollow heart. The tree has stood in the Swedish city of Kalmar for hundreds of years—maybe close to 1,000, maybe more—and each of those years seems to be written in its branches and bark. Sometime over the centuries, fungi apparently feasted on its heartwood, the deep core of its trunk. Since then, the graceful, arching branches have become less and less green. Last year, only a single one sprouted leaves, The Local reported.
Read full story at The End Is Near for One of Sweden’s Oldest Trees – Atlas Obscura
Posted in Uncategorized | Tags: One of Sweden's Oldest Trees
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | May 28, 2019
Marin Wildflowers: Pam’s Blue Ridge Trail, Fairfax 5/27/19
Marin CNPS has photos for Pam’s Blue Ridge Trail, in Fairfax at (7) Marin Native Plants
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | May 28, 2019
Santa Monica Mountains Wildflowers 5/27/19
Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area has one new report
This has been a year when almost any hike you take in a wild place is going to give you a gratifying display of wildflowers. The popular media has frequently provided us all with dramatic flower reports and suggestions of where to see the more spectacular displays. Added to that is the drama and beauty of the recovering burned landscapes here in the Santa Monica Mountains. All in all this is a flower season not to be missed.
| Topanga Canyon State Park | Santa Ynez Canyon | 5/24 |
| The beginning of this hike is a lovely creekside ramble. There is still quite a bit of water in the creek and some of the many crossings are a little tricky. This is a cool, peaceful and mostly flat walk and there aren’t a huge amount of flowers although there are patches of canyon sunflower, elderberry, purple nightshade, hedge nettle and a single, hidden globe lily. The explosion of flowers comes as you head uphill into the chaparral. There you find abundant, golden yarrow, black sage, California buckwheat, dudleyas, yellow and white pincushions, Turkish rugging white snapdragon and blue larkspur. I do always want to point out that the canyon area of this hike is thick with poison oak. | ||
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | May 28, 2019
Hungry Valley Wildflowers 5/25/19
Hungry Valley OHV has a new wildflower report for 5/25/19
Yes, we still have poppies! The cold and rain this past week have extended the blooms of some flowers and new species are still budding out. It is always exciting to see what new flowers have started to bloom each week.
The hillside near the north entrance still has poppies. Watch for more poppies, the large bush lupine and the sunflower-like balsamroot blooming along Spaghetti Pass and in the grasslands. There are some outstanding patches of the vibrant poppies along Wheatfield Trail, and as you drop into the valley near Edison Campground.
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | May 28, 2019
Trump Administration Hardens Its Attack on Climate Science York Times
The New York Times reports on the Trump Administrations increased attacks on climate science
In the next few months, the White House will complete the rollback of the most significant federal effort to curb greenhouse-gas emissions, initiated during the Obama administration. It will expand its efforts to impose Mr. Trump’s hard-line views on other nations, building on his retreat from the Paris accord and his recent refusal to sign a communiqué to protect the rapidly melting Arctic region unless it was stripped of any references to climate change.
And, in what could be Mr. Trump’s most consequential action yet, his administration will seek to undermine the very science on which climate change policy rests.
Read full article at Trump Administration Hardens Its Attack on Climate Science – The New York Times
Posted in Environment | Tags: Trump Attacks on Climate Science
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | May 27, 2019
Garden Photos – Updated
Photos of flowers blooming in my yard today.
Posted in Garden, Photos (Sandy's) | Tags: Garden Flower Photos
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | May 27, 2019
Marin Wildflowers 5/26/19
The Marin CNPS Facebook page has photos of wildflowers seen yesterday at Tomales Pt. at Pt. Reyes and last Saturday at Mt. Burdell at (7) Marin Native Plants
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | May 27, 2019
Australia Is Deadly Serious About Killing Millions of Cats
The New York Times report
Feral felines are driving the country’s native species to extinction. Now a massive culling is underway to preserve what’s left of the wild.
Read story at Australia Is Deadly Serious About Killing Millions of Cats
Posted in Animals | Tags: Feral Cats Killing Native Species, Killing Feral Cats
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | May 26, 2019
Owens Valley Wildflowers 5/25/19
Recent cool and wet weather is prolonging the spring bloom in the Owens Valley (Inyo County). There are photos taken this May 22-25 at lower elevations of the White Mountains, off Highways 168 and at (4) California Wildflower Tipline
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | May 26, 2019
North Coast Wildflowers 5/25/19
Where to Photograph in California (Calphoto) has report for Pt. Arena, Montgomery Woods State Preserve, Kruse Rhododendron State Natural Reserve, and Stewart’s Pt.
Stopped at Point Arena on my road trip today, and it was well worth it. On the trail south along the bluff top (park at the bend in the road), tons of Iris, Blue Eyed Grass, Triphysaria sp., and Brodiaea. Plus, y’know, dramatic cliffs and ocean and stuff. Approaching the lighthouse there were fields of Sea Pink, and stands of chickweed, paintbrush, and a few Baby Blue Eyes. The word is Go, and the time is Now.
After Point Arena, the best wildflower spot I saw today was along Comptche-Ukiah Road in Montgomery Woods State Preserve. A semi-open slope had, in a small space, Firecracker Flower, Fairy Lanterns (Calochortus amabilis), Chinese Houses, Clarkia concinna (past prime, alas), Blue Dicks, and probably something I’m forgetting. Also tons of poison oak–you have been warned.Kruse was a little disappointing. There were a few rhododendrons in bloom, but not many; a lot of buds, though, so it may be better in a couple weeks. Lots of violets. I meant to look for Lilium maritimum, but didn’t think of it when I was there and I wound up on the wrong trail for that (Phillips rather than Chinese Gulch).Not much else worth mentioning, except for a lovely stand of Fairy Lanterns on Stewarts Point Skaggs Spring Road, a mile or two east of Anvil winery.
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | May 26, 2019
National Parks Are Very Good For The Economy -updated
Yosemite National Park News Release
Tourism to Yosemite National Park Creates $624,129,000 in Economic Benefits
A new National Park Service (NPS) report shows that 4,009,438 visitors to Yosemite National Park in 2018 spent $495,245,000 in communities near the park. That spending supported 6,184 jobs in the local area and had a cumulative benefit to the local economy of $624,129,000.
“Over 4 million visitors a year come from California, across the United States, and all over the world to experience the natural and cultural wonders of Yosemite National Park,” said Yosemite Superintendent Michael Reynolds. “We are proud to work with our gateway communities to help park visitors discover deep and lasting connections to Yosemite and the surrounding area. National park tourism is a significant driver in the national economy, returning $10 for every $1 invested in the National Park Service, and it’s a big factor in our local economy as well. We appreciate the partnership and support of our gateway partners and neighbors.”
Posted in Park | Tags: Yosemite National Park
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | May 25, 2019
Glacier Pt. Road Opened But Will Close Again
Yosemite National Park reports
Glacier Point Road opened earlier today and will remain open until 6 pm on Saturday, May 25. At that time, it will close due to an incoming storm. We will evaluate the road once conditions improve.
Expect cloudy conditions at Glacier Point (we don’t have a current photo because the view became cloudy this afternoon). Additionally, expect all trails leaving from the road to be snowy.
This storm may also result in chain requirements on park roads. If you encounter a “chains required sign,” do not proceed unless you have chains in possession or installed (depending on what the sign indicates). Call 209/372-0200 (then 1, 1) to check on road status.
Posted in Park | Tags: Glacier Pt. Road, Yosemite National Park
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | May 25, 2019
Taylor Mountain Regional Park Wildflowers 5/24/19
California Wildflower Tipline has wildflower photos for Taylor Mountain Regional Park in Sonoma County taken May 24th at(3) California Wildflower Tipline
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | May 25, 2019
Mt. Rainier Wildflowers 5/24/19
Mt. Rainier National Park reports
Currently Blooming
Fueled by warmer temps and spring rain, forest wildflowers are emerging and beginning to bloom. However, many of these early flowers take a little more effort to spot, like the big-leaved sandwort (Moehringia macrophylla). The whole plant is just a couple inches tall, with tiny white flowers.
Please Note: As snow melts away, it may be tempting to skirt remaining patches of snow that are covering trails. However, by going off trail you are walking on and damaging the wildflowers that you may be coming to see! It is better to stay on trail even if that means crossing snow, particularly in the high-visitation meadows around Paradise and Sunrise.
Wildflower Reports
- Nisqually Entrance to Longmire (5/23) – vanilla leaf; late: skunk cabbage, coltsfoot, trillium
- Longmire (5/21) – Calypso orchid, yellow violets, wild strawberry, kinnikinnick, big-leaved sandwort, Cascade oregon-grape, holly-leaved Oregon-grape, heartleaf twayblade, mitrewort, purple violet, salmonberry (early), slender bog orchid (early); late: skunk cabbage, coltsfoot, trillium
Wildflower Photos
The photos featured here are usually taken by park staff and volunteers from all over the park. Share your own wildflower photos in the Mount Rainier Flickr group! Higher resolution versions of wildflower photos are available on Mount Rainier’s Flickr page.
Plan Your Visit
Paradise and Sunrise are two of the main visitor center areas at Mount Rainier National Park. Both areas are well known for their impressive wildflower meadows. The park also maintains dozens of trails perfect for wildflower viewing.
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | May 25, 2019
Homestead Valley Land Trust Wildflowers 5/24/19
Homestead Valley has a new wildflower update. See photos Homestead Valley May 4
NEW
– Black elderberry, a large shrub with clusters of white flowers is blooming near Panoramic below the fire road.
– Bluff lettuce, a succulent, is blooming with yellow flowers on red stalks.
– California everlasting has clusters of tight white flowers and blooms in meadows.
– California huckleberry blooms with small white bells on the Red Plum Trail. A blueberry cousin, the berries once black are edible.
– Common catchfly*, native of Eurasia, blooms white on a reddish stalk in meadows.
– Hedgenettle, a mint, blooms in purple rounds up a stalk in forests.
– Naked buckwheat blooms in pink clusters on rock outcrops in meadows.
– Narrow leaved clover*, native of Eurasia is blooming pink tipped on the ridge.
– Striped coralroot, an orchid, is a spectacular find under the bays near 6d.
– Tocalote*, native of the Mediterranean region is an invasive weed found in meadows another unfortunate byproduct of ranching.
– Wavyleaf soap plant blooms with open white stars on long stalks. Pollinated by moths, the flowers open late in the day.
– Woodland madia’s bright yellow flowers bloom in forests.
– Yerba buena, a bright green ground hugging trailing plant is blooming with small white flowers. Leaves aromatic. Edible.
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | May 25, 2019
Henry Coe Wildflower Update 5/25/19
Henry Coe State Park has updated its wildflower bloom report at the Pine Ridge Association website with photos and a list of flowers now in bloom at: Henry W. Coe – Wildflower Guide.
New Website Link: Henry Coe has updated its website and changed the wildflower link. The new link is https://coepark.net/blooming
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | May 25, 2019
2019 National Trails Day is June 1
Taking place on the first Saturday in June, National Trails Day® is a day of public events aimed at advocacy and trail service. Thousands of hikers, bikers, rowers, horseback riders, trail clubs, federal and local agencies, land trusts, and businesses come together in partnership to advocate for, maintain, and clean up public lands and trails.
Learn more including how to participate at National Trails Day® – American Hiking Society
Posted in Walks & Hikes | Tags: National Trails Day
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | May 24, 2019
Pt. Reyes Updates
Pt. Reyes National Seashore has posted the following updates today (5/24/19):
- Drakes Beach Road and Drakes Beach have re-opened. Earlier this week 200 elephant seals arrived on the beach in front of the Ken Patrick Visitor Center, making it unsafe for visitors and elephant seals to share the beach. There are fewer seals on the beach now and park staff and volunteers will be onsite this weekend to ensure everyone’s safety. Please be sure to stay at least 25 ft. away from elephant seals and remember that no dogs are allowed on Drakes Beach. Please monitor the park’s social media and website for updates.
- Drakes Beach Bookstore and Ken Patrick Visitor Center will be open this holiday weekend (Saturday, Sunday, and Monday) from 10am – 4:30pm.
- Point Reyes Beach between the North Beach parking lot and the mouth of Abbotts Lagoon is closed due to Snowy Plovers nesting.
- Shuttle service to lighthouse and Chimney Rock is cancelled in May.
- Click HERE for important updates and current park closures.
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | May 24, 2019
California Wildflower Tipline Updates 5/23/19
There are photos from two wildflower walks yesterday.
- Lots of flowers still in bloom Grotto Trail (Malibu)
- Quail trail loop at Junipero Serra county park.
See photos older reports at (3) California Wildflower Tipline
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | May 24, 2019
Southern & Central California Wildflower Reports 5/24/19
Theodore Payne has new wildflower report for May 24 for Central and Southern California. You can find it with photos and older reports at Theodore Payne Wildflower Hotline
The Hotline is meant to help people enjoy the unique and beautiful nature of Southern California, without diminishing that resource in years to come. We encourage people to treat these floral treasures with the respect due to all living organisms.
Flower viewing etiquette is simple:- Stay on the paths
- Stand on bare ground
- Leave the flowers unharmed
- Santa Monica Mountains
- Hungry Valley State Vehicle Recreation Area
- Placerita Canyon Nature Center
- Southern California Montane Botanic Garden at the Oak Glen Preserve
- Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Garden
- Environmental Nature Center
- Elizabeth Learning Center
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | May 24, 2019
Native plants Regenerate on Their Own After Invasive Shrubs are Removed
ScienceDaily reports
Invasive shrubs have become increasingly prevalent in the deciduous forests of eastern North America — often creating a dense understory that outcompetes native plants. Many land managers would like to remove the invaders, but worry about whether a costly remediation program will be needed to help the native plant community rebound.
Read story at Native plants regenerate on their own after invasive shrubs are removed — ScienceDaily
Posted in Environment | Tags: Plant Regeneration
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | May 23, 2019
Clover Springs Wildflowers 5/22/19
See photos for wildflowers at Clover Springs Preserve, in Cloverdale, CA. at (2) Botanical Wanderings – California Flowers in bloom include Hedge Nettle; Spice Bush; California Helianthella; CaliforniaPoppy; Golden Fairy Lantern; Woodland Madia; Western Azalea; Milkwort; Sticky Monkey Flower; and Red Ribbons.
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | May 23, 2019
Peavine Ridge Wildflowers 5/22/19
Botanical Wanderings -California reports
Peavine Ridge Road in El Dorado County to look for wildflowers on the lava caps. About 4000 ft elevation. We DID find wildflowers, but they were struggling with the snow! In late May! One spot had masses of one of the prettiest California endemics, Five spot (Nemophila maculata). The problem was, they were too cold to open up. We did find a few that decided to open for us as the sun warmed them up. I don’t recommend going to this spot quite yet.
See photos at (3) Botanical Wanderings – California
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | May 23, 2019
Oregon Wildflowers 5/18/19
New report from Oregon Wildflowers:
Zumwalt Prairie – Flowers just starting in lower elevations (below Zumwalt Prarie preserve), after winter of heavy snow, now rushing rivers and still some rain. In spots, balsamroot plentiful, also lupines, phlox and some giant head clover, and yellow button shaped flowers on tall stems (species?). Prairie smoke blooming along gravel road to Zumwalt preserve. Many meadowlarks (females nesting in tall grass, males singing/warning/watching), horned lark, red tails, kildeer and other birds. Zumwalt preserve road a mudhole last Saturday, by access gate, very little blooming except prairie smoke–will be passable (SUV or high clearance vehicle) when it dries out more.
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | May 23, 2019
41st annual Wildflower Show at Idyllwild May 25 and 26
The Valley News reports
Riverside County Regional Park and Open-Space District (RivCoParks) announces the 41st annual Wildflower Show at the Idyllwild Nature Center located at 25225 Highway 243 in Idyllwild this Memorial Day Weekend.
The show is open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, May 25 and Sunday, May 26.
Read more at 41st annual Wildflower Show set for this weekend in Idyllwild – Valley News
Posted in Wildflowers and Other Plants | Tags: Idyllwild Wildflower Show
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | May 23, 2019
A Chain of Species Destruction at Yellowstone
The New York Times reports
The havoc caused by stocking the park’s lake for sport fishing ravaged ospreys, pelicans, bald eagles, grizzly bears and the lake’s own native cutthroat trout.
Read article at Opinion | A Chain of Species Destruction at Yellowstone – The New York Times
Posted in Animals, Park | Tags: Yellowstone Species Destruction
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | May 22, 2019
Dave Moore Nature Area Wildflowers 5/21/19
Charlie Russell’s California Wildflower Hikes reports
The Dave Moore Nature Area is a short, easy hike in gold country where you can find an interesting variety of native and non-native wildflowers
See a description of the trail, plant list and photos Dave Moore Nature Area Wildflowers
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | May 22, 2019
Big Pine (Owens Valley) to Eureka Valley Wildflowers 5/20/19
California Wildflower Tipline reports
A lot in bloom right now along the road from Big Pine (Owens Valley) to Eureka Valley in Death Valley NP. Great place to see a diversity of cacti in flower — in a few hours I saw 8 species see photos taken May 20 at California Wildflower Tipline
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | May 21, 2019
E.P.A. Plans to Get Thousands of Deaths Off the Books by Changing Its Math
The New York Times reports
The Environmental Protection Agency plans to change the way it calculates the future health risks of air pollution, a shift that would predict thousands of fewer deaths and would help justify the planned rollback of a key climate change measure, according to five people with knowledge of the agency’s plans.
Read article at E.P.A. Plans to Get Thousands of Deaths Off the Books by Changing Its Math – The New York Times
Posted in Environment | Tags: EPA Statistics
Natural History Wanderings 