Calflora has a video that shows you how to use “Calflora: Map Layers” to find what plants grow in specific areas.
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | March 10, 2019
Using Calflora Plant Finder
Posted in Wildflowers and Other Plants | Tags: Calflora
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | March 9, 2019
Death Valley Wildflowers 3/9/19
ter soloman reports
Our natural history group returned today from five days in Death Valley, and we are happy to report major rainfall this week, to the degree that most roads were closed while crews scraped away tons of sand and gravel that washed across roadways. This was a complete soaking rain that turned the soil into thick muck at least a foot deep, and our mud-covered hiking boots are proof of the extent of the storm. It rained heavily all night in Beatty where we stayed, and we drove through wash-outs throughout the National Park as far west as Trona. Some flowers were starting to bloom before this event, including brittlebush, prickly poppy, desert sunflower, notchleaf phacelia, browneyes and lesser Mojavea. The rain should increase flowering on the plants that have a head start, as well as induce seed germination in lots of annuals. Perhaps a visit in two or three weeks, depending on ambient temperatures, will reward flower enthusiasts.
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | March 9, 2019
Marin Wildflowers: Cataract Trail and Chimney Rock 3/8/19
Marin CNPS reports on Cataract Trail and Chimney Rock yesterday.
The calypsos are up and unfurling on Cataract Trail.
Chimney Rock was more abundant with checkerbloom, Douglas iris, cerastium arvense, many of erysimum menziesii ssp. concinnum and just the one brave fritillaria right on the trail.
See photos and older reports at Marin CNPS
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | March 9, 2019
California Wildflowers in the News
Here are a series of articles about this year’s California wildflower bloom that are in the news today
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Bad behavior reported at Southern California wildflower super bloom
Bad behavior reported at Southern California wildflower super bloom … (KGTV) – The beautiful wildflower super bloom in Southern California is being …
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As California enjoys a wildflower ‘super bloom’, here are 6 other locations to sate your flower fix
Just as well for residents of California, who are currently enjoying a so-called ‘super bloom’ – a once-in-a-decade burst of colourful petals so vibrant it …
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Desert blooming in purple, yellow
California is experiencing a second super bloom in two years, … rain and rising temperatures set conditions for mass concentrations of wildflowers in …
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Wildflowers pop up across Golden Empire
SHAFTER, Calif. – Wildflowers are beginning to pop up across the Golden Empire, thanks in large part to significant rainfall. But whether we’ll see a full …
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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | March 9, 2019
Henry Coe Wildflower Update 3/8/19
Henry Coe State Park has a new wildflower bloom report for March 8, 2019 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 | March 9, 2019
Death Cap Mushrooms
Bay Nature reports
Death Caps are invasive, toxic mushrooms that have spread all over the West Coast.
But after a major story in The Atlantic emphasized their danger, a local mushroom-lover wonders if there aren’t more important questions to ask.
Read their article from a mycologist’s perspective on the spread of a deadly poisonous mushroom across the United States. Bay Nature: Should I Worry About Death Cap Mushrooms in California?
Posted in Mushrooms | Tags: Death Cap Mushrooms
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | March 8, 2019
Photos From My Garden
Pelagonium sp.
Fremont’s Death/Camas_Toxicoscordion fremontii
Dutchman’s Pipe/Aristolochia californica
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | March 8, 2019
Antelope Valley Poppy Preserve Wildflowers 3/8/19
Antelope Valley Poppy Preserve reports
As of March 8th, poppies are starting to bloom on the east side of the park. The Joshua trees and tiny forget-me-nots, slender keeled fruit and filaree flowers are blooming. We are expecting the bloom to be best mid-March through April.
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 arriving. 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.
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | March 8, 2019
Anza-Borrego Wildflower Update 3/7/19
Anza-Borrego Desert Natural History Association reports on March 7: Parish’s Poppies along San Felipe Wash
There is an extensive bloom of parish’s poppies along the south facing slopes of San Felipe Wash. Drive south from Borrego Springs Road to the area known as “Texas Dip” and then park on the side of the road at the bottom of the hill. Walk to the west along the steep slopes of the wash’ the hillsides are covered in poppies. See our Borrego Springs Map
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | March 8, 2019
E. Sierra Mule Deer Migration Corridor Field Trip 3/9/19
Eastern Sierra Land Trust field trip
Our Mule Deer Migration Corridor Field Trip is happening this Saturday! There is still room in the group – do you want to come? For meeting location and to RSVP, contact Marie at marie@eslt.org or 760-873-4554. We can’t wait to see everyone there!
For more information, go to https://www.eslt.org/event/mule-deer-migration-field-trip/
Posted in Uncategorized | Tags: Mule Deer Migration Corridor Field Trip
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | March 8, 2019
Trump National Golf Club Environmental Zoning Violation
Alt National Park Service reports
The Trump National Golf Club in northern Virginia was slapped Wednesday with zoning violations after Loudoun County officials determined the property improperly removed trees from a designated floodplain. The county announced that the Trump Organization property could face fines if it does not address local zoning violations that occurred when the owners cut down trees on the site situated near the Potomac River. County officials determined following a Feb. 28 inspection of the property that the club had cut and removed trees in a 31,000-square-foot plot of land located in a floodplain, and did so without a permit.
Posted in Environment | Tags: Trump Golf Club Environmental Violation
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | March 8, 2019
Southern California Detailed Wildflower Report 3/8/19
Theodore Payne has a new detailed wildflower report for Southern California. See report, photos and a list of native plant and wildflower events at http://theodorepayne.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/March-8-2019.pdf
This week’s report includes:
- Santa Monica National Recreation Area
- Carrizo Plain National Monument
- Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve
- Arthur B. Ripley Desert Woodland State Park
- Placerita Canyon Nature Center
- Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Garden in Claremont
- Environmental Nature Center
- Ronald W. Caspers Wilderness Park
- Anza-Borrego Desert State Park
- Coachella Valley Preserve
- Corn Springs Campground
- Elizabeth Learning Center in Cudahy
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | March 8, 2019
Trump Administration Announces Stripping Gray Wolf Protections
Center for Biological Diversity News Release
Plan Would Allow Trophy Hunting, Stymie Recovery
WASHINGTON— The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service today announced plans to strip gray wolves of Endangered Species Act protection across the lower 48 states.
If finalized the proposal will allow trophy hunting and trapping of wolves in the Great Lakes states. It will slow or completely halt recovery of wolves in more of their former range.
“This disgusting proposal would be a death sentence for gray wolves across the country,” said Collette Adkins, a senior attorney at the Center. “The Trump administration is dead set on appeasing special interests that want to kill wolves. We’re working hard to stop them.”
The proposal would remove federal protections for all gray wolves, with the exception of Mexican gray wolves, which are listed separately under the Endangered Species Act.
Congress stripped wolves in Idaho and Montana of protections in 2011, and the Fish and Wildlife Service stripped protection from Wyoming wolves in 2017. This led to the killing of thousands of wolves and cessation of further recovery in these states.
The Fish and Wildlife Service also stripped protection from gray wolves in the Great Lakes region in 2011, allowing trophy hunting and trapping seasons in Minnesota, Wisconsin and Michigan, but the courts restored protection in 2014.
“The courts have repeatedly slammed the Fish and Wildlife Service for prematurely removing wolf protections, but the agency has now come back with its most egregious scheme yet,” said Adkins. “Once again, we’ll take it to the courts and do everything we can to stop this illegal effort to kill wolf protections.”
Gray wolf numbers in these states have only recently recovered to pre-hunt numbers. These hunts will start anew if the Trump administration’s proposal is finalized.
The proposal will also all but ensure that wolves are not allowed to recover in the Adirondacks, southern Rockies and elsewhere that scientists have identified suitable habitat.
“The livestock industry and trophy hunters want wolves dead, but we’ll make sure the feds fulfill their obligation to restore wolves across the country,” Adkins added.
Background
Volunteer wolf advocates around the nation are gathering this week to oppose the Trump administration’s plans. The “Wild for Wolves” events are part of the Center for Biological Diversity’s Call of the Wild campaign.
On December 17, 2018, the Center for Biological Diversity and the Humane Society of the United States petitioned the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to maintain protection for gray wolves under the Endangered Species Act.
On Nov. 14, 2018, the Center for Biological Diversity sued the Fish and Wildlife Service for violating the Endangered Species Act by never providing a comprehensive recovery plan for gray wolves nationwide. If successful, that lawsuit would mean that wolves must remain federally protected until the Service implements a national recovery plan.
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | March 7, 2019
Help Protect The Arctic National Wildlife Refuge
More than 27,000 Audubon supporters have sent public comments to oppose drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. The deadline to comment is next Wednesday, March 13. Will you join them? It’s quick and easy.
Did you know that birds travel through all 50 states to raise their chicks in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge? No wonder some call it “America’s bird nursery.”
Unfortunately, the Bureau of Land Management has announced a plan to sell out the heart of the Arctic Refuge to oil companies, which will pave the way for drilling on the coastal plain of the Refuge—the nesting ground for vast numbers of birds such as Tundra Swans, American Golden-Plovers, and more.
This is especially disappointing since most of America’s Arctic coastline is already open for oil and gas development.
We need your help to protect this vital habitat from oil rigs, pipelines, and convoys of trucks and bulldozers that will roll over fragile tundra.
Click to: Send a public comment to oppose the proposal to sell out the heart of the Arctic Refuge.
Posted in Park | Tags: Arctic National Wildlife Refuge
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | March 7, 2019
Anza-Borrego Wildflower Update and Map Links 3/6/19
Anza-Borrego Desert Natural History Association reports
Borrego’s Big Spring Bloom is getting better!
This year’s spring bloom is now well underway, and it looks like this year will have more areas in bloom than the big bloom of 2017 and the bloom will last longer. All of March should be prime time and the bloom could last into April.
In Borrego Springs, the bloom at the end of DiGiorgio road, and into Coyote Canyon, has greatly expanded over the past week. Along DiGiorgio, starting a good half mile from the end of the road, the fields on both sides are now carpeted with yellow desert dandelions. It’s spectacular. The dirt road leading into the canyon is covered with sand
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | March 7, 2019
UC Berkeley Has 2 Peregrine Falcon Webcams
Berkeleyside reports
UC Berkeley, working closely with state and federal agencies, has installed two cameras on the second balcony of the Campanile so people can watch the peregrines — and their chicks in the spring — all day, every day.
Read more and get links to the cams at 2 peregrine falcon webcams installed on UC Berkeley campus — Berkeleyside
Posted in Birds | Tags: Falcon Cams
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | March 6, 2019
Anza-Borrego Wildflowers 3/6/19
Anza-Borrego Wildflowers Guide has two new posts with photos
Between Palo Verde Wash and Thimble Trail.
Went to the park yesterday knowing that it will be raining again today and I’m glad we did.S-22 Roadsides near Mile Marker 31.
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | March 6, 2019
Desert Lily Sanctuary Wildflowers 3/2/19
Explorers of the Mojave Desert reports
Last week I went to the Desert Lily Sanctuary located on Highway 177. I was greeted by a carpet of blooming Desert Sand verbena as far as the eye can see. Among the Desert Sand Verbena were clumps of Dune Evening Primrose, clumps of Freckled Milkvetch and clumps of California Shiledpod, to name a few scattered around. A few blooming Desert Lilies made the visit a complete delight.
See photos at (4) Explorers of the Mojave Desert
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | March 6, 2019
Temescal Valley Wildflowers 3/5/19
Where to Photograph in California (Calphoto) reports
Temescal Valley area to see the poppies growing on the east side of road. It looks quite lovely from the freeway and there were only at the most, three cars at a time while I was there. I spent about an hour and a half taking pictures and there were only a total of 8 people during that time. Besides the poppies, there were a few blue dicks, patches of chia here and there, popcorn flower and Canterbury bells, and both yellow and pink mustards. I imagine the weekends are quite crowded, but if you can go during the week, it’s wonderfully uncrowded.
Join Where to Photograph in California (Calphoto) to see older photo discussions and reports.
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | March 6, 2019
Death Valley Flooded By Drenching rains
The San Francisco Chronicle reports
Severe flooding overtook Death Valley National Park early Wednesday, closing roads and triggering a flash flood warnings for one of the driest spots in the country.
Read full story at Death Valley flooded by drenching rains: ‘It’s like putting water on concrete’ – SFGate
Posted in Desert, Park | Tags: Death Valley Flooding
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | March 6, 2019
Anza-Borrego Wildflowers 3/6/19
Anza-Borrego Desert Natural History Association reports
March 6: An overview
We took a drive around today to check the main areas on our maps. All of them are significantly better than they were a week to ten days ago. The flowers should expand over the next couple of weeks in all areas. See photo and older reports at http://www.abdnha.org/pages/03flora/reports/current.htm
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | March 6, 2019
Arizona Wildflower Report 3/6/19
Wild in Arizona reports
Arizona is in one of the best blooms in a decade. For those of you with our book here is a rundown of location number and the wildflower report.
See report and links to get their book at Wild in Arizona
Posted in Wildflower Bloom Reports | Tags: Arizona Wildflowers
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | March 6, 2019
February 2019 Blows Bast Average Snow-water Numbers
The Sacramento Bee reports
It’s no surprise, but feet upon feet of Sierra snow across multiple storms in February translated to healthy snow water content for California.
How healthy? Department of Water Resources officials observed more than double what they measured last month at Phillips Station near Echo Summit, recording 113 inches of snow depth with a snow water equivalent of 43.5 inches Thursday, according to a news release.
A month ago at the February survey (Jan. 31), snow-water equivalent had reached 100 percent of the statewide average (17.3 inches) at the February survey.
Read full story at: Snow survey: February 2019 blows past average snow-water numbers | The Sacramento Bee
Posted in Environment | Tags: Sierra Snow Levels
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | March 5, 2019
Borrego Flowers Bloom Prediction & Report 3/5/19
Borrego Wildflowers and a new Bloom prediction and report March 5, 2019
Bloom prediction for the Anza-Borrego Desert updated March 5, 2019:
Will we get a Super Bloom this season? We think not, all indications point to a normal bloom or slightly better. Some isolated areas may have a significantly better bloom.
The amount of relevant rain is now a least equal to the good spring of 2017, what some called a Super Bloom.
The great winter bloom (first bloom cycle) from the October 2018 rain, sometimes surpassing the 2017 Super bloom is beginning to wind down, as most annuals have a finite lifetime, no matter how much water, sun and nutrients you give them.
The second bloom cycle from the December 2018 rain is growing and there is new germination from the February 2019 rain.
March and April bloom will be more wide spread and probably cover most of the park.
Very warm weather might spoil things.
Don’t forget the caterpillars, when they show up in force, whole areas may be DOOMED.
When will the bloom peak? Most likely middle of March – beginning of April, depending on temperature and rain.
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | March 5, 2019
Anza-Borrego State Park Wildflower Update 3/5/19
Anza-Borrego State Park has the following new report and wildflower bloom map for March 5, 2019
Many areas in the park have great displays of wildflowers right now. Cool weather and moisture may help the bloom last through mid-March or even later.
Heading east on Highway S-22, look for great blooms along the roadside and in the washes & canyons between mile 33 and 36. There is a large pullout between miles 30 and 31 with room for parking near fields of purple sand verbena.
Just west of mile marker 35, park and walk into Arroyo Salado, Coachwhip Canyon, or Ella Wash. You’ll find a wide variety of flowers, including sand verbena, desert sunflower, brown-eyed primrose, desert lilies, and lupine. These flowers are blooming in response to fall storms in this area, and may be nearing their peak. CAUTION: Dirt roads into the Borrego Badlands require four-wheel-drive!
In the southern part of Anza-Borrego, June Wash is reported to have nice flowers. Park near mile marker 42 on Highway S-2 and walk up the wash. The Carrizo Badlands Overlook (mile marker 52) is also worth checking, along with Blair Valley (mm 33) and various pullouts along the highway.
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | March 5, 2019
Lake Elsinore Wildflowers 3/4/19
The San Francisco Chronicle reports are the current poppy bloom at Lake Elsinore. Although the article mentions the need to stay on the paths and not go in the flowers for selfies, the first photo shows someone jumping in a field of flowers. Here are a few excerpts from their article
California poppies are exploding in the Gavilan Hills flanking the eastern boundary of Lake Elsinore, inspiring thousands to descend on the region an hour’s drive east of Los Angeles.
In recent days, traffic along Interstate 15, which passes through the Riverside County town, has often come to a standstill with people wanting to photograph the eye-popping floral display
Photos of the display are flooding social media, and Reinig says the county has posted signage encouraging shutterbugs to tread lightly around the flowers.
“People love to get out there and get their Instagram photos,” he says. “They’ll plop themselves in the middle and trample the flowers. People need to stay on the path.”
Read full article and see photos at Thousands overwhelm California town to see superbloom: ‘I think social media has played huge role’ – SFGate
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | March 5, 2019
Anza-Borrego Wildflowers 3/4/19
Anza-Borrego Desert Natural History Association reports
March 4: June Wash
We asked for some photos of June Wash and we received some today from Bill McFall. The reports we had been getting have said the area has a very diverse bloom, and Bill’s photo below shows that. See photo at http://www.abdnha.org/pages/03flora/reports/current.htm
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | March 5, 2019
Fresno Blossom Trail 3/5/19
Fresno County Office of Tourism – Blossom Trail reports on March 5, 2019
Nectarines in bloom, more rain in the forecast – will update later in the week.
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | March 5, 2019
Utah Seeks to Bulldoze Federal Protections for Roadless Forests
Center for Biological Diversity News Release
Move Threatens Sensitive Wildlife, Increases Wildfire Risk
SALT LAKE CITY— Utah Gov. Gary Herbert’s petition Thursday to undermine protections for millions of acres of national forest roadless areas would threaten nearly three-fourths of Utah’s most sensitive wildlife, according to an analysis by the Center for Biological Diversity.
Herbert is asking the U.S. Forest Service to weaken protections for the remaining intact national forest lands to allow bulldozing of roads, logging and other development.
Seventy-four percent of Utah’s sensitive species whose populations are in peril find refuge in roadless areas, according to the Center’s analysis. Those animals include the northern goshawk, western boreal toad and Bonneville cutthroat trout. Roadless areas also provide millions of acres of crucial habitat for deer, elk, moose and other large mammals.
Posted in Environment | Tags: Wilderness Destruction
Posted by: Sandy Steinman | March 4, 2019
Natural History Wanderings 