Posted by: Sandy Steinman | May 6, 2018

Oregon Wildflowers 5/4/2018

Oregon Wildflowers  has a new report for Horse Rock Ridge  in the Willamette Valley

Although it is still early in the season, there is already plenty to see at Horse Rock Ridge. Beautiful tiny Fairyslipper (Calypso bulbosa) begins next to the parking area and continues in the forest beyond the fence. Other flowers blooming in the forest include: Snow Queen (Synthyris reniformis), Western Starflower (Trientalis latifolia), and Western Trillium (Trillium ovatum), with copious Oregon Wood Sorrel (Oxalis oregana) starting to open.

The meadows and hillsides are tinged yellow by profuse amounts of Yellow Monkeyflower (Mimulus guttatus), with intermittent white thanks to Oregon Fawn Lily (Erythronium oregonum) and Western Saxifrage (Saxifrage occidentalis). Other profuse bloomers include Rosy Plectritis (Plectritis congesta) and small-flowered blue-eyed Mary (Collinsia parviflora) which covers many rocky areas with a tinge of blue. Also blooming are plentiful Henderson`s Shooting Star (Dodecatheon hendersonii), Spring Gold (Lomatium utriculatum), Midget Phlox (Phlox gracilis), Early Saxifrage (Saxifraga integrifolia), Harsh Paintbrush (Castilleja hispida), Cut-leaf Daisy (Erigeron compositus), Western Serviceberry (Amelanchier alnifolia), and a few Menzies` Larkspur (Delphinium menziesii). Look for some Chocolate Lily (Fritillaria affinis) to the right (north) of the trail as you descend past the first set of rock outcrops. Be careful not to step on tiny Chickweed Monkeyflower (Mimulus alsinoides), which grows along the trail and in seeps.

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | May 6, 2018

Photo Tips From Parks Conservancy

The Parks Conservancy has an article on photograph tips for outdoor photography at Nine Photography Tips from Our Park Photographers

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | May 5, 2018

We don’t throw things away. There Is No Away

“We don’t throw things away. There is no away.”

What does this mean? “I’m going to throw this (cup, chair, food, trash) away.” What are you saying? Do you have any idea where whatever you’re tossing is going? How long it will take to break down and decompose back into our Earth? Will it even decompose? What animals will try and eat this? Are there other options besides throwing it “away?”

What you throw “away” goes somewhere; we must be more mindful of our consumption.

RECYCLING:

It’s one of the most basic things you can do to reduce waste in your neighborhood. Best of all, it’s FREE – you just have to take a minute to figure a few things out:

(This was originally this mornings post but the link was bad)

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | May 5, 2018

Mt. Diablo Birds, Butterflies and Wildflowers 5/5/18

Today Global Big Day I went birding in Mitchell Canyon at Mt. Diablo State Park with seven other birders from the Masterbirding program. Between us we saw 50 different bird species. We also saw six butterfly species,   A Valley Oak with many California Wasp Galls and at least 21 native wildflowers in bloom. There are  still many Mt. Diablo Fairy Lanterns in bloom.

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Click Read More to see our species lists from today

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | May 5, 2018

Figueroa Mountain Wildflowers May 5, 2018

submitted by Helen Tarbet Recreation Technician Los Padres National Forest

Figueroa Mountain Wildflower Update May 5, 2018

I think that we can all agree that this year hasn’t been exactly a fabulous wildflower year. However, Figueroa Mountain certainly has been doing its best to give us a show with the little rain it received. While some of the flowers are done for the year, others are going through their last hurrah for the season, some are in their prime and the late varieties are starting to come up. The one thing they all have in common this season is that they are short lived. Of course, this is understandable with the minimal rainfall. But in spite of that, they are still trying to delight us with their beauty. If you plan on seeing these lovelies, make it soon, as they may not be around for much longer.

Let’s go check them out, shall we?

Starting at the first cattle guard and continuing to the canopy area, much of the wildflowers are gone. However, the Chinese houses are most impressive, as they resemble pagodas in beautiful purple and white shades. Although they took over some of the grassy hillsides, beautiful fiesta flowers can still be found in some of the others. Hummingbird sage and golden yarrow is still present, along with a few blue dicks and royal lupine.

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | May 4, 2018

Sugarloaf State Park Wildflowers 5/3/18 updated

post and photos by Kathi Dowdakin
The thousands of Emmenanthe penduliflora/Whispering Bells in Sugarloaf Ridge State Park have just begun blooming.  This is all along the slope just east of where Lower Bald Mt. Trail meets Bald Mt. Trail, all the way to the top of the hill.  According to one of the park staffers today, the previous fire was 34 years ago, which is a very long time for a seed bank to sit quietly, waiting for the right conditions.
Also along Bald Mt. Trail, on the uphill side in the same area, I spotted what might be Antirrhinum kelloggii/Lax Snapdragon, which has only two reports from Sonoma Co in the Calflora database – one in 1947 by Milo Baker himself, and one in 1975.  Pretty cool!!!!
We scared up one of those cute little coppery snakes, AKA a baby rattlesnake, so be careful in your bush-whacking.

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And if you’re a fan of Calochortus amabilis/Diogenes’ lantern, there’s dozens, if not hundreds, of them along the Bald Mt. Trail.  The Streptanthus/Jewelflower I found in April by the rain gauge did not survive the recent weed-eater work around the picnic table there.

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | May 4, 2018

Oregon Wildflowers 5/3/2018

Oregon Wildflowers  has a new report for Hood River Mountain  in the Columbia River Gorge

Balsamroot, Hood River Milk Vetch, Strawberries, Broadleaf Lupine, Common Paintbrush, Fiddleneck, Western Buttercup, Popcorn flower, Blue-eyed Mary, Service Berry, White Groundsel, Yellow Groundsel, Oregon Grape, Upland Larkspur

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | May 4, 2018

Antelope Valley Wildflowers 5/4/18

Antelope Valley reports

As of May 4th, The poppies and most other wildflowers are gone for the season, but there are a couple of highlights still to see: the beavertail cactus, which usually blooms after the visitor center has closed for the season, is in full bloom. The lupine bushes are also still hanging on to their purple flowers. The visitor center will be closing for the season on Sunday, May 13th (Mother’s Day).

Stay on OFFICIAL TRAILS only. Walking in the poppies crushes all of the wildflowers and may result in a ticket. DO NOT walk where others have already damaged plants or there is only bare dirt; it will compound the damage and leave a scar for years to come. No dogs, bikes on trails, drones, or picking flowers.

“Selfies” in the flowers are not allowed. All photos must be taken from the trail.

Poppies open up in mid morning, and curl up in the late afternoon 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.

See photos at  Current Photos

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | May 4, 2018

Southern California Wildflower Summary 5/4/18

Theodore Payne  has a new weekly report. To see photos go to http://theodorepayne.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/5-4-WHR-text.pdf

The most recent beauty to make an appearance at Pinnacles National Park is a perennial bulb plant called pretty face (Triteleia lugens). Another recent beauty contestant is elegant clarkia (Clarkia unquiculata). They join the parade of lovely flowers—Chinese houses (Collinsia heterophylla), Johnny jump-up (Viola pedunculata), Douglas wallflower (Erysimum capitatum), California hedge nettle (Stachys bullata), Bajada lupine (Lupinus concinnus), Parry’s larkspur(Delphinium parryi), wind poppy (Papaver heterophyllum), woodland star (Lithophragma affine), and yellow pncushion (Chaenactis glabriuscula var.lanosa). One flower that you definitely need to see is the bitter root (Lewisia rediviva). It is a tiny plant with a flower that looks like it is just sitting on the ground, so keep a watchful eye for it. Perennials decorating the landscape are silver bush lupine (Lupinus albifrons var albifrons), sticky monkeyflower (Mimulus aurantiacus), paintbrush (Castilleja affinis ssp. affinis), whisker bush (Leptossiphon ciliatus), golden yarrow (Eriophyllum cofertifolium) and buckbrush (Ceanothus cuneatus var. cuneatus) California dandelion (Agerosis heterophylla), Douglas’ microseris (Microseris douglasii), slender flower gilia (Gilia tenuiflora ssp. tenuiflora), and variable linanthus (Leptosiphon parviflorus).

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | May 4, 2018

Are We Eating Our Fleece Jackets?

NPR reports

The innovation of synthetic fleece has allowed many outdoor enthusiasts to hike with warmth and comfort. But what many of these fleece-wearing nature lovers don’t know is that each wash of their jackets and pullovers releases thousands of microscopicplastic fibers, or microfibers, into the environment — from their favorite national park to agricultural lands to waters with fish that make it back onto our plates.

This has scientists wondering: Are we eating our sweaters’ synthetic microfibers?

Read full story at  Are We Eating Our Fleece Jackets? Microfibers Are Migrating Into Field And Food : The Salt : NPR

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | May 3, 2018

Henry Coe Wildflower Update 5/4/18

Henry Coe State Park has a new wildflower bloom report  for May 4, 2018 at the Pine Ridge Association website with photos and a list of flowers now in bloom at: Henry W. Coe – Wildflower Guide.

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | May 3, 2018

Homestead Valley Land Trust Wildflowers 5/3/18

Homestead Valley Land Trust  has a new report for May 30.  See map and photos at Homestead Valley Land Trust

NEW
– American wild carrot is blooming in the meadow near Amaranth.
– Andrew’s clinton is blooming in the Weedon Redwoods. See it on the bank above Laverne up from the waterfall in Stolte Grove.
– Mule’s ears with its bright yellow blooms is starting to bloom in meadows.
– White hawksweed with its white flowers is blooming in forests.

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | May 3, 2018

Monterey County Wildflowers

The Monterey Herald reports on this season’s late wildflower bloom in Monterey County. It is on the late side, peaking and looks good this year.

“Right now is the peak bloom of spring, about 10 days to two weeks later than normal,”

For people who want to get out and see flowers in the area, the experts recommended local parks including Garland Ranch Regional Park, Fort Ord National Monument, and Garrapata State Park (watch for changing access to the trails being rebuilt after the Soberanes fire). The Monterey chapter of the California Native Plant Society (https://montereybay.cnps.org/) hosts frequent hikes, volunteer opportunities, and monthly speakers.

read full article at  Wildflower season comes late to Monterey

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | May 3, 2018

2018 Marin County Butterfly Count Sunday June 3

The Marin Count will be Sunday, June 3 this year. We will meet at Doc Edgar Park in Fairfax (junction of Cascade Ave and Bolinas Ave) at 9:30 AM. One group will head into Cascade Canyon and one group will head to Azalea Hill to try for the Lindsey’s skippers. We’ll meet at the Marty Griffon Preserve (aka Audubon Canyon Ranch) in Volunteer Canyon for lunch around 12:30 and count there, then head over to Ring Mt. We enter Ring Mt Open Space from Westward (which is a right off Paradise Dr in Corte Madera). We usually get there around 4 and spend 1-2 hours. Please email bdreskin@comcast.net if you can come.

Bring your close focus binoculars, lunch and liquids.  A camera is helpful, net if you have one. Coordinator will have extra nets. Participants are asked to contribute $3 to NABA. NOTE: There is no collecting on this count.

Please note this is to participate in the count, if you are looking for a class or to get up to speed before the count check out the Pt. Reyes Field Seminar Class below. Class could fill so register early

Butterflies for Beginners

Class date / time:  Saturday, June 2, 2018 – 10:00am to 2:00pm
Instructor: Wendy Dreskin
Fee: $40   Non-Member Fee:  $50

How do various species of butterflies spend the winter? What is an instar? Learn the answers to these and all your other butterfly questions on an exploration of Muddy Hollow. By the end of the day, you will be on a first name basis with about ten species of butterflies.

  • Youth, ages 12 and up, are welcome with adult supervision.
  • This class will be held outdoors.
  • If you have any special circumstances or questions, please contact us at fieldinstitute@ptreyes.org.

For more information and to register go to http://www.ptreyes.org/camps-classes-programs/prnsa-field-institute

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | May 2, 2018

Yosemite Dogwoods 5/3/18

Michael Frye reported on his blog

I went up to Yosemite Valley yesterday to check on the dogwoods. We had heard they were a bit late this year, but were starting to come out. And indeed they seem to be coming out quickly, and are close to their photographic peak now. Some are still greenish, a few looked a bit bedraggled already, and many seem to be leafing out quickly, but overall they were quite pretty. Some trees weren’t as full as I’ve seen them in the past, but others had more blossoms than usual.

Dogwoods bloom for two to three weeks, but I think they’re most photogenic when the blossoms are fresh (like now), and before the leaves get too big (which tends to hide the flowers a bit).

See rest of his post and photos he took last year of the dogwoods at Yosemite Dogwoods – Michael Frye Photography

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | May 2, 2018

Oregon Wildflowers 4/27/2018

Oregon Wildflowers  most recent reports

Location Area/City State Visited
Camassia Natural Area Portland OR 04/28/2018
Cape Horn Columbia Gorge (west – WA) WA 04/26/2018
Mitchell Point OR 04/26/2018
Mosier Plateau Columbia Gorge (east – OR) OR 04/26/2018
Rowena Plateau Columbia Gorge (east – OR) OR 04/26/2018

 

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | May 2, 2018

Assorted California Wildflower Sightings 5/1/18

Botanical Wanderings – California

  • Salvia spathaceae (Hummingbird Sage) at Nicholas Flat near Malibu.
  • Mojave Desert east of Barstow (Newberry Springs area)
  • Keen Camp Summit and Apple Canyon Creek in the San Jacintos.
  • Stough Canyon Trail in Glendale

See photos at Botanical Wanderings – California

 

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | May 2, 2018

Marin County Wildflowers 5/1/18

The Marin CNPS Facebook page has a new of new postings of wildflowers in bloom at

  • 5/1/18 Loma Alta (Lucas Valley)
  • 4/29/18 The show along Yolanda Trail is, as ever, in fine form
  • 4/29/18 Atlas Peak Road in Napa.
  • 4/29/18 Great spring and serpentine flowers at

See these postings and others at Marin Native Plants Public Group | Facebook

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | May 2, 2018

Anza-Borrego Wildflowers 5/1/18

Borrego Wildflowers most recent posts

5/01/2018 The Collins valley canyons, those with a creek are just past peak bloom, that’s rather late.

05/1/2018 Sheep Canyon
The goal was the check out the large Phacelia.
Wow California centaury, Zeltnera venusta and at least 10 in bloom, so it might really belong here.
A couple of White Ratany, Krameria bicolor in full bloom, just past their peak.
Yes, they are Branching phacelia, Phacelia ramosissima and in good bloom, finally.
We were surprised to see so many plants fresh and in bloom. Than again there is still some water in the creek and a lot of shade.
Species in bloom below 3000 feet: 70.

 

04/29/2018 San Felipe Valley Wildlife area loop Middle
The bloom got better than last time, but not that much.
Finally some Giant four o’clock, Mirabilis multiflora pubescens in good bloom, much later than in previous years.
We were happy finding a couple of Mirabilis laevis var. villosa.
The best find of the day: Nemacladus pinnatifidus, on our search for a while.
It took us a while to find a Velvet mesquite, Prosopis velutina but finally.
At least a couple of plants, we’ve not seen for a while: Wide throated yellow monkeyflower, Mimulus brevipes, Short lobe phacelia, Phacelia brachyloba and Purple clarkia, Clarkia purpurea quadrivulnera.
We added other new plants to our list: Chorizanthe leptotheca, Peninsular spineflower and Eriastrum sapphirinum ssp. dasyanthum (maybe).

04/28/2018 Combs Peak
Wow this is one of the dry spots.
Our goal was to look at what we called Woolly Bluecurls, Trichostema lanatum, that are just very woolly Parish’s bluecurls, Trichostema parishii.
Now we were able to ID the Purple Nightshade as a good Solanum xanti.
Species in bloom above 3000 feet: 20

See photos and older reports at Borrego Wildflowers

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | May 2, 2018

Shorebirds Face Major Extinction Threat

The New York Times has an article on the extinction threats to shorebirds by John W. Fitzpatrick is the director of the Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology and Nathan R. Senner is a researcher at the University of Montana.

A worldwide catastrophe is underway among an extraordinary group of birds — the marathon migrants we know as shorebirds. Numbers of some species are falling so quickly that many biologists fear an imminent planet-wide wave of extinctions.

Read article at  Opinion | Shorebirds, the World’s Greatest Travelers, Face Extinction – The New York Times

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | May 1, 2018

EU To ‘Completely Ban’ Outdoor Use Of Neonicotinoids, Blamed For Devastating Bee

NPR reports

Citing concerns for food production, the environment and biodiversity, the European Union is set to “completely ban” the outdoor use of neonicotinoid insecticides that have been blamed for killing bees, and for keeping other bees from laying eggs.

Read story at  EU To ‘Completely Ban’ Outdoor Use Of Neonicotinoids, Blamed For Devastating Bee : The Two-Way : NPR

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | April 30, 2018

Photos From The Neighborhood

A slideshow of photos I have taken walking around the neighborhood in North Berkeley the last three days. Photos taken with a Lumix FZ 300 Bridge Camera or iPhone SE.

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | April 30, 2018

Homestead Valley Land Trust Wildflowers 4/30/18

Homestead Valley Land Trust  has a new report for April 30.  See map and photos at Homestead Valley Land Trust

NEW
– Alum root with its froth of dainty white bell flowers is blooming in forests.
– Hedgenettle, a tower of purple flowers, is in the mint family. This grows all over in Homestead.
– Sticky cinquefoil is a lovely addition to the many blooms next to the creek between 11 and 12.

Read More…

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | April 30, 2018

Henry Coe Wildflower Update 4/30/18

Henry Coe State Park has a new wildflower bloom report  for April 30, 2018 at the Pine Ridge Association website with photos and a list of flowers now in bloom at: Henry W. Coe – Wildflower Guide.

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | April 30, 2018

California Monday Wildflower Summary 4/30/18

Quite a few wildflower posts and flowers have been posted in the last few days.

Marin CNPS has photos for the following

  • Great spring and serpentine flowers at Potrero Meadows Mt Tam
  • Bates Meadow is going absolutely nuts right now. To add to the fantastical effect there were tons of fairy moths too.
  • The show along Yolanda Trail is, as ever, in fine form. I came upon this Streptanthus – is this bristly or Tamalpais jewelflower? There’s also some along the uppermost portion of Hidden Meadow Trail.
  • Atlas Peak Road in Napa. Calochortus amabilis – Fairy Lanterns, in beautiful red-tinged hue.

Botanical Wanderings – California has photos for these areas

  • Some of the showiest lupine fields are in Atascadero
  • Rock Mountain preserve in Fallbrook

California Wildflower Report has photos for the following

  • Division Creek has Lupine blooming the entire way up the creek
  • Nine mile canyon
  • Dogwood Are Stating To Bloom In The Sierra” Stanislaus National Forest, California

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | April 30, 2018

Figueroa Wildflower Tour May 5th, 2018

Los Padres National Forest  Santa Lucia Ranger District Spring Tour

Figueroa Wildflower Tour

May 5th, 2018 9:00 am to 2:00 pm

Meet outside the front gate of the Figueroa Station at 9:00 am.

No sign-up necessary, just show up!

Tour led by Dr. Charles Blair of the Native Plant Society.

****

Bring comfortable shoes, sunscreen, plenty of water and your lunch.

For more information, contact Helen Tarbet by email at htarbet@fs.fed.us

***Please be advised that large displays of poppies and lupine did not occur this year.

 

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | April 30, 2018

CNPS Field Trips May 2018

May Field Trips:

(for more information on trips go to chapter websites; also check out late trip postings at chapter websites)

Bristlecone (Mono, Inyo and NE Kern counties) http://bristleconecnps.org/index.php

  • May 5, Saturday, 11am-2pm: GardenFest, Eastern Sierra Land Trust, 250 N. Fowler Street, Bishop
  • May 12, 2018, Saturday, Bristlecone Chapter Field Trip: Field Botany and More by Fault.
  • May 19, Saturday, 9am: Bristlecone Chapter Field Trip: Harkless Flat and Blake Mine.
  • May 23, Wednesday, 7pm: Program: Discovering Mono County Plants: Making Progress Towards a Complete Checklist, with Ann Howald. Location: Mammoth Ranger Station auditorium, 2500 Highway 203, Mammoth Lakes
  • May 26, 2018, Saturday, Bristlecone Chapter Field Trip: Waucoba Wash. Leader: Jerry Zatorski.

East Bay CNPS http://www.ebcnps.org/

  • Saturday, May 5, 4 pm, Janet Gawthrop will lead a beginner-oriented plant walk at Hillside Natural Area in El Cerrito.

Marin CNPS http://www.marin.edu/cnps/

  • Wildflower Family Picnic at Leiss Ranc Saturday, May 5, 2018, 10 am to 1 pm

Milo Baker (Sonoma county) http://milobaker.cnps.org/index.php/events/field-trips

  • Pepperwood Preserve – Fire Followers Wildflower Hike Thursday, May 10, 2018, 10:00am-12:30pm

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | April 29, 2018

Regional Parks Botanic Garden Photos 4/29/18

Photos taken on 4/29/18 at the Regional Parks Botanic Garden  in Tilden Park in Berkeley, CA.

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | April 28, 2018

Assorted California Wildflower Sightings April 24 to 28, 2018

Botanical Wanderings – California

  •  Kern River Valley and Walker Pass are rich in flowering shrubs just now, including Bush Lupine, California lilac , and Flannel bush
  • Mojave Desert – A dry year, but still some nice flowers found in the Mojave near Barstow this week.
  • Another nice flower patch along Highway 150. Paeonia, Death Camas, Dichelostemma and a Chlorogalum getting ready to bloom.

See photos at Botanical Wanderings – California

Anza- Borrego Desert Natural History Association reports April 28
 Besides the sea of yellow Palo Verde, Ironwoods and Desert Willows are starting to put on a show.  See  pictures were taken at the park visitor center this morning at Anza- Borrego Desert Natural History Association

Borrego Wildflowers has the following recent reports. See older reports and photos at Borrego Wildflowers

04/25/2018 Garnet Peak to Kwaaymii point
A bike shuttle hike from Garnet Peak trail head to Kwaaymii point parking.
We planned on hiking the PCT from Kwaaymii -> Mount Laguna in two parts. This way we have enough time to go slower for the plants we encounter.
This is a more scenic part of the PCT in the Anza-Borrego Desert and surrounding area. Great seeing some of our favorite canyons from a different perspective.
Finding California barberry, Berberis aquifolium dictyota here pushes them away from a garden plant.
Scrubs are noticeable less high as you see in colder climates.
We spend some time photographing a Silver leaf lotus, Acmispon argophyllus argophyllus as it looked different from other plants and you never know.
It’s time for Western wallflower, Erysimum capitatum capitatum that is blooming along the PCT, one plant that doesn’t mind the dry season.
Species in bloom above 3000 feet: 53.

04/24/2018 CRH – Soapstone Grade – Upper Green Valley – La Cima trail This is one of our favorite hikes this time of year, it’s easy with a good variation in blooming plants.
The flower show is certainly well below last season, but better than we expected.
The best was finding Gilia clivorum, Purplespot gilia within the Anza-Borrego Desert.
The smell on the loop was strong, mainly from Chaparral whitethorn, Ceanothus leucodermis and Cup leaf ceanothus, Ceanothus perplexans.
Spectacular, the many Western redbud, Cercis occidentalis in good bloom.
One must see in bloom, Parry’s green gentian, Frasera parryi, that might bloom next week, so we will return to that location.
Species in bloom above 3000 feet: 67.

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | April 28, 2018

Big Bend National Park Wildflowers 4/25/18

Big Bend National Park  reports

Signaled by steadily rising spring temperatures, and intensified by arid local conditions, many Texas Rainbow Cactus (Echinocereus dasyacanthus) have erupted into bloom. Waxy yellow flowers seem to materialize from the stems amid rainbow-colored spines, attracting pollinators throughout desert flats and grasslands alike. Though cacti are best enjoyed from a distance, you can check out some of these fascinating facts to familiarize yourself with these spiny species: http://www.sciencekids.co.nz/sciencefacts/plants/cactus.html

See photo at https://www.facebook.com/BigBendNPS/?hc_ref=ARS5qF1P3vrSNvpblVEKVpXZUcGkOivHqAhI6ziHydbn5m_ZGbMSLs1y0JumWSTdup0&fref=nf

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