Posted by: Sandy Steinman | May 29, 2017

Proposed Border Wall Funding Threatens Wildlife, Communities

Defenders of Wildlife News Release

SANTA FE (May 23, 2017) – The Trump administration released its FY 2018 budget proposal today, which includes funding for an expansion of the U.S.-Mexico border wall.

Bryan Bird, Southwest program director for Defenders of Wildlife, issued the following statement:

“Funding the expansion of the southern border wall is a non-starter. It’s a misuse of funding that should instead be used for programs that keep our air and water clean and protect our wildlife and wild places. President Trump’s dirty budget is a sellout of our nation’s natural heritage.

“An impenetrable wall would divide families and communities along the border and bisect and isolate important Southwestern landscapes, pushing borderland wildlife like jaguars, Mexican gray wolves and ocelots to the brink of extinction. Extinction is forever, and as nature goes, so will we.

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | May 28, 2017

Napa County Bay-Friendly Garden Tour June 4, 2017

Register Now for the Bay-Friendly Garden Tour ~ June 4

Showcasing a diverse array of low-impact, home grown and professionally designed gardens that delight

Napa & Yountville ~ Sunday, June 4, 2017 ~ 10 am – 4 pm

Tickets are $5 for adults, FREE for kids

Purchase Tour Guide Brochure (your ticket) on-line until Noon on May 31 by visiting Brown Paper Tickets

** Volunteers Needed! Receive a tour ticket by greeting and counting tour-goers at each tour stop during the Garden Tour.

Please contact us if you are interested in volunteering!**

Presented by Napa County RCD, City of Napa Water Division,  County of Napa, and the UC Master Gardeners

This year’s gardens include:

* Water-wise gardens with pollinator habitat

* Chickens, honeybees, or other animals

* Redwoods

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | May 27, 2017

Marin County Summer Naturalist Walks

See a schedule of Marin County’s Naturalist led walks for June through August at  Events Calendar – Marin County Parks – County of Marin

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | May 27, 2017

When Did Bison First Appear?

The New York Times reported

When did North America become a home where the ancestors of buffalo roamed? Between 195,000 and 135,000 years ago, according to a study … that reports on the oldest fossil and genomic evidence of bison on the continent.

Read full story at A Start Date for the Bison Invasion of North America – The New York Times

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | May 26, 2017

Regional Park Botanic Garden Photos 5/26/17

Many plants are in bloom in the Regional Parks Botanic Garden in Tilden Park in Berkeley, CA. Here are some photos from today.

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | May 26, 2017

Mount Rainier Wildflowers 5/25/17

Mount Rainier National Park   has its first report of the season

Currently Blooming – May 25, 2017
Welcome to spring at Mount Rainier! We’re still a long way from the subalpine meadows being free of snow, but early spring flowers are starting to appear at lower elevations. In Longmire, tiny yellow violets are popping up everywhere! There are several different species of yellow violets in the park. Two common species currently blooming are roundleaf violet (Viola orbiculata) and stream violet (Viola glabella). Roundleaf violet favors moss-covered forest floors, while stream violets prefer – you guessed it – streambanks.
Wildflower Reports

  • Longmire (5/25) – roundleaf violet, stream violet, alaska violet, trillium, calypso orchid, holly-leafed oregon grape, wild strawberry, coltsfoot (late)

Wildflower Photos are available on Mount Rainier’s Flickr page.

Plan Your Visit
Paradise andSunrise 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.

 

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | May 26, 2017

Southern California Wildflower Reports 5/26/17

Theodore Payne Foundation posted its weekly wildflower report. This week’s reports include

  • Santa Monica Mts.
  • Descanso Gardens
  • Placerita Canyon Natural Area
  • Hungry Valley SVRA
  • Devil’s Punchbowl Natural Area
  • Environmental Nature Center in Newport Beach
  • San Jacinto Mts.
  • Elizabeth Learning Center

See full report and photos at: http://theodorepayne.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/26-May-Report_2.pdf

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | May 26, 2017

How Many Kinds of Trees Are There?

NPR reports

Scientists from the U.K.-based Botanic Gardens Conservation International say they have compiled the first-ever comprehensive list of all known tree species, totaling 60,065 different kinds.

Read story at There Are 60,000+ Species Of Tree Worldwide, Scientists Say : The Two-Way : NPR

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | May 25, 2017

Oregon Wildflowers: 5/25/17

Oregon Wildflowers has four new posts

Dog Mountain – Balsamroot, larkspur, paintbrush, and phlox are blooming in the meadows. She also photographed: Threadleaf phacelia (Phacelia linearis), Forktooth Ookow (Dichelostemma congestum), Lupine, Columbia Windflower (Anemone deltoidea), Star-Flowered Solomon`s Seal (Maianthemum stellatum), Ball-Head Waterleaf (Hydrophyllum capitatum), Rosy Plectritis (Plectritis congesta), Chocolate Lily (Fritillaria affinis), Big-Head Clover (Trifolium macrocephalum), Hooker`s Fairybell (Disporum hookeri), Western baneberry (Actaea rubra), Red-Flowering Currant (Ribes sanguineum), Fringecup (Tellima grandiflora), Slender Woodland Star (Lithophragma tenellum), Early Blue Violet (Viola adunca), False Solomon`s Seal (Maianthemum racemosum), and White Western Groundsel (Senecio integerrimus var. ochroleucus).

Tom McCall Nature Preserve – Although the balsamroot at this location is well past its peak, … the White Hyacinth (Triteleia hyacinthina), Lupine, Paintbrush, and Sticky-Stem Penstemon (Penstemon glandulosus) all look good.

Mary’s Peak –  although it is still quite early, there are some wildflowers blooming at Marys Peak, most notably Pioneer Violets (Viola glabella), Early Blue Violets (Viola adunca), and Oregon Anemones (Anemone oregana). There are also a few few patches of Oregon Fawn Lilies (Erythronium oregonum) and Glacier Lilies (Erythronium grandiflorum).

William L. Finley National Wildlife Refuge – the following wildflowers are in bloom: Peacock Larkspur (Delphinium pavonaceum); Rose checker-mallow (Sidalcea virgata); Meadow checker-bloom (Sidalcea campestris); and Golden paintbrush (Castilleja levisecta).

Photos and more reports can be seen by joining the Oregon Wildflowers Facebook Group

 

 

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | May 25, 2017

Marin Wildflowers: Alpine Lake 5/24/17

The Marin CNPS Facebook page has two postings of wildflower photos for Alpine Lake from Bon Tempe dam at Marin Native Plants

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | May 25, 2017

Oregon  Wildflower Bloom Reports 5/22/17

Pacific Northwest Wildflower Bloom Reports has the following reports with detailed plant and animal sightings lists in the central and Eastern Oregon section

  • May 22, 2017: Line Butte Trail #807 from the Fawn Creek Trailhead (Ochoco National Forest)
  • May 21, 2017: Steins Pillar Trail (Ochoco National Forest)
  • May 20, 2017: Gray Butte Trail #852, from the old McCoin homestead trailhead (Crooked River National Grasslands)
  • May 20, 2017: Rimrock Springs Trail #850 (Crooked River National Grasslands)
  • May 19, 2017: Balds and riparian areas adjacent to Road 30 and south of the junction with FS Road 3000-100, near the old Cold Springs Guard Station (Ochoco National Forest)
  • May 19-22, 2017: Ochoco Forest Camp (Ochoco National Forest)

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | May 25, 2017

Gecko Avoids Foes With Tearaway Skin

The BBC reports

A newly discovered species of gecko has tearaway skin that leaves predators with nothing but a mouthful of scales when attacked.

Many lizards can detach their tails when attacked, but fish-scale geckos have large scales that tear away with ease.

The new species is a master of this art, say scientists, having the largest scales of any known gecko.

Read full article at  Gecko eludes foes with tearaway skin – BBC News

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | May 24, 2017

Hungry Valley Wildflowers 5/21/17

Hungry Valley OHV has a new wildflower  report for 5/21/17

While many of the flowers have faded, the warm weather and the rain a few weeks ago have encouraged the California poppies! The orange patches of poppies are getting larger and are easier to see as the grass turns brown. There are several nice displays along the north entrance road and in the grasslands. The prickly poppies can also be seen around the park with their large showy white flowers on tall prickly stalks.

New bloomers are still being found; the larkspur has flowered above the fiddlenecks along Powerline Road near Badger, and the chaparral nightshade was spotted in the grasslands as well. The golden yarrow has added a splash of yellow to many areas of the park.

The yerba santa continues to blossom along several of the roads and trails with its pale purple flowers. The bladderpod is fading flower-wise, but the large green seed pods now illustrate the name. The yuccas are in full bloom in the south end of the park.

Two types of the Mariposa lily are blooming along the north entrance road and the S curve near Smith Forks. The desert Mariposa lily is a deep orange while the butterfly Mariposa lily comes in several shades, with burgundy being seen on the hill above the kiosk.

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | May 24, 2017

 Marin Headlands Wildflowers 5/22/17

The Marin CNPS Facebook page has a new posting with photos of Marin Headlands from this past Monday. See photos and older posts at Marin Native Plants

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | May 24, 2017

Homestead Valley Land Trust Wildflowers 5/23/17

Homestead Valley Land Trust reports on May 23

NEW
– American wild carrot with small white umbels and feathery leaves is blooming in the meadow above 8.
– California angelica with a large white umbel is blooming beside the Eagle Trail.
– Chilean trefoil is blooming bright yellow up on the ridge.
– Purple clarkia and its purple cone flowers is blooming in the meadow beside the Upper Eagle Trail.
– Featherweed is blooming ochre along the forest trails.
– Yellow coralroot, another yellow spike, is blooming at the indian warrior patch, 15.

Read More…

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | May 24, 2017

Birding Festival Calendar

I finally updated the way overdue Birding Calendar in the Birding section Natural History Wanderings. Here are the events for the rest of 2017

 California Bird and Nature Festival 2017 Calendar

June

Mono Basin Bird Chautauqua Lee Vining, CA June 16-18, 2017

Get your binoculars ready for the 16th Annual Mono Basin Bird Chautauqua coming June 16-18, 2017! Eastern Sierra Audubon is a proud sponsor of this great birding event. We hope you’ll be here to celebrate and support the rich diversity of bird life, the legacy of avian research, and the ongoing conservation efforts in the Eastern Sierra—all while having a darn good time. We hope to see you at the Chautauqua!

Registration opens Monday, April 15th at 6:30am. We encourage you to register online at that time as some classes do fill quickly. As you gear up for registration, please read our tips for a smooth registration process. There are no early registrations. The complete Chautauqua program will be available online soon, so you can choose your first, second, and third choices ahead of time.

September

 Birding the Valley Coleville/Walker/Topaz, Northern Mono County September 9-10, 2017

Explore the beautiful Antelope Valley in Northern Mono County, with birding, hiking, geology, photography, and more.

November

California Swan Festival Marysville, CA November 10-12, 2017
Sandhill Crane Festival Lodi, CA November 4-6,2017

If you are aware of a festival that is not mentioned here please submit a comment.

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | May 23, 2017

Columbia River Gorge Wildflowers 5/22/17- updated

Oregon Wildflowers has three new reports for the Columbia River Gorge

Dog Mountain – Although the balsamroot is not yet at its peak, there are numerous flowers blooming including: Fairy slipper, Spreading Phlox, Chocolate Lily, Mountain Pennycress, Bi-colored cluster lily, Indian Paintbrush, Western Starflower, White Western Groundsel, and Nuttall`s Larkspur. Additional photos can be found here and here.

Ruckel Creek Trail -the wildflowers in the hanging meadows along this trail look wonderful. Photos available at this FB page.

Hamilton Mountain There are plenty of wildflowers to see along the Hamilton Mountain Trail.

Forest flowers include: Candyflower (Calytonia sibirica), Small-Flowered Blue-Eyed Mary (Collinsia parviflora), Pacific Bleeding Heart (Dicentra formosa), Thimbleberry (Rubus parviflorus), a lone patch of Pacific Rhododendron (Rhododendron macrophyllum) near the upper trailhead, Fringecup (Tellima grandiflora), Trailing Blackberry (Rubus ursinus), Vanilla leaf (Achlys triphylla), False Solomon`s Seal (Maianthemum racemosum), Star Solomon`s Seal (Maianthemum stellatum), Western Baneberry (Actaea rubra), Hooker`s Fairybell (Disporum hookeri), Smooth Yellow Violet (Viola glabella), Pacific Waterleaf (Hydrophyllum tenuipes), Columbia Windflower (Anemone deltoidea), Large-Leaved Avens (Geum macrophyllum), Western Meadowrue (Thalictrum occidentale), and a few Spotted Coralroot (Corallorrhiza maculata) starting. There are many Small-Flowered Tiger Lily (Lilium columbianum) in bud… no blooms yet.

Read More…

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | May 23, 2017

Salt Point Wildflowers 5/22/19

Submitted by Marcia Kolb

Salt Point – the ground covered with goldfields, poppies, cream sacs, dwarf brodiaea, thrift, checkerbloom, blue-eyed grass, lupine.

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | May 23, 2017

Oregon Wildflowers: Willamette Valley 5/20/2017

Oregon Wildflowers has two new posts for the Willamette Valley

Horse Rock Ridge  looks wonderful! Due to the prolonged winter, the bloom appears to be 1-2 weeks later than usual. The biggest example are the abundantly blooming Oregon Fawn Lily (Erythronium oregonum) and Henderson`s Shooting Star (Dodecatheon hendersonii), which are generally wrapping up by this date.

Blooming in the forest: Fairyslipper (Calypso bulbosa), Oregon Wood Sorrel (Oxalis oregana), Woods Strawberry (Fragaria vesca), Candy Flower (Claytonia sibirica), and one last Western Trillium which will probably be finished by the time you read this report.

The meadows and hillsides are covered with profuse amounts of Western Buttercup (Ranunculus occidentalis), Yellow Monkeyflower (Mimulus guttatus), and Rosy Plectritis (Plectritis congesta). In addition to the abovementioned Erythronium and Dodecatheon, other flowers currently blooming include: Field Madder (Sherardia arvensis), White-Top Clover (Trifolium variegatum), Harsh Paintbrush (Castilleja hispida), Trailing Blackberry (Rubus ursinus), Nuttall`s Saxifrage (Saxifraga nuttallii), Western Saxifrage (Saxifraga occidentalis), Blue Flax (Linum lewisii), Small-Flowered Blue-Eyed Mary (Collinsia parviflora), Narrowleaf Paintbrush (Castilleja attenuata), Cut-leaf Daisy (Erigeron compositus), Meadow Death Camas (Zigadenus venenosus) and Menzies` Larkspur (Delphinium menziesii) just starting, Chocolate Lily (Fritillaria affinis), Prairie Star (Lithophragma parviflorum), Purple Broomrape (Orobanche uniflora var. purpurea) at higher elevations, and patches of Deltoid Balsamroot (Balsamorhiza deltoidea) in the higher meadows.

Personal favorites such as Tolmie`s Cat`s Ears (Calochortus tolmiei), Slender Clarkia (Clarkia gracilis), and Olympic Onion (Allium crenulatum) have not started yet.

Mt. Pisgah Arboretum The wonderful mid-spring Common Camas (Camassia quamash) display is nearly finished for the season, but there are still plenty of other wildflowers blooming in the Arboretum, including: Western Buttercup (Ranunculus occidentalis var. occidentalis), Candyflower (Claytonia sibirica), lots of Poison Larkspur (Delphinium trolliifolium)and Pacific Bleeding Heart (Dicentra formosa) especially along the Water Garden Trail, Bigroot (Marah oreganus), Fringe Cup (Tellima grandiflora), False Solomon`s-Seal (Maianthemum racemosum), Western Meadowrue (Thalictrum occidentale), Thimbleberry (Rubus parviflorus), Inside-Out Flower (Vancouveria hexandra) near the north end of the Adkison Bridge.

Blooming along the South Boundary Trail: Oregon Iris (Iris tenax), Large-flowered Nemophila (Nemophila menziesii var. atomaria), Wild Strawberry (Fragaria virginiana var. platypetala), Western Snake Root (Sanicula crassicaulis), Cat`s Ear Lily (Calochortus tolmiei), Forktooth Ookow (Dichelostemma congestum), Western Buttercup (Ranunculus occidentalis var. occidentalis), Candyflower (Claytonia sibirica), Menzies` Larkspur (Delphinium menziesii), Seep Monkeyflower (Mimulus guttatus) in damp/wet areas, and Slender Woodland Star (Lithophragma tenellum).

Blooming along Trail 1 to the summit: Popcorn Flower (Plagiobothrys sp.), Western Buttercup (Ranunculus occidentalis var. occidentalis), plenty of Oregon Iris (Iris tenax), Oregon Checker Mallow (Sidalcea oregana), Forktooth Ookow (Dichelostemma congestum), Miniature Lupine (Lupinus bicolor), Western Snake Root (Sanicula crassicaulis), Cat`s Ear Lily (Calochortus tolmiei), Oregon Sunshine (Eriophyllum lanatum), Nine-Leaf Lomatium (Lomatium triternatum), Bigflower Agoseris (Agoseris grandiflora), Slender Woodland Star (Lithophragma tenellum), Wild Strawberry (Fragaria virginiana var. platypetala), and a few Chocolate Lily (Fritillaria lanceolata) near the summit. Stay on the trail(s) to avoid the profuse poison oak (Toxicodendron diversilobum)

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | May 23, 2017

Why Seabirds Eat Plastic

NPR  reported on why seabirds are drawn to eating plastic

The fact that sea animals and birds eat floating plastic has long puzzled biologists. Their best guess was that it looks like food. But the new evidence suggests that for a lot of birds, plastic actually smells like food.

Read story at Why Seabirds Love To Gobble Plastic Floating In The Ocean : The Two-Way : NPR

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | May 22, 2017

Wildflower Photo Tips

If you are new to taking photos of wildflowers or dissatisfied with you wildflower photos you might want to take at look at this article on Wildflower Photography Wildflowers Photography tips and tricks – nature magazine.

It has a lot of good practical suggestions. A few more I would add are

If your camera has live view use it to help get a sharper focus.

If your camera has a depth of field preview button use it to see what parts of the flower are in focus and to see if your background is distracting or complementing your subject.

If you get really serious about flower photography I would recommend getting a Macro lens.

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | May 21, 2017

Half Dome Cables Will Go Up Late

Yosemite National Park reports

Due to lingering snow, the instillation of the Half Dome cables will be delayed until at least June 2 this year (instead of May 26). If you have a Half Dome hiking permit for the dates between May 26 and when the cables are installed, your permit fee will be refunded. Once cables are installed, permits will be available via the Daily Lottery on recreation.gov. Learn more: https://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/hdpermits.htm.

 

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | May 21, 2017

Yosemite National Park Wildflowers 5/20/17

Calphoto had a detailed post on Yosemite National Park for May 17 to 20. Here are some excerpts:

  • Along Cherry Lake Road and Mather Road at 3.5k to 4.2k elevation, most wildflower species are 2 to 3 weeks late.  These are 2014 Rim Fire burn areas.  Indian pink is near peak.  Miniature lupine, harlequin lupine are about a week from peak while bush lupine is at peak.  The latter also covers acres of parts of the Tuolumne Canyon walls.  Deer brush is at peak bloom with its greenish white hues densely covering acres of some roadside Mather Rd slopes.  Several other species are not yet out. Also now covering more slopes after 3 years of recovery is the unpleasant mountain misery while its even more unpleasant cousin, poison oak is still much less.
  • Along Hetch Hetchy Road glacial flats, miniature lupine, madia, and white meadowfoam are at peak while clarkias have not yet appeared.  There are few wildflowers showing at Ackerson Meadow at 4.6k.  Overall there are far fewer blooms than in 2015 right after the fire.
  • Inside the park along SR120 Pacific dogwood are at peak.  …. Iris are out at El Capitan Meadow while western azalea and most other species are not.  Dogwood are at peak.  The rainbow on Bridalveil Fall from Tunnel View occurs at 4:15pm and is excellent given the large flow. Road work and detours are all over the valley floor roads making travel tedious given the large numbers of visitors even midweek.

 

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | May 21, 2017

San Luis Obispo Wildflower Photo Slideshow

I have put together a slideshow of wildflowers and a few other things from a recent trip to San Luis Obispo County. Photos were taken between May 2 and May 6 and mostly taken near the coast. You can see it on YouTube at San Luis Obispo Wildflower Slideshow

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | May 21, 2017

Efforts To Kill Protection For Endangered Species

National Geographic reports

The U.S. Endangered Species Act has saved more than 200 species from extinction—but business and political interests want to scuttle it.

Read story at Inside the Effort to Kill Protections for Endangered Animals

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | May 20, 2017

Homestead Valley Land Trust Wildflowers 5/20/17

Homestead Valley Land Trust reports on May 20

NEW
– California coffee berry is one of our forest shrubs. It has waxy leaves and clusters of small white star flowers.
– Harvest brodiaea, an elegant blue star flower is blooming now above junction 13.
– Hedge parsley, native to Europe, has 3-lobed leaves like a marijuana leaf. Its small white flowers are blooming now. When these fade, there will be small burrs that attach to passerbys and spread this invasive plant along the trails.
– Lance leaf selfheal, a velvety tower of purple is blooming along the trail below 7 and near 11.
– Nipplewort, native of Europe, is a tall yellow flower along the trail above the Tamalpais Drive steps.
– Ocean spray is a forest shrub with soft lobed leaves. The white cone-shaped cluster of frothy flowers are starting to bloom.

Read More…

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | May 20, 2017

What’s Killing Joshua Tree’s Female Desert Tortoises?

The LA Times reports

Wildlife biologists say an alarming number of female desert tortoise carcasses found earlier this year just outside the southern edge of Joshua Tree National Park may be the result of mothers fighting extinction by exhausting their water and energy to lay eggs, even under stress.

U.S. Geological Survey biologist Jeffrey Lovich, who has monitored tortoises in and around the park for two decades, said the potentially lethal response to prolonged drought may become more common throughout the Southern California desert as temperatures rise and forage diminishes.

Read full story at  An ‘evolutionary gamble’ may be killing Joshua Tree’s mother tortoises – LA Times

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | May 19, 2017

Columbia River Gorge Wildflowers 5/17/17

Pacific Northwest Wildflowers has a detailed plant and animal list for the Loop Trails for East Canyon Creek Access in the Klichitat State Wildlife Recreation Area in the Columbia River Gorge at May 17, 2017

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | May 19, 2017

Henry Coe Wildflower Update 5/19/17

Henry Coe State Park has a new wildflower bloom report  for May 19, 2017 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 19, 2017

Santa Monica Wildflowers 5/19/17

Santa Monica Mts. National Recreation Area reports

Things are drying out. If you’ve been putting off a flower hike time is running out.

Zuma Canyon-Backbone Trail 5/18/17 The Backbone Trail section through upper Zuma Canyon is a garden right now, with over 80 species currently in bloom. In addition to the “usual suspects”, some of the less common plants to be seen include: Checker Bloom, Stinky Gila (Allophyllum glutinosum), some white-flowered Elegant Clarkia, Large-flowered Phacelia, California Mustard (Caulanthus lasiophylllus), Pine Mat (Gallium andrewsii), and Mountain Dandelion.

Topanga Canyon State Park-Nature Trail 5/17/17 This year’s wonderful flowers are starting to diminish in many places but the Nature Trail in Topanga Canyon State Park, especially the chaparral portion out on the edge of the hillside is still pretty wonderful. It isn’t that there are unusual flowers there, just that there are so many massed flowers. There are bush mallow and lots of bush sunflowers, yucca, wild rose, bush lupine, narrow leaf milkweed and California buckwheat, in great quantities. We saw alligator lizards and a California whip snake. The only downside is that there is a lot of yellow star thistle growing in and near the trail. The prickles easily penetrate most trouser fabric and I pity anyone wearing shorts.

See older reports and photos at What’s Blooming

Santa Monica Mt. Quick Links:
Wildflowers of the Santa Monica Mountains – Photos of 1000 SMM plants.
Archive – Previous “What’s Blooming” reports.
Outdoors – The Calendar of Events for the Santa Monica Mountains NRA.
SMM WildFlowers – The Park’s popular wildflower app for the iPhone.
New! SMM WildFlowers – The Park’s popular wildflower app for Android smartphones (Pre-Release Beta Version)

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