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Natural History Wanderings 
Wildflowers Report North Table Mountain.
Daniel from Sacramento reports from Sunday 4/23/23: The wildflowers are now starting to get past peak bloom at North Table Mountain Ecological Reserve.The purple lupines didn’t really bloom much this year. Vernal pool stream & tiny white flowers are there but the yellow goldfields and poppies have started drying up & going to seed.
There is still some flow on Phantom Falls but the water at the other smaller falls are now at a trickle to no longer running. It has not rained in over 2 weeks and with temperatures predicted to get up to 92 degrees on Thursday, the bloom season here is now starting to wine down.
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By: Daniel J on April 24, 2023
at 10:12 AM
Wildflowers report from Daniel in Sacramento. Can keep this report together or split into two locations if you think the description is too long.
Electra Road Jackson CA and the New Melones Lake Area.
Daniel reports: I started the day by first going to Electra Road in Jackson CA and was surprised to see a decent amount of poppies but mostly up on the hillside. The flowers were mostly closed due to the overcast weather but there appears to be a good amount of small poppies in the process of growing out. The view should be better in 1 or 2 weeks. There was a decent amount of patches for the first 2 miles up until the first bathroom. After that there are a few more spots with the last potential good area forming just past the dam. During the super bloom years the grass just took over most of this area. This year’s bloom has the potential to be better than the decent bloom I saw for this spot in 2018. There are also a couple of pullouts on Highway 49 just north of Electra Road where you could stop briefly to see the poppies in the distance up on the hillsides. A reminder that Electra is a narrow paved road that has a lot of small pot holes traveling parallel to the Mokelumne River.
Normally I would combine this trip to Electra Road with a visit to Daffodil Hill, or to the nearby wineries, or the seafood lobster buffet at Jackson Rancheria Casino which are all currently closed. So I decided to try a new wildflowers hiking location further south.
The GoCalaveras website recommended this location so I decided to explore the New Melones Lake Glory Hole Recreation Area in Angels Camp with an $8 day use fee. I would say there is a decent to good amount of poppies growing on the hillside on the western half of the Angels Creek Trail. If you prefer the scenic lakeside and wildflowers view I would recommend at the halfway point turning around and going back the way you came instead of completing the trail loop. The eastern half of Angles Creek Trail doesn’t really have much wildflowers because it goes back inland into forest area which run parallel to the road back to the different parking lots. The total hike was about a relatively easy 2.5 miles.
I parked at the Buck Bush Use Day area intending to start with the Buck Bush Loop Trail but accidentally turned left at the trailhead which went south to the Angels Creek Trail. At the next trail intersection I realized I was on the wrong trail but instead of turning around I decided to turn right to continue on the lakeside western half of Angels Creek Trail going from north to south. Some of these trail intersections don’t have signs so you need to look at the trail map or google maps on your phone to help you to stay on your intended path. Once I got back to the original trailhead entrance, this time I went right to explore the Buck Bush Loop Trail but besides one small spot of poppies, I did not see many wildflowers on this trail. It is possible there are other areas of New Melones Lake that has wildflowers but even at Angels Creek Trail the poppies are mixed in good with the thick grass so it would be hard to spot if looking from a far distance away. Website link below.
https://www.gocalaveras.com/travel-directory/new-melones-lake-glory-hole-recreation/
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By: Daniel in Sacramento. (Daniel Jhong) on March 24, 2020
at 10:01 PM
Hiking in the Lake Alpine area on Hwy 4 CA. Looking for names of some wildflowers that I came across, can’t seem to find pics of them. I have my pics to share..
how can I attach the pics to this for viewing..
Thanks
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By: Richard on August 5, 2019
at 5:49 PM
I don’t have the comments sections set up to attach photos. You could either post them to one of the Facebook Wildflower sites (Wildflower Tipline, Botanical Wanderings California, California Wildflower Report) or email me at at the Contact Natural History Wanderings link at the bottom of the right column of the Natural History Wanderings main page.
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By: Sandy Steinman on August 5, 2019
at 6:03 PM
Sagehen Creek Trail Camas Lilies. Report from Daniel in Sacramento on 6/3/19.
There is now a good showing of camas lilies in a meadow along the Sagehen Creek Trail near the Stampede Reservoir. The hike is about 4.5 miles round trip. Since half of these wildflowers appear to still be growing out, it might be about one more week before peak bloom. However, since the creek is running higher than usual, you must be willing to get your feet wet since the meadow with the camas lilies is on the other side of the creek from the trail. I crossed the creek in four different locations, but the simplest route might be just after the log bench before you get to the reservoir. There are less obstacles here and the creek also seems to flow less swiftly the closer you get to the reservoir. The downside is you have to walk in the direction back down the creek at least a couple hundred yards in the meadow to get to where the camas lilies are. Even if you are facing the right direction away from the reservoir, you might not see the flowers off in the distance.
I did not see any planks to cross the creek. There was one wooden block but there are at least 3 or 4 narrow water crossings before you get to the other side. You must be willing to cross in at least knee deep water, but it was not as cold as I thought it would be. I thought it was a bit muddy or mushy walking through the meadow with camas lilies. I would say there are about three sections of camas lilies that extend almost the full length of this meadow.
There is a small field of yellow flowers next to the trail before the reservoir, but the big show of camas lilies is in a meadow almost exactly on the other side of the creek. I am providing detailed directions because being my first time to this location; I almost didn’t find the meadow with camas lilies. The Sagehen Creek trailhead starts from a small dirt lot on the north side of the creek immediately right after Highway 89 crosses it. Sagehen Creek is about 6.7 miles north from the Hwy 80 intersection.
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By: DANIEL JHONG on June 4, 2019
at 1:39 AM
Thanks. Great report. I reposted on the main page. That is one of my more favorite lesser known spots.
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By: Sandy Steinman on June 4, 2019
at 9:49 AM
[…] additions and corrections welcome. Submit you findings to Natural History Wanderings at Submitting Your Wanderings and I will post them to share with […]
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By: Best Sierra Nevada Wildflower Hotspots | Natural History Wanderings on May 22, 2019
at 5:01 AM
Report from Daniel in Sacramento.
The wildflowers are now in peak bloom at the North Table Mountain Ecological Preserve in Oroville. I visited on the morning of Saturday 4/20/19 and was surprised to see more than double the amount of flowers I saw when I visited about three weeks ago. The bloom this year appears to have been delayed at least a week or two due to the colder than usual weather. Some years you would need to walk at least a quarter mile into the fields to find good patches but right now the wildflowers are so numerous they are carpeting the fields with an impressive display and extend all the way to the roadside. The sheer volume of many different types of wildflowers is close to match the amount I saw at North Table Mountain two years ago.
The vernal pool wildflowers are out in full force and along the sides of the streams. The only downside was the low flow at the waterfalls being at least half the volume from three weeks ago. Near Phantom Falls you can see spots where the vegetation is starting to dry up. However, late Saturday afternoon a thunderstorm with lightning came through this whole area dropping a considerable amount of precipitation in a short period of time. Perhaps this recent rain will extend the bloom season but with temperatures reaching the high 80s this week I would recommend visiting North Table Mountain soon if you can before the wildflowers are gone.
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By: DANIEL JHONG on April 24, 2019
at 1:39 AM
Another Carson Pass update: I hiked the Woods, Winnemucca, Round Top Lake loop on Saturday, and had a wonderful time. It’s still too early for the big show, but there are still many early season wildflowers out and about. I saw spreading phlox (Phlox diffusa), mountain pride (Penstemon newberryi), wavy leaf Indian paintbrush (Castilleja applegatei), Alpine paintbrush (Castilleja nana), mountain jewelflower (Streptanthus tortuosus), whiskerbrush (Leptosiphon ciliatus), Sierra penstemon (Penstemon heterodoxus), Brewer’s mountain heather (Phyllodoce breweri), one-seeded pussypaws (Cistanthe monosperma), Mount Hood pussypaws (Cistanthe umbellata – these are not as common in the area; I only noticed them between Winnemucca and Round Top Lakes.), stickseed (Hackelia sp.), subalpine fleabane (Erigeron glacialis var. glacialis), California hesperochiron (Hesperochiron californicus), white marsh marigold (Caltha leptosepala), larkspur (Delphinium sp. I only noticed these on the road in, but didn’t take the time to further identify them.), seep monkeyflower (Erythranthe guttata), sparse-flowered bog orchid (Platanthera sparsiflora – just getting started, but there are some flowers), Wright’s blue-eyed Mary (Collinsia torreyi var. wrightii), mountain pretty face (Triteleia ixioides ssp. anilina), violet (Viola purpurea I think), double-flowered honeysuckle (Lonicera conjugialis – just starting, but there are some flowers – about 5 minutes from the trailhead towards Winnemucca Lake), sanddune wallflower (Erysimum perenne), mountain pennyroyal (Monardella odoratissima ssp. pallida), longhorn steer’s head (Dicentra uniflora – only a dozen or so left – above Winnemucca Lake, near the Mt. Hood pussypaws), Jacob’s ladder (Polemonium californicum), Alpine shooting star (Primula tetrandra), Alpine ivesia (Ivesia gordonii), rock star (Lithophragma glabrum), and many more with which I’m not yet familiar. It definitely won’t be a waste of a trip for the wildflower enthusiast!
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By: Timothy Boomer on June 24, 2018
at 11:05 AM
Many Thanks. I will repost your report on the main page.
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By: Sandy Steinman on June 24, 2018
at 11:51 AM
Longhorn steer’s head (Dicentra uniflora) and some other early season wildflowers are now in bloom at Carson Pass. Photos and specifics may be found at wildmacro.com/blog
Cheers!
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By: Timothy Boomer on June 8, 2018
at 3:06 PM
Sugarstick, Pacific coralroot, and many more flowers are blooming in Sonoma county. Directions, photos, and general musings about non-photosynthesizing plants may be found at wildmacro.com/blog
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By: Timothy Boomer on May 16, 2018
at 10:08 AM
Merced River Wildflowers 4/9/18
Hiked the Merced River Trail downstream of Briceburg and then 2 miles up the North Fork (10mi return) on Monday (2 photos). Nice variety of flowers, with larger displays of poppies, Lupine sp, goldfields, Collinsia, Triteleia laxa, and Triteleia ixoides. Nice hillsides in bloom the first 1/2 mile up North Fork in the burn area, with many Calachortus Alba and twining Brodiaea just beginning to bloom beyond that. Continued another mile past a large cascade on the North Fork but trail becomes very overgrown with brush. Buckbrush (Ceonuthus cuneatus) in heavy bloom along Merced River railroad grade, and many newts in the early morning. Access road from Briceburg to Railroad Flat trailhead was cleared and open.
Also hiked a few miles up the Hite Cove trail. Nice display and mix of species in bloom. As with elsewhere in the canyon, individual blooms are smaller than usual, so not as showy yet as some years, but lots of blooms. While some poppies were just starting to form seedpods, the ground was saturated, so I’d expect the bloom to continue and quite possibly increase for at least several weeks.
The Merced River was flowing very strongly after last week’s storms, and the redbud was in peak bloom. Brush including poison oak that survived the fires and recent dry years was bursting into growth.
In the foothills, I went on short hikes on 4/8/18 at Table Mountain above New Melones (some flowers, but much less than at Oroville’s Table Mountain) and Red Hills near Chinese Camp (nice variety, with showy displays on private land along Red Hills Road and lots of small fish (Red Hills Roach?) in the creek along Serpentine Loop Rd North – 2 photos).
[I’ll send the photos as email attachments. thanks!]
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By: Pierre Stephens on April 12, 2018
at 2:35 PM
Hite Cove is looking good today, April 10..Lots of mixed blooms from this warm weather the last few days. It’s time to go and enjoy!
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By: Jan Cohen on April 10, 2018
at 6:23 PM
I have just released a photo book of my first 5 years in Colorado. It’s called, “Nature Through My Eyes, Colorado” and covers the beauty of this state in all seasons and times of the day. There is a link on my website that will take you to the book on Amazon…..if anyone is interested.
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By: Steve Stark on March 18, 2018
at 7:26 PM
Thanks for letting me know.
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By: Sandy Steinman on March 18, 2018
at 9:34 PM
Daniel reports on 3/18/18: There is now a good showing of wildflowers at The North Table Mountain Ecological Reserve. Many small poppies and goldfields are still growing. With more rain expected this week peak bloom may still be at least another week or two away. There are not many wildflowers by the parking lot so you must be willing to walk out about half a mile to where the larger mounds of volcanic rocks are. The most popular hike is going to the closest waterfall then turn right across the fields to go to the tallest (Phantom Falls) and back (about 4 miles round trip).
From the entrance you must walk through or around a small muddy area and follow the dirt path that goes straight out and slightly left that follows a stream to the first waterfall. About half way you will see the first good patch of wildflowers on a small hill to the left. There is a good concentration of flowers by the waterfall on both sides of the stream. From here you turn right and may be able to follow the locals across the fields going to Phantom Falls. You will pass a fallen barbwire fence, and then carefully go around the edge/end of another fence. The fields in between these two waterfalls have many good areas of wildflowers. There are areas where you can see somewhat of a dirt path to follow but there are no official trails.
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By: DANIEL JHONG on March 18, 2018
at 7:14 PM
Thanks for your report. Much appreciated. Has been posted on the main page.
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By: Sandy Steinman on March 18, 2018
at 9:28 PM
Fairy slippers are now in bloom at Mount Tamalpais State Park. There aren’t as many as last year, but there are still plenty, and the ones I saw on Tuesday were in great shape. My blog entry with directions can be found at:
http://www.wildmacro.com/blog/
Main species page with additional photographs:
http://www.wildmacro.com/library/flora/fairy-slipper-orchid-calypso-bulbosa-var-occidentalis.html
Cheers,
Tim
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By: Timothy Boomer on February 24, 2018
at 2:11 PM
A great experience can be had at the upcoming 19th Annual Snow Goose Festival of the Pacific Flyway in Chico, CA on January 24 – 28, 2018
This action-packed 5-day event celebrates the remarkable journey of millions of waterfowl and raptors along the Pacific Flyway that call the Northern Sacramento Valley their home during the winter months. Choose from over 70 field trips and workshops that are sure to appeal to a wide variety of interests. Our workshops offer something for everyone! Free nature activities are offered for youth as well as armchair adventures for all.
Special Guest & Keynote Speaker: Jon L. Dunn, chief consultant and author of all seven editions of the National Geographic Field Guide to the Birds of North America, and a birding tour leader for over 30 years.
For more information visit our website or contact
Jennifer Patten, Event Coordinator
info@snowgoosefestival.org
(530) 592-9092
http://www.snowgoosefestival.org
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By: Billie Sommerfeld on November 15, 2017
at 1:24 PM
I’m pleased to report that rattlesnake plantain (Goodyera oblongifolia) is now in bloom at Kruse Rhododendron State Natural Reserve, just north of Salt Point. My blog entry with directions can be found at:
http://wildmacro.com/blog/2017/rattlesnake-plantain-now-in-bloom-090317.html
Main species page is:
http://www.wildmacro.com/library/flora/western-rattlesnake-plantain-goodyera-oblongifolia.html
Cheers and thanks for your excellent website,
Tim
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By: Tim Boomer on September 3, 2017
at 7:23 PM
I’ve emailed Michael and will call Yosemite.
Thanks
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By: Steve Stark on April 22, 2017
at 9:25 AM
I was wondering if anyone has been to Yosemite lately and what the dogwoods looked like.
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By: Steve Stark on April 22, 2017
at 6:10 AM
I haven’t seen any reports yet but I know this is typically when they bloom. You might try emailing or calling Yosemite. Also follow Michael Frye’s blog as he lives in that area and often posts about dogwood bloom https://www.michaelfrye.com/blog/
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By: Sandy Steinman on April 22, 2017
at 7:56 AM
North Table Mountain – 4/14/17
Nice variety of flowers on the Many Waterfall loop (good map at http://chicohiking.org/ValleyFoothill/Many-Waterfalls.htm). Very soggy ground, all waterfalls are running (photo of Beatson Falls). Not as many big fields of flowers and more grass than some years, but different species in bloom on the plateau, vernal pools, and ravines. Largest displays of goldfields, layia, gilia, and mimulus were on southern section of tableland between Coon and Ranch Falls (photo). Some nice Calochortus Alba in the ravine SW of Phantom Falls. Some flowers, like lupines, have both fresh flowers and well-developed seeds from earlier flowering. With the continued wet weather I’d expect the flowers and falls will continue at least through April.
[I’m emailing the photos to you]
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By: Pierre Stephens on April 17, 2017
at 8:00 AM
I reposted your report on the main page. Thanks for your submission. Much appreciated.
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By: Sandy Steinman on April 17, 2017
at 8:15 AM
Mount Pisgah Arboretum in Oregon’s Willamette Valley is looking good for wildflowers right now.
http://www.wandersandwonders.com/2017/04/07/wildflowers-at-mount-pisgah-arboretum/
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By: Greg Vaughn on April 9, 2017
at 4:30 PM
Thanks for your post. I reported your findings on the main page.
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By: Sandy Steinman on April 9, 2017
at 4:55 PM
Thanks, Sandy.
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By: Greg Vaughn on April 9, 2017
at 6:00 PM
Wildflowers report in Northern California. North Table Mountain.
Daniel reports: There is now a good showing of wildflowers at the North Table Mountain Ecological Reserve in Oroville, CA. However, the flowers seem to be a bit late as compared to last year. Not as many poppies yet and many of the goldfields are small but growing. It might still be at least a week away from peak bloom. The most concentrated areas of flowers seem to be near the top of some of the small hills and surrounding the mounds of volcanic rock.
Because it rained the day before, several of my friends ended up with wet and muddy shoes. If you don’t have water resistant shoes, it may be good to have an extra pair to change to when you get back to your vehicle. If you are going to hike to the waterfalls, it may require crossing and rock hoping over a couple small streams/ creeks along the way. There are some paths but no real established trails. The CDFW is not offering guided wildflower tours this year but there is staff by the entrance on the weekends to answer questions and help with directions. If you watch or follow many of the locals, they are all going about the same direction toward Phantom Falls walking straight out into the fields and going a bit to the right from the parking lot entrance. After going about 1 -2 miles you will see a lot more purple flowers as you get near Phantom Falls.
The Oroville Wildflower & Nature Festival will be this coming Saturday, April 1st from 10am to 4pm at the Nelson Complex. There is free admission to the event and guided wildflower bus tours up to Table Mountain with a $10 reservation donation.
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By: DANIEL JHONG on March 27, 2017
at 9:32 PM
Thanks for the detailed report. It hasn’t been easy to get information on Table Mt. I am reposting your report on the main page. Again greatly appreciated.
Sandy
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By: Sandy Steinman on March 27, 2017
at 9:38 PM
I’ve not commented much (ever?!) but find great value in the postings. So, thanks!
We are thinking to head to the NWR’s along the Lower Colorado River next week. Usiually we go six to eight weeks later in concert with the Blue Angels season opener.
Are wondering what and low much we might see. Certainly too early for or are flowers, but what of the overwintering or migrating birds?
Or are there better places at similar distances to explore from the Pasadena/San Gabriel Valley that we are missing/ignoring?
Thank you!
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By: Susan on January 17, 2017
at 5:45 PM
Neither area am I familiar with what you might find. I would encourage you to contact local Audubon chapters and the National Recreation areas for each area and see what they expect to be happening at the time you are considering.
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By: Sandy Steinman on January 17, 2017
at 5:56 PM
[…] Submitting Your Wanderings […]
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By: Lake County Wildflower Request | Natural History Wanderings on May 1, 2016
at 5:22 PM
4/16/16 Daniel reports at Figueroa Mountain: Many wildflowers in about the same 4 areas as in prior years. As you go up Figueroa Mountain Rd you will see some nice spots of Mariposa lilies, these white flowers with violet colored edges in the grassland before entering the recreational area. After you pass the Figueroa station and a few hundred yards before the Pino Alto and Cachuma Saddle road split is the first and easiest place to get to a large field of flowers. On one side of the slope are poppies and on the other side are these purple bush lupines. The next 3 locations require you to turn left and go up a narrow dirt road toward Pino Alto, Lookout, & Cumbre. Driving slowly, my passenger car was able to go up there without major trouble.
The second main area of flowers is at about the halfway point of going up this dirt road to the Cumbre picnic area. At about 1 ½ miles I parked on a large pullout before the road curves left, and then I walked back a few hundred feet to a large batch of flowers going down slope on the right side of the road.
After passing the Pino Alto picnic area, the third main area of flowers is at & slightly before the road split for Cumbre and The Lookout. There is a thick concentration of both poppies and lupines together on a long hill going up the slope on the right. There is also a smaller batch of flowers on the other side of the road on the downward slope. At the intersection you can go right to the Lookout to view the surrounding mountain areas but there are not as many flowers there; but there did seem to be a lot of flying bugs.
The fourth main area of wildflowers is turning left at the intersection going to the Cumbre picnic area and from a few hundred yards in to around the halfway point are batches of poppies and lupines together. As you get closer to the picnic area there is a large area of purple bush lupines among the trees in a forest like setting. From here you are close to the top so I turned around and went back down the mountain.
I did see quite a few cars parked in one location where I assume people were hiking to Grass Mountain. I spoke to someone in the area and she said that it takes about 2 hours each way to hike to where the flowers are but that the display was not as nice now since it is about 1 week past the bloom peak.
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By: Daniel in Sacramento on April 16, 2016
at 10:38 AM
Thanks again for another great report. I have reposted it on the main page.
Sandy
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By: Sandy Steinman on April 16, 2016
at 7:35 PM
4/3/16 Northern CA wildflowers report. Electra Rd in Jackson CA off of Hwy 49.
Daniel reports: There are many wildflowers on Electra Rd along the Mokolumne River in Jackson CA (located about 45 miles northeast from Stockton and southeast from Sacramento). Traveling from Sacramento, I took Hwy 16 East then Hwy 49 South. After passing the main town of Jackson you will start seeing spots of poppies on the hillside about 3/4 of a mile before Electra Road. After turning left on this paved but narrow road you will see small patches of wildflowers here and there for the first mile. But the best viewing is between mile 1 and 2. The wildflowers (mostly poppies & lupines) are so concentrated here that they form large patches and fields that go up the hillside. Electra Road travels east right next to the North Fork of the Mokolumne River. By the end of mile two there are even many flowers on the other side of the road that go down within a couple feet of the water.
As you enter the day use and picnic area, the poppies appear further up the hillside and away from the road. However, there are various purple and yellow flowers between this mile 2 and 3 section of the park. By the 3rd mile you reach the dam and the road turns into gravel so you have to turn around. By 5:30pm most of the hillside was under shade and many poppy flowers were closed up. If you have extra time such as on the weekend, you could combine your trip here in Jackson with a visit to McLaughlin’s Daffodil Hill (10am to 4pm) in Volcano CA (if the farm is still open during their short bloom season). Or if you like wine tasting, you could stop by one of the over 40 wineries in nearby Plymouth/Amador County. Many wineries here will waive the tasting fee if you buy a bottle.
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By: Daniel in Sacramento on April 3, 2016
at 12:15 AM
Mokelumne River. Spelling correction.
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By: Daniel in Sacramento on April 3, 2016
at 12:20 AM
Thanks for your report. I reposted it on the main page.
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By: Sandy Steinman on April 3, 2016
at 5:15 PM
Northern California Wildflower Report
Daniel reports: On Saturday 3/26/16 I went hiking at North Table Mountain Ecological Reserve near Oroville, where in my opinion is the best place in Northern California to consistently view an abundance of spring wildflowers every year. There were not many flowers by the parking lot on Cherokee Rd but as you walk 1 /4 to 1/2 mile into the fields you start seeing nice patches of flowers around the volcanic rocks. The peak bloom is still at least 1 week away because many small goldfields and poppies are still in the process of growing. Then about 1 to 2 miles on the hike to Fairy Falls and Phantom Falls is where you start seeing the large carpet fields of wildflowers. Besides purple lupines and goldfields, I was surprised to see several other types of flowers I had not seen in abundance in the prior drought years. There are also some spots where the poppies have a large showing on some of the hills.
Shirmir Rd on the GPS recommended route is closed, so I detoured to the Grand Ave exit on Highway 70 (Exit 48). Go East on Grand Ave for 1 mile. Left on Table Mountain Blvd for a tenth of a mile. Right on Cherokee Road 6.3 miles north to the reserve. Official access is through a small parking lot on the west side of Cherokee Road (left side traveling north). It is the only parking area which has portable restrooms. When I went on Saturday afternoon, the parking lot was full and people were parking along the side of the road. It was the most people I had seen there in three years. Since there are no established trails on the first half of the hike, I made online reservations for my group for the 1:00pm free tour with a guide from the CA Dept. of Fish & Wildlife. A lot of the tours are already full but if you put yourself on the waiting list and call a few days beforehand most likely they will give you the ok to come. On our tour about half of the people were no-show. The advantage of going on the weekend when there are a lot of people, is that you can ask and follow the many locals who are hiking and know the way to the three waterfalls that are close to each other. Right after you pass Phantom falls there is a rocky path to go down to the base of the falls with a rope section to aid the last part of the decent. Round trip hike is about 3 -4 miles through cow pasture, with some muddy spots, and crossing a couple shallow small streams.
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By: Daniel in Sacramento on March 27, 2016
at 12:58 PM
Thanks for the detailed report. North Table Mountain Ecological Reserve is one of Northern California’s top Wildflower Hotspots so it was great to get an updated report. I copied it onto the main page.
Sandy
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By: Sandy Steinman on March 27, 2016
at 4:05 PM
Daniel Reports: On Tuesday March 15th I entered the Carrizo Plain from the south entrance. Traveling north on Soda Lake Rd there are about 5 to 6 small carpet fields of flowers close to this mostly level dirt road starting with one right by the Carrizo Plain NM sign. Then a few miles south of Soda Lake it culminates into 1 or 2 very large fields of flowers. The flowers are mostly goldfields, purple phaecelia, and there are sections of orange fiddleneck. The road finally turns into pavement and as I look across the lake you can see two small hills completely covered in yellow flowers on the eastern side by Elkhorn Rd; however, due to time I was not able to inspect them. After turning right on Highway 58 and passing the solar panel facility you see many scenic hills that are 1/4 to 1/2 covered in yellow flowers as you are exiting the Carrizo Plain area. Similar to what other people were doing, I stopped at 1 or 2 places by the highway where the flowers were thickly concentrated at the bottom of the hills.
I should mention that around the halfway point traveling north to Soda Lake from the top of a hill you can see one large field of yellow flowers next to another large field of purple on the eastern side of the plain. I quickly look at my phone GPS which barely had a signal and it shows a road that might go there. There is a fork in the road immediately as I turn right. Instead of going left further up the hill, I take the dirt road that goes right around and down into the plain. I could not find a name for this road but it takes you right up to the large area of yellow goldfields. I go further down the road through a small gate where there is a circular dome building and wooden tower. A few hundred feet after this gate, I stop and walk 5 to 10 minutes out to this large purple field of flowers. After this I had to turn around because in about another 1/2 mile the road drops about 4 feet straight down into some dry creek bed. The map shows other roads that connect with Simmler Soda Lake Rd but the dirt road I was traveling on has an impassable section. Looking back on the map I think it might be the road that has a big left horseshoe curve at the end. There were also a couple spots of higher grass in the middle of the dirt road that my passenger car was able to slowly go through.
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By: Daniel in Sacramento on March 20, 2016
at 2:06 PM
Daniel Reports: On Tuesday March 15th, on the way to the Carrizo Plain I stopped at two spots around the Gorman hills to view wildflowers. The first location is the same place on Gorman Post Rd others have reported around the halfway point from Gorman to Hwy 138. The GPS map show some sort of small pond next to it on the right side of the field which appears to be hidden by trees. You will see a few hills with color on them and there is a section where there is no fence line. The area by the trees has the closest access to the flowers from the road. There is another nice small field of flowers a few hundred feet north and I put on my leg guards before walking out into the tall grass to the bottom of the hill. The view may not be as grand as you may expect, but it would be worth checking out these two small fields right by Hwy 5 if you just happen to be passing by.
The second spot of wildflowers I stopped at involves pulling over on the side of the highway, which you will have to do at your own discretion. On Highway 5 going northbound you will see nice patches of orange flowers on the hillsides. As your going downhill I’m estimating about 1 mile after the Fort Tejon exit immediately after one of the large overhead signs you will see a large dirt pull off. There is a low curb before getting onto the dirt which should be ok as long as you slowdown beforehand. If you walk 10-20 feet up to the fence line you will be next to a nice concentrated section of poppies and lupines going up the hill. Before getting back on the highway, I backed up on the dirt pull off so I can get a running start before merging back onto the highway lane with a long safe open gap in between the semi-trucks.
Daniel Reports: On Friday, March 11th, I stopped by Arvin on the way to Southern California. There are fields of orange fiddleneck (small withered looking dark orange colored flowers). Although there were spots of other types of flowers, I did not see any large patches where I needed to stop for photos. It was overcast with periods of rain, so I drove extra slow to look around more carefully on the way back. I drove the 223 from Hwy 99 all the way past Hwy 58 to Caliente. If there is a good section of other types of wildflowers besides orange fiddlenecks I did not see them, or it might not be easy to spot from the road.
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By: Daniel in Sacramento on March 20, 2016
at 1:57 PM
We were camping in Southern Anza Borrego last weekend.
Ocotillo were all covered with thick green leaves and a few were blooming.
A few blooming Chuparosa bushes in the washes around Indian Gorge.
Some buds on the barrel cacti but no flowers yet.
Full post here
http://www.anzaborrego.net/2016/02/15/wildflower-scouting-trip/
Thanks,
Bob
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By: rbaran on February 19, 2016
at 11:15 AM
Southern Anza Borrego last weekend. Blooming Ocotillo. All were covered with leafy green leaves. A couple Chuparosa bushes were in bloom.
Saw numerous buds on the barrel cacti but no flowers yet.
Post and pictures are here
http://www.anzaborrego.net/2016/02/15/wildflower-scouting-trip/
Best,
Bob
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By: Bob Baran on February 19, 2016
at 11:13 AM
Thanks for the Anza-Borrego update. It seems very similar to what others are saying as well.
Sandy
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By: Sandy Steinman on February 19, 2016
at 11:17 AM
Several ibis at Ellis Creek ponds on Monday.(located in Petaluma CA)
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By: M L Carle on January 28, 2016
at 12:07 PM
Hi Sandy. Here’s a report on Fall Color at Steens Mountain in southeast Oregon: http://www.wandersandwonders.com/2015/10/08/fall-color-on-steens-mountain/
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By: Greg Vaughn on October 9, 2015
at 9:52 AM
Thanks. I’ll repost it on the main page.
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By: Sandy Steinman on October 9, 2015
at 5:11 PM
Thanks!
– Greg
Photographer/Writer Eugene, Oregon USA 541.510.8770 member: SATW, ASMP, NANPA, NATJA http://www.WandersAndWonders.com http://www.GregVaughn.com
>
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By: Greg Vaughn on October 9, 2015
at 5:19 PM
My husband and I recently hiked in Red Rock Canyon Open Space in Colorado Springs. Lots of pretty wildflowers, but I especially enjoyed seeing the Mariposa Lilies. Have posted photos on Flicker at:https://www.flickr.com/cameraroll
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By: lauren staley on July 19, 2015
at 3:34 PM
Thanks. I copied your report onto the main page of Natural History Wandering. I always appreciate reports from the field.
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By: Sandy Steinman on July 19, 2015
at 3:47 PM
Northern California Wildflower Report
Daniel Reports: On Saturday 4/4/15 I also went to the North Table Mountain Ecological Preserve taking the tour through the Oroville Wildflower Festival. Unfortunately, it is already at least 2 weeks past the season flower peak. About half of the vegetation has already dried out. There are still patches of lupines but no California poppies and no endless carpets of flowers fields like I saw last year. Many of the vernal pools have dried up but there are still some that have goldfields & white and magenta colored flowers. The bloom came early this season and started drying quickly. The current rains may help the remaining vegetation but like I mentioned it is at least 2 weeks past the flower peak.
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By: Daniel J on April 7, 2015
at 6:53 PM
Thanks for your two reports. I have copied them on to the main page. Your contributions are much appreciated.
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By: Sandy Steinman on April 7, 2015
at 8:46 PM
Daniel Reports: On Saturday April 4th, I went on a guided tour of the vernal pool flowers at the Jepson Prairie Preserve. The docents from the Solano Land Trust were able to take us to the normally restricted fenced area where most the flowers are on the right side lake/pond. At the beginning of the tour you see patches of mini lupines. However, you don’t see the fields of goldfields until the second half of the tour because they are on the other side of the lake. There are some spots of different wildflowers here and there but mostly large patches of goldfields. The docents explained that the flowers are currently at the season peak and most likely will remain so for at least another week. Tours are at 10:00 am on Saturday & Sunday & no RSVP needed for groups of less than 5. The Jepson Prairie Preserve is located on Cook Lane, off of Hwy 113, about 10 miles south of Dixon, CA.
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By: Daniel J on April 7, 2015
at 6:52 PM
can anyone tell me how I can find out when the wildflowers in lost hills, off highway 46 in California, are in full bloom? Thanks
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By: Bryan Barnett on March 16, 2015
at 7:59 AM
I am not aware of the bloom in that area, if anyone else has been there please let us know. Thanks.
Sandy
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By: Sandy Steinman on March 16, 2015
at 8:37 AM
A great day at Limantour Beach at Point Reyes where iris and ceanothus were very fresh. Also irises were profuse up the coast at Bodega Head. Harbor seals too were leaping in great schools from south to north just beyond the mammoth rocks that guard the coast.
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By: Stephen Altschuler on March 15, 2015
at 10:01 PM
Thanks for your report. I added it to the main page. Wildflower reports always appreciated.
Sandy
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By: Sandy Steinman on March 16, 2015
at 8:53 AM
Last week there were nice fields of lupine blooming along Hwy 128 in the hills by Putah Creek above Lake Solano (5 miles west of Winters in Yolo County). Looked like the lupine, and some brodea and poppies in this pretty oak grassland would last for at least another week.
Sandy, how do I include a photo? Thanks for the nice blog!
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By: Pierre on March 15, 2015
at 9:20 PM
[…] Submitting Your Wanderings […]
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By: Gorman Hills From A Distance 3/8/15 | Natural History Wanderings on March 8, 2015
at 6:26 PM
Today, Del Puerto Canyon road out of Patterson, driving east to west. The flowers seemed to be in full bloom today and the richness of the greenest grass I’ve seen in years highlighted our trip. Every color of flower you can imagine was in bloom.
My 80 year old mom had just been discharged from a 5 day hospital stay 2 days ago, I thought a little ride in nature would cheer her up. It sure did, it made her feel alive again.
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By: Charlotte N. on March 5, 2015
at 11:22 PM
Thanks for your report. I will repost it on the main page.
Sandy
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By: Sandy Steinman on March 6, 2015
at 7:17 AM
As of March 1, 2015 the hills east of Fresno/Clovis (especially Ashlan Avenue (east) are EXQUISTELY covered in carpets of white flowers and fields of mustard, interspersed with tiny purple blooms. There are even wide sprays of poppy fields on the higher foothills. All of this is splendidly arrayed on the most vibrantly verdant rolling foothills I have witnessed in years. And I have lived here my entire life. This is the year to see the foot of the Sierras if you’re coming for the blossom trail. With more rain on the way it is sure to push it out another week or two.
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By: Robynn Reilly on March 2, 2015
at 12:44 AM
Thanks for your report. I will repost it on the main page.
Sandy
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By: Sandy Steinman on March 2, 2015
at 5:39 PM
I visited the Jepson Prairie Preserve yesterday, between the storms. Yellow Carpet is popping up in many places. I also found California Golden Violet, padre’s Shooting Star, Caraway-leaved Lomatium and Shining Peppergrass, although you have to search a bit to find most of these. It is still early.
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By: CCRussell on February 8, 2015
at 11:37 AM
Photos at https://www.flickr.com/photos/charlierussell/sets/72157650287731620/
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By: CCRussell on February 8, 2015
at 11:38 AM
Thanks for report and photos.
Sandy
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By: Sandy Steinman on February 8, 2015
at 4:40 PM
The Mindful Hiker reports Chimney Rock wildflowers in Point Reyes National Seashore are at peak right now. Included, near the end of the trail, are pussy ears (many), mule ears, Indian paintbrush, blue-eyed grass, mallow, blue larkspur, and Douglas iris. It’s windy but it’s worth it.
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By: Stephen Altschuler on April 21, 2014
at 2:31 PM
Thanks for the update.
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By: Sandy Steinman on April 21, 2014
at 2:32 PM
The Columbia River Gorge wildflower report:
http://www.wandersandwonders.com/2014/04/19/columbia-river-gorge-wildflower-report/
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By: Greg Vaughn on April 19, 2014
at 2:51 PM
Thanks for the update. I posted you report on the main page and linked back to your photo and blog.
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By: Sandy Steinman on April 19, 2014
at 4:20 PM
Thanks Sandy. If you are able to edit that post, would you mind correcting the spelling of my last name? 🙂
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By: Greg Vaughn on April 19, 2014
at 8:26 PM
Correction made. Sorry about that.
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By: Sandy Steinman on April 19, 2014
at 11:30 PM
For 2014 Mojave Desert / Johnson Valley wildflower images visit the Johnson Valley Wildflower website : http://www.johnsonvalley.com/wildflowers.html
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By: Jim Harvey on April 17, 2014
at 3:32 PM
Thanks. I reposted you link on the main page
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By: Sandy Steinman on April 17, 2014
at 5:44 PM
Save the date!
The Bird Rescue Center opens its doors to the public for the 2nd Annual Festival of Feathers!
We are pleased to announce our Second Annual Festival of Feathers Open House event in Santa Rosa, California, on Saturday April 26, 11am-4pm (FREE).
Guests will be wowed by opportunities for up-close encounters with the Center’s resident birds of prey, which will include a variety of owls, falcons and hawks. Kids of all ages will enjoy a selection of fun and educational activities. Appetizers, snacks, desserts and wines representing Sonoma County’s finest will be available. A silent auction and raffle with items and services offered by wonderful local artists and businesses will be offered.
FACILITIES LOCATION
The Bird Rescue Center is located in the North East Santa Rosa area at 3430 Chanate Road, just east of Sutter Hospital.
At the sign for 3430 Chanate Road, immediately LOOK FOR A STREET SIGN FOR “COUNTY FARM DRIVE” and turn into that driveway. Follow the narrow curving one-way road around several county buildings until you see the signs for The Bird Rescue Center.
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By: sara on April 12, 2014
at 7:13 AM
4/8/2014 Have there been any Texas blue bonnet siteings since March 4th ?
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By: Freddie Shuler on April 8, 2014
at 11:58 AM
Yes check the post recent posts I have done for Texas and you will see several reports.
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By: Sandy Steinman on April 8, 2014
at 12:32 PM
The Mindful Hiker reports that the peach trees at Dry Creek Peach in the beautiful Dry Creek Valley in Healdsburg CA are at peak blossom right now. Fabulous, as are the organic peaches you can taste this summer from this great orchard.
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By: Stephen Altschuler on March 16, 2014
at 8:08 PM
Thanks for the reports.
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By: Sandy Steinman on March 16, 2014
at 8:30 PM
The Mindful Hiker reports that Baby Blue Eyes are now blooming at Sugarloaf Ridge State Park in Kenwood CA. Hillside Trail. Also Shooting Stars among them.
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By: Stephen Altschuler on March 16, 2014
at 7:57 PM
Tuesday 3/11 at Hetch Hetchy:
Because of the Rim Fire last year, the only trail available is the one from the dam to Wapama and Rancheria Falls. (The trail to Poopenaut Valley is closed.) It’s early in the season, but in the moist areas we found many red maids (Calandrinia ciliata), filaree (Erodium cicutarium), and a few harlequin lupines (Lupinus stiversii), which are just getting started. Some of the larger pools of flowing water still contain Sierra newts (Taricha sierrae).
Wednesday 3/12 at Hite Cove:
The first mile or so of the Hite Cove trail has many patches of tufted poppies (Eschscholzia caespitosa), blue dicks (Dichelostemma capitatum), popcorn flower (Plagiobothrys nothofulvus), fiddleneck (Amsinckia menziesii), and red maids (Calandrinia ciliata) in the sunnier areas, and Henderson’s shooting star (Dodecatheon hendersonii) in the shadier areas, with clusters of baby blue eyes (Nemophila menziesii) where the conditions are right. The western redbud (Cercis occidentalis) are starting to bloom in earnest along the trail and in the Merced River canyon. If mosquitoes bother you, be prepared, because they’re coming out in force along this trail.
I have pictures as well, if you want me to send them.
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By: Randy B on March 16, 2014
at 12:31 AM
Thanks for the reports. You could send me links if your photos are posted on line or send a few and I will add them to your report, which I have copied on to the main page.
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By: Sandy Steinman on March 16, 2014
at 7:04 AM
Please send the email address.
Thanks!
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By: Randy B on March 16, 2014
at 4:25 PM
The Theodore Payne Foundation Wild Flower Hotline has a new URL this year. (The link you currently have up goes to the page that “died” at the end of 2013’s season.)
http://theodorepayne.org/education/wildflower-hotline/
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By: Randy B on March 13, 2014
at 3:46 PM
Thanks for the reminder. I updated the link.
Sandy
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By: Sandy Steinman on March 13, 2014
at 4:03 PM
The California Native Garden Foundation (CNGF) is proud to present the Eating California Holiday Brunch, Dedication, and Open House, December 15, 2013 at 12 PM at the Middlebrook Center, 76 Race Street, in downtown San Jose. The brunch features California native edible plants, particularly prickly pears, elderberry, and Rogers Red grape puree, all harvested from our urban garden. Alrie Middlebrook, President of CNGF, has collaborated with Chef John Farais since 2006, specializing in developing native edibles to the modern palate.
This Eating California event is an opportunity to try the foods of tomorrow as growing, harvesting, and eating native edibles lends itself to a sustainable and healthy lifestyle and future. John Farais is working to preserve the Native American’s cuisine with indigenous ingredients, while helping Californians rediscover what tastes were once common, congruent with our mission at CNGF to educate about the sustainability of native Californian landscapes and nourishment.
At the same time, we will honor our local resident artists and dedicate our new hanging garden structure. Alrie Middlebrook will give a talk on the importance of these structures in educating children for building cities of the future.
CNGF extends an invitation to community members to see our garden and enjoy a delicious brunch crafted from the food plants that Native Californians ate for thousands of years. See our benchmarks of urban farming, and explore the community space for artists, gardeners, food enthusiasts, and like-minded individuals that is housed at the Middlebrook Center for Urban Sustainability.
Tickets are $20 and can be purchased online at cngf.org
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By: cngf on November 25, 2013
at 11:04 AM
Fall color is just starting in the Columbia River Gorge. A photo and some comments at http://gregvaughn.com/blog/2013/10/07/columbia-river-gorge-fall-color-report/
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By: Greg Vaughn on October 7, 2013
at 5:19 PM
Thanks Greg. I reposted your comment on the the main page. Future updates would be most welcome.
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By: Sandy Steinman on October 7, 2013
at 5:50 PM
Hi Sandy,
I’m enjoying seeing your reports of wildflower blooms. Here’s mine: http://www.wandersandwonders.com/2014/03/14/wildflowers-blooming-at-mount-pisgah/
Cheers,
– Greg
Photographer/Writer http://www.GregVaughn.com http://www.WandersAndWonders.com Eugene, Oregon USA 541.510.8770 member: SATW, ASMP, NANPA
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By: Greg Vaughn on March 14, 2014
at 11:39 AM
Thanks for your report. I posted the highlights and linked back to your blog.
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By: Sandy Steinman on March 14, 2014
at 1:40 PM
The new wildflower field guide book is published in Turkey. You can buyor learn about the details of the book from http://www.wildflowertours.com
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By: YaseminKonuralp on September 7, 2013
at 10:05 AM
d S;
I just viewed the Chicken video composed by Excedrin.
It reminded me of what the ranger told us at The Big Thicket:
Why did the chicken cross the road?
To show the Armadillo that it could be done!
Today, I viewed a video from New York(courtesy of Sam Tabachnik):
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By: jack bowers on June 15, 2013
at 7:07 PM
Thank you so much for your wonderful website. It takes a lot of dedication and work to to such a great site. This is an incredible resource for all the flora and fauna enthusiasts KUDOS.
Suggestion: since the listings have greatly expanded to include other states’ reports. would it be possible to list them by say CA and each of the other states. Or list reports wildflowers, birds, fauna etc. It would make the searches more user friendly but undoubtedly make more work for you.
Cheers.
Susan
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By: Susan Crocker on May 4, 2013
at 4:38 PM
Thanks for the comment and suggestion. I partially do what you suggested but can improve on this
If you use the categories in the right hand section you can get a list of recent wildflower or bird reports. I also add tags of Wildflower Bloom Report and Bird Report to appropriate posts, which is another way to get a list.
What I will start to do is also include state listings with wildflower reports as well. Bird reports are almost all in California.
Thanks again for your suggestion and feedback.
Sandy
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By: Sandy Steinman on May 4, 2013
at 11:08 PM
Thanks for the contact information. We plan on visiting Racetrack and Darwin Falls this year. We always pick areas we have not been.
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By: Dennis Ariza on April 22, 2013
at 6:55 AM
I plan on visiting the Mono Lake and Lundy Canyon area on Sunday and heading to Lone Pine on Tuesday and Death Valley on Wednesday and I am looking for suggestions for areas to photograph wildflowers.
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By: Dennis Ariza on April 21, 2013
at 8:51 PM
I think you are probably early for the higher elevations like Lundy Canyon and Death Valley is very dry this year. I would suggest contacting the local visitor information offices:
Mono Lake Visitor Center: Phone: (760) 647-6595
Bishop Forest Service Office 760-873-2500
798 North Main Street
Bishop, CA 93514
http://www.fs.usda.gov/contactus/inyo/about-forest/contactus
Eastern Sierra Interagency Visitor Center in Lone Pine(760) 876-6222
http://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/inyo/recarea/?recid=20698
Death Valley Furnace Creek Visitors Center Phone (760) 786-3200
http://www.nps.gov/deva/index.htm
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By: Sandy Steinman on April 21, 2013
at 11:00 PM
Sorry Sandy. It’s late and I hit the return prior to finishing the details section.
Doug
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By: Doug Wirtz on April 11, 2013
at 12:08 AM
Hiked on 04/05 and 04/10 at Rockville Trails. Photographed Allium amplectens or Narrowleaf onion, Leptosiphon jepsonii or Jepson’s Leptosiphon (pending ID), Thysanocarpus laciniatus or Narrowleaved fringe pod, Lepidium strictum or Upright pepperweed, Castilleja attenuata or Valley tassels, Lomatium caruifolium or Caraway leaved lomatium, Lasthenia or goldfields, Leptosiphon acicularis or Bristly leptosphon, Collinsia heterophylla or Purple Chinese houses, Asclepias cordifolia or Heartleaf milkweed, Calochortus amibilis or Diogenes lantern, Delphinium nudicaue or Canyon larkspur, Senecio aronicoides or California groundsel and Lomatium repostum or Napa biscuit root.
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By: Doug on April 11, 2013
at 12:06 AM
Hike at Rockville Trails Friday (03/29/13) with Heath and Chris. Observed Fritillary affinis or Mission bells, Polygala californica, Helianthella californica, Lomatium repostum of Napa biscuit root, Harmonia nutans, Erigeron ? possibly bioletti, Dichelostemma, Plagiobothrys nothofulvus or rusty popcorn flower. I left early to watch some NCAA basketball. Heath and Chris reported viewing Lewisia rediviva and Sedilla pumila. I should have skipped the game (KU lost).
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By: Doug Wirtz on March 31, 2013
at 3:40 PM
Thanks for this report as well. They are most appreciated. Have also put this one on the main page.
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By: Sandy Steinman on March 31, 2013
at 4:04 PM
Hike at Jepson Prairie this morning (03/31/13). Saw Lastehenia or goldfields, Limnanthes douglasii ssp rosea or meadowfoam, Muilla, Dowingia insignis, D. concolor, D. pusilla, Psilocarphus brevissimus, Triphysaria eriantha, Castilleja campestris, Eryngium, Navarretia, Plagiobotrys or popcorn flower, Viola pedunculata or California golden violet, Dichelostemma or Blue dicks, Achyrachaena mollis or blow wives, Pogogyne zizyphoroides or Sacramento pogogyne, a pair of nesting Canada geese, Lepidurus packardii or Tadpole shrimp, Pacific chorus frog tadpole. A beautiful morning. The rainfall really “kicked up’ the bloom.
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By: Doug Wirtz on March 31, 2013
at 3:25 PM
Thanks for the update. I posted it on the main page.
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By: Sandy Steinman on March 31, 2013
at 4:03 PM
Hi Sandy!
I recently helped to create this infographic on the history and scope of our National Park System and would love to get your feedback: http://onlinempa.unc.edu/our-national-parks-the-pride-of-america-infographic/
The United States is home to world’s most extensive system of protected public lands—the U.S. National Park System. The system includes more than 450 natural, historical, recreational, and cultural areas throughout the United States, its territories, and island possessions—more than 84 million acres in total. The parks include unique and fragile wonders like over 400 endangered species and cultural treasures from pre-Columbian America to the Civil Rights Movement. We created Our National Parks: The Pride of America (http://onlinempa.unc.edu/our-national-parks-the-pride-of-america-infographic/) to bring attention to these valuable national resources and raise awareness to ensure that they remain protected for generations to come.
Thanks for your time! Keep up the great work with your blog!
Logan Harper
Community Relations, MPA@UNC
Twitter: @MPAatUNC
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By: Logan Harper on March 28, 2013
at 3:22 PM
Things have been very quiet in Solano County. The only places I’ve hiked with any significant bloom are Rockville Hills Regional Park and Rockville Trails. RT is the newest reserve in the Solano Land Trust holding and is across the street from Rockville Hills. Right now they are preparing to host guided hikes, which should comence soon. More open access is still being planned for next year but there’s a lot of work to do to make that happen. Rockville Hills has some early spring flowers. Milk maids, Indian Warrior, Buttercups, Popcorn flower, Small flowered Nemophila. Now starting to show Hound’s tongue, Scarlet fritillary, Mission bells, Amsinckia, wild pea, Castilleja, Blue dicks.
Rockville Trails has similar bloom, minus the fritillary and mission bells, with the addition of Chapparal Clematis, Sticky monkeyflower, goldfields, Nemophila menzesii var. menzesii and atomaria, Red maids, California saxifrage, Phacelia distans, Purple sanicle, Sanicula crassicaulis, Claytonia parviflora, Limnanthes douglasii, Amsinckia, Lupine, Biscuit root, Blue dicks, Henderson’s shooting star, Ascelpia cordifolia. Also observed were the rarely seen Nodding Harmonia and the basal leaves of the Streamside daisy Erigeron bioletti.
Jepson Prairie has only shown Blennosperma, Dodecatheon, a few goldfields, two varieties of popcorn flower, a few Golden violet just about covers it. The Prairie bells are starting to bloom (about a month later than normal). This may portend, if you’re a wishful (or should I use wistful) thinker, a delayed profusion of bloom. My fingers are crossed.
Good hunting!!
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By: Doug Wirtz on March 10, 2013
at 9:01 AM
Thanks for your updates. I just posted them. I had put up the earlier ones from the Solano Land Trust Flickr site but added these as well even though they there is some overlap. I greatly appreciate your contributions.
Sandy
Natural History Wanderings
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By: Sandy Steinman on March 10, 2013
at 9:27 AM
Sandy, your wonderful website helped me plan my photographic forays for the second edition of my book Sierra Nevada Wildflowers (Falcon Press). Thank you! Can I send you a copy?
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By: Karen Wiese on February 2, 2013
at 10:30 PM
Just got back from a weekend of chasing the light and fall colors in SE Utah. The cottonwoods along Hwy 211 near Newspaper rock on the drive to Needles district of the canyonlands were fun to capture while backlit. Most of the Cottonwoods are finished “blooming” We drove along the highway expecting to see more fall color, as in years past. Does anyone have a report for Comb Ridge outside of Bluff, Utah?
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By: Kit Frost on October 29, 2012
at 12:31 PM
Thanks for the report. I moved it to the main page along with the photos you sent me.
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By: Sandy Steinman on October 29, 2012
at 4:20 PM
Peak colors north of Abiquiu New Mexico this past weekend. The meander of the Rio Grande just south of Ghost Ranch is in “full fall bloom”. Here’s a photo from the road to the “white place” in Abiquiu. http://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn1/68319_481232208577759_1911908669_n.jpg
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By: Kit Frost on October 22, 2012
at 9:22 AM
Hi Sandy, thought you might be interested in my recent northern New Mexico fall color report: http://frishmanphoto.wordpress.com/2012/10/02/new-mexico-fall-2012-update/. Thanks for compiling all these resources!
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By: Jackson on October 3, 2012
at 9:03 AM
Thanks for the report. Great Displays and good species seen.
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By: Sandy Steinman on September 4, 2012
at 12:58 PM
As of last week (8/27-30), Goat Rocks Wilderness (WA, between Rainier & Adams) was still an amazing wildflower extravaganza. Huge fields of lupines, with paintbrush, bistort, various daisies, and pasque flower seedheads all in abundance. Fair number of subalpine mariposa lilies as well. Photos here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/tomhilton/sets/72157631368219426/
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By: William H. Brewer on September 4, 2012
at 12:44 PM
[…] Submitting Your Wanderings […]
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By: Best Fall Foliage Locations And Foliage Reports « Natural History Wanderings on August 20, 2012
at 11:44 AM
Hello,
Could you promote these two events on your website?
Many thanks,
Kathy Kramer, Bringing Back the Natives Garden Tour Coordinator
The Bringing Back the Natives Garden Tour is coordinating a series of fall events. The first is a free Native Plant Sale Extravaganza, which will take place on Oct. 7 from 10:00 – 4:00. Native plants will be sold at eight locations, three private gardens will be open for viewing, and talks will be offered throughout the day. Pre-registration is required. http://www.bringingbackthenatives.net/fall-plant-sale
A second event is a series of small, guided, private tours of native plant gardens. These will be offered throughout Sept. and October. The cost is $30. Participants will learn how to remove their lawn, install grey water and rain water systems, design beautiful native plant gardens that will provide color and beauty throughout the year, and more. Details at http://www.bringingbackthenatives.net/fall-select-tours
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By: Kathy Kramer on August 17, 2012
at 3:07 PM
http://www.treecityalmanac.com/2012/06/10/champoeg-state-park-for-some-sun-and-geraniums/
These are non-natives but nevertheless they are pretty blooms in Champoeg State Park.
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By: Louis on June 10, 2012
at 9:42 PM
Back to Jepson Prairie this monring. In addition to previous post the following were observed and photographed today.
Limnanthes (meadow foam), two species of astaraglus (tener v.tener and gambelianus), Iscoma arguta? (Carquinez goldenbush), Layia (Tidytips), Mimulus guttatus (seep monkeyflower), Muilla, Psilocarphus (brevissimus, oregonus and chilensis), Plagiobothrys hystriculus (bearded popcorn flower) and some wild turkeys.
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By: Doug Wirtz on March 20, 2012
at 1:18 AM
[…] Submitting Your Wanderings […]
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By: Natural History Wanderings Hits Two Mile Stones « Natural History Wanderings on March 19, 2012
at 7:53 PM
Jepson Prairie was very dry, Olcott playa was down to about an acre. Sparse bloom. Recent rains have filled Olcott to more than half. Some bloom beginning to show. Frittilary, shooting stars, blennosperma, goldfields, popcorn flower, butter and eggs, navarettia, golder violets, biscuit root are beginning to bloom.
Rockville Hills Park has had a moderate bloom with Scarlet frittilary, Mission bells frittilary, Cynoglossum, Ranunculus, Mimulus, goldfields, popcorn flowers to name a few.
Some Castilleja blooming around Lake Berryessa and the Pipe-stem Clematis and Ceanothus are starting to show some bloom as well.
More to follow as the impact of the late rains becomes more apparent.
Doug Wirtz
Vacavile, CA
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By: Doug Wirtz on March 19, 2012
at 12:39 AM
Thanks Doug. I copied your report to the main page.
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By: Sandy Steinman on March 19, 2012
at 8:17 AM
Hi Sandy,
I’ve been following your blog for a year or so. You do a great job! It’s an excellent resource, and I’ve used it several times in planning wild-flowering trips.
Below is an email response from DFG regarding a proposed trail at North Table Mountain, in Oroville. Not living in Butte Co., I had no idea this was under consideration. I’m hoping to increase the public’s scrutiny of this project by getting the word out to the CA Native Plant Society, and to you, if you chose to post it. Thanks!
“The pink markings/tufts are for establishing an approximate zone for a prospective all person’s, road tread trail. This zone allows researchers to do appropriate surveys, as required under CA Envir. Quality Act to assess whether the plan is viable as is, needs revision, or cannot advance.
CEQA work is starting this week. We held public scoping meetings in Butte Co. in November and received good support to advance this next phase. We are not using general state funds (tax dollars) for this.
We are proposing a trail to reduce ecological damage and safety issues on south side of Phantom Falls, redirecting visitors to a better and safer view of the same views.
We also are leading public tours via online reservations Saturdays March 3 through April 28.
Thanks for your interest and info on newts. We’ve included the newt and many other wildlife and plant species on new panels that we’ll showcase on weekends at entrance. We hope to put them in ground when and if a trail is finally approved and construction funds are secured.
I’m at 916 358 2353 if you’d like to discuss next week or later.
Bruce Forman ”
—–Original Message—–
From: R2 Info R2 Info
To: Forman, Bruce
Sent: 2/23/2012 11:32:03 AM
Subject: Fwd: North Table Mountain, Oroville
Please CC this account with your reply.
Thank You
>>> firebellyfarm 2/23/2012 10:42 AM >>>
Hi folks,
On a visit to NTM last week, we noticed a line of pink paint splotches and pink plastic “tufts” along the rise above the east-west creek drainage, and at the extreme edge of the vernal pool area, on the north side. Is this a proposed fenceline? Hiking trail?? To keep cows or people in or out of some area???
The newt population in the streams was excellent. They seem to like the lower water flow this winter, compared to the last two. Perhaps the water is a bit warmer, or perhaps the fact that it is less turbulent is better, as far as they are concerned.
Thanks,
K. Dowdakin
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By: Kathi Dowdakin on February 24, 2012
at 12:04 AM
Kathi,
Thanks for your comment. Butte County is part of the Mount Lassen CNPS Chapter. I noticed that when I went to the chapter site the conservation chair was WOODY ELLIOTT conservationchair@mountlassen.cnps.org
He might be a good starting point to share this with.
Sandy
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By: Sandy Steinman on February 24, 2012
at 12:14 AM
the photos are great, I spend my weekends with a camera in hand and a backpack on my back taking photos of eye candy>
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By: Joe Estrada Jr on February 8, 2012
at 2:28 PM
Hi Sandy, Great blog and resource. I came across it because YourGardenShow is helping attract people to Prof. LeBuhn’s Bee Count – among other citizen science initiatives (http://www.yourgardenshow.com/citizen-science). We have been urging our community to speak up about the National Park funding too. Keep up the good work and if there is any collaboration we can create, I am all ears.
Lisa Finerty
Outreach Director
Your Garden Show
Twitter: yourgardenshow
Like on Facebook
http://www.YourGardenShow.com
Linkedin
San Francisco
415-738-2476
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By: lisa finerty on June 8, 2011
at 11:28 PM
We walked the Buttermilk Bend Trail of South Yuba River State Park. Although they warned us that the spring flower bloom was past it’s peak, we found the walk very satisfying. Still blooming, we found about 50% of the flowers featured in their helpful $5.00 brochure. Our favorites were the Elegant Clarkia (Clarkia unguiculata) which lived up to it’s elegant name, Canyon Dudleya (Dudleya cymosa) which seemed to be on fire. the Elegant Brodiaea (Brodiaea elegans) which seemed to be at their prime, and the Monkey Flower Bush (Mimulus aurantiacus) which were full of blooms. We found about 30 species in all from the ubiquitous Winter Vetch to a few hiding Chinese Houses, from the tiny Canyon Nemophilia to the huge Buckeye.
The next day we visited Malakoff Diggins State Park just outside of Nevada City. Following the beautiful Humbug Trail we found a few stars still blooming. The most abundant was the Bleeding Hearts (Dicentra formosa), Indian Pink (Silene californica), Alumroot (Heuchera rubescens), and Stonecrop (Sedum obtusatum).
Unfortunately, we received the bad news that both of these parks are scheduled to be closed due to lack of funding. Glad we were able to visit while they are open.
If you would like to see photos: http://s87.photobucket.com/albums/k152/rbotto/Yuba%20River/
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By: Rick on June 1, 2011
at 12:57 PM
Thanks for the reports. I have reposted them on the main page.
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By: Sandy Steinman on June 1, 2011
at 1:54 PM
Went to Ring Mountain Saturday and Mt. Diablo Sunday.
No Calochortus tiburonensis blooming yet (it was a longshot, with the late spring we’ve had), but there’s plenty to see at Ring Mountain. Lots of Tidytips, Tarweed, and Ithuriel’s Spear. Pitted Onion is at its peak, whole fields of it up in the serpentine barrens. Here’s a list of what I saw in bloom (link to photos at the end):
Allium lacunosum var. lacunosum
Allium unifolium
Castilleja affinis ssp. neglecta (CNPS 1.b.2)
Castilleja rubicundula
Collinsia heterophylla
Delphinium hesperium
Dichelostemma sp.
Eriogonum nudum
Hemizonia sp.
Hesperolinon congestum (CNPS 1.b.1)
Layia platyglossa
Phacelia sp.
Silene californica
Sisyrinchium bellum
Thermopsis sp.
Triteleia hyacinthina
Triteleia laxa
http://www.flickr.com/photos/tomhilton/archives/date-taken/2011/05/21/
At Mt. Diablo, we did the Mitchell Canyon/Eagle Peak loop, and the flowers were outstanding. Clarkia all over the place; lots of Yerba Santa, Chinese Houses, Ithuriel’s Spear, Wind Poppies, Serrated Onion, and so on. The Chamise is just starting to bloom; Buckeyes are at peak. What I saw in bloom:
Allium serra
Allium unifolium
Calochortus pulchellus (CNPS 1.b.2)
Calochortus venustus
Castilleja sp.
Chorizanthe membranacea
Clarkia sp.
Clematis sp.
Collinsia heterophylla
Delphinium nudicaule
Delphinium sp. (blue)
Dichelostemma sp.
Dudleya cymosa
Eriodictyon californicum
Gilia tricolor
Lathyrus vestitus
Linanthus bicolor
Lotus scoparius
Minuartia douglasii
Phacelia sp.
Ptelea crenulata
Sambucus nigra ssp. cerulea
Sedum spathulifolium
Sisyrinchium bellum
Stylomecon heterophylla
Triteleia laxa
Wyethia sp.
Zigadenus fremontii
http://www.flickr.com/photos/tomhilton/archives/date-taken/2011/05/22/
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By: William H. Brewer on May 23, 2011
at 1:47 PM
Thanks for the great reports. I have posted both of them on the main page of Natural History Wandnerings.
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By: Sandy Steinman on May 23, 2011
at 4:38 PM
We visited the South Yuba River State Park on April 30th. The Buttermilk Bend trail has a wonderful selection of wildflowers. I identified over 50 species, and it is a very easy hike. Lots of Fairy Lantern (Calochortus albus). The docents have many of the flowers marked so that you can easily identify them. VERY nice hike. We also went to the Independence Trail. That isn’t as showy, but it is a much cooler hike (and perfectly level). I was surprised by the abundance of Yellow Star Tulip (Calochortus monophyllus)
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By: Charlie Russell on May 2, 2011
at 8:29 AM
Thanks for your wildflower report. I have re-posted it on the main page.
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By: Sandy Steinman on May 2, 2011
at 4:37 PM
On April 17 my wife and I visited Pt. Reyes National Seashore (based on your recommendations). Chimney Rock has a WONDERFUL bloom, may different species, and very easy access. Abbott’s Lagoon was great, too, although the best flowers were on the headland to the south of the lagoon, where the trail branches and goes up the hill. Wonderful flowers, great view.
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By: Charlie Russell on April 18, 2011
at 9:27 AM
Glad you liked it. Chimney Rock is probably the best can’t miss bet for great flowers right now including Calochortus Tolmei. Abbott’s Lagoon is usually interesting all year. Glad you got up on the headland too. I copied your report onto the main page of Natural History Wanderings.
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By: Sandy Steinman on April 18, 2011
at 10:31 AM
Went up to El Portal along the Merced River Canyon on Apr.12. The redbud near el portal are now in full swing. Many are close to the road, but there are a few juxtaposed a bit closer to the water. Still no sign of poppies on surrounding hills. The river is high, but bound to get higher as the melt off starts in earnest. Highway 140 east of Merced has some nice patches of cream cups and what look to be a few vernal pools with nice rings of flowers. Pull-off spots can be a bit tricky and cars zoom along this section, so use care if trying to stop and flower peep.
Also went through the green hills east of Oakdale, along hwy. 120. Again, cream cups and buttercups steal the show with wide swaths in some areas. Enjoy.
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By: alasdair on April 17, 2011
at 11:23 AM
Thanks for your submission. Its a great area to photograph this time of year. I added it to the main page of Natural History Wanderings.
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By: Sandy Steinman on April 18, 2011
at 10:33 AM
I took my niece to Joshua Tree National Park last weekend for a “secret” hike to Carey’s Castle. The hike did not require admission to the park. The trailhead begins just past Chiriaco Summit and wanders into park territory. The trek was a little more strenuous than we anticipated, but completely worth the effort. The trail is unmarked and it’s easy to get turned around or head up the wrong canyon. Lots of sand and several large boulder hops left us tired. The Castle itself is a walled-in cave formed by large boulders. Many of Carey’s artifacts (a pipe, springs, egg beater, bed) are still in the Castle. Be sure to carry along plenty of water or Gatorade. I’ve posted pictures including a BLM map with the trail highlighted.
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By: MaryAnn Doherty on March 31, 2011
at 11:51 AM
I was at the Jepson Prairie Reserve last weekend (3/12) and the flowers are just starting. Not the big showy displays around the pools yet, but a lot of interesting finds. This was the first weekend of the docent tours.
See my pictures on my visit at http://wildflowers.russellramblings.com/2011/03/jepson-prairie-wildflower-hike/
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By: Charlie Russell on March 19, 2011
at 12:46 PM
Thanks for your submission. I have added it on the main page.
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By: Sandy Steinman on March 19, 2011
at 2:49 PM
Thanks, Sandy! I love your blog, keep up the good work. I hope to get to some of the places you are talking about (I’ve been to some, but not all) if the weather ever dries out. I was supposed to be up at Table Mountain today, but my wife and I decided we couldn’t handle the wind, rain and cold.
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By: Charlie Russell on March 19, 2011
at 3:56 PM
Wind Wolves, March 12-13: as last week’s report suggested, there’s no spectacular show at this point (a few nice swatches of goldfields on the mountainsides, but that’s about it). There are plenty of wildflowers if you look for them, though. Along the spring wildflower trail there were a fair number of fiddlenecks, popcorn flower, and blue dicks; up the San Emigdio Canyon Trail, I saw goldfields, phacelia, lupines, birdseye gilia, bladderpod, and owl’s clover. Photos here: http://www.flickr.com/search/?q=wind%20wolves&w=54259492%40N00
–Tom Hilton
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By: William H. Brewer on March 14, 2011
at 9:03 AM
Interesting opportunity for public input on coming changes to the National Wildlife Refuge system: http://americaswildlife.org/
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By: John Wall on February 24, 2011
at 1:55 PM
[…] Submitting Your Wanderings […]
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By: Natural History Wanderings Is One Year Old Today « Natural History Wanderings on February 13, 2011
at 7:04 AM
Hiked the Hazelnut Trail in San Pedro Valley County Park this morning. Still well before prime, but the early-season flowers are well represented: tons of manzanita (of course); trillium; hounds tongue; milk maids; red currant; less blackberry in bloom than I expected, but there was some. Huckleberry not quite there yet.
The real prize was the Fetid Adder’s Tongue (my primary goal in doing this trail)–lots of it in the upper portion of the eastern switchbacks. Best way to spot it is the leaves, which are much larger than the flower; look for basal leaves in a sort of inverted cone configuration.
–Tom Hilton
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By: William H. Brewer on February 12, 2011
at 1:20 PM
I would like to post the Monterey Bay Birding Festival on your birding festival link.
Please advise what I need to do. Our seventh annual event is Sept. 22-25, 2011.
Thanks
Dave Brockmann
Festival Coordinator
Monterey Bay Birding Festival
831 566-4293
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By: Dave Brockmann on January 29, 2011
at 10:09 AM
I was planning to post information about a month before the festival. If you prefer I can post it earlier.
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By: Sandy Steinman on January 29, 2011
at 6:53 PM
Because we carefully monitor the French Trail in Redwood Reg. Park,
we’re pleased to report 5 blossoms on the Leatherwood bushes
below the West Ridge.
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By: jack on January 10, 2011
at 8:51 PM
Hi, Sandy. Check out this blizzard time-lapse video: http://vimeo.com/18213768
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By: John Wall on December 27, 2010
at 3:34 PM
Eastern Sierra: Too windy Here too, (rain, TS predicted for high country), so turned around from Tioga Pass toward Yosemite and went to calm
Old marina at Mono lake (can’t vouch for water, boats warned off) and stood right next to hundreds of Wilson’s Phalaropes. The nesting gulls from 6 weeks ago are gone, from here at least. Going to try wonderful high trail next to Minaret Summit today-let you know.
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By: Judy Keene on August 29, 2010
at 2:16 PM
Hi there, I will hopefully have a post after this weekend, but I wanted to take a moment to express a concern. I noticed today that the long standing and very helpful wildflower report on Carol Leigh’s Calphoto website has been discontinued due to her wish to not negatively impact wildflower bloom areas. Apparently there have been numerous reports of people trespassing on private property, trampling through wildflower fields etc. This behavior has been spotted in photographers and flower peepers alike. I hope everyone keeps in mind how lucky we are to be able to visit many of these beautiful areas in California and that you will all take care to leave those spaces, and the wildflowers within them, as you found them. Thanks
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By: alasdair mccondochie on March 31, 2010
at 8:22 AM
Nice blog & great photos!! I have added Natural History Wanderings to the California Hiking Trails Directory. Please link to the directory on your blog.
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By: brthomas on March 24, 2010
at 8:48 AM